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Reviews
Black and White (1999)
slightly above average
i didn't know what to expect from "Black & White" because i hadn't heard much about it, except one good review from a thoughtful friend of mine.
Toback has made a loose, rambling essay on something that intrigued him: the relationships between blacks & whites in late 90's new york, and the influence of hip-hop & black culture on these upper class white kids.
I gave it a 6/10.
It was thought provoking enough, my friends and i spent about an hour discussing it on the way home after the showing.
Toback throws a lot of wet shaghetti at you in this film from a political and sociological perspective. Some of it sticks, and some doesn't. It reminds me about being in college and writing a research paper on a topic that I was enthusiastic about but lacked a lot of knowledge. I spend a lot of time finding facts, essays, opinions, analysis, etc. on a subject. The information being consumed gets overwhelming at times(much like the charged dialogue in this movie), and a lot of its interesting.
The challenge is, however, to put everthing that I was just bombarded with together, and make it mean something, tie it together with a thesis, or at least attempt to develop some meaning out of the senselessness. Toback throws it all to the audience, asking them to draw a conclusion from all the heady information he serves: The thoughtful pondering vs. dogmatic manifesto, the careful studied opinions vs. the reactionary irrational sort of opinions.
But I don't think Toback himself knows what to make of it all, he seems stil in the pahse of being excited and overwhelmed by all the info.
I think it would have been better and more interesting if Toback actually made the documentary about the race relationships, instead of making a rather improvisational movie in some part about documentary film-makers.
Some of the things I liked about the film: The stylized, jump-cut editing, the busy camera work, the sound and sound mixing: weaving in and out of conversations abruptly. i enjoyed the characters Ben Stiller and Robert Downey played (as underdeveloped as the characters were), and their performances were the only glitter in the muck
What I disliked about the film: The general lack of characterization (rather flat), the sheer number of irritating and dislikable characters, I was bothered by the lack of empathy built up with the murder of the basketball star (and the lack of signifigance the film seemed to place on it) and the topsy-turvy ethics of Schiffer's character. I thought it wassn't a very well thought out script in general, possessing entirely too many characters.
the content of the literary & theatrical elements of any film are more much more important than the technical aspects. A great script and great acting performances can usually more than make up for technically sloppy or dull film-craft (that is: editing, lighting, photography, sound), but even the finest craftwork (which this movie had) can't make up for this films average performances and a far-below average script.
The Straight Story (1999)
Beautiful and Strong
This was an excellent, well made film. Again, it proves that David Lynch is one of the great filmmakers of all time. Absolutely stunning cinematography. A warm story suitable for the whole family. it is not full of treacle nor does it pander. There's a nice touch of Disney in the film as well, reminding one of classics like "old yeller" "mary poppins" "the incredible journey". A movie that will grow on you, worth many re-watchings.
Being John Malkovich (1999)
strange, fun comedy
A great comedy that is an antidote to the recent wave of boring and formulaic comedies that have infected hollywood. Original, magic-realism, very well written and performed with spot-on timing. Cusak is great, and of course, so is Malkovich. The only fault of the film is technical, the camera work was a little too shakey and way too many close-ups for my tastes, and i found it poorly lit for reasons not well known. However, Well worth paying full price for, a definite must-see. Spike Jonez will be worth keeping an eye on.
I would highly recommend the films "Schizopolis" and "Celestial Clockwork" to everyone who enjoyed this movie, both of which are quite similar in style to BJM (both 1990's comedies that explore the magic realist / surrealist / dadaist genres).
Limbo (1999)
a quiet movie with excellent dramatic acting
i liked Limbo. If it had been released in a year with lesser films, it might have stood out a lot more. Very strong acting performances. Well written. Occasionally, A little too slow and long winded (it wold have benefited from a little more editing), and I found some of the score a little less than desirable at times. A decent drama, Not for those into action. Unusual ending.
Rushmore (1998)
Fantastic, Intelligent!
This is probably the smartest comedy i have ever seen, a witty film with an ingenious, with quite an original plot and unusual characters. The cast is outstanding, and this is *the* role of Bill Murray's career. It's the antithesis of the unbelievably stupid and cliched Adam Sandler and Chris Farley, etc. movies. Do not miss this movie! An overlooked gem, a magic film.
Cookie's Fortune (1999)
Wonderfully Altman
This is definitely one of the most emotionally warm films Altman has done in a while, and certainly one where he hadn't been so obsessed with Hollywood Cameos (like pret a porter, short cuts, the player). The script was excellent and the performances were top notch. It was suprisingly suspenseful as well, and quite amusing too. Witty and charming, well worth watching.
Neverwhere (1996)
A good british mini series, excellent novel
this novel was one of the better dark fantasy books i have read, a very modern Hero Epic. Anyone who has ever lived in london (as i have) will certainly appreciate this. Fans of Neil Gaiman is a must. Its flaw is that some of the performances are only so-so, and it us unfortunately incredibly Under-funded. Not that big budgets are a must (look at Blair Witch Project), but this looks a little too cheap, a lot like Dr. Who.
Deuce Bigalow: Male Gigolo (1999)
Fairly lousy
unfortunately, the best moments are in the trailer. Poor characterizations. completely standard, no-suprise hollywood plot. There were a couple of original humor laughs-- the character with tourettes was quite funny, and there was some clever (and considering the film as a whole) highly unlikely visual parodies of the matrix. empty comedy.
Happy Gilmore (1996)
Unhappy
I had a few people tell me this was a great movie. I rented it the other day and found it to be repulsive. even as a comedy, it was completely formulaic and most of the jokes i had seen dozens of times before. I couldn't believe the obvious SUBWAY product placement, i found the adam sandler character reminded me of everyone i disliked in college. an absolute waste of studio money.
Highway 61 (1991)
odd-ball, quirky, great fun
I saw this movie twice in the theatres in the early 90's. It was the first time I saw a movie and I thought to myself "That is the kind of movie I could make". Very inspirational, well-acted and directed for such a small budget indie movie. Very quirky characters. It has a tone similar to movies by Jim Jarmusch or Steve Buscemi's Trees Lounge. The cameo by the dead kennedy's jello biafra is a real treat as well. Try to find this indie gem!