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Reviews
Big Night (1996)
the perfect movie? (spoiler)
I first sought out this movie because Siskel & Ebert told me too.
I loved it....but the "unresolved" ending took me by surprise.
Having just watched it for the third time, I don't see it as an unresolved ending at all.
I think the difference was that once I knew the secret ("he" was not going to show up for dinner) -- I actually enjoyed the movie more knowing this.
I had a similar reaction to "leaving las vegas"; knowing the ending sometimes lets you relax and enjoy the performances more.
Keep an eye out for "C.J.", from "the west wing."
Me, Myself & Irene (2000)
lost its' way
This movie had some big laughs (10 or so), which is a lot more than you can say about some other "comedies" lately.
It also had a low "missed laughs" count (perhaps 3).
The plot, on the other hand, missed entirely. I still don't understand the whole EPA/golf course/must-kill-the-girl plot -- it was never properly explained.
The three kids violate a policeman, steal a helicopter, (and mysteriously appear at the needed time with no way of knowing where they were needed) -- and get off scott-free.
The whole albino subplot didn't pay off at all.
This film was too ambitious. If they made the plot simpler, but kept the same gags, I would have liked it a lot more, I suspect. "Dumb and Dumber" had the right sort of simple plot, but didn't have as many big laughs.
The whole dildo thing means I have to make sure my parents don't see the movie. One or two big "shocks" is ok (like the "hair gell" in Something About Mary), any more than that approaches vulgarity.
Crazy in Alabama (1999)
worth a gander
More than I expected from a "husband directing wife" movie.
A little uneven though; the two stories flip-flopped with no apparent tie, even though you knew there would eventually be one; once it came it was not entirely satisfying. In the meantime, I kept thinking, "this movie is about the kid (peejoe), not about Melanie Griffith, why do they keep interrupting it with her disjointed scenes?"
A great cast gives good performances. I particularly liked the kid, Lucas Black ("Sling Blade"), David Morse...and look for an almost unrecognizable Richard Schiff ("The West Wing") as the limo driver, Norman.
Other than the odd blending of the stories, Banderas (director) didn't get in the way at all (this is a compliment). I hope he tries again. Actually, as a Spaniard, I was surprised how well (I'm guessing, since I'm not American either) he was able to push some American emotional buttons; Martin Luther King Jr. American-flag scene-cut and all.
I wish the black characters were more deeply developed.
Supernova (2000)
ran out of fuel. 5 out of 10
I had high hopes 1/2 through; there was good character development, and no huge reliance on special effects. Then all of a sudden most of the characters are blown out of air locks and the remaining ones chase each other around, the bad guy gets killed and we're left asking "is that it!?"
The Mummy (1999)
yuck
Indiana Jones meets "Scream".
Don't bother.
It was on TMN, I fell asleep the first time; Had to watch the last half another time.
Runaway Train (1985)
bad acting 101
Voigt and Roberts weren't completely terrible, and Rebecca De Mornay was actually very good -- with what there was of a script.
The smaller parts (the warden, the train office people) were played by very bad actors.
I can't believe I sat through the whole thing.
Star Trek: Insurrection (1998)
Not as good as First Contact
There were TNG TV episodes with a better story.
Antz (1998)
visually stunning, plot misplaced
Animated, to me, usually means "kids will like it". I could hardly keep my 5 year old in the theater.
I was very happy with the look of the film, but it the plot left my empty -- and the boy bored.
What Dreams May Come (1998)
I balled my eyes out -- every 10 mins!
The stars of this film are the screenplay and set design (or are they special effects? They are so good it's hard to tell).
It's a wrenching story (especially for me, being a parent); if you're a man and don't want your date to see you cry, don't go. On second thought, girls like that sort of thing, so GO.
I went by myself at a midnight show, so perhaps I felt a little emotionally freer; but I've never been moved from tears of joy to tears of pain so often by a film.