Home 2003 Movies 2002 Movies 2001 Movies 1999 Movies 1998 Movies 1997 Movies
The 1999 list is in alpha order, just click on a movie title to read my comments.
American Beauty--September's Best!!
Analyze This---March's Best!!
Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me
Drop Dead Gorgeous July's Best!!
Encounters in the Third Dimension
Go---April's Best!!
Limbo --- June's Best!!
October Sky---February's Best!!
Playing by Heart---January's Best!!
Run Lola Run---Best of August!!
Stars Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace
The Hurricane
The Insider---Best of November!!
Three Kings
| Title | Stars | Comments | |
2.5 |
Wonderful characters, very well portrayed (and Roger: I thought Fraser was perfectly cast, there wasn't supposed to be an attraction between them, the old man was just going through the motions). However, the ending wasn't true to the characters, the suspense was artificial.
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3 |
Too many obvious emotional set-ups in the first half. It had some thought provoking moments in the second half as we see the irony between the cash and the "clean-up".
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3 |
Parts of this film were excellent, there were scenes that were as shocking and visceral as "Private Ryan". But the parts did not come together well, and the multi-character narration just didn't work. At times this is an intense war movie at other times a poem and the two didn't mesh well.
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3 |
This is an "assembly" film, made with parts of others. But sometimes the classic sports movie with the "big game" finale actually works. How can you not like it when they pull the trick play out of the bag to end the game?
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3.5 |
I liketh the talent of the players, the audience brilliantly led, but alas such a need for subtitles, for at times I knew not what they said.
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2 |
What a first class disappointment (I can see the ad now: "First Class"). A great cast and a favorite topic (Hollywood debauchery) unfortunately blended with an awful script. The performances couldn't carry this mess.
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3.5 |
Enjoyable and entertaining. Not a critic's flick, just one for the rest of us. The "twist" isn't the point, the relationships are, and they are worth it.
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3.5 |
They really should consider subtitles for these flicks. But the parts I understood were funny and as a rock star wannabe I had to love the finale!
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2.5 |
This movie looks like a 70's TV show, occasional slipping into tongue in cheek laughs to go with the Hawaii Five-O bravado. Although the final "payback" is a good one, the film fails with violence that had me looking away more than once.
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2 |
I checked the thesaurus for a word that means the opposite of Thrill…. it mentioned this movie.
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2.5 |
The kid was an interesting character and at times this was very funny, but Murray phoned his part in (the Oscar talk was all from his publicist, I presume), and the story went nowhere.
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| October Sky | 3.5 | Very well made with aspects that
can appeal to everyone. A joyful movie about dreams, dedication, respect and
fulfillment. (A curious note: this film is based on a book called "Rocket
Boys" which is an anagram for "October Sky"!)
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| Affliction
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2.5 | Nolte and Coburn are terrific,
but the father / son conflict just didn't click with me, and didn't justify Nolte's
actions. And why have such a slow pace, and then put 90 minutes of plot into the narrators
conclusion?
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| Office Space | 3.5 | I know some of these people! I
laughed hard and often. This is sparsely made and certainly not perfect, but funny is
funny.
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| 8mm | 3 | The middle of this film drags a
bit as our hero goes through the tedious job of tracking down the victim. The third act
picks up as it turns into a revenge morality play. However, pieces of the standard
thriller confrontation finale are inserted to make sure that originality and creativity
does not overshadow the expectations of the masses.
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| Blast From the Past | 3.5 | This
was not on my list to see, but recommendations from friends and relatives turned out to be
right on. A very well constructed movie that didn't go for cheap laughs. It has heart,
humor and hinted at a "Pleasantville" morality that makes it stand out from the
pack.
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| Analyze This | 3 |
Some very funny lines, especially
the first half of the movie. It got a bit silly in the finale, but overall a fun flick.
Look for the scene they "lifted" from The Godfather.
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| Cruel Intentions | 2 |
Sarah's character was deliciously
evil, but our "hero" was a inconsistent wimp, and his relationship with
"Reese's Pieces" was not to be believed. Not when they met, not when they fell
in love, not when they fell out of love, and not when he fell in front of the cab.
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| True Crime | 2 |
True Crime features the
"new" Clint, actually the new Clint is an old Clint. And he still squints a lot,
but now it's because he needs glasses. There is no suspense in this movie, Clint bumbles
along until he trips over the one piece of evidence he needs to free the good "bad
guy".
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| Ravenous | 1.5 |
I laughed twice, cringed once but
spent most of the 100 minutes trying to figure out how Roger could give this 3 stars.
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| EDtv | 2.5 |
It just misses because it's too
mean spirited. To make its point it is as hurtful as those it criticizes. But if you like
Jerry Springer type sitcoms you will love EDtv.
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| The Matrix | 2.5
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The look is astonishing, the most
consistently seamless effects I have seen. But even a science fiction film needs rules,
its own rules, it has to have something we can count on. Superman could do almost
anything, but there was always Kryptonite. The Matrix starts by stretching its
own rules, then it breaks them and since the world it creates has no boundaries, there is
nothing to rely on. The impact of the incredible look of the film is lost in the
carelessness of the story. And although I am being critical, and don't recommend the film
overall, I find myself drawn back to it. I need to see it again, not to hear it,
just to be there one more time as it flies by.
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| Encounters in the Third Dimension | 2 |
Nice 3-D, the roller coaster
sequence is fun, but like most IMAX flicks, it's short, doesn't really have a story and
just doesn't have enough going for it to be recommended.
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| Mod Squad | 1.5 |
There is no point to this. Our
heroes aren't clever and all they do is stumble on the bad guys. It is nowhere near
as cool as the original was for it's time. I left after an hour and snuck in to watch cool
"Matrix" effects.
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| Go | 3.5 |
It will always be compared to
Pulp Fiction, but that's ok, as much as it borrows, it also entertains. Some great setups
and occasional terrific dialogue ('if you were any less black, you would be clear'). Not
to brag, but I figured out most of 'surprises' right before they happened (fire, owner of
yellow car, Amway, sexual preferences, etc.) but that made it more fun. This is funny,
interesting and sleazy….. so of course my recommendation is to…. go.
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| Cookie's Fortune | 3.5 |
A collection of interesting
characters navigate through a home town mystery. I liked the pace, as the film moves from
the serious opening, then to comedy and finally to a joyful close.
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| Goodbye Lover | 3.5 |
Often times I see a movie and
like it more and more as I think about it after viewing. This is a film that I liked less
and less the more I thought about the plot. It doesn't hold up once you really ponder it.
However, it's one of those twisted thrillers that are one of my favorite genres
(e.g. 'Wild Things'). I enjoyed the wicked shifts and nasty characters.
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| Life is Beautiful | 3 |
Un fable dolce interrotto
occassionally da un impersonator di Tony Roberts. Il bambino era meraviglioso e ci sono
parecchi momenti di piacere. Tuttavia, scopro che i sottotitoli si infastidiscono, come
guardare una pellicola che è sfuocato.
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| eXistenZ | 2.5 |
David Cronenberg is at it again,
with his fascination for organic monstrosities and offbeat characters. eXistenZ shares a
theme with 'The Matrix', but the set up is better and the rules are consistent. But after
the promising opening, it meanders through thinly written scenes as we wait for the payoff
of what is essentially a 'short story'. And the finale was not tough to predict.
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| Pushing Tin | 2 |
Interesting characters with
occasionally interesting dialogue. I didn't always buy the air traffic control
scenes (if they are all so stressed, why do they always have time to walk away from their
screen and stand behind our heroes to watch??). Billy Bob is great again, showing
his versatility. He also has the movies best line.. when asked if he likes sports,
he replies "I used to bowl when I was an alcoholic". But the ending was
really silly and took away any chance of this being a film I can recommend.
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| Entrapment | 3 |
Standard action fare, but I liked the plot surprises
that made up for the absurdity of some of the capers. Hollywood still does not
know how to accurately do anything involving a computer system!
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| The Mummy | 2 |
Thirty seconds into this movie, there is a scene that
takes place 3,000 years ago with characters that are covered with gold paint and have
shaved heads. This was the moment that I knew this was a bad film. Brendan Fraser's
presence raises the stock a few points, and the effects are ok, but this film
should be wrapped in cloth strips and buried deep in the desert.
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| Election | 3 |
An offbeat comedy with great performances by Broderick
and especially Reese Witherspoon.
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| A Midsummer Nights Dream | 2 |
This is a movie that is probably pretty good, but I had
so much trouble following the dialogue that I didn't really know what was going on.
Original Shakespeare is just too hard for me to pick up. I was lost.
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| Stars Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace | 4 |
An amazing movie, fun from beginning to end! I can't wait to see it again! ...... and I did see it again and liked it just as much. Episode 1 is getting its share of criticism (characters aren't developed, disappointing dialogue, etc.), but not from me. Besides, was the "Wookie" from the original supposed to be a deep character? E1 is a joy to watch, the pod race is worth the price of admission on its own. And the effects have now set a new standard that may not be topped until Episode II.
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| The Thirteenth Floor | 3 |
This seems to be a popular plot these days (Matrix,
eXistenZ, Truman Show, Dark City), and Thirteenth Floor ends up in the middle of the pack.
A consistent flow, although it could have moved quicker. I believed the alternate
realities, but the ending could have packed more punch.
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| Get Real | 2 |
If not for the preference angle, this is a run of the
the mill teenage infatuation story.
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| Instinct | 2 |
"Instinct" is three stories forged into one,
but it's no bargain. It can't decide if it wants to be a "Silence of the
Lambs" clone, a knockoff of "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest" or an
environmental protest movie. The parts are not strong enough to stand on their own
and together they don't mesh well. And it's too bad because Cuba Gooding Jr.
delivers a great performance.
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| Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me | 2 |
Most of the comedy is simply transferred
from the original, there are only two funny bits. The satire ran out and Myers went
with childish gags instead. On the other hand, Heather Graham changes outfits more
often than Queen Amidala in Star Wars, and that's not all bad.
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| The General's
Daughter
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3 |
An intriguing thriller that kept me guessing, although
if I had remembered Roger's "law of economy of characters", I could have easily
figured out the identity of the bad guys. (Roger maintains that all characters have
a specific purpose, and if a "nice guy" shows up in the beginning of a film for
no apparent reason, you can count on him to be "not so nice" by the end.)
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| Limbo | 4 |
Another wonderful film by John Sayles. It builds
carefully (but not slowly) and as you get to know the characters the complexities of the
story unfold. Juneau, Alaska provides a beautiful backdrop, not only for the
incredible scenery, but also for the rogue nature of its outpost society. IF YOU DON'T WANT TO KNOW THE ENDING, READ NO FURTHER. The end of "Limbo" will be debated by film lovers for a long time. I presume many will say that Sayles cheated by going to black without revealing the plight of the main characters. Some will say it ruined the film. Did he film two "traditional" endings, and then find that he couldn't decide? Or was his plan all along to leave us in limbo. Perhaps that is the message. Perhaps the feeling that the three main characters have as they stand on the beach is best communicated to the viewer by the abrupt ending. At first I was disappointed, but I quickly changed my mind. I love films that leave a lot to ponder after viewing and "Limbo" fits the bill perfectly.
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| The Red Violin | 3.5 |
One of the first movies I remember seeing as a kid was
"The Yellow Rolls Royce", it was 1965 and my buddies and I went to the
Arlington Theatre on a Saturday afternoon. As an 11 year old this was over my head,
but it felt so adult watching a Audrey Hepburn / Rex Harrison film. And 34 years
later, "The Red Violin" comes along, also a film that follows an inanimate
object as it passes from owner to owner. I especially enjoyed the first
two of the three chapters, the child prodigy piece was brilliant and the second chapter
had a nice twist. This is a well constructed and for the most part, very well acted
film. NOTE: Although it didn't really hurt the film, Samuel L. Jackson follows his wooden performance in Star Wars, Episode 1, with another mediocre acting job. He has gone downhill fast from "Pulp Fiction".
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| Tarzan | 3 |
A delightful Disney tale, great for kids and for
idealistic adults who don't mind acting like kids sometimes.
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| South Park | 1 |
South Park has an early (and probably
insurmountable) lead for "worst movie of the year". I was sucked in by
generally favorable reviews even though I don't like the TV show. Big mistake.
The best part of this movie is the length, short. The songs are awful, the
comedy is virtually non-existent (I did emit a brief chuckle at the mention of the Baldwin
brothers demise). The audience seemed to love it when their heroes "used
the F word", so they had plenty to laugh at. But their were some very awkward
silences as most of the non-F word jokes were met with no response at all. This
movie is not funny, it's not shocking and the satire is lame. I am astonished that
Roger gave it 2 and a half stars.
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| Summer of Sam | 3 |
Parts of "Summer of Sam" are very good, it
opens strong and it is well made. It's downfall are the prolonged scenes of
dialogue that highlight the stupidity of most of the characters. Every other word
begins with an F, and the only possible point of the scenes is to show us over and over
how little character the characters have.
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| Extreme | 3.5 |
This is exactly what IMAX is perfect for;
breathtaking visuals of natural surroundings. "Extreme" displays the
incredible skill of those who are the very best at "natural" sports; Rock
climbing, surfing, wind surfing, skiing and snow boarding. The participants are
daring and extremely talented, but the beauty of their "playing field" steals
the show. Forget special effects, dialogue and roller coasters, IMAX was made to
show the great outdoors and "Extreme" does it very well.
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| American Pie | 1.5 |
There have been quite a few stories lately about how
theatres are going to be vigilant in their attempts to keep unescorted kids out of R rated
films. If the Lincolnshire Regal theatre had kept all of the youngsters out of the
show I attended, there would have only been two people left. As it was, the place
was full. Full of kids getting "educated". "American Pie"
is about four high school guys who decide that their ultimate goal is to become ex-virgins
by the time of the prom. Then we are treated to a display of bodily fluids being
mistreated. We get to see a kid drink a substance that most people don't, followed
by the obligatory vomit scene (apparently required in all films these days). We get
to see one of our heroes get intimate with a hot apple pie, and in a scene stolen from
"Dumb and Dumber", we are forced to watch the effects of a laxative overdose.
All in all, a very bleak attempt, although the laugh counter registered
four, three more yuks than I counted at South Park.
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| Arlington Road | 2 |
This is a great movie if you: A) live for the moment,
never look back and have no sense of logic, OR B) have extreme short term memory
problems. "Arlington Park" does feature a very well done opening, strong
performances and good production values, but the totally implausible ending ruins the
film. I thought of several sensible ways they could have pulled off the ending they
wanted, but apparently the director and screenwriter felt (or hoped) that we are all in
categories A or B above.
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| Eyes Wide Shut | 3 |
I enjoyed the experience of watching this film, and I
recommend it, but what will keep this off of my favorite list for the year is a story line
that just doesn't have enough punch. What did I like? Very good performances,
especially by Nicole Kidman, and the entire cast of secondary characters. Each scene
is very deliberate, but you savor each one like a fine meal. What didn't I like?
The plot has too many holes, especially regarding the secret club that the
Tom Cruise character is able to crash. Too much build up for that scene, no payoff.
If you want to see a complete film, see Limbo before it disappears from
the few theatres it is showing in. If you are a film buff, you will also want to see
Eyes Wide Shut.
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| Drop Dead Gorgeous | 3.5 |
My criteria for rating a comedy is obvious and simple;
it has to be funny. Drop Dead Gorgeous made me laugh harder and longer than
South Park, American Pie and Austin Powers combined.
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| The Haunting | 2 |
This should be renamed The Boring. This
movie plods along until the second half when the special effects kick in, but as amazing
as they are, we have seen them before. Effects just can't carry a movie.
There is nothing special about the plot, no twists at all. The only thing
propping up the 2 star rating is the amazing set design, the house is something to behold.
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| Deep Blue Sea | 3.5 |
This is essentially a horror movie with the cast
trapped in a remote location with "monsters" chasing them. And of course
they split up, do stupid things and get picked off one by one. But the set up works,
the action is non-stop and the obligatory comic relief is effective. All in
all a lot of fun with a few surprises thrown in.
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| The Blair Witch Project | 2.5 |
All I knew walking in was that this was a low budget,
independent film that was not a true story. In many ways this is an amazing movie. Made for less than Leo's per diem on Titanic, they were still able to fully develop an original idea. The look is consistent, it really does come off like a documentary. The acting is first rate, the scene with Heather in the tent holding the video camera up to her face is outstanding. So why the mediocre rating? Movies ask us to suspend disbelief, to get involved with imaginary characters in imaginary situations. And I do that about twice a week. In most cases, I am engaged, I feel what the characters feel, I am tense when they are in danger, I am sad when they are harmed. But the premise of Blair Witch is different. It asks us to believe that this is a true story, that we are watching the actual footage found one year after the three hikers have vanished. And since I knew that not to be true, I just couldn't get involved. I was not scared, in fact I was a bit bored.
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| Lake Placid | 2.5 |
I went reluctantly, the reviews were scathing (except
for Al's.) And other than Al's hype, the only draw was screen writer David E.
Kelley (Ally McBeal, The Practice, L.A. Law, Chicago Hope)..... when does he find
time to read the paper? Anyway, this is the best movie about a 30 foot
crocodile in a Maine lake that I have seen this year. Will likely be nominated for
"Best Decapitation Scene" and "Worst Special Effects Using a
Helicopter". It did have enough funny scenes that I can almost
recommend it.
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| The Sixth Sense | 3 |
An interesting film, a great one to talk about after
viewing. Well made, good performances and could have been a top ten flick. I
can't say more without giving away key plot points so don't read further if you don't want
to know how it turns out...... WARNING: PLOT REVEALED BELOW This film starts out great but then builds too slowly, and odd things kept happening that I could only interpret as director oversights or continuity errors. I was disappointed and getting bored. Denise and I started talking, ridiculing the "problems" with the movie. But the final scene changes everything, and puts it all in perspective. Suddenly the problems make sense and the errors are anything but. This turnaround is as striking as the ending to last years The Game (one of my favorites), but The Sixth Sense misses out by not having a more credible second act. A better approach would have been to emphasize the kids partnership with "the dead" by helping them to seek revenge on their killers. Instead the director seemed to be filling time so he could get to his big payoff. The payoff is terrific, the build up isn't.
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| The Thomas Crown Affair | 3 |
This is a fun caper movie, and like most caper movies
it involves complicated schemes to steal something or somebody, usually in a way that once
you think about it, doesn't make much sense. Thomas Crown fits the mold,
but it's enjoyable anyway.
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| Mystery Men | 3 |
A great cast and a wonderful set up are the keys to Mystery
Men. When I was a kid my friends and I each had our own superhero identity
complete with costumes. We each had different powers and vulnerabilities. What
a great idea to project that to a group of adults. This is probably a movie that
many will dislike, but if you like offbeat humor, check it out.
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| Dick | 2 |
This was a disappointment to me, and I was a student of
the Watergate crisis. I can't imagine what a viewer would think if they weren't
familiar with the players involved. This movie has a TV feel to it, the scenes are
washed out and flat. The premise was a good one, but it didn't work for me.
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| Bowfinger | 3.5 |
Without Roger's 3 1/2 star rating, I never would have
seen this film. The preview was not appealing, but I trusted R.E. and he came
through again. This movie has some very funny scenes, the freeway crossing and the
last scene are especially good. It has a warm appeal.
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| Across the Sea of Time | 3 |
An IMAX 3-D film with an interesting premise. It
uses original 3-D still pictures taken in 1916 New York City as the framework for a modern
day story about a boy wandering the city. A nice piece of history.
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| Brokedown Palace | 3 |
This is a well made film, and that is why I recommend
it. However, had I known this was a "third world prison movie" I would
not have gone. Very disturbing, much scarier than Blair Witch. And
other than two manipulative scenes, very well done.
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| The Muse | 2.5 |
Albert Brooks is becoming more and more like Woody
Allen. He plays the same character in each film. In The Muse, he is
only mildly amusing and his second act drones on far too long. A few nice laughs,
but this is not Lost in America.
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| The Astronaut's Wife | 2 | Don't bother seeing this bore, instead drive the
extra mile to a theatre showing Run Lola Run.
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| Run Lola Run | 4 | I loved this movie from beginning to end, every
scene, every song, every step she took. Original, clever, thought provoking,
exciting and very well put together. I can't wait to see it again. Very
highly recommended! .............. I did see it again and enjoyed it just as much. The soundtrack (German techo/dance music) is captivating, so don't wait for the video, see this in a theatre with a great sound system.
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| Chill Factor | 2 |
Although I always enjoy watching Cuba Gooding Jr., he
has very little to work with here. This is a combination of Speed
(replacing 50 MPH with 50 degrees F.) and any bad "buddy movie" from the last 20
years.
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| Outside Providence | 2 |
Mildly amusing, but there just isn't enough
happening to make it work. They market this as a Farrelly brothers movie (they
co-wrote it) but don't expect their signature (Dumb and Dumber, Something About Mary)
humor.
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| Stigmata | 2.5 |
This is essentially a loose remake of The Exorcist,
set in the 90's with the obligatory MTV look. The Linda Blair role is played by
Patricia Arquette this time, and in one scene she does a nice Regan impression (no flying
vomit, though). I enjoyed the look of the film, and it kept me interested, but
the payoff wasn't substantial enough to recommend the film.
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| American Beauty | 4 |
It's so nice to see an original approach. This is
one of the best of the year so far - with great characters, nice direction, a story
that keeps you guessing and good performances by Kevin Spacey, Annette Bening and Mena
Suvari (as "Lolita"). Now that Run Lola Run has left the
theatres, this is the one to see. |
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| Stir of Echoes | 3 |
This film features a little kid who "talks to dead
people". No, you are not in the wrong review... this isn't Sixth Sense,
just another example of Hollywood pairs (asteroids, volcanoes, animated bugs, and now kids
with GREAT eyesight). In some ways I liked this better than Sixth Sense, it
was more consistent and definitely scarier. And the "feathers" line is
priceless.
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| Three Kings | 4 |
This is an outstanding film, clearly top ten material.
Directed and with a screen play by David O. Russell (check out his last film
"Flirting With Disaster"). Three Kings might remind you of "Pulp
Fiction" in style (complete with a self taught doctor saving a life by plunging a
needle into a dying man's chest). It also effectively combines humor with serious
action and drama as well as "Fargo". Highly recommended.
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| Mumford | 4 |
There have been some great movies released lately.
I have rated 6 movies "4 stars" this year and I have seen four of them in
the last five weeks! "Mumford" is a not a film where you laugh out loud a lot, but you will smile often. It features a great opening, interesting characters, and warmth throughout. NOTE: "Mumford" was written and directed by one of my favorites; Lawrence Kasdan. He wrote the screnplay for Raiders of the Lost Arc, and wrote and directed Body Heat and The Big Chill. For a look at his film history check out: Lawrence Kasdan http://us.imdb.com/Name?Kasdan,+Lawrence
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| Double Jeopardy | 1.5 |
Where shall I start.....?? I might as well attack
the central premise first. I am not a lawyer, don't play one on TV, but I do have a
smattering of common sense. Double Jeopardy is a legal concept that provides
protection for someone that HAS BEEN ACQUITED OF A CRIME! The protection is that
they can't be tried again FOR THE SAME CRIME! In this movie they made up their definition
and used it as the main theme. They want us to believe that if you have been falsely
convicted of a murder, but the person is not really dead, THAT IT'S OK TO KILL HIM!
The wrongly convicted woman finds out in the first few minutes that her hubby is still
kicking, and instead of telling anyone, she waits out her sentence so she can take care of
business on her own when she gets out. This is followed by a series of unconvincing
scenes and features Tommy Lee Jones doing his best "Columbo" impression.
Do not waste your time on this movie, see "Three Kings" instead.
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| Happy, Texas | 1.5 |
This is one of those movies with "cringe"
scenes, where you just want to look away or leave (my wife did). I stuck with it,
and it got better after a bad opening, but this is still a bad movie.
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| Fight Club | 2.5 | "Pulp Fiction" started a trend, it is easy to
see the influence Tarentino's film has had on recent films. This year alone movies
like Go, Three Kings and now Fight Club borrow appreciatively
from the style set in this gritty milestone of filmmaking. Some movies proudly
borrow from the master and succeed, others fall short. Fight Club is a fascinating film in many ways, but I can't recommend it. Michael Wilmington (Chicago Tribune critic) and Fight Club's director are calling this a comedy, a dark comedy of course, but they are expecting people to laugh throughout. I guess I just forgot how amusing it is to watch a character's head slammed repeatedly into a concrete floor (just makes you smile reading that, I bet). Or maybe they are referring to the scene where they threaten to kill the innocent shop owner. Really funny how they hold the gun to his head as he kneels on the ground whimpering. A side splitter, that was. On the positive side, the performances are very good, and some of the photography is very innovative. But the best part of the film is ruined by the uneven tone and blurred message. SIGNIFICANT PLOT POINTS REVEALED BELOW. IF YOU DON'T WANT TO KNOW WHAT HAPPENS, STOP READING HERE.
Fight Club features a twist very much like Sixth Sense, the new information provided at the end makes you look back over every scene in the movie. The difference is that in F ight Club,you don't want to look back. If the focus had been on the split personality angle rather than the anarchy and violence, this could have been a great film. Instead it wallows in it's own filth.
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| Bringing Out The Dead | 2 |
This is a dreary film about stressed out people living
in the worst our U.S. cities have to offer. They turn to drugs, alcohol, violence
and take the law into their own hands. There is little hope in their lives. I
didn't enjoy watching this movie, and I don't enjoy thinking about it. The only
redeeming quality is the surrealistic flavor of Scorcese's direction. The projection
of a characters thoughts on the screen is a growing trend ("Three Kings"), and I
enjoy the approach.
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| The Straight Story | 3.5 |
If you have heard anything about this film it was
probably that it's about an old guy who drives his lawnmower from Iowa to Wisconsin.
Sounds silly, doesn't it? Well as Roger always says "it isn't what a
movie is about, but how it is about it". This isn't a silly film, it's
a warm look at a proud man's life. It will bring an occasional tear to your eye
along with some well placed humor ("What's the number for 911" she said
excitedly as she picked up the phone.)
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| The Insider | 3.5 |
This is an intriging and well made film with good
performances from Al Pacino and Russell Crowe. It does a nice job of highlighting
the inherent power struggle in America between big business and the media when the media
is also part of big business. How independant and objective can media be when they
are controlled by profit driven enterprises? What would happen if Brown and
Williamson bought CBS Inc? After seeing and enjoying this film, I read some background information on the story it depicts. According to the sources I read, the film takes significant liberties with the facts of the case. An interesting approach for a movie about seeking the truth. And although I knew it wasn't a documentary, it does feature real companies and portrays well known Americans (e.g. Mike Wallace), so it gives the impression of presenting "just the facts". Oh well, maybe someone will do an expose film about it ("Inside The Insider")?
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| The Bone Collector | 1.5 |
When I see movies like this I always wonder what the
stars thought when they first read the script. How could any semi-intelligent human
read this story and find any credibility in the action segments? The crime investigation
scenes are so contrived that the any possiblility of suspense or horror is lost. I
was laughing out loud. Example: A murder has occurred in the dark, murky
basement of an abandoned building. Police suspect a serial killer that has been
leaving baffling clues. Do they first secure the area and fully illuminate it?
Do they carefully search inch by inch for hair, fiber and fingerprint evidence?
Of course not! Instead they send the rookie cop (Angelina Jolie) with a
flashlight and a briefcase. She strolls around in the dark until she stumbles
upon the "clue" and then leaves. The next time they suspect a murder, THEY
DON'T EVEN BOTHER TO CONFIRM THE CRIME, instead they send our hero into where they think
the victim will be to look for the clue of the day. "The Bone Collector"
is right up there with "Double Jeopardy" on the absurdity scale.
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| Dogma | 3 |
As a fan of Kevin Smith films (Chasing Amy, Clerks)
I was really looking forward to "Dogma". And although I found parts of it
very funny (especially the first half), overall it was disapointing. Perhaps I would
have found it more intriguing if I had a better understanding of Catholicism. Since
I am not well versed in traditional religions and am not devout (I can't even decide if I
am agnostic), I am sure some of the point of Dogma was lost on me.
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| Being John Malkolvich | 3 |
This film opens brilliantlly, I
loved the original approach. The introduction to the characters and their plight is
hilarious. However, it slows down considerably in the second half as it reverts to a
more traditional story.
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| The World is Not Enough | 3 |
A pattern is developing. The last three movies I
have seen have all started well and then tailed off. However, this is one of the
better Bond flicks, very well made with great effects. The boat chase is
outstanding.
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| End of Days | 3 |
I cant' help it, I like Arnold movies. He is not
a good actor, but he tries hard and I always have a good time at his flicks. All I
knew going in was that End of Days featured Arnie, and that was good enough for
me. This is well made, has a powerful opening but then fades as the predictable plot
developments take over. The tone switches between humorous action and violent
thriller, and does not come close to the taught, gripping approach of The Devil's
Advocate. Gabriel Byrne is no Al Pacino, but Arnold is Arnold.
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| Flawless | 2 | Flawless, unfortunately, is anything but. Philip
Seymour Hoffman is brilliant in his role as a woman trapped in a man's body, but
DeNiro stumbles through his part and more importantly, their relationship just doesn't
work. The background story of the thugs looking for their loot is confusing
and exists only to provide the obligatory shoot out. And of course, immediately
following the final shot we hear the police sirens. Funny how they always show up
just after all the shootin' is over.
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| Toy Story 2 | 3.5 | Like all good Disney animation, this movie works very
well at different levels. There is fun here for all age groups. The
animation is incredible, you can see how they are building on their previous work.
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| Sleepy Hollow | 3 |
The look of this film is outstanding, from the
haystacks surrounded by haze in the fields to the expressions on the faces of the town
leaders. It's not really scary, a bit creepy though with all the heads being lopped
off. Occasional humor adds to the mix ("Watch your heads", she said
as they entered a menacing locale). The story is a bit confusing, but it all gets
straitened out when the villain confesses all, as if she were in a Bond movie.
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| The Green Mile | 2.5 |
You know immediately that The Green Mile is a
fantasy because it features four amazingly intelligent, professional and caring prison
guards. Maybe things were different in the 30's but I don't think these guys would
last five minutes in Joliet. Then they take a six foot five actor and make him
appear over eight feet tall by putting him in a low ceiling cell and have him stand on
boxes whenever he is in a scene with someone else. We are supposed to fall for him
because of his "gentle giant" nature. His name is John Coffey ("yes
boss, like the drink, but spelt different") but this is a stereotype we have seen
before. And did anyone think for a minute that he was guilty? Of course
his initials are one of many obvious clues that telegraph things to come. I have enjoyed many three hour movies, but it takes a fast pace and a complex story to hold my interest for that long. With a deliberate pace and most of the scenes on one set The Green Mile would be a better movie at two hours. So why do I give this movie two and a half stars given the above criticism? Other than the length, it is a well crafted film and the acting is first rate. It has an intriguing story line for awhile, but that brings us to ........the ending. *** WARNING *** IF YOU KEEP READING YOU WILL FIND OUT HOW THE MOVIE ENDS. So Tom Hanks knows that JC is innocent and he also knows he has miraculous powers. Why doesn't he fight for his freedom? He wouldn't have to reveal that he had taken him out of the prison to heal the warden's wife. The movie cops out big time by leaving it up to the big guy. JC wants to end his pain, so Hanks lets the execution go forward. The second problem I had with the ending is the "punishment" of Tom Hanks. Is this a coincidental by-product of random events? Did JC intend to punish Tom? Or is some higher power (JC's father?) behind it all? So is this an interesting and original film? Yes. Can I recommend it? No.
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| Bicentennial Man | 3.5 |
This film has it's share of problems, but I am
overlooking them and recommending it simply because I enjoyed every scene. It is
pleasant, warm, occasionally funny and Andrew (Robin Williams) strikes the right
balance to make it work. It also has a lot to say (as does The Green Mile)
about the inherant pain of immortality. Bicentennial Man is a great example of how seamless special effects have become. Even when you know it's an effect (Robin's head on a plate comes to mind), you accept it. Visual tricks are no longer distractions, they are just part of the movie. NOTE: After seeing the preview and the two star rating from Roger, I hadn't planned on seeing this movie, but AMC Barrington was showing it on a new digital (no film) projection system and I wanted to check it out. Bottom line; if I didn't know I wouldn't have noticed. Of course I did know so I was looking for differences. It might have been a bit grainy, but basically it looked good; like a new print, no flaws. To read some of Roger's comments on the issue -- link to the following "Answer Man" column and then scroll down to the sixth question. http://www.suntimes.com/output/answ-man/ebert05.html
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| Any Given Sunday | 3.5 |
In the spirit of Run, Lola, Run, this
film is fun because of how it looks, feels and sounds. It has to be seen on a big
screen with a great sound system. Basically this is North Dallas Forty
goes into overtime, updated for 1999. It shows so much of the nasty side of the NFL
that they refused to be associated with the movie. Hence we have the "Chicago
Rhinos" and the "Pantheon Cup" instead of the Super Bowl. Some of
the game footage is outstanding, some of it falls short (especially the crucial last
play). Folks I have talked to are questioning the casting of Al Pacino and Cameron
Diaz in the key roles, but they are just fine. As an added bonus; look for Dick
Butkus, Johnny Unitas, Jim Brown and Lawrence Taylor in supporting roles. If
you like the NFL, you will like this movie and by the way, don't bring the kids.
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| Man on the Moon | 3 |
Man on the Moon is well made and features a
terrific performance by Jim Carrey. I was familiar with the story of Andy Kaufman,
so there were no surprises. What keeps this from being an outstanding movie is that
I still don't understand Kaufman's appeal. I never thought he was funny (except for
the Mighty Mouse bit, which still makes me laugh) and I was hoping the film would provide
insight. Some people consider him a comic genius, but I am still baffled.
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| Galaxy Quest | 3 |
If you liked Men In Black, you will like this
movie, just not as much. In Galaxy Quest the washed up cast of a "Star
Trek" type TV show are visited by real aliens who believe that the shows are
"historical documents". The aliens have patterned their life after the
show and now they need the help of the cast. Although predictable, it's funny, well
made and at times, even touching.
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| The Talented Mr. Ripley | 3.5 | This film features a number of great performances, led
by Matt Damon as the title character (a spot he tends to be in; e.g. Private Ryan, Will
Hunting). Mr. Ripley is indeed very talented, it's a joy to watch him
unfold. I won't say more so as not to give away the plot. This was one of the
few movies I was able to enjoy without knowing anything about it beforehand, I recommend
that everyone do the same. Not only will you like the movie but you might just
end up booking a trip to Italy.
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| Princess Mononoke | 2 | Although animated, Princess Mononoke is
not really for kids, and at least in my case, not for adults either. I thought the
animation was flat and routine. And I certainly wasn't impressed with the demon
monsters that Roger was fawning over. The story showed promise at times, but gets
sidetracked too often. This film is showing up on Top Ten lists around the country,
but it won't be on mine.
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| The Cider House Rules | 3 | Tobey Maguire does a great job in the lead role of Cider
House. This is based on John Irving's novel so I expected a few quirks,
however it is not anywhere near Garp's World. A nice film with a simple story about
discovery and choices.
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| Magnolia | 1 | Magnolia is receiving rave reviews and is on
many Top Ten lists around the country. It is a film that I was anxiously
awaiting because I really enjoyed writer and director Paul Thomas Anderson's first two
films (Hard Eight and Boogie Nights). I found it interesting that
Anderson chose to bill himself as P.T., perhaps he is hinting at Barnum's famous line
about suckers. I felt like one when I walked out of this mess. I have never
looked at my watch more times in a film. Three hours long, and the last half was
painful, very painful. I was hoping for a great finish, but even if Magnolia
had one, it wouldn't have saved this movie. The irony is that it has the best
opening scene that I have seen in a long time. Unusual, creative and
fascinating -- I was set for a great film. It went downhill faster than giant frogs
at terminal velocity - more later. This movie is about a day in the life of a
group of lowlifes in Los Angeles. Based on the opening scene about three
amazing coincidences, the expectation is that the cast of misfits will all be
brought together in some clever way... nope. Instead they talk, and yell and
wander, and talk, and yell, and scream profanities over and over and over. Each
scene is at least twice as long as it should be. At one point they all stop
what they are doing to sing the same song together. Stupid, and a bad song to boot.
Now back to the frogs. This last scenes take place on the streets of L.A. during a frog storm. It rains frogs. Big frogs. Thousands of them. Five pound frogs falling at terminal velocity will crack a windshield... or a skull. And they do. Once it stops raining frogs, the characters step out of their cars and step over the dead frogs as if nothing unusual has happened. That's it, the big ending. I must admit it really did look like it was raining thousands of really big frogs, but at that point all I wanted to do was leave as quickly as possible. After I saw South Park I thought it had a lock on my lowest rated film of 1999. I was wrong, Magnolia is easily my worst movie experience of the year.
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| Fantasia 2000 | 3 |
Almost all new (the famous "Sorcerer's
Apprentice" scene is kept from the original), and it follows the same approach as the
1940 version. This is an IMAX film and the huge screen and incredible sound
system are perfect for a film like this. Some of the chapters are amazing (you have
to love the flying whales), but some fall short. Great for all ages.
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| The Hurricane | 4 |
Like The Insider, this is based on a true
story. And like that film, it creates its own version of the truth in order to tell
a more compelling tale. This time around it didn't bother me. This
is a story of dedication and commitment. I was humbled as I watched the
amazing perseverance of the victim and his saviors as they battled for justice for
twenty two years.
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