Reviews
The Sixth Sense (1999)
The Best Movie of Summer 1999, from any genre
I've read some wonderful praise for this movie from other theatre-goers who have seen it, so I'll let their words stand for all to see, and be brief. Someone here mentioned they believe this is a movie that is worth every penny of the ticket price. It is that, and so much more. A wonderfully made film. My faith in Bruce Willis, along with my respect was restored, and then some. Every character was believable, every scence was riveting, despite the movie transpiring slowly. This film also had a beautiful ending. It changed the face of what is seen as contemporary horror subject matter into something mysterious and revered. The plot twist near the end of this movie was the most well written piece of a script, and the most unexpected moment in a film I've ever had the pleasure to be a part of. I recommend this film wholeheartedly. It will undoubtedly, and expediently fill my elitist video collection when it comes out on video.
U2: Zoo TV Live from Sydney (1994)
The best of U2 Video and Multimedia titles
What I think to be the best of the U2 Videos, and actually, of any videotaped concert. I believe it even won several awards for being the best concert of a particular year.
The entrance the band makes is outstanding, building with a montage of multimedia sensory overload. The music is great, both the bold rock and roll, and the subtle, b-stage acoustic sets. The encores are each great, too. As always, the music is spellbinding. Such a good concert even one who is only vaguely familiar with U2 will have a great viewing experience.
Noah's Ark (1999)
Absolutely, Frustratingly, Horrible
I agree with everything Scott said. I have lost respect for both Jon Voigt and Mary Steenburgen after seeing this movie. The biblical inaccuracies were one thing, but the horrible acting coupled with choppy, amateur special effects was another.
I know some "license" was taken with this adaption, but it was so horribly offensive when the majority of characters spoke in English accents (esp. the sons of Noah), and all the characters on the ark wore medieval garb. Does NBC know which story they were recreating, and from what time period? SNL made a very funny point about this on one of its recent shows. The special effects were also very choppy, and the compositing wasn't good at all. Oh, and did I expound on how the acting was not only sub-par, it sucked. Honestly, I only kept on watching to see what they would try to get away with next, and to see how ridiculous the whole production was. Oh, and by the way, the voice of God in this movie sounded like an old jewish man at a deli.
Dawson's Creek (1998)
Pretty decent
All in all, a pretty decent tv show. Many younger females I know, as well as guys and girls a few years older, watch consistently to see their favorite hearthrob. The only problem I have is the dialogue. Such phrases like "painfully obvious"...among others are things no 15 year old would say, nor have the capacity to say. However, at certain moments, the dialogue, intensity, and drama displayed is wonderful (ie when Jack came out to his dad). Has the potential to be very powerful.
The Matrix (1999)
Special effects make up for poor plot and writing
The digital special effects in this movie are amazing, and nearly make it worthwhile. However, not being one who just "eats up" a movie, I had some problems with this movie's "plot theory" as I like to call it. For instance, does the tactic of fighting the matrix on its own turf really make sense, bearing in mind a horrific physical war in the real world will inevitably have to ensue? Are we to believe that a ship is constantly cruising throughout the sewer system? There are several times when the agents exhibit vast amounts of strength, and deadly sharpshooting skills, but yet they fail in several instances to kill the main characters when at close range. This is propensity is like the T2 in Judgement Day who has the opportunity several times to kill the young Jon Connor at close range, but fails to do so. When Cipher kills the crew one at a time, it seems unbelievable. Hadn't the crew, along with Keanau Reeves, while in training, been yanked out of the virtual world before? What would pulling the plug have done that hadn't already been done to them before?
If the matrix can help one achieve his or her goals, dreams, potential, strengths, etc, and can be mastered, harnessed, and honed, like the force, why can't the characters (or the Agents for that matter) have more superstrength, superspeed, shape shifting capabilities? They seem awfully limited despite being so powerful.
The biggest problem I had with this movie was the ending. In the mind of the theatre goer, nothing has been solved. This sets the film up for a follow up sequel, which I would not pay to see, rather I would wait for the Matrix 2 to appear on video.
The Spanish Prisoner (1997)
great plot, ok acting, HORRIBLE writing and script
Campbell Scott was very good in this, Steve Martin was too. The secretary/assistant was the most horrible actress i think i've ever seen in a motion picture. maybe it was due to the ill-written script and dialogue. very unrealistic speech and usage of language. Steve Martin performed well, but again, his character's dialogue was horrible...even to the point where a conversation ensued between him and Campbell Scott where they both used the term "misremembered". I know everyone I know uses that term:P And the innuendos in the plot, the only way they could make it less subtle is if they would have smashed you over the head with them...the end was kind of awkward too, and left unanswered questions