The Parent Trap (1998)

Lil’ Lindsay Lohan is remarkable in her double (sometimes even quadruple) role and definitely carries the film; with the help of some seamless editing, you never feel like it’s not actually two actors (the discovery in the cabin is a marvel of a scene). All of the plot holes and contrivances make it feel like it was written by an 11-year old too, but that’s not all bad (who doesn’t enjoy pranking villains and reuniting families?) and there’s some fun dramatic irony in acts two and three as well.

5

The Express (2008)

A drama based on the life of college football hero Ernie Davis, the first African-American to win the Heisman Trophy. (IMDb)

Brown’s Davis is a likeable hero, but Quaid’s tough but fair coach feels overdone, and the rest of the characters are briefly seen and quickly forgotten. The story, meanwhile, has its share of heartwarming moments, but they fall prey to cliche presentation; it’s only the unexpectedly humble ending of Davis’ football career that stands out (along with–on the other side of the coin–an annoying barrage of montages and jumpy camera work) in what is a very run-of-the-mill sports drama.

6/10 (Mediocre)

The Day After Tomorrow (2004)

Jack Hall, paleoclimatologist, must make a daring trek across America to reach his son, trapped in the cross-hairs of a sudden international storm which plunges the planet into a new Ice Age. (IMDb)

The CGI, dialogue, and grand overarching plot here feel a bit over-the-top at times, but they all do their jobs in keeping you interested throughout. The multiple adventure storylines and different global perspectives add further intrigue and give the film that epic and important feel, nailed down further by Quaid’s believable urgency as the concerned scientist that few take seriously. A young Gyllenhaal, meanwhile, holds his own as the second protagonist. An engaging disaster flick.

6.5/10 (Alright)

Vegas Vacation (1997)

In the fourth outing for the vacation franchise, the Griswolds have to survive Vegas fever when they go to Las Vegas for a fun family vacation. (IMDb)

Fairly bland with only a few redeeming scenes and storylines–Russ’ escalating escapades with a fake ID being one of them. Chase seems to have lost his spark as Clark, who is less likeable and less funny than ever before, and Quaid with Cousin Eddie just feels like he’s trying too hard to mimic his famous character from days gone by. The whole movie feels too old and too tired: a half-hearted attempt at re-enacting the best aspects of the Vacation franchise, with a lame ending to boot.

4.5/10 (Bad)