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Reviews
The Simpsons (1989)
One of Television's Few Watchable Shows
I've always loved "The Simpsons" - ever since that first Christmas special. The show just kept getting better, and it still ranks as one of only a few TV shows that I can stand to watch. "Futurama" has promise, but I hope they're not testing it out as a replacement for this show.
BASEketball (1998)
Great Comedy
This movie is hilarious. I loved all the tasteless jokes, and Parker and Stone have proved that they have talent beyond South Park. I could have done without their passionate kiss at the end, but other than that, the movie's great...2nd only to "There's Something About Mary" for 1998.
Jurassic Park (1993)
A good movie
It seems to me that there are two types of Speilberg movies: movies that use special effects to the max, thus bringing in the big money at the box office (Jurassic Park, Jaws) and movies that appeal more to critics and win Oscars (Schindler's List).
We should take Jurassic Park for what it is, and that's a movie designed to entertain. I do think some more thought could have been put into the script (although it has a great plot), but even with its flaws it puts other films in its genre to shame with reasonably good acting, direction, etc. The special effects were amazing.
The Doors (1991)
Decent Movie...Great Movie if You Like the Doors
One of the only problems with this movie is that it cuts straight from the car accident scene that Morrison witnessed as a child to the late 60's, when he is completely immersed in a world of excess. Morrison's late childhood and teenage years are not represented in this movie, and if you've ever seen a documentary about him (i.e. VH1 Legends), you would know that his experience as a military brat, his interests as a child, and his relationship with his family would shape his unusual personality and drive him towards poetry, music and the excesses of dope, booze and sex.
Most of scenes in the movie actually took place. The TV- throwing scene, the closet-burning scene, and the "You killed my duck" scene are the exceptions. It seems to dwell on the most negative aspects of Morrison's life and personality, and that doesn't help to paint him in a positive light.
The positives: Val Kilmer was great (the acting was pretty good), Stone's experimentation with camera techniques (like the peyote scene), and of course the music. The biggest contribution was from the band for which this movie was named.
Apocalypse Now (1979)
Best War Movie of All Time
This movie can't be compared to most of the films in its genre, but it stands out as one of the best of all time, and Francis Coppola's most deserved accomplishment (watch "Hearts of Darkness" and you'll agree).
"This is the end, beautiful friend...."
10/10
The Deer Hunter (1978)
2nd Best Vietnam Movie
I was already a fan of both De Niro and Walken when I first saw this movie, and it blew me away. The wedding sequence is a bit overdone, but at least it allowed for some character development. The Russian roulette sequences had me on the edge of my seat, and De Niro, Savage, Walken, Streep, and Cazale were all fantastic. I just found out that John Cazale died right after this movie was made. That guy had a short resume but it sure was impressive.
10/10 - As far as Vietnam movies go, this is second only to "Apocalypse Now".
Jaws (1975)
My All-Time Favorite
I've watched this movie HUNDREDS of times, and it still hasn't gotten old. It's one of the few movies (like Star Wars) that can capture your imagination and never let go. When I first watched this at the age of 6, it triggered a fascination with sharks and the ocean that would not fade until five or six years later. I read all the shark books and articles I could find, I saw all of the sequels several times each, I watched all the documentary videos. I read Peter Benchley's novel. This is definitely a film that changed the way movies are made (for better or worse), but for a period of my childhood, it changed my life.
10/10
25x5: The Continuing Adventures of the Rolling Stones (1989)
The Documentary for Everyone Critical of the Stones
This is the movie for everyone who has taken shots at the Stones for their refusal to grow old. It isn't just a chronicle of their history as a band, as it details the early years of Mick Jagger and Keith Richards, delves into their personal lives, and offers fitting tributes to deceased members Brian Jones and Ian Stewart. The inclusion of full-length songs and music videos was welcomed by me; this movie wouldn't have been as good if it were shorter. The interview sequences are great; Mick's appearance on the Dick Cavett show way-back-when is a gem: Dick: "Can you see yourself doing this when you're 60?" Mick: "Oh yeah."
I'm from Hollywood (1989)
The Story of a Comic Genius
I was born too late to witness Andy Kaufman's genius when it was brand new, but it's still incredibly fresh. The fact that people are still wondering how serious the wrestling was is a testament to Kaufman's uncanny abilities. This is the movie that prompted me to start watching "Taxi" reruns on Nickelodeon.
I'm also looking forward to "Man on the Moon". If Carrey doesn't screw it up, he could be an Oscar contender playing the role of such an interesting character.
Private Parts (1997)
A Comedy Masterpiece
This movie really captures the Howard Stern that the radio talk show host's fans love most - an average guy with great talent. A great script and a superb cast help to cut past the image of the racist pervert to reveal a down to earth guy. Howard and Len Blum created an excellent story that puts this side of Stern in the spotlight, but still contains some of the raunchiness that has made a superstar out of Howard. Paul Giamatti is great as "Pig Vomit".
10/10 - I'd love to see more from Howard in this medium, but this one will be hard to match.
Goodfellas (1990)
Best Movie of the 90's
This movie has it all: great acting, great direction, great writing, even a great soundtrack! Scorsese has directed some masterpieces in his day, but this one tops them all.
10/10 - Why it didn't win an Oscar is beyond me...