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Reviews
Notting Hill (1999)
Nodding Hill - Rating: Two Eyes Closed
American movie star on location in England meets unsuccessful travel book store owner and falls in love, ... I think. How do you make this "romantic? comedy?" saleable? Hire all purpose mainstream box office attraction Julia Roberts and bad boy Englishman Hugh "Flopsy" Grant as the leads. For filler - it can't be all teeth and hair - round it out with a colourful cast of British extras slumming for money between BBC gigs, stage work, and pogey. By the time this star vehicle reached its tedious conclusion, I had experienced several power naps and didn't care how happy, or unhappy, the unlikely couple had become.
The only memorable bit in this movie was when Julia's actress character was making small talk with one of Hugh's fascinating friends/relatives. The poor Brit was unaware of her star status and assumed that she was a struggling actress. When he asked her what she was paid on her last film, the reply, "$15 million", was funny at first, and then you realize, hey, the joke is on us - we're paying that salary for this ... !
If you bought a ticket or rented "Notting Hill" for, as Austin Powers would say, "s**ts and giggles", you only got half your money's worth.
Being John Malkovich (1999)
Being Thoroughly Entertained - Thanks Spike
In the midst of the formulaic, action adventure, star studded, mass merchandising vehicles that are the stock fare of suburban, multi-theatre complexes comes a quirky, original, fun, and funny film that won't appeal to all tastes. In fact, at the screening I attended, several people walked out halfway through, and not to get a refill on their gallon of coke and mega-bucket of popcorn. They are the poorer for their decision! This movie presents John Cusack and Cameron Diaz playing against type and for brilliant comic effect, and John Malkovich playing himself (sometimes), in a mixed up world of bizarre concepts, characters, and situations. Catherine Keener was superb as the love interest of sorts, and Charlie Sheen adds comic flair as himself in a cameo appearance. Directed by Spike Jonze of Fat Boy Slim "Praise You" video fame, we must praise him for providing welcome relief to the constant flow of mainstream, mind numbing, big screen, big sound - well you get the idea.
Hideous Kinky (1998)
Major Yawnfest
Great scenery and high production values do not keep one's interest for 90+ minutes. Kate Winslett's usual quality performance is the only redeeming aspect of this film. Her "movie daughters", although cute and energetic, were difficult to understand as much of their dialogue was muddled in thick British accents and a sing-song delivery. The story line meandered through numerous uninteresting sub-plots including possible mysterious criminal background, some sort of slave-like manual labour, near death illness, and nightmare/flashback scenes. Half way through this tedious journey, one gets the disappointing feeling that it "ain't gonna get any better", and guess what - it didn't.
Celebrity (1998)
The Mystery of Celebrity
The director is the CELEBRITY, and everyone wants to be in his movies! How else do you explain:
a) Kenneth Branagh being reduced to doing an impression of a neurotic New Yorker with a thing for women much younger than himself.
b) Melanie Griffith using her head with the director's impersonator.
c) Charlize Theron being polymorphously perverse.
d) Judy Davis and Bebe Neuwirth fellating bananas together.
e) Leonardo DiCaprio sharing his bed and two women with the director's impersonator.
f) Winona Ryder (looking gorgeous) in a scene where she kisses another woman.
g) Winona Ryder in a relationship with the director's impersonator.
How many director's fantasies can fit into one movie?
All in all, as a true fan of the Woodman's work, it did make me laugh. Highly recommended to all the Woody lovers out there who have made him the CELEBRITY that he is.
Loveblind (2000)
Erotic drama or old fashioned morality tale?
This is a highly stylized morality tale presented as an erotic drama, and is set beautifully at an isolated seaside residence. It features a photographer who has had a lot of empty sexual experiences, an engaged couple - the insecure friend of the photographer and his sexually curious fiance, and a mystery girl who emerges from the surf with tremendous modelling potential.
The pace of the film is set by the regular couplings, which feature much posing and attractive lighting. If only real life were ever like this! The performances of three of the leads, Bobby Johnston (Matt the photographer), Kim Yates (Sarah the fiance), and Catalina Larranaga (Channi the model) are strong for this type of fare. Eric Acsell's character (Nick the husband) is the weak link, and the main impetus to reach for the fast forward button. As the story unwinds, the conflicts and concerns of each player are resolved in very traditional ways. Despite the promises behind the risque premise, there is no moral ground breaking here.
Catalina Larranaga may be the one to watch in the future if she can move on to higher forms of cinema - she is very photogenic with dark features and dramatic short black hair, and has acting skills beyond her obvious physical presence. Overall, a pleasant bit of escapism to occupy a rainy afternoon.