Tom D. Reviews

Love and Death on Long Island (1997)

An unexpected treat

[7/10 · 13 May 2000]

Despite the solid reviews, I approached this film with trepidation; It had Jason Priestly in it -- how good could it be. However, it was a Saturday night with nothing good on pay-per-view and that other 90210 guy surprised me in the film, "Real Life," so I thought, "Why not?"

I found the movie to be surprisingly moving and offbeat. This is easily one of John Hurt's best performance. He brings wonderful subtlety to what could be a cartoonish role. Priestly was adequate, which is fine since his was merely a supporting role. The story moves brisquely, and although you know its inevitable conclusion, you'll pull for Dr. De'Ath.

The story bares some resemblance to "Gods and Monsters" and De'Ath's ignorance of common technology is a bit of a stretch. However, the film is wholly enjoyable and you might take away the wondering: Could something so unexpected throw my life into such an upheaval?

Gladiator (2000)

8 out 10

[8/10 · 6 May 2000]

Just saw "Gladiator," which was quite good. Great actions scenes (with that Ridley Scott style) and a plot that was "good enough" to make the whole movie enjoyable. The initial battle between the Romans and the German Tribe was better than anything in Bravehart. Russell Crowe was excellent as well.

American Beauty (1999)

Sometimes there's so much beauty in the world I feel like I can't take it, like my heart's going to cave in.

[9/10 · 28 April 2000]

That quote by Ricky Fitts describes exactly how I felt watching this wonderful film. If anyone tells you this movie is about declining moral values, they've completely missed the point. It's finding beauty in the most common places, all around us. It's about your way through our overly complicated lives. And ultimately, it's about redemption.

This is one for the books, folks.

American Pie (1999)

As funny as "Something About Mary," but with heart.

[7/10 · 20 July 1999]

Imagine "Fast Times at Ridgemont High," but funnier and more poignant. This movie is about guys we all knew in high school (heck, some of us were these guys) and every line, every moment rings true. The buzz around this movie are, of course, the gross-out scenes, but what makes this movie work is how much you root for these four guys. You may ask "why I on earth would I care if these clowns 'get some' on prom night." You do because the movie accurately reflects that sex is on every teenage boys mind, all the time, while reminding us that it's really the women who control the situation.