September, 2000
Welcome to Fan Mail!, brought to you by the Staff of Louise and Bob's Movie Reviews! In here, you will find the recent movie reviews, a list of new releases with our thoughts on them, and much much more!!!!
In this Issue:
Movie Reviews:
(This is a first look at our most recent reviews. Being Fan Mail! subscribers, you are privileged to get a first hand look at our comments.)
Submitted by: The Bunny Foo Foo
Starring: Robin Williams, Bonnie Hunt, Kirsten Dunst, Adam Hann-Bryd
Directed by: Joe Johnston
You might ask, "Jumanji? Abumanji? Baboojooji? Jumagagi? Tomogochi?" Well, this is none of the above. This is a movie about about a board game gone haywire. Basically, the plot is that everything the board games says, comes true and the participants are trapped in the craziness of the game until someone wins or rather completes the games. Anyway, Robin Williams again taps the younger generation of movie goers. Although his personal record may not be the most pristine, you must applaud his efforts of making quality films for the children while keeping the adults interested. The plot was refreshing, although I do not know if this was a remake, the sound and the special effects were excellent. If you watch this film, watch it on a dvd with a big screen and surround sound because it will make you appreciate it that much more. One problem though, the monkeys. Although the presence of monkeys was just awesome, they were just simply unrealistic. As much as I enjoyed the craziness of these primates, I just could not see them as real, lifelike. But anyway, this film gets 3 go's, but with a dolby digital sound system, it should get an extra go.
Submitted by: The Kitty Foo Fa
Starring: Caroline Aaron, Johnny Depp, Winona Ryder, Dianne Wiest, Vincent Price
Directed by: Tim Burton
Once upon a time, a project was assumed by a scientist to transform a robot capable of solely chopping veggies (ie, empty heart veggie, sour veggie, oily veggie, etc..) into a human being. The scientist died midway through his endeavor leaving Edward, portrayed by Johnny Depp, a robotic human. He was discovered and taken in by a kind-hearted family and the remainder of the movie highlights the encounters that occur to Edward, primarily his relationship and the challenges he faces in this cold and dreary world. The movie if entertaining and very touching. It really puts its hand on your heart and turn your eyes into an opened Hoover Dam. It receives 4 Go's for its entertainment value and for its sheer power in moving your spirits not your behind.. The recommendation given here may seem atypical but this is a treasure waiting for to be discovered not overlooked.
Submit by: Peas and Carrots
Starring: Kate Capshaw, Tom Selleck , Ellen DeGeneres, Gloria Stuart, Tom Everett Scott
Directed by: Peter Chan
This movie came out on the same weekend as...gulp...a GIGANTIC blockbuster that misrepresented a true love story with a sleazy one-night stand on some sort of a boat with a big ice cube...heh...heh, don't come after me for that comment. The Love Letter is one of those CUTE LITTLE films that actually turned out pretty good. We have to admit, however, that the movie was rented only because it was directed under Peter Chan, from Hong Kong. The film takes place in a lovely place called Loblolly-by-the-Sea on the New England coast. We don't know if such a place really exists, but who cares. And as most CUTE LITTLE films set in New England are, the town is pretty and quaint, but nothing special or unusual ever happens there. One day however, Kate Capshaw's character discovers a love letter with no addressee; it begins with, "Dearest, do you know how in love with you I am?" Many viewers will no doubt recite the letter by the end of the film, as different characters repeated it many times. Because the letter was not explicitly directed at anyone, the townspeople (who have nothing better to do) began to create CUTE LITTLE scenes as a result of the letter. In addition to all the CUTE LITTLE-ness, we enjoyed very much the presence of Julianne Nicholson, she wasn't that little, but she was cute (gotta love the freckles!). The ending did surprise Peas & Carrots quite a bit, but in general, the movie went along in a CUTE LITTLE pace. This movie receives 3 go's.
Submitted by: The Bunny Foo Foo
Starring: Billy Zane, Gloria Reuben, John C. McGinley
Directed by: Mikael Salomon
This FOX TV movie was based on a book by Dean Koontz, the author of many books transformed into other TV movies. But anyway, we are here to talk about "Sole Survivor." Well, because of the commericials, the movie was split into 2 days. I never liked that. Right off, that turns me off because that means I have to get back to my TV at a certain time so I won't miss anything. Because this is a made for television film, none of its aspects really makes it comparable to a real, major studio work. The camera work was kinda choppy and the acting lacks fluidity. But what it did have is an okay plot. Because it was adapted from a book, written by a very popular author no less, kinda insured the plot. The plot does not always make a good movie though. It takes a good screenplay writer/adapter to know what to cut out and what to put in to insure the entire story gets told while not making it all drawn out and boring. Basically, "Sole Survivor" was able to keep your attention all the way through even though it was not perfect. The explanation for the "surviving" was kinda shaky and the evil child, well, his powers are alittle too powerful. Anyway, overall, with all its delinquencies, I could only give it 2 go's. And I know, my review of the movie is really only worth a go.
Submitted by: Peas and Carrots
Starring: Nicolas Cage, Meg Ryan, Andre Braugher, Dennis Franz, Colm Feore
Directed by: Brad Silberling, John Seale
This is a movie bringing together two of Pea's favorites, Nicolas Cage and Meg Ryan. The story line involves an angel, Seth (Cage), who falls for a surgeon during one of his "routine business trips." We particularly like the aspect of the angels' role in this film, where they become visible to the soon-to-be-deceased, and accompany them through to the end of the mortal world. Maggie (Ryan) is a star surgeon who is confident and energetic, but at the same time is bothered by insomnia. During a relatively common procedure, however, she "lost" a patient, and becomes terribly distraught. Even though Maggie can't see Seth, he becomes hopelessly in love with Maggie, and decides to pursue this almost impossible relationship. As with all Meg Ryan films, there are many higher-level conversations (or slow sections as some would characterize them). And, as always, Cage's acting is intriguing to watch, and this film allows the audience to experience his sentimental talents. There are some parts of the film where it is hard to understand the discrepancies, for example: Seth can be touched by humans if he lets them, but a cucumber knife can go right through his fingers...how does that work? There is a very memorable quote, and we recommend everybody to keep this in mind for use later on during relationships: Meg - "You don't know what a pear tastes like?" Nicolas - "I don't know what a pear tastes like TO YOU." We believe this is very useful, as it can be altered to fit any romantic situation. Of course, it helps to say in a way like Cage does. The ending...well...let's just say, emotionally, we felt whatever the characters felt. Important note, this movie is not recommended for the weak hearted, there are times where you will feel the burn in your heart. This movie receives 3.5 go's.
Submitted by: Peas and Carrots
Starring: Cher, Nicolas Cage, Vincent Gardenia, Olympia Dukakis, Danny Aiello
Directed by: Norman Jewison
An interesting side note, this was the first movie that Peas and Bob watched in an American theater, at the young age of 9 or 10, we expected to see some sort of monster-truck-pulls, but instead we got a specially "flavored" comedy that ended up being critically acclaimed. This is also the only movie Peas has ever seen with Cher in it; actually, why is she a big star? Have we just been oblivious to her contributions to the entertainment industry? Anyway, back to Moonstruck. Cher is an Italian-American who decides, after some serious considerations, to accept the marriage proposal of a friend (I think they were each other's backups). This friend, however, had to leave for Italy on short notice to stay with his dying mother. While they are separated, Cher meets and becomes involved with Nicolas Cage, who was her fiance's disgruntled, one-handed brother. Their courtship was quite a mess, as it was an emotional roller coaster for the characters of both Cher and Cage. As for the ending, you see for yourself! There are some interesting parts Peas picked up in the 2nd and 3rd viewing of Moonstruck (after he grew up, of course): 1) the moon was wicked bright in some scenes - hence the movie title - we wonder if it was real, 2) the side complication in the marriage of Cher's parents, and 3) the use of a public transportation bus to begin several scenes (obviously, the bus symbolizes something). There is one adjective that comes to mind when Peas watched this movie: chaotic. And how they managed to fit operas into this, we don't know. This movie receives 4 go's.
Submitted by: The Bunny Foo Foo
Starring: Bruce Willis, Billy Bob Thornton , Ben Affleck, Liv Tyler, Anthony Guidera
Directed by: Michael Bay and John Schwartzman
"I don't wanna miss a thing..." Yes, that is the song you've heard over and over and over on the radion. Just like "Every night in my dreams, I see you, I feel you..." It was just crazy. But one thing is for sure, you hear the "I don't wanna miss a thing..." more then the "Every night in my dreams..." now. Why is that, was "Armageddon" a better movie? Or is it just simply a better song? Anyway, we are not here to analyze the songs but I must note that although songs can not make or break a film, but it makes the movie so much more touching and gets you much more invloved. Umm...okay, off track. Well, this film came out just alittle after the similar "Deep Impact." If "Deep Impact" was for the thinking man/woman, and the new "Space Cowboys" is for the elders, then "Armageddon" is for the MTV generation. With faster editing, crazier music, and a heart throb like Ben Affleck, you can be sure that the producers intended to target the younger generation. The film has a similar goal as "Deep." Essentially, you have an asteroid heading towards earth, and people go up to try to stop it. But just to keep alittle of the mystery, I won't tell you who dies at the end. What I will tell you is this, when film studios competed like "A Bug's Life" and "Antz", "A Thin Red Line" and "Saving Private Ryan", and "Deep Impact" and "Armageddon" you know who wins? Us, yes, the audience. But I still have this one doubt in my mind, was Matthew McConaughey in the previews? This film receives 4 go's for it's entertainment value.
New Releases:
(Although we have not personally viewed these films, we would still like you to know first hand of what we think of the movies. Note: the reviews are completely speculative and based purely on our biases and ignorance.)
Featured Star:
(The most intimate information about some particular celebrity will be disclosed. Note: Again, we do not claim to know all the facts, what we present are only speculations.)
"A film is just like a muffin. You make it…One person might say, 'Oh, I don't like it.' One might say it's the best muffin ever made. One might say it's an awful muffin. It's hard for me to say. It's for me to make the muffin" - Denzel Washington
Well put, Denzel! Actually, we are not sure why we chose this quote, but I think it shows that Denzel likes muffins, and he aspires to be a muffin-baker. Back to the facts…Denzel Washington was born in Mt. Vernon, NY, on December 28th, 1954; his father, Denzel, Sr., was a minister, and his mom was a beautician. Denzel's theatrical beginnings were often attributed to the early exposure to his father's dramatic sermons, as well as his paid eavesdropping sessions (what he called work at 11 years old) at his mother's beauty parlors. Unfortunately, Denzel Jr. and his siblings were part of a less than perfect family, and at age 14, he and his older sister shipped via UPS to a boarding school while their parents sorted out divorce issues.
Fordham University (NYC) came after high school, where Washington studied the journalistic art of "storytelling." During the Fordham years he received starring roles in several drama productions, and he was so incredible that many faculty members and alumni steeeel talk about it. Upon graduating with a B.A. in 1977 (the year two great movie critics were born, Bob and Peas), Denzel Washington went west to San Francisco, and enrolled in the American Conservatory Theater. Even a Thespian scholarship couldn't keep him at the ACT, however, as he only stayed there for one year. Denzel worked in several TV productions soon after he left school, and the most prominent out of the bunch was NBC's Wilma, where he played the role of Wilma Rudolph's (an Olympian) boyfriend. The talented Washington advanced rather quickly, and after Wilma, he debuted in a big screen setting with Carbon Copy in 1981. In that production he played George Segal's illegitimate teenage son. At the same time, Denzel Washington also maintained his presence on the tubes with the gigantic role of Dr. Phillip Chandler in St. Elsewhere, a hospital drama.
The next significant step in junior's career came when his portrayal of Tripp, the runaway slave, received critical acclaim. The film was none other than Glory (1989), a historical drama of "epic" proportions. Denzel earned his first big screen award here, an Oscar for Best Supporting Actor. More importantly, the performance propelled him to the "A-list", a position he has maintained with at least 2 movies a year, many of which were well-received by the general public as well as movie experts like Louise and Bob (some might argue that he has since elevated to the A+ list). In 1992, Denzel starred in the lead role of Malcolm X in, um…Malcolm X. And to this day, Peas still sees double images of Malcolm X and Denzel Washington (and he swears that Malcolm X is the secret identity of Denzel)! For his performance in portraying the influential African-American leader, he received nomination for Best Actor by the Academy.
When asked about Denzel, most people have only amazing things to say. Zwick, the director of Glory, tells of a special "inner process" possessed by Denzel. Tom Hanks describes Washington's tireless habit of "testing the parameters of the scene (question by L&B staff: is that like walking the grid with Angelina Jolie?);" others also stress Denzel's unique combination of "intellectual weight, spiritual gravity, and [of course] a powerful sexual and romantic presence. And according to movie critics Peas and Carrots (perhaps the greatest compliment of them all), "when he focuses on you with that cerebral, analytical stare, even melted butter on a muffin can't help but give him 127% respect."
Denzel is married to singer-actress Pauletta Pearson (both were cast members of Wilma), and have four children together. They currently live in Los Angeles, where they own the former residence of William Holden. Rumor has it that Denzel have not been exactly squeaky clean in the area of infidelity, but overall, given the low standards of today's society (and the ultra-low standards of Hollywood society), Mr. Washington can be considered a family guy, good husband and good father. The Washington household spends much more time together than your average Hollywood family, by most accounts; their hangouts include the church, vacations at papa Washington's shooting locations, and of course, their mansion home. Denzel also spends time at the Boys and Girls Clubs of America (an organization he participated as a child), The Gathering Place (for HIV-positive people), and the Nelson Mandela Children's fund.
Other notable films on Denzel Washington's resume include Philadelphia, Much Ado About Nothing, Crimson Tide, and He Got Game. With the recent success of The Bone Collector and The Hurricane, It does not look like Denzel will slow down his career or lower his well-established standards anytime soon. We love you Denzel!
Fimography:
Misc.:
(Some random facts we thought you might want to know.)
We recently received the honored opportunity to meet with Julia Roberts (in our dreams) and to discuss with her aspects of her career and personal life. The (fictitious) interview is featured below.*
Louise and Bob (L&B): So good to have you here today, especially with your busy schedule.
Julia Roberts (JR): Well, I do like to find means to connect with my fans and the general public. Besides, love this review site. After visiting it, I'm more conscious of my appearance, especially my skin. I'm also a big fan of teletubbies! I'm trying to have my future writers incorporate more teletubbies ideas.
L&B: Well thank you. We also like to feaure talented actresses such as youself. You've been in this industry for many years now. In what direction do you feel your career is going?
JR: Please don't remind me about my experience in this field. It's especially a lot of presure attempting to hide those wrinkles that come with a smile when so many people focus on my mouth. But on to your question, I still use the same philosophy as I did.. hmm... a few months ago b/c that's when I first enter the industry.. I will be able to drink legally next month (a laugh). I like to explore all different types of roles and films. I think many viewers see me as a romantic-comedy actress but I do make conscious efforts to expand and satisfy other interests. I do solely romance movies and solely comedic films as well. So I try to be multi-dimensional.
L&B: That's enlightening to know. Another question that's been burning in the hearts of your fans: MARRIAGE!
JR: haha! Well, this is on my mind as well. It really depends on finding the right person. That's very important. Besides, my career consumes too much of my time as of now to really be involved. Sometimes I feel that The Notting Hill was written about me.. How appropriate! But truthfully, and this is something I'm gonna tell you exclusively, I've already been arranged to marry Richard Gere. It was decided by our parents prior to our birth. It explains why we work together on a regularly basis huh? Trying to keep our parents mouth shut as we continue to put off the cermony.
L&B: Hmm... Wow! that's definitely something. I know rumors also begin flying when you first step into a movie set. Seems as if you connect with your male co-stars very well. Any thoughts on that, especially in light of the previous response?
JR: Well, I love talking to people so I think it's easy for me to build a rapport with others right away. As for these rumors, I think my sentiments can best be summarized by Britney Spears, "Oops, I think I did it again. I made you (and the press) believe: we're more than just friends. It might seem like a crush but it doesn't mean that I'm serious."
L&B: Cleverly put. I think this is something Louise wants to know desperately. How do you keep up your appearances in midst of your schedule.
JR: It's hard and personally, I don't think I have kept up my appearances. I try to eat right and exercise as much as I can. I also began doing the new AbRoller workout. It's great and I don't even have the roller machine. I simply use my roller skates or better yet, when I'm traveling, I use Fedex envelopes to roll. It's effective in working out my whole body. Other than that, I'm a big napper and can rarely stay awake for two three hours straight.
L&B: I hear ya sister! We're down! One last question because I know we're short on time and you're on your way to Vatican City, What has been most rewarding about this career?
JR: Being in all these different films and depicting various roles have definitely been great. I'm more of an introvert and the characters have helped me come out, like providing the fiber. Sorry, that was crass. But i'm still waiting for the opportunity to work with some of the talents of today like Tony Danza, Cybil Shepard, Cindy Crawford, and that oscar winner Pauly Shore. He won an oscar right? I'm certain. I'm just dying to work with him.
L&B: Um.... yea.. well, any message you want to send out to your fans?
JR: Yea, definitely. Thank you so much for your leg support! I probably can do it without it but it's nice anyways. If you want to send me gifts, please relate it to teletubbies, squid, pooh bear, animals, furnitures, cars, or ice cream. but thank you!
L&B: Well, thank you Julia for talking to us today. We'll see you next week at curling? We're gonna win this time!
JR: Of course.. I'll be there. Wouldn't miss it for the world. And please, call me Hoolia! It's my new nickname..
Please go to our Movie database to see all the reviews on Julia Roberts' films!
*Once again, we do not claim to know all the facts. The information presented is based solely on our ignorances and biases