Last of the Red Hot Lovers - **1/2
If you like Neil Simon, Alan Arkin and films that take place mostly in one room like the plays that inspired them, you'll enjoy this.
Cinematically, I hear all the time how these types of films are terrible because they look like a play that was filmed--I don't have a problem with that. If it had never been filmed, I'd never have seen it and been denyed an enjoyable performance by Arkin.
Wednesday, March 03, 2004
Every Which Way But Loose - **1/2
A fun film overall - nothing too serious going on here and Ruth Gordon is hi-larious. In a year where most big films grossed around $40 million, this ape of a tale went past the $80 million mark--not bad for film about a fist-fighter and his orang-utan buddy, Clyde. A sneak peak into the past when the San Fernando Valley (my neighborhood) didn't seem such a bad place to live.
A fun film overall - nothing too serious going on here and Ruth Gordon is hi-larious. In a year where most big films grossed around $40 million, this ape of a tale went past the $80 million mark--not bad for film about a fist-fighter and his orang-utan buddy, Clyde. A sneak peak into the past when the San Fernando Valley (my neighborhood) didn't seem such a bad place to live.
Rock-N-Roll High School - **1/2
Had I seen this while I was a teenager I probably would have loved it. I'm embarrassed to admit that as much as I do like the Ramones music, I'm totally unfamiliar with most of their work, yet appreciate and understand their influence on much of the music of my teen years--hair band metal. What was I thinking?!
Joe Dante shows here the potential he proved in some of his later films (Gremlins, Innerspace, The Burbs). In my opinion, he's either a director you "get or don't get," and in the former, such as my case, he provides great entertainment.
Had I seen this while I was a teenager I probably would have loved it. I'm embarrassed to admit that as much as I do like the Ramones music, I'm totally unfamiliar with most of their work, yet appreciate and understand their influence on much of the music of my teen years--hair band metal. What was I thinking?!
Joe Dante shows here the potential he proved in some of his later films (Gremlins, Innerspace, The Burbs). In my opinion, he's either a director you "get or don't get," and in the former, such as my case, he provides great entertainment.
The Andromeda Strain - **1/2
Meticulously paced but strangely engaging tale of a mysterious virus that emerges in a small New Mexico town. Good for a rainy afternoon when you're in a non-spaceship/alien/monster sci-fi mood. I forsee an update/remake in the future, given the contemporary bio-weapon atmosphere in our world.
Meticulously paced but strangely engaging tale of a mysterious virus that emerges in a small New Mexico town. Good for a rainy afternoon when you're in a non-spaceship/alien/monster sci-fi mood. I forsee an update/remake in the future, given the contemporary bio-weapon atmosphere in our world.
The Professionals - ***
One of the last great westerns of a slowly fading genre (revived in the early 90's), this film features a great cast and earned Oscar nods for it's directing, screenplay and cinemetography.
One of the last great westerns of a slowly fading genre (revived in the early 90's), this film features a great cast and earned Oscar nods for it's directing, screenplay and cinemetography.
Wednesday, January 14, 2004
Meatballs - **1/2
This is a movie that seems to be made up as it goes along, and nothing relating to a plot ever gets started, yet the characters and atmosphere seemed to take me back to days gone by. It's like a love letter to anyone who went to camp, especially in the 80's. Would make a great double bill with Indian Summer, especially as Matt Craven is in both films. While the characters in Indian Summer are in no way related to those in Meatballs, the personalities are the same, just older.
This is a movie that seems to be made up as it goes along, and nothing relating to a plot ever gets started, yet the characters and atmosphere seemed to take me back to days gone by. It's like a love letter to anyone who went to camp, especially in the 80's. Would make a great double bill with Indian Summer, especially as Matt Craven is in both films. While the characters in Indian Summer are in no way related to those in Meatballs, the personalities are the same, just older.
Monday, January 12, 2004
Godspell - *1/2
Um, no.
Bringing Broadway shows to film just doesn't often translate. It took them 25 year to figure out how to do Chicago and after seeing Godspell, I'm thinking they should have taken as long if not longer. I'm all for musicals, even when the leads suddenly burst into song but the performances here are over-blown and dull. It's amazing to see how well an adaptation can be (Jesus Christ Superstar, Chicago, The Music Man, and almost anything from FOX in the 50's/60's) and how poorly it can be represented when you're basically doing the same thing; taking people singing on a stage setting and putting it to film in a "real-life" setting. JCS is about as basic as can be when it comes to it's main elements--the script is all music, the sets are a bare minimum and the performances carry over with great subtley, yet an there is an understanding with the filmmaker that the stage and screen are two different art forms but a story is a story. It just has to be handled differently, depending on the medium. This version of Godspell is just an out-door filming of actors turning in stage performances.
Um, no.
Bringing Broadway shows to film just doesn't often translate. It took them 25 year to figure out how to do Chicago and after seeing Godspell, I'm thinking they should have taken as long if not longer. I'm all for musicals, even when the leads suddenly burst into song but the performances here are over-blown and dull. It's amazing to see how well an adaptation can be (Jesus Christ Superstar, Chicago, The Music Man, and almost anything from FOX in the 50's/60's) and how poorly it can be represented when you're basically doing the same thing; taking people singing on a stage setting and putting it to film in a "real-life" setting. JCS is about as basic as can be when it comes to it's main elements--the script is all music, the sets are a bare minimum and the performances carry over with great subtley, yet an there is an understanding with the filmmaker that the stage and screen are two different art forms but a story is a story. It just has to be handled differently, depending on the medium. This version of Godspell is just an out-door filming of actors turning in stage performances.
Millenium Actress - **1/2
I'm embarrassed to admit that I have seen very few Anime films and every one I see seems to get better than the last. This story brings an imaginative narrative to life by utilizing its extraordinary visual design to its fullest capacity. A movie studio is being torn down and one of it's most well-known actresses, now in Garbo-like seclusion, is being interviewed about her life. During her retelling of her past, her interviewers are mystically transported back in time to the exact time and place she is discussing and are able to act and react to all the situations. If you just flow with it, you'll enjoy it more than asking tons of questions during.
At least in this film they don't have a time machine where they could just go back to the day before any traumatic events and change history.
I'm embarrassed to admit that I have seen very few Anime films and every one I see seems to get better than the last. This story brings an imaginative narrative to life by utilizing its extraordinary visual design to its fullest capacity. A movie studio is being torn down and one of it's most well-known actresses, now in Garbo-like seclusion, is being interviewed about her life. During her retelling of her past, her interviewers are mystically transported back in time to the exact time and place she is discussing and are able to act and react to all the situations. If you just flow with it, you'll enjoy it more than asking tons of questions during.
At least in this film they don't have a time machine where they could just go back to the day before any traumatic events and change history.
Frances - **1/2
Jessica Lange took home an Oscar in 1982 for her supporting role in "Tootsie," but she was also nominated in the Lead Actress category for this melodramtic biopic of actress Frances Farmer.
It is my firm belief that this movie is responsible for the Lifetime Network. It's unclear how much dramatic license the filmmakers took but it's evident from what they present that every bad thing that ever happened to a lead character in a Lifetime movie happened to Frances during the span of only a few years. It's melodramatic, over the top and often unbalanced--actors probably love this movie.
I have no knowledge of Frances Farmer nor do I care to research her career any further, however, Lange certainly deserved her recognition for this role that will forever remind me of all my ex-girlfriends.
Jessica Lange took home an Oscar in 1982 for her supporting role in "Tootsie," but she was also nominated in the Lead Actress category for this melodramtic biopic of actress Frances Farmer.
It is my firm belief that this movie is responsible for the Lifetime Network. It's unclear how much dramatic license the filmmakers took but it's evident from what they present that every bad thing that ever happened to a lead character in a Lifetime movie happened to Frances during the span of only a few years. It's melodramatic, over the top and often unbalanced--actors probably love this movie.
I have no knowledge of Frances Farmer nor do I care to research her career any further, however, Lange certainly deserved her recognition for this role that will forever remind me of all my ex-girlfriends.
Time After Time - ***
A brilliant concept and imaginative effects accompany this Sci-Fi thriller from the late 70's. Nobody plays their roles for camp which would be difficult not to when given such lines as, "My name is H.G. Wells. I came here in a time machine of my own construction. I am pursuing Jack the Ripper, who escaped into the future in my machine."
The plot has more than its share of loopholes, which is common among films involving time travel (especially those containing a machine--seriously, just go back to the day before it all happens and prevent it!) and it dragged on a bit towards the end, which I found very unsatisfying. It's still worth a look if you're in a Sci-Fi mood but it's more Twilight Zone than Aliens.
A brilliant concept and imaginative effects accompany this Sci-Fi thriller from the late 70's. Nobody plays their roles for camp which would be difficult not to when given such lines as, "My name is H.G. Wells. I came here in a time machine of my own construction. I am pursuing Jack the Ripper, who escaped into the future in my machine."
The plot has more than its share of loopholes, which is common among films involving time travel (especially those containing a machine--seriously, just go back to the day before it all happens and prevent it!) and it dragged on a bit towards the end, which I found very unsatisfying. It's still worth a look if you're in a Sci-Fi mood but it's more Twilight Zone than Aliens.
The Last Samurai - **
AKA "Dances With The Last of the ThirtySomething Braveheart Mohicans." Great cinematography, gorgeous costume design and admirable performances by Tom Cruise and Ken Watanabe doesn't save this completely Hollywoodized film from coming off as an Oscar-nominee wannabe. The film's running time of 154 minutes could easily have been shaved to 120. I'm not complaining about long running times, it's the pacing of the film--ROTK's 201 min. goes by much quicker, yet, so did the oral surgery when I had my wisdom teeth removed. Only slightly more painful.
When Tom Cruise works with great directors, he turns in great performances. One need only see "The Color of Money," "Rain Man," "Born on the Fourth of July," "Magnolia" and my favorite, "Jerry Maguire," to see Tom's capability as an actor. Unfortunately, as director Zwick's last job was helming ABC's "Once and Again,' he should have warned Tom that he has trouble differentiating between a big screen and a small one.
AKA "Dances With The Last of the ThirtySomething Braveheart Mohicans." Great cinematography, gorgeous costume design and admirable performances by Tom Cruise and Ken Watanabe doesn't save this completely Hollywoodized film from coming off as an Oscar-nominee wannabe. The film's running time of 154 minutes could easily have been shaved to 120. I'm not complaining about long running times, it's the pacing of the film--ROTK's 201 min. goes by much quicker, yet, so did the oral surgery when I had my wisdom teeth removed. Only slightly more painful.
When Tom Cruise works with great directors, he turns in great performances. One need only see "The Color of Money," "Rain Man," "Born on the Fourth of July," "Magnolia" and my favorite, "Jerry Maguire," to see Tom's capability as an actor. Unfortunately, as director Zwick's last job was helming ABC's "Once and Again,' he should have warned Tom that he has trouble differentiating between a big screen and a small one.
The Taking of Pelham One Two Three - ***
Enjoyable hijacking pic with a great ensemble cast headed by Walter Matthau. I've often thought that Tom Hanks and Mr. Matthau have several similarities in some of their characters they play and I could easily see Hanks playing the lead in a remake. A television remake was a done a few years ago and apparently my gift for casting will go unnoticed.
If the film doesn't interest you yet you're a Tarantino fan, note that the characters call each other by colors, as in Mr. Grey, Mr. Blue and Mr. Green.
Enjoyable hijacking pic with a great ensemble cast headed by Walter Matthau. I've often thought that Tom Hanks and Mr. Matthau have several similarities in some of their characters they play and I could easily see Hanks playing the lead in a remake. A television remake was a done a few years ago and apparently my gift for casting will go unnoticed.
If the film doesn't interest you yet you're a Tarantino fan, note that the characters call each other by colors, as in Mr. Grey, Mr. Blue and Mr. Green.
Tuesday, January 06, 2004
Cheaper by the Dozen - **1/2
Steve Martin and Bonnie Hunt are parents of 12 kids. Ooh, the possibilities. Sadly, this movie quickly turns from humorous slapstick to a Thirty Something/after school special and smothers the rather inspiring work of the younger actors. These young thespians represent themselves more like actual siblings than cutsy kids in a movie, which I found very refreshing. More of the interaction among the kids would have made this movie a terrific comedy, but Martin and Hunt make for a good combo--would love to see these two paired again in smart romance--something from Nancy Meyers, James L. Brooks or Cameron Crowe perhaps...?
Steve Martin and Bonnie Hunt are parents of 12 kids. Ooh, the possibilities. Sadly, this movie quickly turns from humorous slapstick to a Thirty Something/after school special and smothers the rather inspiring work of the younger actors. These young thespians represent themselves more like actual siblings than cutsy kids in a movie, which I found very refreshing. More of the interaction among the kids would have made this movie a terrific comedy, but Martin and Hunt make for a good combo--would love to see these two paired again in smart romance--something from Nancy Meyers, James L. Brooks or Cameron Crowe perhaps...?
Saturday, January 03, 2004
Master and Commander: The Far side of the World - *
When I think of a film with a cast entirely of men, set on a boat at sea where all they do is play with their cannons and shoot them at other men, I expect some action. Starring Russell Crowe doesn't hurt.
Jokingly, I hint at a gay subtext. However, since this film is mostly dinner parties and string duets, a few scenes of raw man-on-man sex would not only gay it down a few pegs, but also liven the plot.
Maybe the next film will be called, "Master and Commander and Will and Grace."
When I think of a film with a cast entirely of men, set on a boat at sea where all they do is play with their cannons and shoot them at other men, I expect some action. Starring Russell Crowe doesn't hurt.
Jokingly, I hint at a gay subtext. However, since this film is mostly dinner parties and string duets, a few scenes of raw man-on-man sex would not only gay it down a few pegs, but also liven the plot.
Maybe the next film will be called, "Master and Commander and Will and Grace."
Friday, December 19, 2003
Lucas - **1/2
Decent teen film, neither funny comedy or high drama about a boy who doesn't fit in yet tries desperately to for the affection of the girl he loves. Cute girls date hunky jocks, homely girls date geeky boys. It won't teach you anything you didn't already know, nor does it give you hope that stereotypes can be avoided. Kind of a "Rudy" for nerds with Charlie (Ma)Sheen(!) as the jock.
Friday, December 12, 2003
On Golden Pond - ***1/2
You'd be hard pressed to find a film boring with two amazing actors as your leads combined with a great story, even when it's about two old poops spending a summer at a lake cabin. Ten Oscar nominations with winning lead performances by Katherine Hepburn and Henry Fonda, as well as a win for screenwriter Ernest Thompson (based on his play), make this film a true treasure of American cinema.
Wednesday, December 10, 2003
Ordinary People - ***1/2
Slow start builds nicely to this film, wholly responsible for the Lifetime network and every "very special episode" in 80's sit-com history. Academy Awards for Director (Redford), Supporting Actor (Hutton), Adapted Screenplay and Best Picture, with two additional nods for Supporting Actor (Judd Hirsch) and Supporting Actress (Mary Tyler Moore) and an overlooked Donald Sutherland make this well worth your time. The scenes with Hutton and Hirsch were obviously an inspiration to Damon and Affleck when writing Good Will Hunting.
Monday, December 01, 2003
Angel Eyes - **1/2
If you can put "JLo" out of your mind and remember what it was like watching Jennifer Lopez in "Out of Sight", you should give this movie a chance. Not great, but certainly not terrible, especially because of Jim Caviezel's somber performance. However, he needs to do a comedy soon.
Blood Simple - ***
Film noir from the Cohen brothers. What else can be said that hasn't already. This isn't my favorite from them, but well worth your time. Saying anything more would reveal too much and deprive you from a fantastic cinematic experience.
My Beautiful Laundrette - ***
Stephen Frears is hit and miss with me, but always an intriguing filmmaker. I wish I had written something down after seeing this film as I really liked it, but mostly it just made me want to watch more films with the astonishing Daniel Day-Lewis, who I've been avoiding since The Last of the Mohicans save for The Gangs of New York.
Ravenous - **1/2
Gory depiction of cannibalism in an 1800's army outpost. Far superior to any teen slasher out there, but not quite Dances With Wolves. A good choice if you're up for something with creepy atmosphere, a plentiful serving of gore (Har!) and good performances.
My First Mister - ***
Wonderful performances by Albert Brooks and Leelee Sobieski make this Harold & Maude inspired dramedy much more than what it seems on the surface.
All That Jazz - ***
Fosse! Fosse! Fosse! Think "Purple Rain" meets "A Chorus Line". Actually, don't. Roy Scheider and cast turn in good performances in this film loosely based on choreographer Bob Fosse but the real reason to see this is for the dance numbers.
Monday, November 10, 2003
Force 10 From Navarone - **1/2
Force 10 From Navarone - **1/2
Engaging but somewhat lengthy WWII drama starring Harrison Ford and Robert Shaw. Edward Fox's performance stands out. Harrison fights the German's better with a whip and fedora.
Engaging but somewhat lengthy WWII drama starring Harrison Ford and Robert Shaw. Edward Fox's performance stands out. Harrison fights the German's better with a whip and fedora.
McCabe and Mrs. Miller
McCabe and Mrs. Miller - ***
Altman's terrific direction brings us into a mining town in Canada in the 1800's where Warren Beatty sets up a brothel with the help of Julie Christie. Unusual film with a view of the "old west" not typically seen. Terrific set design but story loses its appeal in the third act.
Altman's terrific direction brings us into a mining town in Canada in the 1800's where Warren Beatty sets up a brothel with the help of Julie Christie. Unusual film with a view of the "old west" not typically seen. Terrific set design but story loses its appeal in the third act.
Klute - ***
Klute - ***
Jane Fonda's Oscar-winning performance turns a moderately paced thriller into an interesting character study in one woman's attempt to escape a life of prostitution. Alan Pakula's story slowly unfolds but Fonda and co-star Donald Sutherland bring depth to two people trying to ignore their mutual attraction while trying to solve the mystery of a man's disappearance.
Jane Fonda's Oscar-winning performance turns a moderately paced thriller into an interesting character study in one woman's attempt to escape a life of prostitution. Alan Pakula's story slowly unfolds but Fonda and co-star Donald Sutherland bring depth to two people trying to ignore their mutual attraction while trying to solve the mystery of a man's disappearance.
Tuesday, November 04, 2003
Two and a Half Men (Monday/CBS/9:30 PM PST) is the best new show of the fall season. However, after only seeing two episodes of Arrested Development (Sunday/FOX/9:30 PM PST), this opinion may change.
Tuesday, March 31, 1998
Jan - March 1998
Found a notebook with some reactions from screenings from 1998:
Flirting With Disaster - **1/2
Donnie Brasco - **1/2
Grosse Pointe Blank - ***
Revenge - *
Hard Eight (a/k/a "Sydney") - ***
Volcano - *** (really? I must have been excited by my recent move to L.A. and liked seeing it destroyed; it can't possibly be a 3 star film... I may have to re-screen it!)
Good Will Hunting - ****
Half-Baked - ** (This I'll have to re-evaluate, I'm sure I liked it more than 2 stars, but at the time I gave it 2, so just for an accurate account of my reaction I'm leaving it at 2 for now.)
Oscar and Lucinda - *** (I did screen this again last year and still liked it)
Titanic - ****
Zero Effect - **
The Big Lebowski - ***
Flirting With Disaster - **1/2
Donnie Brasco - **1/2
Grosse Pointe Blank - ***
Revenge - *
Hard Eight (a/k/a "Sydney") - ***
Volcano - *** (really? I must have been excited by my recent move to L.A. and liked seeing it destroyed; it can't possibly be a 3 star film... I may have to re-screen it!)
Good Will Hunting - ****
Half-Baked - ** (This I'll have to re-evaluate, I'm sure I liked it more than 2 stars, but at the time I gave it 2, so just for an accurate account of my reaction I'm leaving it at 2 for now.)
Oscar and Lucinda - *** (I did screen this again last year and still liked it)
Titanic - ****
Zero Effect - **
The Big Lebowski - ***
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