See It / Skip It: ‘Twilight’ & ‘Bolt’ — A Meta-Critic Analysis Of This Week’s Big Releases

November 21, 2008

HOLLYWOOD, Calif.

Should you see “Bolt” or “Twilight” this weekend?

What do the critics say?

Access compiles the lists of all of the critics reviews, so you don’t have to!

MovieMantz Review: ‘Quantum of Solace’

November 13, 2008

By Scott Mantz

LOS ANGELES, Calif.

Almost two years to the day after “Casino Royale” effectively branded Daniel Craig as the best Agent 007 to don a tux since Sean Connery’s heyday, James Bond returns for his 22nd official mission in “Quantum of Solace.” There’s no question that it’s a great action movie, but if you’re expecting a great James Bond movie, prepare to be shaken, not stirred.

MovieMantz Review: ‘High School Musical 3’

October 24, 2008

by Scott Mantz

I never thought I’d say this, but “Go Wildcats!”

After two wildly popular TV movies, Disney’s squeaky-clean “High School Musical” graduates to the big screen for its third outing, and it passes the cinematic test with flying colors.

MovieMantz Review: “W.”

October 16, 2008

by Scott Mantz

For better or worse, Oliver Stone’s “W.” is full of surprises — some good, and some not-so-good.

For a $30 million production that just started filming in April in an effort to meet its October 17 release date (which falls less than 2 1/2 weeks before the real W’s heir-apparent is voted into the White House), the results are pretty solid, polished and entertaining. And coming from a controversial filmmaker who’s known for leaning to the left, it’s a relatively balanced and sympathetic take on a politician whose flag is firmly planted to the right.

MovieMantz Review: ‘Body of Lies’

October 10, 2008

by Scott Mantz

Almost a year after Ridley Scott’s “American Gangster” opened to critical and commercial acclaim (grossing more than $130 million domestically), the prolific, 70-year-old British filmmaker returns with “Body of Lies.” It’s a gripping, compelling, action-packed espionage thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat, even if the super-serious storyline loses some of its credibility with a Hollywood ending that’s a little too old-fashioned for its own good.

MovieMantz Review: ‘Ghost Town’

September 19, 2008

by Scott Mantz

If you’re going to see any movie over the next few weeks, it’s got to be “Ghost Town.” I make that point right away because this charming, funny and touching romantic comedy – which co-stars Ricky Gervais, Greg Kinnear and Tea Leoni – is in danger of becoming a ghost itself after a quick death at the box office.

Reviews: ‘The Family That Preys’

September 14, 2008

HOLLYWOOD, Calif.

Should you check out Tyler Perry’s new film, “The Family That Preys,” at the movies?

It wasn’t screened ahead of time for critics, which is never a good sign. But then again, none of Perry’s films ever have been.

Instead, Access has the inside scoop on what critics are saying.

Access Top 10: 2008 Fall Movie Preview

August 22, 2008

By Scott Mantz

LOS ANGELES, Calif.

It’s that time again – when the leaves start changing color and summer blockbusters fade into Oscar season. With the holidays on the way, Access Hollywood has your guide to 10 of this fall’s biggest films.

MovieMantz Review: ‘The X-Files: I Want to Believe’

July 22, 2008

by Scott Mantz

If absence makes the heart grow fonder, then fans of “The X-Files” are going to love seeing former FBI agents Fox Mulder and Dana Scully team up again for the first time since the award-winning TV show ended its 9-year run in 2002. Series stars David Duchovny and Gillian Anderson must be pretty fond of the idea too, despite the fact that they were both so ready to put the show behind them that they barely bothered to show up for the beaten-into-the-ground final season.

But one has to wonder why they bothered at all with “I Want to Believe.” Co-written by series creator Chris Carter and series producer Frank Spotnitz, the story is so weak that it simply doesn’t justify the big-screen treatment.