Reviews
Men with Guns (1997)
The Best Film of 1998
Barely edging out "The Spanish Prisoner" as the best film of 1998, "Men With Guns" offers quiet genius and delight for those willing to go beyond the mainstream. Although overlooked by most viewers John Sayles has basically incorporated the elemental characters of "The Wizard of Oz" and placed the dreams and desires of idealists in the cruel setting of the real world, where ever that might be. The setting of an unidentified Latin American country shows that things such as the atrocities performed by the men with guns can happen anywhere - in a developed Latin American nation or in the United States of America.
John Sayles, America's most prolific director, holds in his visions more insight into the complex workings of humanity than most other directors present in an abundance of visual effects and in-your-face techniques. AMPAS has yet again failed to recognize genuine substance but hopefully this film, another in a long line of accomplishments that presents wondrous film making and excellent storytelling, will not be forgotten.
The Spanish Prisoner (1997)
The Best Film of the Year and a great con on the audience
'The Spanish Prisoner' is the best film of the year. Without a doubt time will reveal the genius behind this film. Anyone who says that this film was completely unbelievable or predictable fell into the trap that was so expertly set up for them by the great playwright/director David Mamet.