Reviews

In a society that often refuses to acknowledge the conflict between good and evil in our world, EYES WIDE SHUT is a refreshing if not somewhat depressing expression of the conflict that resides in each of us. I'll not summarize the plot, for it would not do justice to the allegory that Kubrick spins as he directs his protagonist toward the abyss of his soul. I will note, however, that he does it magnificently. The music is hauntingly beautiful; colors merge and reflect the dissonance of the conflict; the actors are most convincing as they wrestle with their humanity...with their eyes wide shut.

Certainly, there are problems with the film. Kubrick is often deliberately, yet, agonizingly slow. As is the case with all allegory, there are moments of confusion regarding the development of the plot. Nevertheless, after having had a few days to reflect on the film, I plan to see it again...with my eyes wide open. It is one of the best films of the year.

I realize that many of the critics have ripped this film without mercy. In many ways they are correct. Filled with cliches, the plot has flaws. The writing is often absurd. Young Cuba Gooding reminds one of Mickey Rooney in black face. The music is something out of Titanic. Having said that, there is a certain appeal to the film that makes it almost bearable. Perhaps it is its appeal to our sense of illusion regarding our perceptions of reality...that we are not in control. Perhaps it is the fact that Hopkins deals with an inane script with a sense of compassion and understanding. But whatever, the movie will not win any awards. At the same time, it wasn't as bad as I thought it might be. Is that good?

My, what a delight for the senses. TANGO has it all: imagination, consonance, balance, choreographical beauty, cinematic creativity, and...the Tango. The dance is beautiful. The music complements the visual magnificence of the film. Although the MATRIX crowd will find it less than stimulating, those with a more artistic appreciation for the nature of things will find it quite beautiful.

When my friend and I entered the theatre, we raised the average age by at least 20 years. We are over 60, you see. Of course, the kids loved the flick. It was loud and violent, yet full of the most advanced special effects around. As my friend observed, "It was candy for the senses!"

But he liked it better than I did. Albeit, the plot was surreal. (We always knew that reality was an illusion.) But MATRIX presented details regarding the cosmos and its ontological implications in a much different manner. Humans are mere crops being fertilized by machines who have evolved as our superiors.

My friend gives the movie an 8/10 for style, creativity, and sensual intensity. I looked forward to going home and listening to soft, soothing music. If MATRIX is candy for the senses, I must be a diabetic. To me the dark and stark violence was more invasive than satisfying.

But, what the hell! That's why we have two thumbs.

Slow and deliberate might best describe this offering regarding the coming of age of both mother and daughter during those wonder years of the late 1960s. While those who lived through those days might find moments of nostalgic memory, I doubt that the younger set will find those moments appealing. The film does, however, acknowledge the consequence of action, i.e. there are prices to be paid for the pleasures of passion. Not a bad flick if there isn't much else going on.

Those who liked PULP FICTION will probably like GO. While GO lacks the stark violence of PULP, its plot will keep your attention; its young actors have fun with their respective roles. One of the best dark comedies of the season.

What a waste of talent! Knowing that I was in for an evening of the seamy side of life, I was willing to accept that for I knew that Cage would not have ventured into this film without good reason. I'm, still trying to figure out what that reason was. The film goes nowhere! I'm not sure why it left the dock in the first place. I suppose there are those who want to know more about the pornographic side of life, but even they will be disappointed. There's not much for anyone. Strike it off as a wasted two hours!

Although "A Simple Plan" is anything but simple, it almost made it as a good film. Certainly, it was effective in its reflections on greed. Nevertheless, motivation was often lacking. Why did she change her attitude so easily? Was it simply the "smell" of the money lying on the bed? Why did he kill the farmer? Simply to protect the brother? Once we were caught in the web of the plot, however, there was no getting out. That is the film's strength.

Never mind the sometimes ridiculous dialogue. Never mind that Billy Bob Thorton was in and out of his character...sometimes mentally retarded, sometimes clever and witty. Never mind that the relationship between the brothers was left unfinished. Never mind that the relationship between the husband and wife was absurd.

The film still has merit. It almost made it!

Antz! An interesting concept. But for whom was the film made. Certainly not younger people. It's far too philosophical. Certainly not older people. It's far too simplistic. Where was it intending to go? God only knows!

What a disappointment. With the technology we have available, I was looking forward to a cinematic treat. What I got, however, was a muddled Woody Allen wringing his hands about the plight of the worker. Nothing delightful. Nothing creative. Nothing even close to the imagination of "Toy Story."

I keep wanting to like the work of Danny DeVito. Unfortunately, I can't seem to pull it off. Seeing "Living Out Loud" didn't help.

Danny DeVito is, perhaps, many things. But a character who is

warm, sexy, and lovable and provides caring solace to a neurotic divorcee whose life is straight out of the soaps is not among them. Even Holly Hunter can't make him seem credible. Given the script she was asked to swallow, it was difficult enough to make herself seem credible.

But if you are the producer of the movie, you can do as you wish. Nevertheless, DeVito needs to return roles such as he played in "Throw Mama from the Train." They better fit his personality as well as his level of talent.