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Reviews
Riel (1979)
Well worth watching
As Canadian fare goes, this is very good. The original historical story is already very dramatic, so little was added for the screenplay. Also, the fictional parts were usually plausible enough. The film's strongest feature was Plummer's performance as John A.
My biggest complaint was the makeup on Raymond Cloutier (Riel). He should have had a moustache, and perhaps a beard at some times. The physical appearance of the historical Riel is very familiar, and I found it annoying that the film did not respect it.
It is unfortunate that there isn't the money to make a really top-notch production based on the Riel story. I found myself thinking of the excellent visual images in films like Dances with Wolves and Last of the Mohicans. Perhaps this story will find its way into the cinema again in the future.
An Ideal Husband (1999)
A truly enjoyable film.
I truly enjoyed this film. It was light entertainment with attractive colours and pleasant music, but at the same time there was just enough plot to keep my interest. I wasn't alive in Victorian England, so I cannot honestly say how accurately the setting was portrayed. My impression, however, was that the costumes and characters were very realistic. I am not familiar with the original Wilde play, but I am interested now to find out how closely the film followed it. This film is a must-see.
South Park: Bigger, Longer & Uncut (1999)
Surprising
Although I was used to hearing really bad broadway-style songs on the tv show, I didn't expect the film to be an all-out musical. The numbers were quite good, and some of the composition was actually very good. For instance, listen for the battle scene where the songs from earlier are mixed together. I had the tunes in my head for weeks. Believe it or not, the animation seemed better to me in the film than in the tv show. Watch for the flames especially.
Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace (1999)
Bit of a disappointment
Although this was a reasonably good film, it was not nearly as good as it could have been. The first Star Wars film was very good, but they have been going downhill since. My biggest problem with episode I was Jar Jar. I couldn't concentrate on the film because all I could think of was "Wow, is that guy ever annoying." The acting was for the most part poor, but I doubt that the actors are to blame. It is difficult to act when so much is missing because it is to be created digitally later. The actors had to deal with missing sets, props, and even characters. The dialogue was often very choppy, apparently not from bad acting, but from bad editing. The best performance was by Ewan MacGregor. I had reservations about his part, since he doesn't look much like Alec Guinness, but he made up for it by making his voice sound like Guinness's. Although the digital sets were very effective, the characters looked a little too deliberate to be believable. This is, however, still new technology, and it might be a while before we see it work just right. I'm looking forward to Episode II, hopefully the makers will pay attention to complaints about Episode I.
Wild Wild West (1999)
Probably not worth it.
The best thing about this film was the Wild Wild West burger at Burger King. Although there were some entertaining bits, and a couple of jokes that I chuckled at, for the most part I wondered what the makers were thinking. I went with friends, and we had a good night at the movies, but don't bother renting this one.
The Doom Generation (1995)
Wow, does this ever suck.
This wasn't the worst film I've ever seen, but it came close. The writing on the box looked good, so we rented it, but it wasn't worth it. There were, however, some good aspects. The dialogue was very cleverly written, and the acting was often believable, if not the plot. As the title suggests, this film has some interesting things to say about young people in the 90s. There are also some witty comments on pop culture. If you do watch it, stop about halfway through. It gets worse at the end, and you don't miss anything because there's not much plot anyway.
The Blair Witch Project (1999)
Wait until you can rent it.
I finally saw this film, after hearing much about it from my friends. Everyone I talked to loved the film, so I am afraid that my expectations were a little high.
If you've been told that the hand-held camera might cause motion sickness, believe it. I had a splitting headache by the end. If you tend to get motion sickness, you may wish to avoid this film.
The Blair Witch Project represents the maximum result with a minimum budget. Unlike many low-budget films, it stays within its means. The film could not have been improved by putting more money into it. The acting was likewise very good.
I'm not sure, however, that this was cut out to be a feature film. At 80 minutes it falls well short of full-length, but it felt more like 100 or 110 to me. The dialogue was repetitive, but little could be done to vary it. I would have enjoyed the film far more if it were 60 minutes. And maybe paired with another shorter film.
I would also recommend not viewing this in the theater. The picture is filmed completely on videotape and 16mm, so the wide screen gives you no advantage. Unlike most horror films, The Blair Witch Project uses no shocking visual effects to frighten the audience. I found it difficult to be frightened by pure suspense in a crowded theater. The imagination runs much more freely at home. I reserve final judgement on this one until I've seen it after midnight at a party with just a couple friends in a house in the middle of nowhere. . .
The Thomas Crown Affair (1999)
Let them eat cake.
The Thomas Crown Affair is pure entertainment. There was nothing challenging in the plot, the actors are eye candy, as are the sets and camera work. If you've always dreamed of being stinking rich, and not caring about working-Joe-on-the-street, this film is a great escape from reality. Now I have to see the original.