mizkwebb Reviews

Tupac Shakur: Thug Angel (2002)

Information, not merely adoration!

[9/10 · 14 January 2004]

I make it a point to see everything produced about Tupac. This film is far better than "Resurrection" or any of the other bios I've seen. For one thing, it correctly points out that whatever commitment Afeni Shakur showed to The Movement, she was still a lousy mother. It contains great in-depth interviews with Shock-G and others close to Tupac; and these detail his faults as well as his assets, portraying him as the brilliant, artistic, complex, individual he really was, not as a cardboard idol. If you want concert clips, this is not your flick. But if you want interviews with Tupac and his friends that you won't see elsewhere, check it out.

Ghost Dog: The Way of the Samurai (1999)

A nearly perfect film

[10/10 · 20 March 2000]

"Ghost Dog" is one of the most thoughtful, profound, and well-put-together films I've seen. It combines ideas about the disintegrating nature of the world we live in, death, honor, and fidelity to principles with humor and some of the most beautiful editing and cinematography in recent memory. Forest Whittaker, one of the most underrated actors around, is astounding in the title role of Ghost Dog, a "loner" who lives by his own anachronistic code of honor . . . which of course isolates him almost completely from the wretched world he finds himself trapped in. There are frequent and fascinating quotations from the book Hagakure, Code of the Samurai (as soon as I exited the theatre, I ordered the book). The Sergio Leone-like technique of lighting the actors' faces to reveal every flaw, wart and sag enhances the somber mood of the film. A feeling of the sadness of the loss of values and meaning in life illuminates every scene, and glows in Whittaker's soulful face. The cinematography manages to make Jersey City look poignantly beautiful, no small feat! If you like your movies to give you a hell of a lot to think about, and also be flawlessly put together, "Ghost Dog" is a must. I plan to see it for a second time, very soon, because sadly I doubt if it will find the audience it deserves.

Queer as Folk (1999–2000)

Engrossing drama and hilarious comedy combined

[8 February 2000]

I am a straight woman who was fortunate enough to see "Queer as Folk" at the Los Angeles Outfest. I found it absolutely the best television series I've ever seen, on a par with HBO's "Oz," only more explicit and weaving comedy into the mix. The characters are painstakingly developed, and will capture your interest immediately. We all know a Stuart (arrogant sex freak hiding inner doubts and insecurities), a Vince (sweet, self-effacing, afraid to ask for what he wants), and a Nathan (15, impossibly romantic and willful). Though these are the main players, there are also wonderful supporting roles, including Nathan's concerned and sympathetic mother, his best school chum (wise-beyond-her-years "fag-hag" Donna), and Keith's irrepressible parents. The heady excitement of clubbing is captured perfectly; it made me itch to go to discos again! The production is altogether a class act. It's a shame that we here in the States are so under the thumb of the "family values" hypocrites that we may never get a series of this quality. Call your friends in England for a copy of the video, go to your local gay/lesbian center, do whatever you have to do to see this.

The Best Man (1999)

Entertaining, but uneven

[6/10 · 1 November 1999]

It's always a pleasure to see a film with an all-black cast which is well put together and actually "about" something. The story line of this script -- an author's revelations about his good friends in his first novel, and how potentially damaging they can be -- was plausible and enjoyable. The personality of Quentin, arguably the most complex and fascinating character, was a bit of a tease, and like some of the other viewers, I was hungry for more of him! Nia Long always turns in superb performances, and this one doesn't disappoint. The weakest link in the film was Taye Diggs, whose acting is about as animated as a cigar store Indian . . . but judging from the female audience reaction every time he took off his shirt, acting ability may be irrelevant to his career. On the whole, it's a great "date" flick, and you'll leave the theatre with a big grin on your face.

She's Gotta Have It (1986)

A funny, feminist view of sex from Spike Lee

[26 October 1999]

This is a completely unique, humorous, sexy film from Spike Lee -- his first cinematic effort, using his friends from NYU film school as actors. He himself plays the role of eccentric Mars, one of heroine Nola darling's three lovers. Though I'm sure Lee wouldn't describe himself as a feminist, this film looks at so-called "promiscuity" from a distinctly liberated point of view. Perhaps women need more than one man, he wonders, because it takes several men to make up a complete person! The film is set in a rarely seen milieu, that of artistic, well-educated, middle-class, quirky urban African-Americans (like the view of black Chicago in "Love Jones"). It would be fascinating from that standpoint, even it if didn't display such ruefully witty characterizations of egotistical, clueless men.

You could spend an afternoon in far worse fashion than to rent this film, and view Lee's naked talent shining through in a film whose cost probably wouldn't pay the catering bill for one of his film projects these days. The fact that it is filmed almost entirely in black and white adds to its authenticity and charm.

Splendor (1999)

Slight, but beguiling and entertaining

[11 October 1999]

This film won't win any awards for heavy-duty messages or ironic commentary on the state of male-female relationships in the 90's. However, it will convince you that a menage a trois is not only undeviant, sometimes it's positively the only way to fly! The three leads are all cute as hell, and do a wonderful job with the quirky script. This reminds me of a French movie with a similar plot, Cafe Au Lait, translated into the demi monde of L.A. wannabees on the fringes of the entertainment industry. Worth seeing for the eye candy alone.

Three Kings (1999)

One wild ride

[9/10 · 11 October 1999]

David Russell has done it all. He's given us a buddy movie, a war movie with some political commentary tossed in, a grip-your-seat action flick, and a satire of all the above. And he did it with what could have been a formulaic script. George Clooney proves that he's ready to "step up" from TV roles. Mark Wahlberg makes us forget he was ever "Marky Mark." Ice Cube further convinces us he's not "just" a hip-hop star. Spike Jonze does a great turn as a hick reservist who never seems to quite know what's what . . . but we do, because due to the quirky camera techniques, we are never mere spectators, but participants in all the action. This probably won't get the Best Movie Oscar due to its cutting edge quality, but the Academy really should seriously consider electing Russell Best Director.

Soul Food (1997)

Trivial "feel-good" pap

[3/10 · 1 September 1999]

After reading and hearing the buzz about this movie, I really wanted and expected to like it. Alas, it stunk. Character development was really superficial . . . the whole effect was as if the Republican National Committee had decided to make a film glorifying the black family. I couldn't remember anything about it five minutes after seeing it. A perfect waste of good actors (like Vanessa Williams).

L.A. Confidential (1997)

A genuine disappointment . . . literally a "sleeper"

[4/10 · 1 September 1999]

After hearing and reading the endless hype about the classic greatness of this film, I was really let down. The plot was impossible to follow, the characters were flat and devoid of any depth or interest . . . I was sound asleep on the couch after 40 minutes. It must be a "guy thing," because most other women I spoke to also found it interminably boring. I got my money back from Blockbuster!

The Flower of My Secret (1995)

Almodovar's best film

[9/10 · 1 September 1999]

This film deviates somewhat from the Almodovar style; it's a bit less manic, and the characters are developed in greater depth. Leo is a successful romance novelist whose failed marriage has turned her against romance novels. She's further burdened by a grasping family. The film is basically the chronicle of her nervous breakdown, and her tentative steps toward believing in love again.

Blazing Saddles (1974)

Yawn

[5/10 · 1 September 1999]

I laughed exactly twice during this movie. Admittedly, my sense of humor is hardly mainstream, but after seeing other Mel Brooks films and thinking all of them were hopelessly inane, I have concluded that you're either a Mel Brook person or you're not . . . NOT!!!

Dark Passage (1947)

Film Noir? This is the REAL thing!

[10/10 · 1 September 1999]

Folks who describe LA Confidential as the ultimate in film noir need to see this movie, which almost defines the genre. The atmosphere in 1940's San Francisco is so thick and smoldery you could cut it with a knife. The chemistry between Bacall and Bogart was obviously heating up, but it's a tribute to their acting abilities that they keep it on a leash for most of the film. San Francisco-philes will want to see it just for the settings . .. especially Bacall's apartment!

The Reggae Movie (1995)

A beautiful spectrum of reggae performances

[10/10 · 31 August 1999]

This film is a "must" for any reggae fan. It contains performances by the late Garnett Silk, Yami Bolo (rarely seen on film), Maxi Priest, Burning Spear, and a touching set by Apache Indian featuring his young son. It encompasses dance hall, roots, and "lovers rock" styles.

Menace II Society (1993)

A great achievement!

[9/10 · 31 August 1999]

This film should be required watching for high school students who live in the 'burbs (those of us from the ghetto know it all already). The direction, pace, and screenplay are exceptional. The film reeks of restlessness and sudden violence, as does the section of town it describes. Larenz Tate shows his astounding range as a character hell-bent on destroying himself and everything in his path. I've watched this film at least 20 times; it just gets better and better.

Black Orpheus (1959)

One of my favorite movies!

[10/10 · 31 August 1999]

This movie dazzles me so much that whenever I'm truly depressed, I can watch it and my mood elevates. It's hard to say what aspect is best: the cinematography is superb (makes you want to take the first plane to Rio), the cast is wonderful, the music is haunting and beautiful, and the Orpheus/Eurydice myth is well suited to the setting in a Rio favela. I've only seen it on video, but I keep hoping it will be revived somewhere so I can catch it on the big screen!

Beloved (1998)

A serious disappointment

[4/10 · 26 August 1999]

This movie was all the more disappointing because I wanted so badly to like it, having read the astonishing novel by Toni Morrison. Despite good intentions all around, it is almost unwatchable . . . It moves so slowly and ponderously that events that are traumatic and exciting in the book are boring on screen. Maybe the book is unfilmable (like a lot of good novels), so I guess we should give the filmmakers credit for trying.

Love Jones (1997)

The Ultimate Date Movie, with real insights on "The Big L"

[9/10 · 26 August 1999]

It's a shame this movie didn't get more play in theatres. It's a rich, textured love story with believable, all-too-human characters, who are too busy gaming and protecting their hearts to recognize The Real Thing when they experience it. One of the most pleasurable aspects of this movie is its setting in Chicago, among hip, artistic, literate, middle-class African-Americans who discuss poetry, music and literature. Another is his Royal Fineness, Larenz Tate -- and if you are even half a fan of his, you NEED to see this film! His boyish cockiness and vulnerability are perfect for the role of Darius. Nia Long also shines as Nina, who longs to tell Darius she loves him but is afraid the break "the Rules." A great movie to watch curled up on the couch with your sweetie!

Alma's Rainbow (1994)

A nice, low-key, subtle comedy-drama

[7/10 · 26 August 1999]

This film is an interesting character study of an inhibited, uptight single mother, her wild sister, and her rebellious, coming-of-age daughter. It didn't earn a higher rating than 7 because some of the scenes and dialogues are cliches, but it's definitely worth a watch for its unconventional African-American middle-class setting. One of the themes is that mothers can learn as much from their daughters as vice versa.

The Farm: Angola, USA (1998)

Perfect evocation of what it is to be a "lifer."

[10/10 · 23 August 1999]

This film should be required viewing for all high school students. It is a documentary featuring 6 inmates at the notorious prison in Angola, Louisiana. The strong implication is that the only way to be released from a lifer's existence at Angola is to die. The interviewing is very skillful, and reveals a great deal of the personalities of the six men. The sham of a "parole hearing" for one of the men is especially shocking and depressing. It would be hard for a thinking personal to see this film, and not reconsider America's hardened stance that no criminals deserve a second chance. It is a classic!

Let It Come Down: The Life of Paul Bowles (1998)

A fascinating glimpse into the mind of an enigmatic writer.

[21 August 1999]

This documentary is a fascinating, poignant effort to assess the life of mysterious expatriate writer Paul Bowles. It includes archival "home movie" footage, as well as interviews with William Burroughs, Allen Ginsberg, and other "beat" era writers who knew Bowles and his wife Jane during his 50 years in Morocco. We see a man who is obviously on death's doorstep, but who has made a semblance of peace with himself and his past. He discusses his philosophy on writing (he basically doesn't have one), his life with Jane, his homosexuality, and his complex relationship with his adopted country. This film does not earn a higher rating, because it teases more than it tells . . . probably due to the difficulty of getting information from Bowles. It will make you want to read his autobiography and all his other literary works, if you haven't already done so.

The Players Club (1998)

Stunk to High Heaven!

[1/10 · 16 August 1999]

I was bitterly disappointed in this film. It's one of the worst-made movies I've ever seen. I'm a great fan of Cube as a hip-hop artist; he should stick to that and not attempt to make movies. The plot was absurd, the acting terrible, and the dialogue was wooden and artificial. Save your 99 cents and rent something else.

The Crying Game (1992)

A watershed film!

[16 August 1999]

You can use this film to screen potential friends and lovers. (Anyone who was repelled by it would not be someone who would hold any interest for me.) The theme is the power of love to transcend and blow away even the most entrenched societal norms. This has got to be considered one of the best movies ever made.