Andrew-6 Reviews

Pleasantville (1998)

The best film in recent history

[28 August 1999]

Anymore its hard to find a good movie. We live in a time in which films like "American Pie" and "Eyes Wide Shut" dominate box office and make me antsy about going to the movies. Then, every once in a while something like "Pleasantville" comes along. I didn't have high expectations for this movie, being that I'm not a big Reese Witherspoon fan. But, after just a few minutes of viewing I was captivated; completely sucked in for the length of the movie.

Most teen films (by "teen films" I mean films with a primarily teenage [teen-to-mid-twenties] cast) drown themselves in mindless, annoying canter and have no plot. This, I feel, is because they're aiming them at a teen audience. This film seems to be an exception, and I believe that's due to the fact that this one isn't really aimed at the youth demographic. That's not to say that a teen audience couldn't enjoy it, but it's not as generic and mindless as most of the films that they seem to thrive on are.

Reese Witherspoon is generally very, very annoying. But recently she's score some good roles ("Election" is the best example), and she seems to be performing pretty well. Tobey Maguire is excellent as usual. Not to mention the supporting cast, William H. Macy, Joan Allen and Jeff Daniels are all excellent. Even Don Knotts turns an unusually pleasant character.

Now, on to the story... Not only does it manage to keep the viewer's interest, but it also maintains humor, depth and warmth. Being that I don't want to wreck the film for anyone, I won't go into a description of the goings on in the film.

In conclusion: Everything about this film is pleasant, and enjoyable. It's late, so you can't catch it in theatres any longer, but definitely go grab the DVD... It's well worth the time, effort and money.

American Pie (1999)

Better than some... worse than others...

[7/10 · 6 July 1999]

Well, I, like many of the other people who've commented on this flick, had high expectations going in. I was let down, but not as much as some people. This film is funny. Much more than most other films I've seen this year (but, I must say, that isn't saying much). And I'd also like to add, this is, again IMO, better than most 'teen flicks'.

Now, here's my take on the flick... Masturbation plays a big part in here... This isn't bad, and the scenes, IMO, worked for comic effect without being too sick.

The acting wasn't that bad, it could've been worse. A couple of the actors worked for me: Alyson Hannigan (She's funny, what can I say?), Natasha Lyonne (as always) and Chris Klein (of 'Election' Fame). Let me explain the last one... Chris Klein has played both of his characters he's had this far, well, vacant. Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying that he's a bad actor (or vacant for that matter)... I think it's intentional, that's why it works.

And, my take on the whole 'teen flick' bit... This is a teen flick, plain and simple. However, I don't think this film is just for teen, adults can appreciate the humor too. Though it is sad that they'll probably think that the vacantness of the characters is an overstatement. Unfortunately, it isn't, it's more of an understatement.

To conclude... all and all, this film is worth a look. Make that a look at matinee prices (don't blow $10 or $12 on it).

The Patriot (1998)

Wow, who would've guessed...

[2/10 · 16 June 1999]

Okay, some other people have commented that this isn't an action flick, so I don't need to rehash that (even though I just did). This isn't exactly a let down, in fact, it's nice on occasion to see an actor try something different. But, unfortunately, this isn't one of those occasions.

Now, the story: non-existent. This film lacks in storyline almost as much as 'Showgirls' did. Sure, they throw in a couple environmentalist, no, not even environmentalist, something else, tidbits here and there to please Seagal (being that that's what he's into). This doesn't make a story, not even close. Now, the ending... Even those amongst us who actually liked this film... the ending, you have to admit it was a bit much, or a lot stupid.

Now, from what I understand this was a direct-to-video film (at least in the states), but this is even too good for this one. This piece of garbage should have been cable only, on TBS or Starz (late night).

I Still Know What You Did Last Summer (1998)

Horror that leaves a bad taste in my mouth...

[2/10 · 15 November 1998]

This film REALLY sucks... I went to the theatre expecting a lame, inept horror sequel. This, mostly due to the fact that Kevin Williamson (I Know What You Did Last Summer, Scream & Scream 2) wasn't the screenwriter. But, to my surprise, the film managed to let my low, low expectations down. I'm not going to throw in any spoilers (not that I would be spoiling anything), so I can't get specific on the worst parts. But, have no doubts, everything to do with this film is just plain wrong. The story is worthless (to say the least), and not to be too picky, but they have some BAD dialogue at the end of it (i.e. "You can't do it, you're not a killer. That's my job!" [btw that quote wasn't verbatim, but, at least for the quote I'm referencing, the dialogue is that bad]). If this is the best storyline/script that Mandalay/Columbia could get their hands on, they shouldn't have made a sequel. I can only imagine what Kevin Williamson must think...