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Reviews
Buffy the Vampire Slayer (1997)
A very cool show
Buffy is only now, after 3 seasons becoming a hit in Australia. With stylish action, characters and humor, it is the perfect teens show.
With a greats soundtrack and heaps of style, Buffy will hopefully be around for more years to come.
The Replacement Killers (1998)
Style Personified
The Replacement Killers oozes the a style that only few movies in recent times (Out of Sight, Face/Off) have been able to do. Although plot and characterisation are limited, the brilliantly choreographed action scenes are almost reminiscent of John Woo's old movies (The Killer, A Better Tomorrow).
John Woo once said that he tries to make action scenes like the ballet, and he has emulated dance choreography brilliantly in the Repalacement Killers.
The chemistry between Meg (Mira Sorvino) and John (Chow Yun Fat) also added to the overall sense of the film.
Whilst not the most thought provoking film ever created, The Replacement Killers is a great showing of how style is created.
Fight Club (1999)
Strap in and Hold on
Fight Club is probably one of the most frantic movies ever made. Right from the opening credits, the extremely competent direction of David Fincher smashes the viewer with his bloody violence and fast paced camera angles.
The acting is superb, Brad Pitt's twisted portrayal of Tyler Durden was great, and almost over shadowed Edward Norton role as the unknown character. Helena Bonham Carter was great and Meatloaf, well.... he was different.
Another brilliant aspect of fight club was the music by the Dust Brothers. In the scene where the car is racing out of control, the music helps create the frantic mood.
Fight club breaks many rules, but maintains a pace that grabs the viewer and never let's go.
Montana (1998)
Tucci is Great!
When I rented "Nothing Personal" (that's what it's called in Australia) I half expected it to be a violent, unfunny version of "The Long Kiss Goodnight". But how I was wrong.
"Nothing Personal" was a funny movie in which the voilence wasn't overplayed and sometimes contributed to the humor. The Scene where the bald guy got shot through the wall reminded me of the scene in "The Big Lebowski" where Jeff Bridges puts the chair on the door to stop people coming in but the door opens the other way. Back to the point. The performances by Kyra Sedgwick, Robbie Coltrane and Robin Tunney, but the standout performance was Stanely Tucci in his role as Nick.
While it won't recieve much attention, "Nothing Personal" was a well made light hearted movie that will do on a rainy day.
Sling Blade (1996)
A work of brilliance by Billy Bob Thorton
Sling Blade is the ultimate example of Billy Bob Thorton's versatility as an actor, writer and director. His brilliant depiction of Karl, the simple but caring man who has been institutionalized since childhood inspires everybody to take a look at themselves and their lives. To quote the tag line "sometimes a hero comes the most unlikely place".
The most important message that anyone can derive from Sling Blade is the importance of relationships, with your family, with your friends. It shows how a friendship is created from the heart, not from the brain.
The brilliance of Billy Bob Thorton is depicting Karl is also strengthened by his co-stars, especially J.T. Walsh, whose irrelevant story creates a feeling of tenseness, and Dwight Yoakam as the extremely volatile Billy
Billy Bob Thorton deserves all the accolades he has received, and even more for this fantastic film.
The Big Hit (1998)
Hit's the Mark
I thought The Big Hit was a great film, it showed what every action movie over the last ten years has showed - impossible action, but this is done in a way that makes the viewer laugh. The particular style of john woo is evident, not in the drama, but in the action, as the young characters Melvin, Vince, Crunch and Cisco show the are physical as well as emotional actors.
Most people who look to this movie as being dramatic and believable will be disappointed, but those who watch the Big Hit for pure entertainment purposes should love it.