Evita: Saint or slut? Madonna triumphs with tragic film
Don't cry for Madonna, America.
At least not yet anyway - Madonna's gigantic and risky career move known as "Evita" is a beautifully sung, skillfully acted, gorgeously shot and adroitly directed film. "Evita" strikes a phenomenally grand pose, but it is still far from the best picture of the year.
Snoop stinks up on new 'Doggfather'
This is scary. Maybe even eerie. A Snoop Doggy Dogg album that ISN'T all that. An album that is so full of weak rhythmic holes and out-of-place elements one is forced to wonder if maybe 2PAC's death has affected Snoop adversely. Granted, Snoop would be hard-pressed to keep rapping songs at the level he had on "Chronic," "Doggystyle" and "Murder Was the Case." Granted, "Tha Doggfather" is still a better album than 80 percent of the rap albums that have been released since the Fat Boys were popular. Granted, Snoop no longer has the help of premier rap-music producer Dr. Dre, who left Death Row in the later part of last year... .
'Preacher's Wife' tugs at emotions with heartwarming holiday tale
The latest run on holiday films has hit an intriguing low; the Hollywood geniuses have lapsed into a field of slap-stick Santas and out-of-control reindeer.
"The Preacher's Wife" has that welcome, dual holiday / non-holiday flavor that has been missing from recent venues; it brings a new twist to the seasonal plot, while surrounding common themes.
Cruise's performance drives home 'Jerry Maguire'
The latest Tom Cruise flick, "Jerry Maguire," attempts to swoon the romantics while simultaneously captivating the interest of the realists. Based on nothing more than human relations, "Maguire" - with its simple style - makes for an enjoyable film, but one of mediocre quality.
Cruise is Jerry Maguire: rich, en vogue, selfless and at the top of his profession. As the key sports agent for future superstars, Maguire could care less about whom he has to crush to bring in the commission.
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