smee3469

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Reviews

Midnight Run
(1988)

GREAT Writing
Pleasantly surprised by this one. I had heard people refer to this one, but hadn't seen it for myself until recently. One of the better buddy-action movies I've seen, due to a very tight script. Superior writing by George Gallo. The story is what drives this movie from beginning to end, and doesn't need to depend solely on the cast to keep the audience interested for the full 2 hours. DeNiro and Grodin are excellent together, with a great supporting cast. I would keep this movie in my personal collection. I would also consider it a fine example for other buddy action movies to follow, even today. Highly recommended for great comedic writing, directing and acting.

The Firm
(1993)

Better than the book! (*and possible spolier!*)
I read "The Firm" after watching it, not knowing what expect (I didn't know if it would be a tight or loose adaptation). It was pretty close, with the difference mainly lying in the ending, and that where Sydney Pollack makes this story go from good to great: The book, at the end, makes Mitch out to be a coward and a traitor at the end, by making him give into the FBI. But, in the film, Mitch is seen as a hero who doesn't give into anyone. The FBI doesn't win and the Mafia doesn't win. Mitch wins. He bows down to no one. Tom Cruise also plays a *great* Mitch McDeere, with a lot of intensity and charisma. You cheer for him as the protagonist. Holly Hunter is top-notch with her portrayal of the vulnerable, secretary turned accomplice Tammy. Gene Hackman is also great as Avery Tolar, the one bad guy who sympathizes with Mitch and Abby. Such a great screen presence. His scenes while they're in the Kaymen Islands are key ones to watch. Jeanne Tripplehorn finally makes up for her role in "Basic Instinct" as Abby McDeere, the "cheated wife", not only by her husband, but also by the firm he works for. Sydney Pollack showcases some of his best work as director, especially by the opening segment that describes Mitch McDeere perfectly in the span of less than 10 minutes.

Such a GREAT adaptation, and a even better film to watch!

Shrek
(2001)

A GREAT parody
I wasn't sure, going into this film, if it was going to be some sort of "poor-man's Toy Story" (considering this is Dreamwork's computer animated division, ala Disney's Pixar), but was in for a pleasant surprise. This film is a degree more adult, in terms of humor, than Disney animated films, and in a good way. I don't think younger children will totally understand it, but this a film that adults will enjoy. *Watch for the interrogation scene with the gingerbread man; it's GOLD!*

Amores perros
(2000)

excellent, Excellent, EXCELLENT
It's unfortunate that "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon" stole the thunder from this year's foreign film category for Best Foreign Language Film. What an amazing piece of work. Everything was top-notch, from the Faulkner-influenced style of story-telling, to the cinematography. This is three seperate, yet intertwined stories that very easily could have been confusing and lost it's audience. But what happened while watching this film was anything but. From the opening segment, the audience is deeply engrossed in this film, until the very end. If this film is exemplary of the type of films an audience can expect from Mexico, than I'm anxiously anticipating the next film to cross the divide. A MUST-SEE.

15 Minutes
(2001)

A great movie that actually succeeds in making a statement
I had no idea what I was getting into when I watched this movie. I had heard nothing about it, with only a general understanding of the plot. But I was pleasantly surprised. The first hour is good, while struggling to find the direction and the tone that will carry throughout the rest of the film, but the second half finally hits it's note, and stays with it the rest of the movie. The writer/director's commentary on the media and the judicial system totally hits home, and succeeds in making the statement on each that it set out to do. Great acting by Ed Burns and Robert DeNiro (of course!), and a great film all-around.

Thelma & Louise
(1991)

Chicks like explosions too!
I finally got around to seeing this movie a my freshman year of college with my roommate. We had heard it was a different sort of "chick flick", but the film totally caught us by surprise. After watching it, I felt like watching stuff blow up, and being proud to be a woman. This film brings new meaning to the phrase "I am woman, hear me roar!!" Ridley Scott's direction is great, along with stellar performances by everyone in the cast. A must-see for any woman who's looking for a whole new level of chick-flick.

The Secret of My Succe$s
(1987)

Classic Eighties Cheese
There are so many forgettable movies from the Eighties, but this is one that I can't help but love. Michael J. Fox is one of the most watchable actors of our day. His performance is hilarious. It's even amusing and sweet when he has to step up to kiss the much taller Helen Slater. If you enjoy those quirky Eighties romantic comedies, rent "The Secret of My Success!"

The Invisible Circus
(2001)

Poor casting devastated this film
After watching this movie, I couldn't make up my mind if I liked or hated this film. After considerable thought, I finally decided that I *would* have liked this film a lot, if it wasn't for one thing: Jordanna Brewster. Cameron Diaz was great, as well, as Blythe Danner, and just about everyone else in the film. But then you cast Jordanna Brewster (career highlight being films like "The Faculty"), and it throws the entire film off. From her over-acting to me not believing that she could actually be related to Cameron Diaz (genetically impossible!), the film could have been great. But all the "could-haves" and "should-haves" don't make up for it. Don't pay to see this film.

Kiss Me, Stupid
(1964)

The romantic comedy that wasn't
Despite some memorable performances in this film, (Ray Walston as Orville is one to be remembered as a highlight in his career), "Kiss Me, Stupid" pales in comparison to Billy Wilder's past comedies (i.e. "Some Like it Hot"). Not a *terrible* piece of work, but not one of the best either.

Dead Ringers
(1988)

True to classic definition of horror
By far and wide, one of the MOST disturbing films I have ever seen. All I wanted to do after watching this film was watch something happy, like cartoons. It still gives me the chills when I think about it. It's not a typical horror film, like "Nightmare on Elm Street" or "Psycho", but it does leave you feeling horrified.

The Thomas Crown Affair
(1999)

A Stylish Thrill Ride
I fell in love with the film the first time I saw it. What is there not to love? I enjoyed the chemistry between Pierce Brosnan and Rene Russo, not to mention "bravo!" to the powers-that-be for the great casting. It about time more believable actors were cast for the part. If the age difference has been as significant as Catherine Zeta-Jones and Sean Connery (a former Bond in a similar type of role; much like Brosnan in a similar type of Bond-character), it would not have been as believable. Rene Russo is absolutely stunning in this film (Gotta love her wardrobe!). I enjoy watching this film multiple types, as will you.

Anne of Green Gables
(1985)

Wonderful!
This, along with "Anne of Avonlea", are one of the greatest movies to curl up and watch on the weekend. No matter how many times I watch these series of videos, I still get so enraptured in the superb acting and story-telling. This is something that I will defintely pass down to my children!

Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace
(1999)

DON'T READ THIS COMMENT UNLESS YOU'VE SEEN THE FILM!
Although "The Phantom Menace" was a great experience to see on screen, with 600 other people all equally excited to see the film, it doesn't nearly live up to "A New Hope". Which is why one should go into this film with NO expectations. If you go in, thinking it's not going to be very good, it won't be. If you go in expecting "A New Hope", you'll be disappointed. So just go in with NO expectations, and it'll be fun. There were some GREAT aspects to the film, as there were equally particularly bad aspects. The greatest part about the film was Darth Maul. Great to watch, and just had SO much stage presence. But the worst character was the all-CGI Jar Jar Binks. Most annoying (and painful) character to watch on-screen. Half the time you don't understand what he's saying, and when you do understand, it's not funny. And the CGI-element was like watching a really bad version of Roger Rabbit (interacting with live-action). The fight sequences were great (due, once again, to Darth Maul), and the race sequence with Anakin was a blast. But the plethora of cameos (from Samuel L. Jackson to the guy who played "Willow") was a bit distracting at times. It wasn't the same as watching actors you've never seen on screen before delivering great one-liners and interacting with each other. The effects were cool (epitome of "eye candy"), and overall a fun film to watch to go along with the ride. Especially if you're really familiar with the intricate storylines, and how they will develop (from Amidala and Anakin to the rise of Senator Palpatine). See in a big crowded theatre with a big bunch of fanatics, and let your brain go.

The Blair Witch Project
(1999)

don't watch this alone!
I haven't been this freaked out since "the Exorcist"... no, scratch that. This is BETTER than "The Exorcist"... watch with a bunch people, turn your phone off, and lock the door.

American Pie
(1999)

Not A Date Movie!!
Truly a great movie, but don't see it with a date (VERY uncomfortable at times)... Reminds you of High School sexual politics, and just how worked up you'd get about your prom night ;-)

Universal Soldier
(1992)

HA!
Typical brainless star vehicle... just so BAD! I got the biggest kick watching the leads attempt to make some sort of "chemistry" between them, and the lame direction...

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