Columbus Reviews

Striking Distance (1993)

Predictable, but enjoyable

[6/10 · 28 December 2001]

I began viewing this movie with low expectations, given my experience with Bruce Willis movies.

While the storyline was, I thought, quite predictable, I found it to be a bit of harmless escapism and and quite enjoyable - mainly due to the presence of Sarah Jessica Parker and the performances of John Mahoney and Robert Pastorelli. His character in this film couldn't be further removed from his role in the Murphy Brown sit-com.

Logan's War: Bound by Honor (1998 TV Movie)

Better than average tv-fare

[7/10 · 23 May 1999]

I thought Logan's War was very enjoyable and better than the average made-for-tv fare. I was very impressed with Eddie Cibrian who I thought played the part of vigilante/hero very well. It seemed to me that the movie was set up to spin off into a tv series and I watch with interest to see if this eventuates.

First Wave (1998–2001)

Look out! This series is addictive!

[8 February 1999]

Not for a long, long time have I been drawn into a continuing series to the point that I just have to watch it week in, week out. "First Wave" has captured my imagination. Sebastian Spence as our hero Cade Foster should, in my opinion, be a big star and hopefully he will be, as audiences around the world get to see his work. "First Wave" is better than the X-Files and reminiscent of "The Fugitive" - if that confuses you, watch the show and you'll understand. You won't be disappointed.

Lost in Space (1998)

Visually pleasing but overall unsatisfying.

[6/10 · 10 November 1998]

I had high expectations of this movie, mainly due to the inclusion of such fine actors as William Hurt and Gary Oldman. Visually, I thought "Lost In Space" to be stunning and very pleasing, but for reasons I find it hard to pinpoint, I found the film to be as a whole, unsatisfying.

Maybe it was because the time manipulation part of the plot was a little difficult to follow.. or possibly that you never really know if this movie is taking itself seriously or not. Just when you've made your mind up on this point, it changes your mind for you!

I found Matt LeBlanc unconvincing as the macho pilot, and while the performances from Mr. Hurt and and Mr. Oldman were of high standard, the only performance I really got a kick out of was the young actor who played Will Robinson.

I would be interested in seeing a sequel, if only in the hope that the Robinson family's story reaches its full potential on the big screen - something that sadly was not quite achieved here.

Sliding Doors (1998)

Refreshingly different and very entertaining.

[8/10 · 10 November 1998]

I found "Sliding Doors" to be refreshingly different and very entertaining. I must confess that knowing a little about the unusual plot device, i.e.: following Gwyneth Paltrow's character Helen down two different paths at the same time, made me wary of the film and because of this it took me some time to get around to seeing it.

However, I would thoroughly recommend to those who are similarly reluctant that they put this aside and watch the film. It's not at all hard to follow and my fears that I would need to suspend ALL belief were unfounded.

John Lynch is a delight to watch as James and threatens to steal the show from Ms. Paltrow, while the character of Jerry is so spineless and weak that you just can't wait to see him get his marching orders.

"Sliding Doors" displays qualities that you find yourself wishing more of today's Hollywood features could emulate.