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Reviews
A Civil Action (1998)
Nothing happens in this movie.
What do I expect from a movie? I think there are three main points: most importantly, an interesting plot; second, good acting; and third, comic or action relief. This movie scores "none of the above". Its plot is extremely slow, can be described in one sentence, has no twists or surprises, and is totally and absolutely predictable, right from the first few minutes. The acting is mediocre or worse, with John Travolta particularly disappointing. The exception to this is Robert Duvall, who plays very well and deserves better than this film. As for relief of some sort, this movie is one long dialog, and contains, perhaps, two lines that might make you smile -- if you're in a good mood.
The Matrix (1999)
Absolutely amazing
This is my favorite type of movie: the one where the point of the plot slowly dawns on you as you watch the movie. (Twelve monkeys is another example of what I'm talking about.)
There is very little that can be said about this movie without ruining some of the suspense. As they say in the preview, "No one can tell you what the matrix is. You have to see it for yourself." All I can add is, it'll be worth it.
A few days ago I wrote a comment on "The Mummy", where I complained that special effects are not enough to make a good movie. "The Matrix" might as well have been an answer to my wish. It's got amazing effects, and it has a plot that will keep you glued to your chair. Go see it - it's a must.
The Mummy (1999)
Other than fancy FX, this movie is pretty standard hack-and-slash
I am sure many people will enjoy this movie. If you are of the type who likes to see a simple action movie with cool effects and don't mind the occasional cliche scene, go see it, and enjoy. The special effects will knock you out.
However, I am of the opinion that a movie should leave you with more than just a few humorous lines and special effects. A few years from now the special effects will look as pathetic to us as the CG in Toy Story does today. What will we think of this movie then?
Stripped of its FX, the movie is not more than a standard Indiana Jones-style adventure, with a bit more gore and much less charm. It has recycled scenes and a _very_ standard plotline. The director tries to cover this up by a little self-humor, but I don't buy it. It's just "deja-vous all over again".
Computer graphics have revolutionized the way movies are made today. Like all revolutions, we don't really know what the end effect will be. But I would like to think that some day, the CG industry will mature, and special effects will be used as a tool to enhance the movie, not as a goal in itself.
A Price Above Rubies (1998)
Reasonably interesting, but not spectacular
I found this movie reasonably interesting. It offers a glimpse into a society that not everyone knows about, the ultra-orthodox Jews in America. It portrays the struggle of a woman in this society to achieve self-fulfillment. Unlike previous commentators here, I thought the movie was quite realistic. However, the plot is slightly slow and expected, and this causes the otherwise powerful concepts and questions involved to lose some of their ability to move you.
8MM (1999)
Unsuccessfully attempts to deal with complex issues
The movie describes the efforts of a private investigator (Nicolas Cage) to determine whether a private porn film is a snuff film. (Snuff films are rape/murder films which are for real, i.e. people actually get murdered on film.) It quickly becomes obvious to the viewer that the film is real, and the second half of the movie is spent on the PI finding those responsible for it and killing them.
The first half of the movie is quite effective and powerful. Without actually showing (almost) any gore, the movie makes you realize what a sleazy, disgusting industry the hard porn industry is. In this respect the movie is successful.
However, the second half of the movie is spent, almost entirely, on a savage manhunt in which the PI seeks, finds, and murders the people responsible for producing the snuff film. I use the word 'murder' because there is no other way to describe his acts. He cold-bloodedly tracks down these people, follows them around, waits for an opportunity, ties them up, and beats them to death. I found this shocking even more than the actual porn in the movie, because it was portrayed as the execution of justice. And here I thought everyone was entitled to the rights of a lawyer, a fair trial, and a decent chance to defend themselves. Silly me! Obviously the producers of this movie know better.
From a film that's supposed to deal with the issues of semi-legal and illegal porn, I would expect a better understanding of how justice is supposed to be served in a democratic country.
Higher Education (1988)
Successful on the whole, but sometimes it tries too hard
The movie describes the lives of several college students, and deals with interracial and intersexual relationships. It is a sharp criticism of the hidden discrimination and racial hatred which remain despite the legal equality between the races and sexes. Although altogether successful, the movie tends to push its message to the viewer in a strong and rather harsh way, and this reduces its effectiveness.
Fried Green Tomatoes (1991)
Exciting, enticing, charming - in short, excellent!
This is one of those rare cases where the film is better than the original novel. I found the novel too cutsey, too PC and sort of slow, but the film is none of these. It has a remarkable combination of interesting dramatic personae, a surprising plot, and charming anecdotes which will stay with you forever. The story about the ducks in the lake is my personal favorite. In short, a must for anyone who appreciates good drama.
Meet Joe Black (1998)
Painfully long and utterly boring
Frankly I expected much more from this movie. Although there are, occasionally, interesting shots and nice touches, most of the movie is very cliche, despite the original idea. It's the very standard story of boy-meet-girl, with the angry father and the bad guy and everything else that goes with that kind of movie. Also the very soap-opera-style display of the problems of the rich and famous. No actors stand out. No interesting characters. No plot worth speaking of. In short, a good idea for a movie, wasted because of a poor script.