Change Your Image
jps-4
Reviews
Payback (1999)
Some shortcomings but still entertaining
I can't say I didn't enjoy this movie, because I did. There are two things that bothered me, however, both having to with believability. First, it's hard for me to believe a person would go to such lengths for $140,000 (no, $70,000--good running gag). Is he that angry? Financially desperate? Stupid? Or just has a strong set of values (in a supposedly "bad" guy)? Secondly, the ease with which he single-handedly infiltrates supposedly huge mob figures is hard to swallow. Exciting, yes. Plausible, no. But I suppose that's what action pictures are all about.
One other note: the dark cinematography was consistent and interesting, but became rather irritating over the course of the movie.
Overall, interesting enough to be worth a look for most folks, especially Mel fans.
Seinfeld (1989)
Best writing on TV
There's no mistaking that the four main characters and the aberrations that surround them are among the most memorable on TV, ever. But what I find most amazing and entertaining is how, in less than 30 minutes, the writers are unfailingly able to take 3, 4, 5, or more disparate plot elements and magically bring them together in one hilarious conclusion. Every line, every action has its place within each episode. I particularly like the India wedding episode, which we see in reverse chronological order. I must admit that I never watched the show in its original run, but now I savor every episode I see in syndication. Airing back-to-back in my area with Home Improvement, I'm in heaven.