Reviews
Bian Lian (1995)
The perfect antidote to "Star Wars!"
This is how movies are supposed to be made: a fascinating setting; characters about whom you come to care deeply; writing and editing that move the plot efficiently and build suspense. This is a wonderful film -- deeply moving without being sentimental. Highly recommended.
La vita è bella (1997)
Hugely overrated!
If you haven't seen this movie yet, and if Roberto Benigni annoyed you even slightly during the Oscars, then DO NOT see this movie! You will be annoyed from the first scene. A lot of critics have said that basically, you can't make a comedy about the Holocaust. Maybe it's possible, but this is not the guy to do it. His humor is extremely broad and unsubtle -- I'd even say dated. And he NEVER STOPS YELLING -- even when he's telling his little boy to hide from the Nazis so he won't get "turned into soap." The kid, by the way, is wonderful -- best thing in the film by far. But really, if you're expecting a life-affirming comedy about how the power of love can overcome the most cruel and unfair circumstances... you may be disappointed. Benigni just does not have the sophistication to pull this off.
A Simple Plan (1998)
Who knows what evils lurks in the hearts of men...?
This one's a real nail-biter, packs a message, and features Bill Paxton actually acting for the first time in his career. Very effectively directed by Sam Raimi, whose horror-movie experience comes in very handy, "A Simple Plan" is suspenseful, moving, and amusing -- but not uplifting; the ending is indeed kind of a downer. I'm always relieved to see films where violence has consequences and -- in this post-"Reservoir Dogs" era -- isn't played for laughs.
Elizabeth (1998)
A fascinating transformation
"Elizabeth" reminded me of what's really the best way, in my opinion, to watch a movie: don't analyze it too closely, but be sure and pay very close attention to the characters and the story. Follow this advice and you will thoroughly enjoy this film. It follows a young queen -- vibrantly portrayed by Cate Blanchett, who was so wonderful in "Oscar and Lucinda" -- as she matures from an impulsive young girl who wants to follow her heart into a strong, charismatic ruler with the courage to kill her enemies. Joseph Fiennes smolders prettily as her only true love (don't all costume dramas require a good smolderer?); once she realizes that she can't have him, and that any other marriage she might undertake would only be for political gain, she chooses to reinvent herself as the "Virgin Queen." Lots of brutal executions, torture, battle scenes, and lots of palace intrigue, religious persecution, and debauchery... all in all, a most entertaining film centered around a riveting actress playing a fascinating woman. Don't think too hard about whether the historical details or costumes or music are perfectly accurate... just pay attention to the story and you'll have a great time.
Babe: Pig in the City (1998)
Meaningful, beautiful, entertaining; a worthy sequel
This sequel touched me almost as deeply as the original, and I'm not even that much of a softie. I'll admit I boo-hooed all the way through; it's a strange combination of aesthetic and emotional overload. Once again, the animals (and there are lots of them this time) are gorgeously rendered and there's a deep message behind the slapstick comedy and some rather disturbing turns of plot. Last time, the lesson was: you can be anything you want. This time it's: the one who is most compassionate ("the kindest heart") should be in charge. An interesting thought considering the kinds of people we tend to PUT in charge these days! In any case, through an act of supreme compassion and kindness, Babe becomes a sort of king of the animals -- actually kind of a messiah figure -- in a fanciful metropolis that's not New York, but an amalgam of all the world's major cities. He must rescue the farm from foreclosure, reunite with Mrs. Hoggett (from whom he is quickly separated after arriving at a hotel that illegally houses animals), and save a herd of stray dogs, cats, etc. from starvation on the streets (or worse). You may need to remind yourself a few times during this film that Babe WILL succeed -- some of the scenes are pretty wrenching. But again, it's very beautiful and so incredibly moving. It's wonderful to be reminded that for someone who has "a kind and steady heart," virtually anything is possible.
Slums of Beverly Hills (1998)
A 36D of a Movie!
This was a very pleasant surprise. It's hilarious and nostalgic (especially if you're a woman in her mid-thirties), but also really meaningful and moving. This movie is a highly original and often painfully accurate depiction of female adolescence -- from bras to blood stains.
The whole cast is wonderful. Natasha Lyonne is amazing -- I haven't been so captivated by an actress since I saw Emily Watson in "Breaking the Waves." Alan Arkin -- where has he been? -- is wonderful as her father, and Marisa Tomei is outrageous, but not over the top, as her sexy rehab-escapee cousin. Marisa and Natasha are particularly amusing in their scenes together, where they often speak a private language not unlike "ubby-dubby" (remember ZOOM?). The vibrator scene is not to be missed -- you'll never hear "We Got the Funk" the same way again!
I've been very disappointed with a lot of the highly-touted indies of the past few years, but "Slums of Beverly Hills" is the genuine article. I can 't wait to see Tamara Jenkins' next film!
Next Stop Wonderland (1998)
Another Overrated Indie
Three-quarters of the way through "Next Stop," I realized that I really didn't care whether these two people ever met or not. Neither is particularly likeable. There's some fairly amusing dialogue, but isn't that pretty easy to come by these days?
I was particularly looking forward to seeing Hope Davis, after reading so much about what a brilliant actress and ethereal beauty she is. Perhaps this film is not the best introduction to her skills, because she plays Erin as a one-note sad-sack (not unlike the "brunette Gwyneth" in "Sliding Doors," which was actually a much better romantic comedy). And she looks like Boy George, with her big pointy nose and weak chin. She's also overly made-up, so I couldn't really detect any "glow".
All in all, I'm not sure what made this the six million dollar movie. Worth seeing only as a diversion.