grumpy-13 Reviews

Magnolia (1999)

The Best

[31 December 2000]

Being a great fan of P T Anderson after watching the stunning "Boogie Nights" and the low-key "Hard Eight", I waited with mounting anticipation for the release of "Magnolia". I wasn`t to be disappointed.

It starts hesitantly with a strange prologue about the nature of co-incidences and fate, before each character is introduced by an Aimee Mann song. There`s failed "quiz-kid" Donnie, moralistic cop Jim, dying TV producer Earl and a host of other intriguing people. The depth and pain of these characters only begins to emerge slowly over the next 3 hours, and these initial sketches are filled out to tragic and hopeful climaxes. Essentially, this is a tragic tale, illustrating the pain and hurt at the centre of so many lives.

Jimmy Gator (Phillip Baker Hall) is a much-loved veteran quiz-show presenter, who has a dark shadow hanging over his geniality. His daughter Claudia (Melora Walters) has a long-hidden secret that is slowly destroying her life and sanity. She meets moralizing cop Jim Kurring (John C. Reilly) after he questions her at her apartment. Jim seems "straight" and "together" to the screwed up Claudia but he is riven by self-doubt and loneliness, clinging to his moral beliefs for dear life. Their hesitant courtship is heartbreakingly rendered by the two stunning actors (who must surely go on to larger roles). Earl Partridge (the late, great Jason Robards)is dying, with his wife Linda (Julianne Moore...excellent as ever) starting to have a breakdown. He is estranged from his famous son,controversial sex therapist Frank Mackey. Tom Cruise`s portrayal of this egotistical monster is a masterpiece; however following the running theme, he eventually reveals his weakness and pain. He too, is the same as the rest of us...

This is a once in a blue moon masterpiece, that left me breathless at the end. By the end, you develop a real empathy for the characters, and in particular the moral compass of Jim Kurring. PT Anderson throws in a remarkable ending that quite possibly is the strangest twists in a serious film ever, and along with the touching singing interlude mid-film (which involves all the major characters) reveals his position as one of the the most innovative directors working today. He is the true heir to the 70`s greats.

An unabashed, unashamed 10/10

The Haunting (1963)

A Horror Classic

[26 May 2000]

This is one of the true horror classics of all time. I first watched it on a cold,windy, rainswept night, alone in the house. Only one other film (The Exorcist), has made me so jittery after.

Julie Harris` jitters are contagious, and Claire Bloom`s predator is magnetic. The tension between the two really add a new dimension to the horror that is unfolding around them. The real reason for the excellence of "The Haunting" lie in the lack of effects; all is in the imagination. The cinematogrophy really indicates that the object of evil is the house itself. There is a palpable sense of evil throughout the film.

One final recommendation...please see this before you see Jan De Bonts joke remake.

Fallen (1998)

Eeek!

[31 March 2000]

Eeek, quite a scary unnerving film. Gregory Hoblit was able sculpt a tight supernatural thriller that succeeded in ratting me fro weeks after.

There are some particularly good sequences that remain; where Azrael moves from person to person at the police station, with the Stones song "Time is on my side" as the only link, and the sequence where Embeth Davidtz is "chased" down a busy city street the same way.

The ending is very cynical, but I still like to see Hollywood taking a chance ever now and again, and deciding not to create another pat ending.

The Truth About Cats & Dogs (1996)

Janeane Garofalo Showcase

[8/10 · 31 March 2000]

This is a comedy gem; one of the best of the last decade. I rarely find a modern comedy that allows belly laughs to such a degree.

This is undoubtedly Janeane Garofalo`s showcase. One of the most under-rated comic actors of all time (seriously!), she shines in a sympathetic role as the neurotically shy Abby.The bright,breezy story allows her to show the full gamut of emotions and display her marvellous timing. Uma Thurmans contribution should not be forgeotten,however. Her naif is a perfect foil to Abby`s caustic,cynical charm. Ben Chaplin provides something a weak link, but mainly becuase the writing doesn`t give him enough to do.

Overall, a sparkling,witty fim, which updates romcoms for "Generation X"

Local Hero (1983)

Buckets of Charm

[31 March 2000]

Local Hero has been charming me for over 10 years now. I first saw it on TV during the late Eighties and its charm and simplicity have held me since then. It is very nice to read that so many in the U.S and Canada can appreciate such a very British film.

This typically marvellous Bill Forsythe effort lights up the screen with universally great acting and a tender screen writing. As a Celtic country dweller, the characters made sense, and I continue to look on with affection. The side story involving the local punk girl, and the whispered debate between the local lads on the identity of the childs father, is hilarious (it reminds me so much of here!).

A perfect film to curl up on a cold night to watch. Its warmth and humour an antidote for the blues.

Raining Stones (1993)

Hyper-realistic masterpiece

[22 January 2000]

I watched this on Channel 4 late one night a few years ago. I had had a bad day at work, and was dog-tired. On the verge of turning off the TV, I caught the beginning, and I was immediately hooked.

Ken Loach provides a hyper-realistic portrayal of life on the edge in the 1990`s. Bruce Jones (later to play the feckless Les Battersby on Coronation Street) displays a remarkable tenderness as the struggling father who desperately tries to obtain enough money to buy his daughter a communion dress. He, and Ken Loach,indicate that this poor man represents the best of the working class, only forced to crime,in order to feed and clothe his family.He is a true hero.

The grim setting and subject matter (a disintegrating council estate, and dingy pubs) are not allowed to swamp the deeply human nature of the tale, and there are a number of moments (especially provided by Ricky Tomlinson), where the mood is lightened, allowing gritty humour to emerge. The opening, where the two heroes are unsuccessfully trying to steal a sheep is hysterical.

I wouldn`t call myself a great Ken Loach fan, but this is his masterpiece. I would call it one on the best British films of all time.

The Object of My Affection (1998)

A special film

[20 January 2000]

Its not often that I get the opportunity to say that a film spoke directly to me, but I can bestow this honour on Nicholas Hytner.

I have found myself in a similar situation with two female friends, over the last 3 years, and the character portrayals and writing in this film proved remarkably perceptive. I found myself referring to the film in an effort to try and explain why that type of relationship cannot work.

Paul Rudd`s portrayal of George was sympathetic, and showed the emotional conundrum that can arise in such a friendship. Jennifer Aniston played a determined, sympathetic character, who is ultimately forced to accept that her dreams cannot happen. George cannot be "converted".

I would strongly recommend this to anyone who has experienced similar emotions, or wants to understand that love doesnt always follow strict guidelines.

Secrets & Lies (1996)

The lies of everyday life

[23 October 1999]

I was shocked to read Jeremy Bargers description of this amazing film as "overrated". Mike Leigh has a uniquely British style that touches on the sublime. "Secrets and Lies" is one of the best films of the 90`s, and deservedly was recognised by the Oscar panel.

This sensitive exploration of class divisions and the poisonous nature of secrets was incredibly touching. In this film, Leigh fully appreciates the class differences that (still) haunt British society, without resorting to cheap ideological shots. This is a film not about adoption, but class.All characters have flaws, yet are fundamentally decent people trapped by expectations and upbringing. Leighs empathy for the characters shine through every scene; he refuses to make judgements.

If you like warm films, that nevertheless refuse to give cheap responses to real human emotions and problems, then "Secrets..." is perfect. See in on TV, video, or satellite, but see it.