Reviews
The Haunting (1999)
Dull, Duller, Dullest
Run, don't walk from this one. I watched the whole thing but had to hold myself at "gunpoint" to do so. The house is filled with the spirits of abused children and their long dead task master who's somehow related to one of the people visiting the house. Come on folks, it's not even interesting. Zeta-Jones and Neeson are wasted....are good scripts really that hard to come by? If you've nothing better to do it's better than watching paint dry; but not much.
Electric Dreams (1984)
Fun and Entertaining
I remember seeing this movie in 1984, near the beginning of the computer revolution, well, at least near the beginning for those of us who weren't Bill Gates and Steve Jobs. The Commodore 64, Vic 20, other early machines were still on the shelves running with storage capacity measured in K not GB. This movie was interesting on a couple of levels; the love story is good and Madsen looked marvelous, she still does. The technology aspect dates the movie as we marveled at the AI and the talking ability of the computer. Now, no big deal but then....wow. I try to catch it when it's on. Still a really good love story.
Gun Shy (2000)
Terrific Cast, excellent concept, but...
the script never lives up to it's potential. A DEA agent who's lost his nerve, is in group therapy, and who's dating his nurse all while attempting to seal a multi-million money laundering scheme has lots of comic possibility. Sadly much of the promise never materialises and while there are a few laughs here and there...good ones too...over all a real disappointment. Neesan and Bullock are wasted and Platt, who is arguably one of the best character actors on the planet, deserved better than the choppy and uneven character he was given. Watch it to see the cast, the story is average at best.
Running Mates (2000)
Appealing Political Commentary
If only a real politician would act like this. Tom Selleck's character is a two term governor from Michigan, running for the Presidency, who still hasn't sold his soul to interest groups. Will he/won't he? That's the question. Good thing he wasn't offered money by Buddist nuns. All in all an entertaining film and far better than the reruns on this time of year.
I tuned in to see Laura Linney a tremendously underrated talent, and was pleasantly surprised with a good story and an ensemble cast of people I wish we saw more of.
Worth a watch...I gave it a 7.
Wonder Boys (2000)
Search for your place.
This is a warm and compelling film about the search for what is best for you. Where should you be? Who should you be there with? What do you have to do to get there?
Michael Douglas plays a college professor, as blocked in his personal life as he is in his professional. Douglas did a truly great job with this character, we've all been there, and I really felt for the guy. If this film, and The Cider House Rules, are any indication, Toby McGuire is going to do great things as an actor, he just needs a part with a little more emotion and the chance to express himself in greater depth. The smiling, yet very entertaining, deep thinker has been done twice now. Frances McDormond is her usual fantastic self and Robert Downey Jr. is as good as I've ever seen him. Go see it!
Bowfinger (1999)
Interesting Premise, Poor Execution
Steve Martin had made some good films...this ain't one of them...and Eddie Murphy can't need money this badly. Unless you are just absolutely desperate for entertainment (and I really hesitate to use that word) go walk the dog, talk to the spouse, play catch with your kids, paint the garage, anything. This is just not worth the time. I have to admit the "keepin it together" had a curious appeal but this film could have been entertaining and fun and funny...wasn't. The characters are flat, and predictable, and really, well, dull. Thank God I only rented it.....
Shakespeare in Love (1998)
Romantically and Intellectually Inviting
In a lot of ways, this is a film to be felt, not studied too deeply. Not a lot of intellectual depth here but, really, that wasn't the point. With a few exceptions, the plots are straightforward. The humour and intellect, for me, was found in the ongoing references to Shakespeare's other plays and the unrecognised influences of others and society on his writing. If you're familiar enough with the plays to get the references, it's good stuff. As a romantic drama, a story of impossible love (and who hasn't found themselves in a romantic situation they can't control and can't change?) this film will grab you. Just don't expect deep thoughts...but do think with your heart.
Magnolia (1999)
Freaky and Fun
What a movie! Some of it more than hard to watch the interweaving of plots and subplots was magnificent. Tom Cruise and Juianne Moore will get the lion's share of acclaim for this picture. Not that it is undeserved, they were great, but the other actors deserve equal credit for making this one of the best movies I've seen in a long long time. If there is a negative here, and it's a big if, it's the length...at three hours I began to wonder if the end was anywhere in sight. Never fear, the ending is glorious. This was a 10.
The Little Drummer Boy (1968)
The True Message
I remember seeing this for the first time in the late 60s when I was a child. A timeless message that I still enjoy 31 years later. It's a shame that the true message of Christmas has been lost on a generation and this, and other, religious Christmas programming can only be found on the "family" stations. Time was, this was shown on the networks.
The Story of Us (1999)
"What do you see?"
You know, Bruce Willis has made a lot of money playing an action guy and as much fun as the action movies are, he's also an excellent actor when called upon to do something more substantial. He should do more "serious" acting. The Story Of Us is dark but hopeful. Beware, this is not a comedy but a frequently heart wrenching look at a relationship. Although it has several comedic moments, don't see it if you're looking only to laugh; what you see in the teasers is not exactly what you get. Pfeiffer (also excellent, as usual) and Willis are a very good team and work well together; the supporting cast lends most of the lighter tone to the film with some interesting social commentary. Rob Reiner is not to be missed with a scene strangely similar to his Sleepless in Seattle appearance.
Double Jeopardy (1999)
'The Fugitive' Lite
This was not a terrible movie but I expected a lot more. What you get is character development only to the point that you can follow the story. Too much rushes by unexplained and the plot is all too predictable. Tommy Lee Jones and Ashley Judd work well together and both will have fine careers ahead, but had the script been better this could have been a great thriller. Unfortunately, it's a little too pale in comparison to The Fugitive, or even the iffy 'U.S. Marshall' sequel. Watch it if you've got a rainy afternoon to kill.
Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me (1999)
One good comedy bit and the rest is ZZZzzzzzz....
I hadn't seen the first Austin Powers movie and I was talked into seeing this one by a friend. Or is that ex-friend? "It's hilarious, you've got to see it." I wish I hadn't taken her advice. It's mostly dullish potty humour you can find in any juvenile comedy film these days. Don't get me wrong, a good potty joke can be a really good thing but ninety minutes of them, well, maybe not. Heather Graham is the highlight of the film. She can act, aside from being drop dead gorgeous, and is the sole reason to see this film.
The Sixth Sense (1999)
Wow!!!
If you see only one movie this year, make it The Sixth Sense; this film is well worth your time and money and may even be worth seeing twice just to make sure you catch everything you missed the first time around. Bruce Willis gives his best performance in years and proves, for those who may have doubted, that he is an excellent actor with ability beyond what the action movies suggest. Haley Joel Osment makes it real as the boy with a secret and he and Willis perform very well together as they work through Cole's fear. Toni Collette was also wonderful as Cole's mother and even scary as she tries to get to Cole in one scene. Whatever you do, see it.
October Sky (1999)
A rare treat.
I have to confess, my wife picked this movie and I was really in the mood for a comedy. I was wrong. This film is a diamond in the rough...or coal mine, as the case may be. With the exception of Laura Dern, I had no idea who the actors were although some looked vaguely familiar, that aside, all of the performances were very strong throughout. The story was gripping, and hopeful, and positive, and sad all at once (Bring a tissue.) A reminder that anything is possible.
The Piano (1993)
Don't walk, run...
Away from this film. Academy Awards? I don't think so. This is a film to be missed. Okay, the piano is a symbol, I get it. Holly Hunter is an excellent actress and I appreciate her work in many films but this one, she should have burned the script when it came to the house and Harvey Keitel needs to keep his pants on. All-in-all this film was depressing and dire and not worth the time.
The Jack Bull (1999)
A man with the courage of his convictions.
An extremely well made film. Cusack is great, as is John Goodman who does a very strong job as the judge. There's a big important message here, which I won't share, that is not to be missed. Perhaps it's a lesson for our times. Frankly, this movie is too good to miss. If you don't like westerns, ignore that it's a western and watch anyway the characters have more to offer. A first class script with equally fine acting.
The Big Fall (1997)
Lots of Potential
This movie started out great, very Sam Spade, very pulp fiction, on the order of the 30s-50s stories penned by Raymond Chandler and others. Unfortunately, the story couldn't keep up the pace and the tone changed drastically to a 90s chase/shooter. Not to say that this movie isn't worth watching. That said, Mr. Howell has potential, obviously as an actor, and does a good job as an initial directing effort. Sophie Ward is wonderful as the client/seductress.
The Winter Guest (1997)
Excellent
A great first effort at directing by Alan Rickman. Emma Thompson is, as usual, great as the widow coming to grips with the death of her husband and his memory. Lots of chat, but that's okay as it's all entertaining.
Primary Colors (1998)
Talent abounds.
Talent abounds in this movie, Travolta, Thompson, Thornton, Bates all work expertly in this very frightening political satire. Half your time is spent entranced, wondering if any of this could possibly be true, the other half marveling at the characters as they work through their individual moral (or lack thereof) paths.