Reviews

Just like last year, when "Shakespeare in Love" won best picture, I asked myself "why?". This year, when "American Beauty" wins best picture, I ask myself "why?". This was indeed a good movie, but proclaiming it one of the best American movies ever is completely absurd. I really really like Kevin Spacey, but sometimes he seems like he's playing, well, Kevin Spacey. Annette Bening was TERRIFIC. Interesting, but leaves you wanting. Hate to say anything negative about Kevin Spacey, but in my opinion, Richard Farnesworth's performance in "The Straight Story" should have hands down won him the Academy Award for best actor.

Beautifully done. The richness of the story, the fine acting and writing and the incredible cinematography makes this one of the most satisfying movies I've seen in quite a while (or maybe ever). Richard Farnesworth was just so good, his face alone is one of Hollywood's treasures. Presents many deep emotional issues without being melodramatic. The final scene was incredibly touching, simple yet profound. The faces of the actors spoke volumes (Harry Dean Stanton, while being in the movie for only about three minutes, touches you deeply).

Great spoof of Star Trek like actors having to do it in real life. EXTREMELY entertaining, fast paced, and funny. Tim Allen as William Shatner, er, Jason Nesmith did a good job of "centering" the cast. Loved Alan Rickman (gee, is he really as stuffy as he seems?). Fun effects, especially the rock man. I'm no prude, but I enjoyed the fact that a really entertaining movie could be made without a single obscenity being uttered. By the way, Sigourney Weaver is stunning as a blonde.

I looked at the timer on the VCR. It was at 14 minutes. I had just stopped laughing virtually continuously from the beginning of the movie (took a breather, then laughed some more). This is hands down one of the most original and hysterical movies I've ever seen. From the seven and a half floor (what an idea), to Dr. Lester's secretary, I barely survived the first half hour, then it just got better. IF YOU ARE A MOVIE FAN YOU MUST SEE THIS MOVIE!!! Can't go on about it enough.

I read many bad reviews before seeing this movie, but I had to see it because of the simple fact that it is a Stanley Kubrick movie. First of all, it should go without saying that the movie was visually stunning. The contrasts of the reds/oranges and deep blues were noticeable throughout the entire movie. Sets were "perfect". My real surprise came when I found myself involved and interested in the story. I think that the 10 minute segment when Nicole smoked the joint and didn't get exactly happy was one of the most dead-on accurate portrayals of how married life can be, the scene was absolutely fabulous. Strange plot, but, what else is new?

Denzel Washington is such a great actor. Why is he in this movie? Completely derivative and forgettable. Washington is bed ridden, Jolie is doing all the dirty work. He says in her most terrible situations (dealing with literally steamed people) "I'm with you, I'm right there with you". No you're not. You're in bed. If you haven't seen it, don't bother.

I'm new to George Clooney being a movie star, and I'm always suspicious of those movie stars that come from television. A lot of them just don't make the grade. Looks like Clooney may be one that makes it. He had enough presence to command the lead role. Interesting story. Had to tread a thin line of how Iraqi's are portrayed (didn't go the route of trashing all Iraqi's). I can tell digital editing and processing is becoming much more widely used, based on various scenes that screamed digital. Wahlberg and Ice Cube carried their roles well as did Spike Jonze (although I found his character nearly intolerable). Could have been just another dumb buddy movie, but it's not. It has a lot more to offer. Catch this one.

I just love comedies that are funny! I've always been an Eddie Murphy fan. I've found that I like him better when he isn't completely crass, because he has a great warm side to him. There are at least two or three routines in this movie that had me screaming with laughter. His rapid fire delivery scenes are the best. I also thought it was interesting to see Martin Lawrence in the "straight man" role. He actually pulled it off pretty well, and it's the first movie or anything I've ever seen him in that I actually liked his performance. Gee, if you want to see a funny comedy (what a concept), with a good story, check this one out.

Time seems to blunt the effectiveness of some horror movies, but The Exorcist isn't one of them. The real day-to-day feel of the movie (i.e. we're not in outer space or something) only feeds the fear. If you're a religious person, or were brought up Catholic, there are definite religious overtones that can definitely get under your skin (the quick shot of the defiled Virgin Mary really got under mine). The visual effects are stunning and repulsive, but what I noticed this time around (again) is how important the sound track is in setting the horrifying mood of the movie. Got to see the DVD 25th anniversary edition, which has some extra scenes (I know it has a second subliminal vision of the scary-as-hell face of one the demon). No ordinary movie, watch it if you dare (seriously).

This is one of the sweetest movies I have ever seen. Not preachy, but yet extends a message of love and harmony.

Just loved the pig, and James Cromwell was terrific as the somewhat befuddled but good-hearted farmer. The climax is a wonderfully quiet and touching scene. It's a movie about friendship and trust, you should see it, no matter how old you are.

My wife told me to get this movie. I told her it got terrible, terrible reviews. Well, we got it, I wound up watching it and enjoying it much more than I thought I would. More a comedy than a horror movie, it was pretty stupid, knew it was, and treated itself accordingly. Loved Brendan Gleeson as the sheriff, and Betty White's part, though small, was wonderfully eccentric.

I don't think I've ever seen a movie that reeked so much of being put together by someone's simple minded idea of a formula. Let's see, the wise cracking but good hearted hero (Willis), the handsome young trooper that will save the day (Affleck), the love interest (Tyler), etc. etc. Reducing and limiting Steve Buscemi to a series of wise cracks is a complete waste of his talent. There were so many "dramatic", "tear jerking", and "heroic" scenes, it was ridiculous. Hey, I've seen some really good action movies can at least hold your interest. This movie is REALLY lame.

Sidney Poitier brings power through dignity. Rod Steiger brings power by being SO ALIVE. What a fantastic movie. Great script, characters, and story. Let's you realize how backwards we were only 30 years ago. The interaction between the straight backed, suit and tie wearing Poitier with the gum chewing, disheveled Steiger was really special (I think Steiger had the gum working in every scene); race and culture clashing and working together. If you really love movies and you haven't seen this one, do yourself a favor and rent it tonight.

What a great action flick! Special effects are very cool and the cast is MUCHO MACHO. Guns, blood, guts, aliens, and great "screaming while shooting" scenes. Good to be able to see what at least one of our governors was up to in 1987. What a blast.

Both Jeff Bridges and Tim Robbins are much better actors than to have gotten stuck in this story. Film suffers from under-development of the characters, and their relationships with one another. Robbins sleep walks through his role, and he is usually so vibrant. Bridges' suspicions are just plain stupid, but they have to be there to build a so-called believable story. Yeah, it had a twist at the end, but, so what? You want to see these guys, see Bob Roberts or The Big Lebowski so you can actually watch them act and not be constrained by stupid plot lines.

This movie was, well, entertaining, is that so bad? There were some problems with the plot by the time the movie wound itself up (a little confusing, with a good shot of "Body Heat"). I really enjoyed Kenneth Branagh's performance. I'm not from Georgia, but he put together one heck of a southern accent for being a Brit. Embeth Davidtz was enjoyably strange. To me, these actors (including Robert Downey Jr. Gee, I hope he doesn't kill himself) fabulously disappear into their roles. Robert Duvall was up to his normal high standards. Also, this was one of the least strange Robert Altman movies I think I've ever seen. Although not completely satisfying, it's worth the view for the top-notch acting.

After reading through some of the reviews, it's obvious I'm in the severe minority. I waited for this movie. I even looked forward to it. I've really liked Edward Norton's performances lately, but Brad has been missing big time. Since Kalifornia has been my favorite Brad movie so far, I was hoping he would recapture some of the full characterization he gave in his acting in that movie. Alas, I still see no power in Brad's acting ability. Edward Norton was good, but was limited by the character. Didn't have as much punch as I was hoping. Kind of intriguing and kind of silly. Not my favorite movie of the year.

Matthew Broderick and Reese Witherspoon were SO GOOD in this. Witherspoon is SO perky you could just strangle her. Even though he had a lot of limitations, I really related to Broderick's character feeling so warm and fuzzy towards over-achievers. Lots of layers in the story that were nicely tied together by the end. The rich get richer and the middle class, well they stay in the middle. Loved the scene where Broderick chucks the soda can at the car, it was the perfect cap for the emotions displayed.

For the first half of the movie, I felt like I was watching a comedy from the 30's or 40's. We get to see a little slapstick, and a lot of warm, lovable characters. Interesting how Benigni can change the tone of the film so quickly, yet with so much subtlety. I've heard this movie criticized for its depiction of concentration camp life, but COME ON! The father's need to protect his child from his surroundings was truly touching. I loved the little boy. It seems that Hollywood is always casting fairly obnoxious child characters. This kid was so sweet, just looking at his face was worth the price of admission. A movie obviously done with respect and affection.

I usually really like Nicolas Cage, but he STUNK in this one. He genuinely "sleep-walked" through this entire performance. I know I was supposed to feel for the victims, but the story was so poorly written, the dialogue so silly (does ANYONE have a marriage like the one portrayed in the movie?), that I just really didn't care. He better get his stuff together because between "Con Air", "Snake Eyes", and "8mm", he's on a pretty steep downward spiral. Sean Penn can be a real jerk, but his criticism of Cage's choice in movies lately is right on.

Geez, to see him put the move on the woman in the bar in one of the first scenes was truly unsavory. I really like Clint, but he was a 60's something guy trying to act 40's something... and it doesn't really work. Story could have been interesting, but wound up being kind of silly.

I read (surprisingly, to me) a lot of bad reviews for this movie on this site. Well, anyone going to this movie who doesn't like Robert DeNiro and wants to see more of Lisa Kudrow (why?) should have saved their money. Taught writing, DeNiro and Crystal each playing straight man to the other's comedy, and impeccable comedic timing was what I saw. Yeah, it's a gangster comedy, but it's also probably the best one ever made. Had a very high laugh-per-minute ratio. See it and have fun.

I finally saw this movie (and yes, I did enjoy it) after overcoming my outrage that this film beat out Saving Private Ryan as Best Picture of the year. WHAT???!!! I thought that maybe it was crafted better as a film; nope. Maybe the characters were more interesting; nope. Maybe the acting was better; nope. I'm sorry, but it seems so obvious that the studio heads obviously BOUGHT the Oscars this film received, especially Best Picture. Yes, I was entertained by this movie, but I was MOVED by Private Ryan. This film is not in the same class. I'm still outraged.

Interesting movie that I didn't really find scary or disturbing... until about 3 hours after I saw it. I realized that the final 5 minutes of the movie were really a lot more creepy than I thought while I watched. I know it's been said, but the image in the room at the end of the film was truly chilling. Oddly enough, I think this movie may be even better on video, in the dark and private confines of your living room, letting your imagination play without the disruption of bag candy and popcorn eating. Really enjoyed the fact that the movie let you use your imagination instead of having the movie be your imagination.

Yeah, it was a great time. Just saw it again after a number of years and still liked it. The main thing I remembered from the film was Val Kilmer's performance as Doc Holliday, which was equally as great the second time around. Tough good guys (Kurt Russell, Sam "coolest moustache" Elliott and Kilmer). Really bad bad guys, Curly Bill (Powers Boothe) and Johnny Ringo (Michael Biehne) come immediately to mind. Very entertaining. See it if you like action/westerns.