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Reviews
Pleasantville (1998)
Hated it with a passion!!
I've heard of a suspension of disbelief, but this is utterly ridiculous. If the film just stuck with being a farce, as the first act indicated, I probably would've thought it was a clever comedy. But then it delves into a muddled attempt at social commentary, and that's when the film falls embarrassingly on it's face. I just couldn't take any of it seriously. And the message that was trying to be conveyed, is not an objective message. It's as far left wing as Pat Buchannan in right wing. I'd like to think objectivity is what a filmmaker would like to strive for. Had Gary Ross been a first time writer, this script never would've gotten past the script reader stage.
On the Waterfront (1954)
Possibly my favorite movie
One man can make the difference. Powerful words. First time I saw this movie was only a few years ago, but I absolutely loved it. It's touching yet unrelenting in it's realism. The characters are all so well drawn out, which sometimes is the weakness in mainstream movies. If you haven't seen it, hope you see it soon.
Scream 3 (2000)
I rank it 3rd in the series
I liked the first film, liked the second one even more despite it's silly ending, and liked this the least. It's not horrible, or even bad. Just not very effective. Seems like Wes lost his passion for the material. The new characters are under developed, and all but two of the horror sequences are uninspired. I partly saw this because I wanted to see if it could be pulled off; to see if I could guess the killer(s) and his/her motive. Answer is...no, because, I thought to myself, that's too stupid for him/her/it/them to do it! And the motive made the killers at the end of two look completely believable. I was expecting more from the final chapter. But, heck, it would be one hard task to bring surprises to this storyline. And from the looks of it, this really was never really intended to be a trilogy. Final assesment Scream **1/2 out of **** Scream 2 *** out of **** and Scream 3 **
Scream 3 (2000)
I rank it 3rd in the series
I liked the first film, liked the second one even more despite it's silly ending, and liked this the least. It's not horrible, or even bad. Just not very effective. Seems like Wes lost his passion for the material. The new characters are under developed, and all but two of the horror sequences are uninspired. I partly saw this because I wanted to see if it could be pulled off; to see if I could guess the killer(s) and his/her motive. Answer is...no, because, I thought to myself, that's too stupid for him/her/it/them to do it! And the motive made the killers at the end of two look completely believable. I was expecting more from the final chapter. But, heck, it would be one hard task to bring surprises to this storyline. And from the looks of it, this really was never really intended to be a trilogy. Final assesment Scream **1/2 out of **** Scream 2 *** out of **** and Scream 3 **
Man on the Moon (1999)
Carrey, an Oscar? Injustice!!
Is Carrey good in this role? Yes. Just as he was in Truman Show. But there is something separating him from the great actors. He is trying to hard, he is acting too much. Too many exaggerated expressions, and not enough of a real breathing human being. Granted, Kaufman was aloof, but when the gaurd went down, he was closer to normal, a little shy and awkward, but normal. It was a great task for Carrey to master the vocal tones of Kaufman, and he is much toned down from that mug fest Liar Liar, but he's still not there yet. I think he'll get there, but not yet.
As for the movie, I thought it was good. I'd say wait to video. I think a lot of people will hate this movie, because it's not a laugh fest. It's a drama basically. But it did not strike me with the same conviction as did The People vs. Larry Flynn.
Midnight Cowboy (1969)
A great last 10 minutes!
And a "blah" first 90 minutes. Having expected a wonderfully insightful character piece, I found this picture to be meandering, and ultimately saying little. I also was irritated by the barage of flashbacks to a story... that was not delved into! Nonetheless, it was wonderfully acted.
Mad Dog Coll (1992)
Pretty darn good!
Great cinematography by the future photographer of Schindler's List and Private Ryan. A great score by Terry Plumeri. Good acting by Bradley, York, and Nozick. An interesting story line, based on the real mobster... Not always perfect, but worth watching. This is a well WELL above average indy mob movie.
Hit the Dutchman (1992)
Average B movie
Guns, explotions, boobs, foul language, crappy dialog. It's typical B filmmaking, with an unusally good score. This was shot back to back with Killer Instinct, aka Mad Dog Coll, using a lot of the same cast, same set, but Killer Instinct is much better. It has it's moments... again Chris Bradley is good, as is Ed Bowz, and Sally Kirkland, but the film is not gripping. And Bruce Nozick begins to grate on the viewers nerves in this picture.
Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace (1999)
pretty good
This, more than the others Star Wars films, most resembles the old sci-fi serials it was based on. There are a bunch of nice little action scenes, few of which appear to affect the long term plot. It did not have the magic of the original series, but was always interesting to look at. It appears that, Lucas had most of his ideas set for Episodes 2&3, and degenerated this script into a not too exciting, spiritualy deprived thrill ride. I hope it works for some people. Honestly, I thought episode one was the instalment that was supposed to throw the whole story into motion. It doesn't really accomplish that goal. This feels like it could've been an Episode 2,3,4,5,6, but not an opening. Though I enjoyed this, I seriously doubt the film will be remembered as the others are. But, maybe after 16 years, mister Lucas needs time to warm up. Here's hoping for Episode 2!!
Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace (1999)
pretty good
This, more than the others Star Wars films, most resembles the old sci-fi serials it was based on. There are a bunch of nice little action scenes, few of which appear to affect the long term plot. It did not have the magic of the original series, but was always interesting to look at. It appears that, Lucas had most of his ideas set for Episodes 2&3, and degenerated this script into a not too exciting, spiritualy deprived thrill ride. I hope it works for some people. Honestly, I thought episode one was the instalment that was supposed to throw the whole story into motion. It doesn't really accomplish that goal. This feels like it could've been an Episode 2,3,4,5,6, but not an opening. Though I enjoyed this, I seriously doubt the film will be remembered as the others are. But, maybe after 16 years, mister Lucas needs time to warm up. Here's hoping for Episode 2!!
Boogie Nights (1997)
Most overrated film of the decade!
Believable dialog and clever camera usage makes not a good movie. This is a non movie. It practically feels like the writer wrote this piece thinking only about the camera, and performances. There is volumes more to writing than those elements. This is a would be moral tale with no substance. It attempts to be honest; gritty, yet we have absurd plot twists, Dukes of Hazard style action scenes, and a happy ending, almost out of no where, showing how well these character's lives went, and good things happen to people who try... Are we talking real life here, Anderson, or fantasy. The movie ATTEMPTS to be an ensemble character piece, and for that it is an out and out utter failure. What can you say of these characters having watched this movie. What do we learn about these characters, their views; their pasts? Almost nothing! Too many characters, only one of which (Dirk) is reasonably developed. In a film like AS GOOD AS IT GETS, not only is it ENTERTAINING, the film speaks volumes of its characters. Boogie Nights seems to only exceed in visual style and acting. Visually, Anderson's work resembles Scorcesse, without any of the subtext. But he is 1/1000th of the storyteller that Scorcesse is. Look at that closing scene of Boogie Nights and compare it to the final Raging Bull scene. A point is being made in Raging Bull, a final conclusion to the story, his whole life, Jake, himself was the enemy. What can we say of the end of Boogie Nights? Dirk likes his penis. After a good opening, say the first twenty minutes, this film becomes a boring, meandering barrage of a porn stars rise to fame. THEN... when the writer realizes his work has become TOO boring for the mainstream, he decided to throw in some obligatory violence. Which, if better set up like a good writer might know how to do, could work. This is a ninety minute story (if that) as told in two and a half hour bloated style. I think the reason some have taken to a picture like this is because, it visually looks good, is well acted, and has a great soundtrack, but beyond that, what is there? There is no discernible plot. Now, I have no problem with the content of this film. I think a powerful, REALISTIC film on this subject matter could have been made. But this sure as hell isn't it. With his visual flair I'm sure Anderson one day may be able to amount into a story teller.
House (1985)
The Greatest "B" movie ever!
I have never been so entertained by a low budget horror before. This is the only genre pic that I can watch time and time again. It's such a mix of suspense, comedy, and clever plotting, with a central character you really care about. Only down side, are the effects. Otherwise, a terrific little flick. The Citizen Kane of the "B" movie! :)