Change Your Image
DanielHong.org
Reviews
Erin Brockovich (2000)
while John Travota was covering east side in Civil Action, Julia Roberts is taking care the west side.
while John Travota was covering east side in Civil Action, Julia Roberts is taking care the west side. And her way to investigate her job is less costy and less complicated. In this movie, even though she doesn't have a law degree, she pursuades people and get what she wants by using her charming/sexy/direct personality which made the movie so great. I am glad that I got to see the preview movie. Thumbs up !!!
The Whole Nine Yards (2000)
There were enough violence and laugh, and most of all, there was sincere love every where.
The movie was great, I meant really great. I even shout "this movie is killing me" during the movie. I went to the movie without seen the trailer, so everything was so unpreditable. One's best friend becomes a hit-man but then a hit-man becomes your best friend. Mattew Perry (oz) was good at dumb/exaggtration/naive acting (if you have seen "Friends" enough, you would know what I meant) his dumb role pays well in this movie. Bruce was calmed and professonal as he was always in other movies. Other actress and actors were very good seasoning to this movie.
There were enough violence and laugh, and most of all, there was sincere love every where.
Reindeer Games (2000)
.. Yea, I am talking about a"suspense."
It was a good action movie. I would probably give 7 out of 10. The movie is about casino robbing and takes about 6 days and it would be hard to make 6 days story in 2 hours movie package. So there are some tippo here and there. It is unrealstic the end of the movie. The more unrealistic part was these people who never robbed in their whole life and then they become so fully committed.
But then there were some good part in the movie. Enough violence and mysteries. I think the best part about this movie, you would never guess what would happen next.. Yea, I am talking about a"suspense."
Magnolia (1999)
I was speechless after the movie not because they were sophisticated but confusing.
This movie remind me of "Pulp Fiction" like all the stories begun from every where and slowly connects everyone together and until then it is very easy to get lost. Well, I got lost after 10 min of the movie because story started by not one group. Everyone in the movie is entitled to the story, there is no main characters.
It is 3 hours long and I had chance to walkout the theater but for the respect, I had to stay.
When the story started to make sense it was sort of worth for me to stay.
I was speechless after the movie not because they were sophisticated but confusing.
The Hurricane (1999)
It is true one person do things millions will be inspired. I think this movie thoroughly show that.
Black history of the month is coming up which is next month. Thank to media, people are being unknowingly and knowingly educated by all these movies (i.e. the Hurricane, Liberty Height, the Green Mile, and the Snow Falling on Ceders). The movies are being the witness to the history before our eyes. I wouldn't know the existence of Hurricane, or how people do wrongful things reflect to their stereo type and prejudice which often create propaganda. Well, I was mad about the situation when detectives arrested Hurricane in his early age. I was mad the same detectives followed his foot step and arrest him for third time. I know if I was there I can't do much to help hurricane due to not being so brave. But I was so happy to see a boy with three canadian friends helped Hurricane released himself out.
It is true one person do things millions will be inspired. I think this movie thoroughly show that.
Stuart Little (1999)
It is like A=B, B=C, then C=A? I had to think about this equation during the movie.
Having a mouse as a little brother? Gee, I wish I had one like the little Stuart because I wouldn't mind having the monkey from Citizen X. But in this movie, it is a huge risk for the mouse and human. As mush human qualities the little Stuart has, it is a greater disadvantage for him because people can't accept the mouse as one of their being. It is like rich snob have hard time to make friends with people in low class. So the differnces can make you become very emotional. But this difference won't be long because the efforts each characters bring to the story. Very funny thing is that little Stuart can communicate with human and Cats. The cats can communicate with little Stuart. Then can Cats communicate with human? It is like A=B, B=C, then C=A? I had to think about this equation during the movie.
The Beach (2000)
Totally 70's
I myself isn't really weed fan and I don't love "the Door" or all about 70's. So when there are movies that involve weed lovers, it doesn't attract me much. And I didn't realize what this movie was about until the 2/10 parts of the movie. Lots of weed smoking in this movie, and they are happy but will do anything to protect their right to smoking weed, and even KILLING.
There were some scary scene this movie such as people bitten by sharks and people from outside of the world were being in serious danger. And terrible things kept happening because one man couldn't keep his mouth shut about certain rule. I would hate to be in the shoes of the guy.
The Next Best Thing (2000)
My heart was pounding when the big problem was coming at this happy family and It was too sad to watch Rufu go though
Recently Movies that evolves around gay theme, they don't much trying to explain the definition of gay or cry to persuade people to love them based on who they are. Now, society assumes that being gay is natural but sometimes people can be hypocritical like one day, they can accept gays and other day they can't.
Anyway, in this movie, there aren't too much conflict between gay and hetro. Actually they both don't have problem of blending to each other but too much later on, Rufus has to face the the harsh law.
My heart was pounding when the big problem was coming at this happy family and It was too sad to watch Rufu go though emotional pain when he was about the lose his beloved son.
It also p***ed me off, when people went against him at the end because he was gay. They didn't have problem in the beginning but I guess they could use it as weapon when there isn't much solution.
It is very dramatic movie.. I give about 9 out of 10.
Angela's Ashes (1999)
not enough of details between dramatic changes
The speed of this movie moves really fast before I was able to feel the grip. Sort of I can see "Charlie woke up, he ate breakfast, he went to school, he came home, and he went to bed" but not enough of details between dramatic changes. But there are some humors in this movie and my best laughing part was she talking to god in Central Park in N.Y.
The Talented Mr. Ripley (1999)
But Matt said in this movie "it is easy to fake to be someone that you aren't."
This movie reminded me "boy with new toy," like after playing with old toy a boy move on to new toy. When Dickie got tired of Tom's forgery, all the happiness were gone. Dickie is ready to move on but sour and bitter feeling between them leaves terrible tragedy. Perfect crime such as "the Blue Streak," was about to happen. There are so many coincident (like enemy meets enemy in one way bridge) and murders can be found in this movie.
I think this movie is contributing to gay community because Matt Demon "from heart" acting. He plays a role as gay guy back in old times and I guess this movie brings awareness of gay community. It is easy to watch but it perhaps hard to play a role.
But Matt said in this movie "it is easy to fake to be someone that you aren't."
Snow Falling on Cedars (1999)
said "that Jap bitch." Well, it would been easy for anyone to say that....
There wasn't enough suspense because anyone could guess what would happen due to reading and watching similar movies or reading familiar stories Like Snow Falling on Ceders. But I must say that the sweat the cast and crew members put into movie is finally paid off. It was excellent movie. I wonder how difficult to make a movie like this in Alaska where the set was...cold and and full of snow... I mean this movie is based on true story and the movie met the criteria to be so realistic to 1945.
Through this movie, I felt hates toward to "Japs" by Americans in the village in the Island after the Pearl Harbor. It is easy to like Asian people but it is very easy to dislike Japanese with no time by being prejedice and stereo type. And one trial case brings people to realize how easy it was to be the one "fool."
Ethan Hawke in the movie said "that Jap bitch." Well, it would been easy for anyone to say that.... but why, and how... Let the movie explain.
The Green Mile (1999)
Tom Hanks distinctive facial and voice expression fits very well in movie
Capital punishment still remains as controversial issues although still some innocent people go to death row and bad people walkout fine. And someone who is watching the ball s**t as a witness can't do anything about it but comfort the prisoners until the final day. But watching actual electric chair execution is whole different story. Disregards of intensity of crimes he did, no guards can watch him being fried from the chair. That's why many guards are nice to prisoners in death row because sooner than later the prisoners will face worst treatment ever. In this movie, I can see guards and prisoners bond with friendship behinds the strict rules. Well, there are ass-guards in this movie and so there are full of revenges here and there in this movie.
One last thought, Tom Hanks distinctive facial and voice expression fits very well in movies such as "Forrest Gump, Philadelphia, Turner & Hooch" where he plays with black characters as partners. It is fact that there are plenty of racial conflicts going around and perhaps this movies (where he is in) can lighten up people.
The House of Yes (1997)
dysfunctional families, mental illness, and incest to be funny
This dark comedy is a dual parody of 1) a wealthy, eccentric family and 2) the uncomfortable situation of bringing home a prospect. In this case, the prospect is the character played by Tori Spelling, who discovers that her fiance (Josh Hamilton) is involved in an incestuous relationship with his mentally ill sister, played by Parker Posey. Although both Posey and Spelling play their parts exceptionally well, I did not find the movie to be particularly funny or even clever. The scenes that I found most humorous were those in which Hamilton's younger brother, played by Freddie Prinze, Jr., attempts to start a romantic relationship with Spelling. It may be possible for a movie about dysfunctional families, mental illness, and incest to be funny, but these are heavy issues that require the right treatment. A strong cast and superb acting were not enough to make that happen in this movie
Joan of Arc (1999)
Powerful Tone
To me, this movie was like "Snow White." You know the story but you wouldn't mind watching twice or more. Why? I think because the story is unreal but you can even put yourself in her shoes and be fantasied as her. Well, I watched this movie through T.V. The story was basically same but the actor and actress were different (of course). But there was something different about this movie from the T.V. All the actors and actress had powerful tone in their voice. It felt Real as the war and the crisis were happening right next you.
End of Days (1999)
Unrealistic and Comical
During the show, I have thought about "Turkey whose neck was cut off but his body walk around for 20 min". What I just said could be somewhat unrealistic and this movie portrayed on a unrealistic piece. We some like sci-fi and fiction story if not all. But would "Satan coming to New York" actually come as a truth? If I strongly believe Catholic which was portrayed as "witch craft" (totally based on my opinion) in this movie, yea, things can be scared at the last 3 days of this coming December. I myself isn't really good active Mormon, but this movie made me think once more that "Go back to Church." Satan was named after "666" because he couldn't come up himself as the God (777). Before and during the Christ time, #7 was the highest number. Anyhow, this movie treated Satan as "Superman" but evil one. The Satan can hurt by a "bullet, " but he can be only killed by .....
The Blair Witch Project (1999)
very different kind of horror movie
The Blair Witch Project® is a very different kind of horror movie. It is an innovative "mock documentary" of three film students who are doing a project on a local witch legend. Since the students record their terrifying experience on camcorder video and 16-mm black and white film, the entire movie switches back and forth between these two media. I've read stories that viewers in theaters around the country have become sick while watching this movie. Perhaps this is due to the unsteady and excessive motion of the camcorder video. The film is genuinely frightening, however, and from now on this viewer will have second thoughts about camping deep in the woods. Thumbs up, but perhaps not for everyone.
Blue Streak (1999)
this movie is Great on Sunday Midnight
The Blue Streak® is very similar to "Beverly Hills Cop." There were plenty of things to laugh about and action to see. One things made me more laugh was that how police forces and FBI agents could be fooled by one man, Martin Lawrence (Miles Logan). I am very positive that this movie couldn't be better without Carlson (Luke Wilson) in it. He was a good cop in text but bad at action. He seems to know everything going on behind the scene (I am not sure) but he acted fool. Geez.
Over all this movie is Great on Sunday Midnight!!
American Beauty (1999)
Most of them didn't like the move because the ending was very very twitching and sad
How unpredictable the movie was! At first, it was very funny in the manner of American Pie or Drop Dead Gorgeous. Although it was funny, I also thought that it was rather perverted because one man (Kevin Spacey) fantasied about screwing his daughter's classmate (who is a minor.) I was in dilemma as to whether or not I should laugh at that scene; it reminded me of the movie For a Lost Solder. Regardless, don't underestimate this movie because it certainly has some nice touches.
After the movie, on the way out of the theater, I just couldn't resist listening in on some peoples' conversations and comments about the movie. Most of them didn't like the move because the ending was very very twitching and sad.
American Pie (1999)
If you haven't watched it, what are you waiting for?
If you can't settle for PG-rated laughter but would prefer it triple-X, then you will love this movie. It is very skinnish yet unpredictably hilarious. Watching how they tried to get laid was much funnier than when they finally got it. Among the funniest moments include when Stifler mistakenly drank a beer containing Kevin's sperm and when Jim 4ucked the living hell out of @#@ which he imagined to be a virgin If you haven't watched it, what are you waiting for?
Runaway Bride (1999)
You can't go wrong with this movie
This reunion of Julia Roberts and Richard Gere is even better than Pretty Woman®. It succeeds as a romantic comedy on both counts. Perhaps because the people seem very real and human, the story is compelling and engaging throughout. Terrific supporting roles are delivered by Joan Cusack, Hector Elizondo, and Rita Wilson. Standard comic gags such as having an old lady (Julia's grandmother) talk dirty actually work here. Yet the many comic moments do not deter from the romantic subplot. Even the eventual wedding scene, a serene private outdoor ceremony, is interlaced with comic detours. The footage of Roberts and Gere riding horseback in western Maryland following the ceremony is breathtakingly beautiful. You can't go wrong with this movie: thumbs up!
Drop Dead Gorgeous (1999)
Good laugh, really
I am very happy that I saw this movie because I needed a good laugh. It is a comedy and somewhat of a fairly tale story (my favorite category.) All girls dream of being something special like a beauty pageant contestant but they may not be aware of what they have to go through. Well, this movie surely does highlight what goes on behind the stage. Good laugh, really.
Random Hearts (1999)
Random Hearts does not really succeed.
As a love story, Random Hearts does not really succeed. The plot line is that Harrison Ford and Kristin Scott Thomas have both lost their spouses to a plane crash. The catch is that their spouses were having an affair with each other. Harrison Ford is unconvincing as a jealous and remorseful widower. Kriston Scott Thomas is cold and aloof throughout the movie, except for brief bursts of lust. The interaction between Ford and Thomas is unemotional and rarely romantic. The movie does have an interesting side-plot about Ford (who plays an internal affairs officer) chasing and catching a bad cop. Unfortunately, the movie seems to need this side plot to boost the main story. The ending is disappointing as well.
The Thomas Crown Affair (1999)
The dialogue between them is witty and sophisticated
The Thomas Crowne Affair® was originally released in 1968 starring Steve McQueen and Faye Dunaway. Although I am not able to compare the current release to the original (having never seen the original), I was able to watch and enjoy the movie without predisposition. To me, one of the most important qualities in a movie is a good story; this movie certainly has that. The stars Pierce Brosman and Rene Russo play their roles convincingly. The dialogue between them is witty and sophisticated; the soundtrack is cool and pleasant. A nice touch in the current release is the return of Faye Dunaway, this time as Crown's therapist. Throughout the movie, I kept thinking to myself that I'd love to be Thomas Crowne, even if just for one day.
Double Jeopardy (1999)
Very predictable movie
Based on previews of this movie, you might think the movie is just about fighting which was in my mind before seeing the movie. Or perhaps you might heard that this movie has alot of homosexual theme ( Even also respective journal mentioned it). From my experience, this movie was more than fighting or homosexual theme (although there weren't any homo-theme based on what I watched).
There were alot of humors in this movie as well as enough blood scenes. I found myself laugh and gag because the story was very mentally ill. People in this movie weren't afraid of anything because they think death as nothing except Chuck. Chuck juggle death and real life, he treated disease as his sleeping pill.
Wait till the end, it will blow your mind up. It is like experiencing DeJa-Six Sense because you will find some imaginary person in this movie. I enjoyed 2/3 of the movie but suddenly I received so much information I finally got lost in Bermuda.
The Bone Collector (1999)
Very Terrified
I was very terrified with the crime scene in the movie. The scene was very realistic and played with brilliant idea by a copy cat killer. Like any other movie, these cops are looking for the killer and the killer is someone they can't expect. Whole time, I was thinking who might be the killer and guessing that the rude police chief might be killer or the nursing lady... etc. But now, I am thinking, instead of thinking who the killer might be, I must value the process of how, where, and why the crimes were happened. This movie wasn't all about chasing the killer physically, this was about "preventing" it by going back to the old century when you weren't existed.