writestuff_2001
Lifetime Total
10+
Lifetime Filmo
1+
Lifetime Trivia
1+
IMDb Member
23 years
Reviews
The Mask of Zorro (1998)
One of the greatest swashbucklers of all time
"The Mask of Zorro" is one of the best adventures films I've ever seen, period. It's a first class production straight down the line. Banderas, Zeta-Jones, Hopkins, and the underrated Stuart Wilson all perform their roles admirably. Martin Campbell's direction is crisp. James Horner's score enhances the action rather than overwhelming it. And the sword fighting action is as good as you'll ever see in a non-martial arts film. (Bob Anderson was the sword master on this production. Every movie he's worked on that I've seen has featured terrific swordplay action. "The Mask of Zorro" is no exception.)
Even though this film was largely ignored at the box office, "The Mask of Zorro" remains a favorite of mine. If I went off to a desert island and could only take a few videos with me, this would definitely be one of them.
Even though this film was largely ignored at the box office, "The Mask of Zorro" remains a favorite of mine. If I went off to a desert island and could only take a few videos with me, this would definitely be one of them.
Losin' It (1982)
Never had it
Don't let the cast and director fool you. This is a teen sex comedy that's just as bad as any of the dozens (hundreds?) that Hollywood churned out back in the 1980s. Bad enough that this turkey wastes the talents of future stars Tom Cruise and Shelley Long. What's worse is that this was directed by Curtis Hanson (you know, of "L.A. Confidential" and "Wonder Boys" fame -- THAT Curtis Hanson.) I realize he was just an up-and-coming director at the time, but surely he must have taken one look at the script and realized it didn't have a chance. (Maybe he was gambling this film would be another "Porky's" and skyrocket him to fame. He gambled wrong.)
Even if you're a die-hard Cruise fan, you're advised to stay away. Cruise, at this time, had yet to hone the persona upon which he would build his career. In other words, he isn't his usually funny, cocky self this time around, but instead comes across as bland, dull, and surprisingly lifeless. Shelley Long, on the other hand, is quite good in her thankless role as a runaway bride headed to Tijuana for a quickie divorce. Too bad the script doesn't give her anything funny to do.
Also, since this is a teen sex comedy, I should mention that there's almost no raunch and nudity at all. Basically, this film is ninety minutes of three teen-aged jerks raising havoc in T.J., getting into lots of dumb bar fights and a few car chases with the usual Hollywood Mexican stereotypes.
Bottom line: compared to this film, "Top Gun" (which also starred Cruise and John Stockwell) is deserving of ten Academy awards.)
Even if you're a die-hard Cruise fan, you're advised to stay away. Cruise, at this time, had yet to hone the persona upon which he would build his career. In other words, he isn't his usually funny, cocky self this time around, but instead comes across as bland, dull, and surprisingly lifeless. Shelley Long, on the other hand, is quite good in her thankless role as a runaway bride headed to Tijuana for a quickie divorce. Too bad the script doesn't give her anything funny to do.
Also, since this is a teen sex comedy, I should mention that there's almost no raunch and nudity at all. Basically, this film is ninety minutes of three teen-aged jerks raising havoc in T.J., getting into lots of dumb bar fights and a few car chases with the usual Hollywood Mexican stereotypes.
Bottom line: compared to this film, "Top Gun" (which also starred Cruise and John Stockwell) is deserving of ten Academy awards.)