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Reviews
Frequency (2000)
feel-good with an added bang
I occasionally get sick of romantic comedies, but the other kind of chick flick--namely, the kind having to do with that pure, gushy family love--I just can't get enough of. Plus, they managed to weave this one into a suspense/thriller, and threw in another one of my favorite fictional concepts for good measure: time travel, in this film represented by the parallel dimension through which a son speaks to his father before his death 30 years ago.
In fact, anyone who loves "Back to the Future" for the same reasons I do will gobble up the brain candy in "Frequency." The ways in which the film deals with the thought-provoking concept of changing the past, while certainly blasphemous to the field of physics, sparks some interesting conversation after the credits.
The eerie curlicues of smoky clouds shown in the sky at various intervals attest to the fact that the makers of "Frequency" do not pretend to have a logical explanation for how two men can be using the same radio at the same desk in the same house to be speaking to each other over a distance of 30 years.
I was so captivated by the secondary plot, an old unsolved murder case that quickly becomes personal when father and son play G-d, that I didn't have a chance to care about the unidimensionality of most of the characters, the flavorless dialogue or the predictability of the action. My jetlagged eyes were glued to the poor reception I have for a screen for the duration of the film.
Retrospectively, it was no piece of art! I can safely say that movies like this are much better while you're watching them, but what are movies for? This one was great.
The Rookie (2002)
simplistic, but great!
Right, so there isn't a whole lot of conflict, and what there is is fairly shallow. So what? It's a G movie, and a darn good one at that. The kids are ADORABLE. The baseball is fun. It's generic, but it hits the "warm, fuzzy" spot. Dennis Quaid is cool.
The Perfect Storm (2000)
probably better read the book first...
or at least that's what I hear from someone who, upon hearing my disgusted impression of this movie, said that he liked it much more after reading the novel (which he said was excellent). And I can see that. Maybe the characters were better developed in the novel, but in the movie alone they came across as cheesy and two dimensional. The story, which was "based on a book" which was "based on a true story," was flat in some parts and overplayed in others. The effects, of course, were great--some of those waves were straight from my childhood nightmares. But the subplot with the seemingly random people out on a private boat was just, well, random. The one good line in the whole movie was "I always find the -----ng fish!" by hardcore king, George Clooney.
American Beauty (1999)
In awe of this film from acting to music to cinematography
This film was shown in a special "sneak preview" type thing for free at my school, which was great for me. I'm a Kevin Spacey-aholic, so I HAD to get tickets. In fact, this movie probably indirectly caused me to drop the class I had a problem set due for, and would have had to miss the movie to work on. But it was WELL WORTH IT. This is one of the three movies I've ever rated a "10," and it was because every moment of the film was well-crafted, well-acted, and just absolutely BRILLIANT.
The characters, though eccentric, were extremely real and every actor was perfect in their role. Kevin Spacey, in particular, was outstanding, and the guy who played the "guy from next door" was great too.
The music enhanced every single scene. I might describe that as "perfect" too. (planning on getting the soundtrack)
While the movie has very serious themes and undertones, there are some HYSTERICAL parts to it, too. Kevin Spacey is such a great actor-- the audience is such putty to him; he can make us laugh so hard, cry, or just sit bug-eyed at the screen to watch what he does next. This was a great role for him, even though it's different from most of his other roles. Reminds me a lot of his performance in "The Ref," humor-wise.
This movie will make you think- about everything. Go see it, right now.
Cruel Intentions (1999)
one of the lamer movies I've seen recently
I don't really see what people like about this movie. I guess the acting was okay, and the premise of it was somewhat intriguing if you've taken a few aphrodesiac pills (or are a guy, I suppose). I don't know, even alcohol didn't help me with this one. Maybe it was all the hype, or maybe it was just that the ending completely ruined the rest of the film. Nah, I don't think I liked a single part of it. Lame, that just about sums it up. It didn't even have that many good lines to make fun of :).
The Game (1997)
Love that multilayered stuff
Great movie, although quite disturbing in a number of ways, beginning to end. Psycho concept. That song "White Rabbit" by Jefferson Airplane had a totally different significance to me after watching this movie. Suspense effect is great. Deliciously nightmarish and scary.
Some of the situations aren't perfectly developed, and the ending just makes you go... well, *@#$. And you're kind of mad for a minute, and then you rethink everything. And I just eat that kind of stuff up. Very creative movie.
The Sixth Sense (1999)
THAT was Donnie Wahlberg?!!
Okay, maybe that shouldn't be my one-line summary. I did walk out of the theater dazed, having laughed, cried, and screamed, and feeling a similar kind of shock-filled awe that I hadn't felt since the first time I saw.... Usual Suspects. Wait a second, Usual Suspects. The similarities are a little TOO striking. Is this thing ripping off my movie? I don't mind that so much--it's what works. Since that type of thing hasn't really been what you could call "overused," I'm okay with it. What I'm NOT okay with, though, is this movie scoring higher than Usual Suspects, because on originality alone it did not. Think about it, would you have given the movie such a high rating if it had ended differently? And you can only give so much credit to an idea that so obviously has been recycled. But enough diatribe on that. Beyond that, the movies bear hardly any resemblance to each other. "Sixth Sense" is much more of an emotionally touching film ("Usual Suspects" neither is nor tries to be emotional). And in spite of my bitterness, I did like the movie a whole lot. A WHOLE lot more than I expected to--the preview made it look even worse than Bruce's last "child-helping" film (something about a computer virus, right?) I don't think Bruce has been this good with a kid since "North." Anyway, the kid completely shone. I can't wait to see more of him in the future, he's amazing. And.. back to the summary line... THAT was Donnie Wahlberg?! Are you KIDDING me?! Donnie the "New Kid?" What?
Consenting Adults (1992)
Not half as bad as I thought it would be
Look at the title, you think, probably trash. But the plot actually has something to it other than what the title suggests, and sure, it was doofy and there could have been much more done with it, but I did like the whole premise. I mean, you GOTTA empathize with that poor guy. This movie has lots of people getting manipulated. It also has lots of great shots of Kevin Spacey in it -- always a plus. I love movies that involve somebody's master plan, even if, on a deeper level, they suck.
The Iron Giant (1999)
Evokes emotional response like no adult movie can...
...but maybe that's just me. This movie rocked. It made me laugh really hard, and all the jokes were clean! I saw this movie with a 5 year old kid, and it enhanced my experience so much just to hear him laugh at the funny parts and to see his eyes widen at the huge metal robot. But enough of the dialogue is designed to keep the adults' attention that you don't have to be a child or have a child to enjoy it. A nice, simple message that everyone needs to have drilled into them over and over again, and the robot is SO COOL. It makes me want to go out and buy a toy.
The Blair Witch Project (1999)
Creative and original idea not to be mimicked
Brilliant idea: a movie so realistic it's *real* until you know for sure that it's not. The makers of this film went to so much trouble, in fact, to make it seem real, that even given that I knew it was just a movie, I had to reconvince myself it wasn't real after viewing the film and checking out the web site. To be sure: it's nice to believe it's real if you want to get really, really scared. As a movie, though? Mediocre. They could have done more with the legend to build up the plot, without taking away from the "real" aspect one bit. The footage they include doesn't include enough interviews or background to be pieced into a true documentary anyway. I wasn't quite as afraid as I wanted to be, in all honesty. If people try to copy this idea, however, they will FAIL. This is the type of thing that can only be done once successfully. I don't want to be going to a bunch of scary home movies and getting headaches all over the place every summer. I recommend seeing this movie solely on its creativity, though.
South Park: Bigger, Longer & Uncut (1999)
Crossin the line
I never thought I would use the word "brilliant" to describe the South Park movie. The satire was not only both clever and creative, but hilarious. The realism of some of it was incredibly disconcerting, but that's not what you leave the theater thinking about. It was truly funny, and it amazes me how far they were willing to go with certain jokes, and what lines they were willing to cross. The "musical" aspect of it was also surprisingly good. Fun movie you can actually think about. Cool.
Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me (1999)
Very creative, if over the top at times
I wasn't very surprised at my impression of this movie. It was pretty predictable and basic plot wise, but I believe that's probably the point. A lot of the humor was quite creative, I was impressed with some of the originality and inventiveness involved with it. Other parts, of course, were just too much. I, personally am not too big on "bathroom" humor, for one. Fat Bastard said approximately one line that I laughed at. But I loved Dr. Evil, as always, and Mini Me was awesome, they really played that up well. Scott is my personal favorite, I just love the idea of the "quasi-evil" son who always points out how stupid his father's plans are. This movie introduces interesting things such as time travel, and the weird concepts of two or three Austins at one time, and you really rethink the first one after seeing it. The "mojo" thing is kind of lame. Felicity Shagwell was okay, but left me unimpressed, except with her hair. I mean, it is really funny, and you should definitely watch it. It's sure to make you laugh, even if some of it makes you cringe.
Notting Hill (1999)
Entertaining...ok for a chick flick
As I said to my friend as I left Notting Hill, I tend to like Julia Roberts movies, despite the fact that she plays the same character in every one. The same indignant stare and the same hurt-about-to-cry gulp, for example. Her revelatory, heartwrenching speeches all strike the same chord in my mind. But that's okay, because I like her style for some reason, and I almost always enjoy watching her films, at least while they are taking place. Notting Hill was no different. I laughed hard, I enjoyed the plot for the most part, and the eccentric characters. But I left thinking, "mediocre." Why? Well, the cheese factor, for one. I know this is a love story, but PLEASE. They concentrated WAY too much on that, and way too little on what I thought would be the interesting part. They should have put more media hassle in there. There was this one cool artistic scene with Hugh Grant walking through the streets and the seasons. That was neat. Also, I mean, the characters were pretty good. It may have been more effective NOT to use a real high name actress to play the part, but then again, it was easy to relate. Oh well, it's not a waste of your money, but it's not the best film I've seen in its genre.
The Ref (1994)
Great situation-centered comedy
Let me precede what I have to say about this movie by saying that I saw it as part of my obsessive desire to see everything Kevin Spacey's ever been in. And, as usual, he didn't disappoint me. My main complaint about this movie is that it didn't play up the situation enough; Some of it was incredibly funny, though. Kevin Spacey was great (of course) and Glynis Johns as his mother was sooo cool. Extremely entertaining, if a little profane at times. I won't give away the "ending," but I liked that too. Somehow they pulled it off without annoying me. Anyway, I highly recommend this one, Kevin Spacey or no.
The Prince of Egypt (1998)
Biblically "incomplete"
I was entertained by this movie, and I wouldn't call it biblically "incorrect," but biblically "incomplete." The movie fails to include one of the most important parts of the story, which is included in the Seder service for Passover, which Jews celebrate every year: after the Hebrew people were freed, and they are in the midst of their rejoicing, God basically yells at them and says "How can you be joyous when my children have died?" This acknowledgement of the loss that the Egyptians experienced is a really important part of the story, but it was fairly irrelevant in the context of the movie. The songs were sometimes unnecessary, but overall better than I expected them to be. One to see, (mainly for the graphical excellence), but there are better animated films out there.
North (1994)
The best loser movie of all time
"North" is one of my favorite movies ever, despite its obvious lameness, so-so acting and completely shallow plot. Why?
1) Bruce Willis in a rabbit suit. 2) Borscht. 3) We don't want Hugh. 4) Julia Louis-Dreyfus and Jason Alexander in non-Seinfeld roles together! 5) Federal Express angels. 6) Time to flow! 7) Excuse me, but what does this have to do with my crack? 8) The "villain"- the all-powerful Winchell and his sidekick, Jon Lovitz. 9) Viva el Norte! 10) The...interesting ending...
If this makes you the least bit curious, you must see this movie, seriously. And if you hate it, fine. But try not to, because it really is funny. And there are some great actors in it, even if it isn't their most overwhelming performance.
Bulworth (1998)
One of the most thought-provoking political films to date
I DEFINITELY recommend this movie to anyone who has a serious intellectual desire to learn more about politics and to have their 'programmed' ideas thwarted or at least to question them - watch this movie. Entertaining and funny while bitterly satirizing the entire system! I have virtually nothing negative to say about this film. I went to see it thinking it would be boring and the jokes would be dumb, but I was completely and totally wrong. I'm surprised this movie hasn't gotten more publicity. EXCELLENT film.
White Man's Burden (1995)
Great political film, but you have to actually THINK...
When I watched this in AP Government, after it was over and "discussion" began, I was very surprised to find myself one of the two or three people in the class who actually thought the film meant something. In my opinion, the magic of this movie comes in exactly there; it is over a huge number of people's heads. You MUST approach the movie allegorically to see its message at all, and once you do that, you have to have an open mind to see what the implications of that message are. I think Harry Belafonte is great, and casting was done very well. The movie is quite disturbing, whether or not you see beyond the "black and white" that is on the surface; and that is exactly the point. Skin color is circumstantial, and it is only by circumstance that society is broken down the way it is, and it could in another time or place, be the opposite. Very good movie, but it takes some deep thought to work it through.
Ghost (1990)
Good entertainment... never mind about the rest!
I love this movie, and no matter how many times I see it (and no matter how many more flaws I see each time), I will continue to think of it as a good, kind of sad/poignant, and very interesting thing to watch. It's one of those well-known movies that can easily be referred to as a "classic," when maybe the acting and directing weren't perfect, or the storyline was flawed, or whatever.. I've heard this referred to as a "chick flick," which I don't necessarily agree with, as those kinds of movies typically sicken me, but if it is one, it's one of the best I've seen! (I didn't care for some of the make-out scenes though... especially the one where it was really him in Whoopi Goldberg's body... I mean, could you really ignore that if you were in that situation?) And Unchained Melody is so beautiful.... You won't see me get this mushy over much else!
Back to the Future (1985)
I love it too!
This is one I grew up with.. I've had it on tape since I was little and I love renting all three every so often and watching it all the way through. The characters, the funny little lines, everything contributes to this great movie! I could go on and on... but I won't, I'll just leave it at the fact that I'll always love it!
The Great Muppet Caper (1981)
cute, funny, etc.
What a cute movie... although I have to say when I was a little kid I didn't realize Miss Piggy was framed, so I was very upset by this film :) . I love the way the Muppets always act sill y- especially when Kermit and Fozzie say they're identical twins, that's hilarious. This kind of humor is very specific, you have to be in the right kind of mood for it, and some of it, of course, is juvenile, other parts are over the kids' heads. But the best of the Muppet movies, in my opinion!
The Watcher in the Woods (1980)
Good thriller, too scary for kids...
I watched this when I was like, eight and most of it was over my head... I didn't remember the ending. When I watched it again today, I could definitely see why an eight year old couldn't retain it, but it was a pretty good movie. Most of the lines were corny, but what's to be expected, really? A classic horror tale of a lost daughter and, 30 years later, another girl's struggle to help her(or her ghost!). The eerie sounds, visions, and possession definitely add to this movie!
2001: A Space Odyssey (1968)
loved everything everyone else seems to criticize...
When I was doing my Linguistics 101 final project this year on Speech Synthesis, I found a reference in a source to HAL of 2001. Not more than a week later, I was watching it on laserdisc at Uris Library (at Cornell FYI), fascinated by every moment. This is not a movie to rent with a bunch of friends and poke fun of the whole way through-- there is so much that can be missed that way. But I have to say my favorite kinds of movies are this type: the type that are best viewed alone, in the dark, and uninterrupted (I actually watched 2001 in two segments since the library closed at midnight!). There is so much to discuss and describe and think about after you're done watching the movie- no way possible to list it all here! I could tell how much I liked it, though, when I found myself bringing it up with people often in conversation ("Have you ever seen 2001? Well, remember the part...") There are an infinite number of interpretations possible, and that, I think, is what best can describe this classic. Definitely watch it, but don't expect to enjoy a light, quick watch-- because it's so much more.
Face/Off (1997)
Good plot, good characters, action a little overboard
This movie was pretty good, all things considered. Cage and Travolta did a great job in their extremely challenging double roles, and the plot was great! The only complaint I have is 1) the action scenes are a little too long and far-fetched and 2) the scene where he is talking about taking his "Face OFF" is extremely corny. I can definitely see why so many people are raving about this flick... it combines the great attributes of a great, action-packed film with a good plot and good acting. Enjoyable movie!
Batman Returns (1992)
I feel unworthy to judge this film...
...but I'd have to say I liked it well enough. I'm a newcomer to Batman (I rented the first one last week and saw this a few hours ago) and I'd have to say my favorite part of the movie is the eccentric villain personalities. Although I think nothing can beat the Joker in "Batman," Pfeiffer and DeVito did a good job making their characters look (long pause...) EVIL, in a cartoon-like way. The villains cannot entirely be taken seriously, of course, as Joker epitomizes, but really, what IS Batman without the bad guys? I enjoyed the transition from mild-mannered, single secretary to "femme fatale" Catwoman. I enjoyed this movie, but I barely know anything about the comic, the TV series, etc... so you probably want to rent it and form your own judgement, but in any case, worth viewing!