pete-293 Reviews

The Shipment (2001)

Viagra, viagra, who has the viagra?

[21 June 2002]

Start with an illegal shipment of super powered viagra called vigoroso. Mix in a couple New York gangsters, a Mexican smuggler, a small town Arizonan sheriff, and the sheriff's former girlfriend who just happens to be married to one of the gangsters. Add in some uniquely American gun humor. And you have a situation ripe for serious comedy. "The Shipment" delivers the goods and is a very amusing film. The basic situation is the the shipment of viagra gets waylaid. Not just once but many times. Sometimes the person in possession of the viagra doesn't even know he has it. Viagra, viagra, who has the viagra is the source of much of the fun. The gun humor blends in well and reinforces the basic theme. But the characterizations really sell this film. All are classical stock characters-almost cliches or caricatures. The sheriff (Matthew Modine) is a classic Gray Copper type. I kept expecting him to tip his hat to the ladies and say "yup" and "shucks mam." Robert Loggia again plays the classical aging retired godfather-a role he plays so well. Nicholas Tuturro plays the low class but high-ranking gangster in charge. Elizabeth Berkley is fine as the small town girl who left town for the big city only to learn that life was better in the small town. Complicating things is that she has feelings for the sheriff but is married to the gangster. What makes these characters interesting is that they are presented in a serious manner as if they were real people. No one mugs for the camera in this film. Given the basic permise for this film and its stock characters it would be easy to present it as a farce filled with low sexual humor. There are a few gross out scenes but they are thankfully few. Instead the story is presented in a serious manner. It is not a "Its a Mad Mad Mad Mad World imitation but fresh and enjoyable. Not a classic but worth the watch.

The Curse of the Jade Scorpion (2001)

familiar but also fresh

[25 August 2001]

"Curse of the Jade Scorpion" is a very enjoyable film. Particularly to those of us who prefer the classic "Inner Sanctum" genre over the bang bang shoot it up films of today. The lighthearted approach to this film removes it from the darker suspense typical of the older films. Instead the suspense is in the fresh interpretation of classic characters and situations. Often with unique little deviations and twists. Its familiar but also fresh. As such it is a worthy effort. The weakest link in this effort is casting Woody Allen as the classic gumshoe. It simply does not come across right. Someone like George Segal would perhaps have been a better selection. The strongest performances comes from the three main women. Helen Hunt is excellent as the rather obnoxious proto-feminist. This is a role that Hunt plays very well. Charlize Theron is also excellent as the bored rich socialite. Elizabeth Berkley also delivers a fine performance as the gentle romantic but innocent sexy secretary. All in all a well spent trip to the theater.

Frog (1988 TV Movie)

good fun for boys and gilrs of all ages

[12 May 2001]

"Frog" centers around a young boy Arlo (Scott Grimes) who loves to collect reptiles and amphibians. His basement is full of them. His parents are concerned about his development but do nothing but talk. Despite his geekiness a girl named Suzy (Amy Lynne) likes him though Suzy's friend Kathy (Elizabeth Berkley) does not. Typical budding teen relationship behavior so far. But one day Arlo acquires a new frog for his collection. The frog turns out to be an enchanted prince turned into a frog. The remainder of the film centers around Arlo's attempts to find a beautiful women who is willing to kiss the frog and turn him back into a prince. For some reason women have a distinct adversion to kissing frogs so the quest is not without difficulty. Particularly when parents and friends do not understand whats going on. Over all the acting is fine with each actress and actor convincing in their role. As a coming of age film, "Frog" is also fine. The viewer watches Arlo learn that there is more to life than reptiles and amphibians, Suzy learn that Arlo is a nice boy, and Kathy learn that you do not need to like all your friend's friends to be a friend. The film has some genuine humorous moments as well. Particularly the frog in the popcorn and Arlo and Suzy in the pond.

Molly & Gina (1994)

For a low budget thriller Molly & Gina isn't bad.

[2 April 2001]

Despite the low budget and familiar theme, "Molly & Gina" isn't a bad film. Francis Fisher and Natasha Greson Wagner make a nice team. Molly as a private detective's girl Friday and Molly as a green haired free spirit. When their boyfriends are murdered, they attempt to find out why. In the process they uncover a plot by a wealthy industrialist to murder his granddaughter played by Elizabeth Berkley because she knows too much. There is the usual mayhem but the story line is reasonably devoid of holes and the pacing is smooth and correct. Francis is perfect as the hardboiled detective substitute and Natasha as the able but inexperienced sidekick. Elizabeth is fine as the teenager fearfull for her life. All is all, a nice thriller.

Showgirls (1995)

so bad its good, so bad its good, or something like that

[31 March 2001]

Showgirls is one of those rare films that cannot be forgotten. Those who hated it have a real problem. I liked it so I don't have a problem. I have viewed it several times and found it to be all that those who like it say. It is also all those who hate it say. That is probably what makes it so unique. It is something to everyone. Good or bad. I doubt that many films having this quality have been made. In my opinion Verhoeven has created something new by playing mindgames with the audience. The writing and direction ranges from very good to poor. At one instance, Elizabeth Berkley's acting is very good. The next second it is poor. The entire film is this way. Gina Geershon's Texas accent comes and goes. Robert Davi is harsh one moment and then gentle and caring the next. That is what Verhoeven wanted. The savaging that Elizabeth Berkley received after "Showgirls" was released is very disturbing to me. That is what all people connected with this film provided. And in my opinion, they did well. It is unfortunate that so many people missed or did not appreciate his intent.

Bandit: Bandit Goes Country (1994 TV Movie)

not really the Bandit but fun anyway

[31 March 2001]

This made for tv adaption of the "Smoky and the Bandit" films has all the usual fast cars, fast women, bar fights, and high speed chases that one associates with the bandit. This edition is complicated by the Bandits attempt to reclaim his lost love (Elizabeth Berkley) whom he abandoned some years earlier since she was from the wrong side of the tracks (actually the wrong side of the river). Further complications are government men hunting for bootleg audio tapes, competition for a large carved wooden bear, and two young people in love who are from opposite sides of the river. Definitely not a serious film. Brain Bloom is adequate as the bandit but that is about all one can say about him. Elizabeth Berkley is fine as the love interest and a little more. "Bandit Goes Country" is not really the Bandit but is good fun anyway.

White Wolves II: Legend of the Wild (1996)

routine but a few good moments

[27 March 2001]

Take a group of troubled teenagers, one naturalist, beautiful Idaho mountain forests, a few wolves, and a couple of paragliders; put them together, add in a couple accidents; and you have White Wolves II. Actually the story isn't that simple. The teens are aiding a wolf researcher as part of a plea bargain. They help. Their records are cleared. The intent of this film is to display the resourcefulness of young people when confronted with life threatening situations. Unfortunately a little indian mysticism is thrown in adding an element of powers watching and controlling. A major inconsistency. But the film has some nice photography, some decent acting on the part of Elizabeth Berkley and Ele Keats. The pacing could be better but is ok. The positive message is good for young people (the obviously intended audience). Over all, I can't complain.

The Real Blonde (1997)

The issue of blondeness is important only to one man but not to the story

[25 March 2001]

When I looked at the poster for this film at the theater in Brandon, Florida (I believe the only theater in Florida to show "The Real Blonde") one would assume that the only blonde in the film was Elizabeth Berkley. Elizabeth is the only person displayed on the poster (four times as a matter of fact). Actually there are three blondes (Elizabeth, Daryl Hannah, and Bridgette Wilson) but only one is a real blonde(I won't say who). But the issue of blondeness is important to only one man (Maxwell Caulfield)and strangely considering the title not of any real importance to the story. The story instead revolves around a man (Matthew Modine) and his live in girlfriend (Catherine Keener) who are having problems with their relationship and their individual lives. The film centers around the resolution of their problems making various side trips on the way. Some of these side trips are entertaining and help the basic story. Other do not. Yet the film moves at a nice pace and while sometimes a little confusing is never boring. All persons involved with this film perform very nicely. Bridgette Wilson plays the dumb but loving blonde very well. Darryl Hannah for the first time I know of plays a rather bitchy character but does so with style. Elizabeth in a role smaller that her billing would suggest never-the-less brings life to her character of a young woman who seems to be always left behind. I found this film worth driving 40 miles to the theater.

The First Wives Club (1996)

Some people called this a chick flick but many men enjoyed it as well

[25 March 2001]

Many people have called "The First Wives Club" a chick flick but many men enjoyed it as well. It's difficult for any man to take offense women taking revenge on men as sleazy as these three husbands. Some of the women were nearly as bad. Particulary the psychologist. I definately had no sympathy for any of the men and enjoyed seeing them get theres. The most interesting portions of the film are the activities on the part of the wives to extract their revenge. But unfortunately too much time is spent on interaction between the wives. Goldie, Bette, and Diane are excellent as the wives and sometimes display a collective onscreen presence rarely seen in films these days. But too much time is wasted in talk. Sarah Jessica Parker is fine as the lower class bimbo. Elizabeth Berkley is fine as the dimbulb would be actress who can't act (a rather difficult acting assignment but one well executed. I enjoyed "The First Wives Club" but suspect that some of the best footage filmed ended up on the cutting room floor since it appears just about everyone involved in this film had editor rights.

Random Encounter (1998)

better than average thriller but nothing great

[23 March 2001]

As thrillers go, "Random Encounter" is fairly routine overall. Numerous holes in the story harm this film the most. Some of the holes leave the viewer wondering what happened. A little better writing would have helped. A few original twists elevate it somewhat. Some decent photography and acting elevate the film even more. Joel Wyner is reasonably convincing as the treacherous Kyle Jones. His main problem is that compared to Elizabeth Berkley he is a shrimp. Elizabeth Berkley is as beautiful as ever and does a nice job as the PR exec Allie Keller. She does look a little young for the character she plays but she is never-the-less convincing. No one should have a problem with her performance. This is a nice film for Elizabeth Berkley fans and also for thriller & suspense enthusiasts but should be of interest to others as well. It is worth the watch and I'd say better than average.

Taxman (1998)

Elizabeth"s best to date

[22 March 2001]

I originally saw "The Taxman" because I enjoy watching Elizabeth Berkley. Her portrayal of Nadia is her finest work to date. I doubt that it will silence the many critics of this young woman but it does show very well what she is a very capable actress. But beyond the performance of Elizabeth, the film is also very well done. Michael Chiklis is excellent as Nadia's father- a sort of Russian mafia kindly godfather character. But perhaps what really makes the film is the apparently accurate depiction of a tax fraud investigation. A movie about tax fraud investigation is rather unique to begin with and would strike many as rather boring. But a crime related movie that avoids all the usual cliches of mindless violence and fast cars and women is even more rare these days. Yet "The Taxman" manages to both avoid being routine and to be engrossing as well. By the way, I loved Elizabeth's sexy Russian accent.

Tail Lights Fade (1999)

awfully slow but with a few moments of interest

[21 March 2001]

Tail Lights Fade" presents itself as Canada's answer to the "Cannonball" films. With a little better pacing it could have been one. Unfortunately it is simply too slowly paced. After watching for awhile with nothing happening but talk, one tends to get bored. Many of the actors seemed bored as well. The only person who really shows some life is a very tattoo covered Elizabeth Berkley. She actually seems to be enjoying herself.

The film is not without merit however. There are enough interesting scenes to justify watching. The ending segment is particularly well presented. I'd say watch it but don't expect the moon.

Becoming Dick (2000 TV Movie)

worth the watch

[18 March 2001]

I stumbled on this film on an internet site. Since I like Elizabeth Berkley I naturally could not miss it. But I found "Becoming Dick" worth watching on its own merit. The story is of a man who had become rich and powerful but lost his way. Realizing what is really important, he with the aid of his butler sets out to reclaim his life and his love. Harland Williams is very good in the role of the man; playing both the nice guy and the jerk equally well. Robert Wagner is excellent as the always poised butler. And Elizabeth is fine in the role of a woman who once loved but was abandoned only to find her universe once more.