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The Shawshank Redemption (1994)
A Heartfelt Masterpiece
OK, so I am a huge fan of Stephen King as well as of the cinema itself, and it took me almost 5 years to finally see The Shawshank Redemption. I think I was one of the few people on the planet who did not see this fantastic motion picture. Everything about this film exudes greatness, from the performances of Freeman and Robbins to the masterful screenplay, cinematography, cast and especially the direction. I agree with most people who fume over the fact that films such as this one (perfect in every sense) rarely, if ever garner an Oscar win. Its a shame that the big budget over - hyped (and often mediocre at best films) win all the awards while a gem like The Shawshank Redemption comes up empty. You never grow tired of watching this film and its introspective ending is just perfect. If you are one of the 4 remaining people who has yet to see this masterpiece, find 2 hours of quiet time and watch it. You will thank yourself afterwards.
Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace (1999)
Well Done!!
I just got to see this film yesterday in re-release. Overall I thought it was very well done and extremely well cast. Stand out performances by Liam Neeson, Jake Lloyd and Natalie Portman in particular. Portman is an excellent actress and has a great deal of presence which makes her delightful to watch. Ewan McGregor was very good in his portrayal of the young Obi Wan, and did an extraordinary job of emulating Sir Alec Guinness' style in previous performances.
I can see why reviews for the film were mixed. If you are not a fan of the Star Wars saga, I imagine that you might not see much to this film. The special effects were excellent although they were slightly much at times. The storyline is confusing at times, and it is hard to identify with some of the characters. The Jar Jar Binks character is definitely annoying but not as bad as I thought he would be.
I think Episode One's big failure lies in its comparison to the previous three films. No matter how good the writing and directing is, it is impossible to stack up to the Star Wars mystique that is attached to the saga. The feeling is similar to the feeling one would get if a studio today remade a Casablanca or a Gone With the Wind. No matter how talented the director, cast or crew would be, nothing compares to the original. Ultimately, I believe that a lot of the flack this film took was somewhat unwarranted.
I concur with many others who say that Episode One's biggest achievement is that it sets up the next two films. The viewer can see what is developing here and can understand the direction the story will take.
Overall, a very well made, good looking, well acted film that is more for true fans than the general public. There is a decent amount of well choreographed action sequences (the final light saber duel is nothing short of fantastic), and the plot keeps you interested throughout the film. I am very interested to see what Mr. Lucas has in store for us in his next two installments.
SSB - December 10, 1999 - NYC
That '70s Show (1998)
The Best Sitcom on Telvision
I am in awe of the fact that FOX has finally come up with something that can truly contend with ANY other network's programming. That 70's Show chronicles the lives of six high school teens growing up in suburban (not to mention fictitious) Point Place Wisconsin. Every week this show is nothing short of brilliant. The characters are all essentially good natured, pot smoking, rock and roll loving all American kids. Each character has some diverse qualities that clearly sets them apart from one another. Topher Grace is excellent as Eric, who is essentially the central character. Topher can play the character straight to a tee, however his comic timing and presence is unbelievable. He manages to be incredibly funny without being incredibly stupid and over the top (like Kelso). Whether dealing with the cynical Hyde, the naive but somehow hip Fez, the annoying Jackie or the alluring Donna, That 70's Show guarantees to entertain. A huge amount of praise has to go to Kurtwood Smith and Debra Jo Rupp who play Eric's parents, Red and Kitty. They work incredibly well together and manage to be so out of touch with the kids at times, yet at other moments they are overly hip. They are perfect together and are integral to the show's success. I particularly love Red for his no - nonsense attitude towards everything and dead pan humor. Kurtwood Smith (after years of playing character roles - mainly violent criminals I might add) really stands out and should earn him self an Emmy soon.
There is just so much to like about this show. Especially the revolving camera when Eric and his friends are stoned in his basement. This is always hysterical. I can honestly say that the only thing don't like about this show is the fact that they let Cheap Trick do the theme song this year. The original version was so much better.
That 70's Show has renewed what little faith I had left in network programming. Lets hope that FOX can follow up with something else that is half as good.
SSB - December 8, 1999 - NYC
The Mummy (1999)
Not Bad.
I picked this one up at Blockbuster because I needed something to fill in about two hours of my evening. Its not that bad. Brendan Frasier provides you with what you expect from the lead in this caliber of film, and Rachel Weisz is stunning as the heroine/love interest/damsel in distress. Its definitely big budget with some great special effects, however, sometime the effects are a little too much. That is, with all the computer generated effects these days, the studio spent a lot of cash to still have certain things look incredibly fake. Not a major breaking point of the film however. Overall, "The Mummy" is good if your looking for a predictable story, ample action and have the desire to kill a few hours in some self indulgent fun. I did think the film could have shed about 15 minutes or so but its bearable enough. I also agree with other reviewers in that its nice too see a Mummy who is not lumbering after his victims at an "overpowering" 2 miles an hour. Not to knock the brilliance as well as screen presence of the great Mr. Karloff.
SSB - December 7, 1999 - NYC
Clockwatchers (1997)
I Liked It
The Clockwatchers is a film I've been meaning to rent but just never got around to it. I was interested in the film largely because of Parker Posey (I'm a big fan of hers). I got home early from work one day and found that this film had just started on HBO. It wasn't that bad. There were a lot of recognizable faces and the story was interesting. I will agree with other reviews that fault the lack of development of subplots, and the film gets by largely on the tremendous talent of Collette. Posey once again puts in a solid performance, and her and Collette are the only two really interesting characters. Overall, a good rental with a decent plot.
SSB - December 6, 1999 - NYC
The Commitments (1991)
Have You Got Soul
The Commitments is the story of Jimmy Rabitte's quest to assemble a "true to its roots" soul based band comprised of working class Ireland's hungry musicians. Despite the fact that most of his recruits aren't even familiar with soul music, he manages to come up with something quite wonderful. Director Alan Parker (Midnight Express, Mississippi Burning, Pink Floyd: The Wall) manages to do it again in this one. The story is simple but its the dialogue and the acting that make it so great, (not to mention the soundtrack). Parker assebled a group of unknowns (Excluding Colm Meaney as Jimmy's Elvis worshiping dad) and when he finished he had a dynamite band that also prove to be able actors as well. The band is a diverse group of people and their escapades throughout the film are heartfelt yet laughable at times. Standout performances go to Robert Arkins ("Brother Rabitte"), Johnny Murphy ("Joey The Lips"...and the band's spiritual guide), and Andrew Strong whose incredible voice fronts the band (its hard to believe that voice belongs to a 16 year old). Strong is essentially a younger Joe Cocker. The film is never boring, the music is fantasic and the cinematography and direction are excellent. All in all "The Commitments" is is one of those films that you can watch over and over again and not get tired of. Its just a whole lot of fun.
SSB - December 3, 1999 - NYC
National Lampoon's Animal House (1978)
They Just Don't Make Them Like This Anymore
Back in 1978 I was 9 years old. My aunt and uncle came over to see my parents before the movie started. On the way out my aunt turns to me and says "do you want to come with us?" I was 9 and had never seen an R rated movie ever. For some reason my parents didn't mind, so out the door I went. I have probably seen this film about 200 times since then and every time I watch it, I still laugh out loud about something. Brilliantly acted and even more brilliantly written, "National Lampoon's Animal House" is not only the standard by which all youth oriented (Under 35) comedies are measured, but it really started it all. I am a huge fan of the Blues Brothers, but Animal House is truly Belushi's crowning cinematic moment. The one liners are endless and if you set foot at any college today or within the last 20 years, a week doesn't go by without somebody quoting or making reference to this film. It is a true piece of Americana, a definitive cinematic achievement. Any other film that remotely emulates it pales in comparison. Everything about this film is so good, right down to the way they depict college life, the parties, the rivalries and the outright hatred and disregard for the "establishment". One of the all time greats.
SSB - November 5, 1999 - NYC
Real Genius (1985)
An 80's Screen Gem. Wish There Were More Like This.
I remember seeing this on in the theater with my brother back in that decade of decadence known as the 1980's. Val Kilmer "makes" this film as the brilliant yet volatile Chris Knight; one of the "Top 10 Minds" of today. The script is sharp and the cast is very cohesive and comfortable with one another. The one liners are endless, and the way it portrays college dorm life is spot on. The setting is an obvious rip off of Cal-Poly University and the best thing about it is that all the characters are so believable. One of my all time sentimental favorites that always manages to get a laugh or two out of me no matter how many times I watch it.
- SSB - New York City - November 1, 1999
Can't Hardly Wait (1998)
Trying to Rekindle The John Hughes Era
Can't Hardly Wait is an amusing little film about a high school guy's four year infatuation with a girl, that uses the party after graduation for a backdrop. The sub-plot is essentially what goes on at that party. While not able to measure up to the John Hughes classics that define this genre, Can't Hardly Wait is a worthwhile film with a good enough story, a few neat gags and some interesting performances. Seth Green as Kenny Fisher (a young white suburbanite who better identifies with African American culture) is great. His timing and his tact (or lack thereof) help this film move along. Ethan Embry's portrayal of Preston is fine as well. Embry has a knack for portraying the heartfelt nice guy. However, its Charlie Korsmo's performance as William Lichter (the class valedictorian) that steals the film. Korsmo is perfect right down to his demeanor. You really see the misunderstood nerd evolve into the teenager that he has desperately wanted to be (and in the course of one evening no less). In my opinion Jennifer Love Hewitt (the object of Embry's affection) is merely eye candy. They could have cast almost anybody in her role, and maybe should have. Hewitt is flat and often devoid of emotion or presence.
All in all, a good flick to watch on cable when you have nothing better to do. Although no comedy today can truly capture what John Hughes did in (and for) the 80's, Can't Hardly Wait is a slightly above par comedy worth taking a peek at.
SSB - New York City - October 15, 1999
The Lost Boys (1987)
An 80's Classic - Yet Still Underrated
I can remember seeing this one with my friends in the theater the day it came out. The Lost Boys is by far Kiefer Sutherland's best work. The film evolves around two brothers, who along with their mother move to the seaside town of Santa Carla to live with their grandfather. It just so happens that Santa Carla is also known as the "murder capital of the world". People disappear in this town like its a bodily function or something. Michael, the older brother, while in pursuit of the soon to be love interest (an incredibly sexy Jami Gertz), manages to fall in with the not so in crowd of punks who live in Santa Carla (actually, they're a group of vampires.....no, this is not a spoiler). Lets just say that the story progresses from there and becomes a well written drama with tremendous comic overtones. The actors were perfectly cast, from the innocent mom (played by 2 time Oscar winner Diane Wiest), to hip little brother Sam (Cory Haim's only good role), the incredibly alluring Jami Gertz and the sinister and devious Sutherland as David. Not to mention, Cory Feldman is spot on as one half of the Frog Brothers (Santa Carla's underground vampire mercenaries). I wound up seeing this one 8 times in the theater and still love everything about it. The soundtrack is excellent, and Schumacher actually does a great job directing as well as setting the feel and look of the film (unlike his blunders with the subsequent Batman films). This film is pure entertainment from start to finish. The plot constantly moves and provides a few interesting turns here and there. I really can't say enough about this film. Every time I watch it something else about it effects me in a whole new way. I own it, and would recommend purchasing it to anybody who thinks about it. The Lost Boys is just one of those unique films that unconventionally gets a hold of you and does not let go. Truly one of my all time favorites.
SSB - October 6, 1999 - NYC
The Warriors (1979)
A Cult Classic - Some Films Are Timeless
I'll spare you the plot, lets just say that this is a great film. It has all the elements, and I think that the one thing I love most about this film is that NO SEQUEL WAS MADE. BUT, I mean this in a good way. In typical Hollywood fashion a sequel would accomplish nothing else but to retract from, and ruin the original (a la Highlander). The acting is good enough and the dark mood and tone that director Walter Hill sets is perfect. The script, if anything, shows the "unseen" side of gang life in the seventies. While in reality gangs on roller skates, or wearing baseball uniforms and make up would get beaten down in a heartbeat in NYC; in "The Warriors" these groups are highly effective in developing the overall look of the film. In addition, the fight scene in the subway bathroom is one of the best ever filmed (you gotta love a good old fashioned "beat down" complete with guys getting tossed into mirrors, bats, chains and switchblades galore). The love interest aspect is something I probably could have done without, but its not overblown and actually helps the viewer identify with a gang's "groupies/female hangers on". Overall the film moves really well, never lags and provides some high powered action. I agree with the sentiments of some of the other reviewers in questioning how the hell Rembrandt ever made it into the Warriors? (in not so many words). He's obviously not tough, can't fight and he actually whines (there's no room for that in a gang). Nevertheless, The Warriors is an integral part of anybody's video library. You don't see it in the non-butchered form on cable very often, and it serves in passing the time well either before, or after a night out.
SSB - October 5, 1999 - NYC
Over the Edge (1979)
Lord of The Flies in Suburbia
I remember seeing this one on cable when I was 10 years old and have loved it ever since. This movie depicts what all teenagers (and now Gen X er's) craved to see on film. A loosely written story about a large population of teen's with nothing to do in a gorgeous suburban Colorado suburb. This town is so dull that these kids spend their days and nights getting high, drinking, having sex and basically doing anything there is that they are not supposed to do. No matter what their backgrounds are, all these kids have 2 things in common: 1) They crave and pursue the sex, drugs and rock & roll lifestyle, 2) They freakin' hate the cops like the plague. I don't really dabble in the plotlines too much in my reviews, but essentially there are 4 core characters: Carl (the bright middle class son of the local Cadillac dealer), Ritchie (Matt Dillion's first performance as the "wrong side of the tracks bad kid who happens to be Carl's best friend) Claude (Carl's other friend who comes from a broken home and loves to drink and do drugs) and Cory (Carl's love interest). This movie shows you what happens when kids go wrong, but its tone is from the kid's point of view, enforcing their sentiment. Backed by a great soundtrack featuring Cheap Trick and Van Halen this movie has all the elements of teen angst. Although sometimes predictable, it entertains. Buy it if you can find a copy, or record it if you see it uncut on cable. All in all, a solid work that entertains no matter how many times you watch it.
SSB - October 5, 1999 - NYC
Singles (1992)
twenty - something fun, angst and indecision
Cameron Crowe has the unique ability to hit home almost every time he writes / directs a film (Fast Times at Ridgemont High, Say Anything, Jerry Maguire). Singles is clearly one of his best. In short, the film revolves around six twenty-somethings who live in Seattle, and search for the right relationship while trying to figure out who they actually are. Crowe is always in touch with his audience, and is somehow able to capture what they have gone through during some period of their life. Campbell Scott really stands out in this one as Steve, an upwardly mobile employee of the Department of Transportation. Steve is just like you and me (I'm willing to bet we all know somebody like him). He's nice, relatively easy going, smart, hip, motivated and painfully in need of the right relationship. Steve is the classic example of a the "nice guy" who doesn't finish last, but can't get what he wants. Scott is brilliant in his portrayal of Steve and is somehow so honest when showing his true feelings. Matt Dillon (another stand out) on the other hand is Cliff Poncier, a wanna be rock star (and a poor one at that) who has three jobs, including being a delivery boy for a florist. Without digressing into the plot, let's just say that Dillon/Poncier is the classic example of a guy who doesn't realize what he has until its gone. Dillon's comedic timing in this film is impeccable. You often wait to see what this good natured clown is up to next (for those of you who have seen the film: installing the stereo in Janet's car, the answering machine message, etc.).
Singles is one of those films that you relate to all too well. The cast maintains a very fine, cohesive balance filled with convincing performances by all. The soundtrack is excellent (and is completely comprised of Seattle natives), and the film is unique in that it is both a good movie / good date movie.
Overall, a fine effort by all involved.
SSB - October 4, 1999 - NYC
Cruel Intentions (1999)
I'd rather be at the dentist.
CRAP...Pure, unadulterated CRAP. What garbage this poor excuse of a film was. Where do I begin? Sarah Michelle Gellar - Defines this new generation of actors. A person with marginal acting ability who can somehow get far in Hollywood. Ryan Phillipe. His portrayal of Valmont is stiff, contrived and devoid of any emotion or substance. Reese Witherspoon - One dimensional crier. Overall this movie was horrible. A modern adaptation of Dangerous Liaisons which is incapable of holding anyone's interest (Unless you're some female teenybopper between the ages of 13 and 17) that lacks style, dialogue and most importantly.......TALENT!! I saw this bomb on cable and can't believe I actually sat through this abomination. This film is exactly what's wrong with Hollywood these days. Lets take an excellent story written in another century, adapt it to modern times in a high school setting, and pass it off to the brainless, airhead moron teenagers of today as some kind of avant gard perception of how the other half lives (if we're lucky maybe we can weave some kind of message in there). Cruel Intentions is CRAP .....plain pure and simple. Throw it in the bargain crap bin along with the other movie adaptations of the same ilk and marketing formula that are out there today (a la 10 Things I hate About You and She's All That) and light the whole thing on fire. Do not waste your time on this garbage. I wish I had that hour and a half of my life back.
SSB - New York City
Dazed and Confused (1993)
Linklater's Best
Dazed and Confused evolves around the lives of a group of teenagers in suburban Texas on the last day of high school in 1976. That's all you really need to know. All I can say is that this is hands down one of my favorite films ever. I think anybody between the ages of 20 and 45 has some kind of attachment to this movie. We all know at least one of the characters really well (that is, we all have somebody in our personal cliques, or have forged friendships with at least one person who is characterized in this film). The ambience and atmosphere of high school is perfectly captured by Linklater, from the parties, beer drinking, pot smoking, keggers in the woods, cars, subgroups and general outlook that high schoolers have. They live for the most part, for the here and now (except for Matthew McConaughey's Wooderson who desperately clings to his past). I've read other reviews which dwell on the film's "non existent plot". No statement about the film can be further from the truth. There is not so much a conventional plot as there is Linklater's desire to make you reflect upon your own high school years. For those few who can't see it, are you aware of the parallel betwen Pink and Mitch??? Mitch gets paddled just like Pink did ("They got me right after Little League practice."). Is it merely coincidence that Mitch winds up hanging out with Pink and his crew that evening; or how easily that group of seniors accept Mitch?? I don't think so. For me, Dazed and Confused is a bookmark in the pages of my life (despite the fact that I graduated high school 11 years after the film takes place). Its not just what you see, but even more so, what you don't see. You relate to the good times each person/group has had (both past and current) although you're not even there. Dazed and Confused is more than just a funny movie about a bunch of high schoolers, it has a direct connection to just about anybody who sees it. Bravo to Mr. Linklater.
Half Baked (1998)
Funny.....Like Ha Ha Funny
My brother made me watch this one after a night of drinking. I didn't find it too funny at first, but then again I was tired from a night out. The next day I watched it with a clear head......This is a really funny movie. The characters are the culmination of people we all know. Scarface is a total p**ser "I think i'm gonna make a run for it be"...."They killed killer yo!". I was pleasantly surprised to find Clarence Williams III as Sampson along with the Alter Ego David Chapelle as Sir Smoke A Lot. Is this movie Citizen Kane?? NO!!! is it Saving Private Ryan??? NO!!! (although one of Chapelle's next outings was opposite Tom Hanks in You've Got Mail). If high intensity drama with multi-layered characters and a gripping story is what you're looking for in this film, then you were most likely smoking a lot of pot when you rented it. Its a light hearted comedy, with some great cameos and some funny bits that amuses and makes you laugh out loud at times. I don't personally know anybody who saw it in the theater, but of those that I do know who have seen the movie, ALL of them enjoyed it. Rent it on a rainy day or for some late night laughs after a night out. If you have a sense of humor at all, its totally worthwhile.
SSB - New York City
The Mighty (1998)
An Absolute Gem
I watched this one with my wife on a Sunday afternoon. All I can say is that it is a fantastic story portrayed by an excellent ensemble cast. Culkin is wonderful (and yes, very talented) however, he is clearly overshadowed by Elden Ratliff. Where has this kid been??? A fantastic actor! If you read any of the following reviews, they can fill in the story for you, but if you can.....avoid hearing anything about the film and just watch it. As stated previously, the cast is superb. Old pros like Harry Dean Stanton and Gena Rowlands (as well as a very able Sharon Stone; who makes quite the departure from her usual film fare as the not very glamorous mother of Freak), "frame" this wonderful film. But Culkin and especially Ratliff easily carry this film. If you come away with anything after watching this film its that everyone deserves a chance, and that the human spirit can always triumph.
It makes perfect sense to me why this film did not fare well at the box office. Because its really really good! There's no violence (in the Action movie sense), no high profile sex and no teeny-bopper high school angle. Just an excellent story, two fantastic leads and a wonderful supporting cast. Its a darn shame that there are not more quality films like this being released today which gain the good graces of the entertainment marketing machine. If its on cable, watch it.....if you see it in the video store....rent it. Its upsetting at times (just like life) but overall, it makes you feel good. There aren't enough films released today that touch its audience in a real and emotional way. Do yourself a favour and make the time to see this screen gem.
SSB - New York City
Suspiria (1977)
I want my $3.00 back!!!
I rented this film after reading so many of the reviews posted here. I also remember seeing the commercials for it on TV as a child (the one with the woman with her back to you combing her hair, she turns around and its a skeleton...whooh...very scary). Anyhow, the film starts off somewhat interesting but then after about 15 minutes goes way down hill. The set design, I must confess is very interesting in the way the buildings are designed and its use of color. However, that's about all this film has going for it. The story is flimsy, the effects are laughable (even for 1977) the musical score is actually ok, but the rest is pure c**p. NOT suspenseful, no building of the plot, and the end is outright laughable. I don't know who rates this as some kind of masterpiece (unless they were on a hallucinogen at the time they viewed it) but all I can say is that if you stumble upon it in your neighborhood video store, avoid it at all costs.
SSB - New York City