ronell Reviews

Frequency (2000)

Don't worry about the scientific accuracy, it's just a movie.

[7/10 · 14 May 2000]

The fun part about this movie is trying to keep up with what's happening in the two timelines as the camera jumps back and forth as if both timeframes coexist. When Frank burns a message into the desk in 1969 the words appear before John letter by letter in 1999. More eerieness abounds as John witnesses his personal family history constantly changing around him, creating new memories while remembering the old.

Expect an emotionally charged fun-filled ride with an abundant load of sentiment piled high, just leave the American Journal of Physics at home.

Gladiator (2000)

It's no Ben Hur, but not bad.

[7/10 · 14 May 2000]

The beginning of this movie really had me worried. I'm used to gladiator type films being lavish, with warm earth tones, lots of red cloaks and reddish dirt and dust kicked up by horses' hooves. This is really dark and blue, and the MTV style editing and grainy film stock make the battle sequences obscure and confusing. I'm also used to Charleston Heston or Kirk Douglas bellowing to his comrades, leading them to heroic acts of vengeance. Russell Crowe is much more subdued, I'm not saying that's bad, he does a remarkable job and is the best part of the film. Once I got used to the stark contrasts and the story gathered momentum I began to enjoy the film much more. It was also the first time The Coliseum was filmed historically accurate, complete with the overhead shades.

Where the Heart Is (2000)

A quiet, little epic tale about how "your whole life can change in a single breath".

[8/10 · 30 April 2000]

There's nothing not to like about this movie. The performances are first rate from Natalie Portman and Ashley Judd as well as the supporting roles from Stockard Channing and a very brief Sally Field appearance. It's pretty much got it all, drama, humor, tragedy and romance all wrapped up in a very involving and uplifting tale. This one is a real crowd pleaser - don't miss it!

Final Destination (2000)

A much better than average kill-em off one at a time teen-slasher movie.

[8/10 · 30 April 2000]

After 20 odd years of almost countless movies whose titles include the words "Halloween" or "Friday the 13th" and all the imitators that followed, it would seem impossible that a truly original idea for the basic teen slasher movie could have survived. Oddly enough, Final Destination is different, although, for the most part, it still remains as predictable.

In Final Destination these kids are downright geniuses compared to the morons that are usually running scared in those other films. They have more depth, and deep philosophical insight. Also, instead of trying to escape a weird psychotic killer, they must find a way to escape fate. Death itself is the enemy, and death is no fool.

The major factor that raises the intelligence quotient of this movie is the X-Files alumni Glen Morgan (screenplay) and James Wong (director). The lighting and camera angles have a familiar look and feel. The story and dialog have that unnatural creepiness that gnaws at the back of you skull.

The true impact of the movie however comes after leaving the theater. Cautiously stepping off the curb into the parking lot, you wonder what seemingly innocent action may set in motion the grand design that fate has in store for you.

Boiler Room (2000)

The excellent performance by Giovanni Ribisi alone makes this film worth seeing.

[7/10 · 30 April 2000]

I think anyone who has had any sales experience will appreciate this film. These guys are good at what they do, even though they are destroying peoples lives. This is not an inside look at how a stock brokerage works, but how a legitimate looking business can actually be a telemarketing scam. References are made to "Glengarry Glen Ross" and "Wall Street" which may not have been a good idea since this film is not in the same league, thus highlighting its shortcomings.

The big plus for this movie is Giovanni Ribisi, a very low key performance that added credibility to his character and drew sympathy from the audience. On the minus side, the constant barrage of profanity and the prejudiced views expressed by some of the characters was very offensive, and the uninspired soundtrack will not make it into my CD collection.

American Psycho (2000)

There are better things you can do with your time, maybe you have some videotapes to return.

[3/10 · 30 April 2000]

I liked Christian Bale in "Empire of the Sun", he was only 13 then but it was a powerful and inspiring performance. He attacks this role with the same enthusiasm but his character is so despicable it's impossible to care. Two other great actors, Willem Dafoe and Reese Witherspoon are wasted in roles that aren't much more than cameos.

I don't think anyone would go to see this film expecting a romantic comedy, but this movie conjures up adjectives such as 'pornographic', 'sick' and 'perverted'. If only I could use the word 'disturbing', maybe then we'd have a film worth seeing, but I'm afraid I'll have to settle for 'disgusting'!

Eye of the Beholder (1999)

I really can't believe they thought this movie was finished when they released it.

[2/10 · 30 April 2000]

There really isn't much to like about the film. I never really cared much about the characters, after all Joanna IS a serial killer. "The Eye" is really nothing more than a high-tech stalker/voyeur, and as an investigator he is neither cunning nor clever.

The very few times there was anything that looked like it could be interesting, the film very quickly skirts around it. In one brief scene "Eye" is questioning Joanna's ex-psychiatrist (Genvieve Bujold) who has very unusual taste in art. She runs an all-girl orphanage that trains girls to "never let a man see who you really are".

There are some very neat little camera tricks and interesting gear being lugged around by "Eye" but that's not enough to keep the eye of this beholder interested for what seemed like a very long hour and forty-seven minutes