IMOvies

PANIC ROOM (2002) *** (D: David Fincher) - Jodie Foster and her daughter (for a long time you think she might be a boy) take refuge in a secured "panic room" when intruders break into their ritzy new apartment. At first it's easy to be put off by the foul-mouthed kid and typical modern movie nonsense (like needing to show mom taking a p***). Though the film is too long (of course) it ultimately holds your interest and is suspenseful. Forest Whitaker makes a positive impression as one of the thugs with a soft heart.

DRACULA 2000 (2000) ** (D:Patrick Lussier) - The film starts off with some interesting elements, including a still-living Van Helsing (played nicely by Christopher Plummer) who manages to keep Dracula locked in the deep cellars of a building, inside a vault. A nice feeling of old-time continuity gradually descends into stupid dialogue and jokey teens, unfortunately. It's also sinful how endless blatant plugs for "Virgin Records" pop up everywhere. A new origin is attempted for Dracula but it's a dumb one if admirable for effort. And of course, Dracula today must look like a modern long-haired sexy hunk, which is yet another mistake.