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Reviews
Minority Report (2002)
Much better than AI
Well, for all the hype, Minority Report was much, much better than AI--and is arguably the best sci-fi we've seen in years (sorry, X-men). However, the film holds very few surprises for anyone familiar with the works of P.K. Dick (except, of course, for the execrable tacked-on Hollywood/Spielberg ending), and has several annoying ideological plot holes. Beautiful to look at, the film uses Tom Cruise well, and is well worth seeing--but not with the heightened expectations of the hype-machine. Set phasers on stun, not kill.
George Washington (2000)
well worth watching
This film helped remind me why independent films are important. It's a quite, unassuming, and ultimately meaningful movie, that does not condescend to either its characters or its audience. What might seem slow to some people, I saw as a deliberate choice, asking us to slow down and respond to the characters and situations. When the violence comes, it's shattering to everyone involved: the characters and the audience. Beautiful to watch, the movie allows us to observe without feeling like voyeurs--because it allows us to experience, too.
Boys and Girls (2000)
utter trash
Don't waste your time renting this one if you're in the mood for a good, funny, feel-good teen romance--rent _Drive Me Crazy_ instead. This one is almost, but not quite, as bad as _Down to You_. If, on the other hand, you loved _Down to You_ this is the piece of rubbish for you. It was billed as very funny, and it's not, and it was billed as very romantic, and it's not, and it did nothing to improve my overall mood.
Down to You (2000)
do not ever see this movie
The popcorn was better than this flick. Sincerely. In fact, my relationship with the popcorn was more satisfying than this movie. The leads had no chemistry, the story was uninteresting, unappealing, and basically a travesty of all that teen romance movies should be. Did I mention how it's not funny? Oh, yes, and none of the characters age--or change clothes, hairdos, or friends--in the approximate *five* years this movie spans? It was so bad, we actually don't have words left in the English language meaningful enough to express the downright badness of this movie. Who on earth greenlighted this script? There's nothing left to say, except that I wish I had gone to see _Galaxy Quest_ instead.
Down to You (2000)
do not ever see this movie
The popcorn was better than this flick. Sincerely. In fact, my relationship with the popcorn was more satisfying than this movie. The leads had no chemistry, the story was uninteresting, unappealing, and basically a travesty of all that teen romance movies should be. Did I mention how it's not funny? Oh, yes, and none of the characters age--or change clothes, hairdos, or friends--in the approximate *five* years this movie spans? It was so bad, we actually don't have words left in the English language meaningful enough to express the downright badness of this movie. Who on earth greenlighted this script? There's nothing left to say, except that I wish I had gone to see _Galaxy Quest_ instead.
Simply Irresistible (1999)
Bites hard
Do not be fooled by Sarah Michelle Geller's presence, oh Buffy fans; this movie really, really sucks. Poor writing, coupled with an utter lack of chemistry between the leads, combine for a painful viewing experience. Nothing bad, or even moderately interesting, happens, but who cares? I mean, come on, the crab is wearing a top hat in the last scene! Please.
However, the movie does contain one, single good line: "If I have to hear about this guy one more time, I'm going to cut off my ears and send them to him." For this movie, that's as good as it gets.
Velvet Goldmine (1998)
yummy, yummy, yummy, I've got love in my tummy
Some of you seem to have missed the point. The movie is hysterical; I haven't laughed that hard since I saw "Happiness" a few weeks ago. If you are a self proclaimed glam-geek, then you'll probably not be able to let go and really enjoy the movies multiple strengths, but for the rest of us it was an all out nostalgic love fest. And the Citizen Kane angle is so enjoyable. I rated this movie very highly, mostly because there is a genuine aesthetic at work, an aesthetic Todd does not compromise at any point. High praise indeed. Besides, how often do you get to see smart, loving tributes to sexual excess?