baahumbug Reviews

Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace (1999)

Believe it or not, "Movie Magic" ruined it.

[7/10 · 16 June 2000]

Too many special effects! I can't believe that I am reacting negatively to the "movie magic" of George Lucas and crew. The fact that something was computer enhanced in nearly every scene was distracting. I kept looking at Jar Jar's feet being "above" the other human actors. He seemed to hover in every scene.

The plot was a "C" or very average at best. After 20 years, I expected a lot more.

Instinct (1999)

Hopkins was good as usual but the plot was very predictable.

[6/10 · 12 March 2000]

Instinct had a good premise for a movie, but instead of taking that idea and going into more detail, it fell into the typical psychiatrist - psycho plot. Also, when will Hollywood quit using the same old prison environment of a "tough as nails" lead guard and a cold warden? It's been done "ad nauseum".

Anthony Hopkins was brilliant as usual and Cuba Gooding Jr. was likeable, but you can only go as far as the script and director will allow.