pikachu Reviews

Being John Malkovich (1999)

I want to be John Malkovich.

[10/10 · 23 November 1999]

This film was absolutely incredible. Attempting to explain the plot in any way that would do it justice would be an excercise in futility, but let it be said that I see many, many movies, and in my lifetime, I have never seen a movie such as Being John Malkovitch.

The acting is completely brilliant .. Cameron Diaz is nearly unrecognizable, both in behavior and appearance, as is John Cusack. John Malkovich was presented with an interesting opportunity in playing himself, and he seems to have seized the opportunity with relish. He is most definitely not being himself in front of the camera, but instead creates this wonderful character of John Malkovich the vessel.

I've admired Spike Jonez's work for a good long time, and I'm pleased to say that in his first full length feature as a director, he succeeds with flying colors in creating an original, beautiful, humorous, and good natured picture.

See Being John Malkovich, because come Oscar time, you're going to want to know why its winning!

Apt Pupil (1998)

Highly disappointing

[6/10 · 12 February 1999]

Having read Stephen King's highly excellent original, I was incredibly disappointed by the film adaptation. It seemed like it was constantly pulling its punches, making the lead at high school graduation age instead of a young boy, and softening many more aspects that I will keep silent about, in case anyone cares to read the story (which I recommend, it's from the book of short stories called Different Seasons). The original version aside, I also expected a lot more from Bryan Singer stylistically. I found The Usual Suspects to be positively captivating, and Apt Pupil just fell short. It lacked in story, and didn't make up for it with style. Granted my expectations were high going in, but this film didn't even come close to the greatness it should have been.