Reviews
Adaptation. (2002)
What a great movie!
Weird and wonderful every step of the way, with another highly original Charlie Kaufman script and inspired direction by Spike Jonze. Nicolas Cage has never been better, creating two distinct characters in his twin brother roles (and hasn't technology come a long way since "The Patty Duke Show"?) and evoking sympathy for both, even with all their flaws. Chris Cooper was richly deserving of the Oscar he won for this. His role, which in lesser hands might have become a caricature, is truly unforgettable -- funny, sad, mysterious, charming, repulsive... The list goes on. And what can anyone say about the great Meryl Streep at this point that hasn't already been said? I'll give it a try: Hearing her deliver the line "You fat f*ck!" was one of my favorite movie-going moments of all time.
Young Frankenstein (1974)
One of the best comedies ever
I crowned this "my favorite movie ever" when I first saw it, on its original release, at age 10. Now I'm nearly 42, I've seen it about 100 times, and it still ranks among my all-time favorites.
Everything about this film is just about perfect, from the wonderful castle interiors, to the music, to the performances of very minor cast members. But its brilliance lies in its script, star actors, and Mel Brooks' best direction ever.
Gene Wilder, who co-wrote the screenplay with Brooks, is ideal in the title role, using his manic energy and slightly crazed look to optimum effect. And what an amazing cast of supporting characters: Peter Boyle as the monster, wildly funny (and touching!) with almost no dialogue; Marty Feldman as Igor
was anyone ever more perfectly cast in a comic role?; Cloris Leachman, brilliantly over-the-top; Madeline Kahn, capping her run of great comic roles (What's Up, Doc?, Paper Moon, Blazing Saddles) with what I consider her best. Plus good work from Kenneth Mars, a young Teri Garr
and let us not forget the best star cameo ever put on film Gene Hackman's uproarious turn as the blind man.
Can you imagine a comedy this good being released today? I can't. They'd probably show it to a test audience that would bitch about the (wonderful) black-and-white cinematography and insist that the monster have hard-drinkin' sidekicks.
So many wonderful moments, it's almost impossible to pick a favorite. But what the heck
mine is Igor recounting what his dad used to say at "times like these".
Don't miss this classic comedy!
Stuart Saves His Family (1995)
A really nice, surprising movie
This movie is so much better than anything you'd expect. Needless to say, most of the films based on SNL characters are pretty lame, and this one slipped under the radar so quickly, you might assume it's another "It's Pat". It's not! If you like the Stuart Smalley character, you'll of course be more disposed to liking the film. But even those previously unfamiliar with the 12-step junkie will find a sweet and surprisingly honest story here -- one that both pokes fun at self-help groups and acknowledges that they can work. There are plenty of laughs; and in its treatment of Stuart's highly dysfunctional family of origin, this film achieves something near-great. Watch and see. And "get yourself to a pound cake!"
Riding the Bus with My Sister (2005)
Maybe the worst movie ever. You'll love it!
Anjelica Huston has given enough good acting performances and directed at least one very good film (Bastard out of Carolina), that she can perhaps be forgiven for this. But there is no forgiving Rosie and Andie, who give two of the most godawful performances ever put on film. You'd think Rosie would win the bad acting competition hands-down, since she has the over-the-top, tug-at-your-heartstrings role and plays it with such zero-talent gusto; but, if possible, Andie is worse in that expressionless, monotone, "but she's pretty" way that somehow keeps getting her cast in movies. Unintentional laughs throughout...a real pleasure if you throw out all expectations and just revel in the awfulness.