MovieWatch

(Below are my favorites of 1999, for

in 1999.  I loved it from beginning to end, every

scene, every song, every step she took.  Original,

clever, thought provoking, exciting and very well

put together.  If you haven't seen Lola yet then you

have missed a chance to see this in a theatre, and

that's too bad.   The next best thing would be DVD or

at least a really good sound system.  This film needs to

be played at high volume, very high volume. 

    MOVIEWATCH GUARANTEE*:

If you rent this movie and don't think it's really good,

let me know and I will refund your rental cost.  

* (void where prohibited by law, limited to people I

know, not valid in states beginning with the letter

"M", must be accompanied by original receipt, your

mileage may vary, contents may settle during shipping,

do not use hair dryer while sleeping or while bathing,

do not use lawn mower to trim bushes or hair)

2) American Beauty 

It's so nice to see an original approach.  American

Beauty is a modern day drama that features

great characters, nice direction, a story that

keeps you guessing and very good performances

by Kevin Spacey, Annette Bening (Oscar?) and

Mena Suvari (as "Lolita").  This is a good rental,

the big screen doesn't add much, but make sure

the kids are at the mall. 

3) Three Kings 

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.   I will be watching for director and

screen writer David O. Russell's next film.  You

also might want to check out Russell's last

movie; Flirting With Disaster, it's much different

from Three Kings, and a very funny

movie.     

4) Star Wars: Episode 1 -

  The Phantom Menace 

Episode 1 is getting its share of criticism

(characters aren't developed, disappointing

dialogue, stereotypical approach, 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.  

5) The Hurricane

Like The Insider, this movie 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 spent twenty two

years battling for justice.

6) Limbo 

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 HOW

THE MOVIE ENDS, 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.

7) Mumford

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.  This

is a great rental. 

NOTE: Mumford was written and

directed by one of my favorites; Lawrence

Kasdan.  He wrote the screenplay 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 IMDB by

clicking on the following link:   

Lawrence Kasdan 

8) Go

It will always be compared to Pulp Fiction,

but that's ok, as much as it borrows, it also

entertains. Some great setups and some

terrific dialogue ('if you were any less black,

you would be clear').  Not to brag, but I

figured out most of the 'surprises' right

before they happened  and that made it

more fun. This movie is funny, interesting

and sleazy….. so of course my

recommendation is to…. go.  

(to Blockbuster, of course)

9) October Sky

A very well made film that can appeal to

everyone.  Based on a true story, it is 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"!).

10) The Talented Mr. Ripley

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 lately 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.

11) The Straight Story

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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(For a look at the rest of the year, click here)