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Reviews
Fight Club (1999)
Fabulous and Misunderstood
If you saw Fight Club and felt ambivalent about it, see it again, this film is only benefitted by a second viewing. If you saw Fight Club and hated it, then, well, you're just insane. And this is why. Fight Club is NOT ABOUT violence, or fighting. It is about feeling, about leaving one's cubicle in the detached corporate world of America and getting in touch with people, places, and in turn, one's self. It is idealistic, and the oh-so-effective irony of the film is that today, even idealists have to be dark, have to be loud, have to be violent to envision their better world. Tyler can't come at people with a message of hope, or of simplicity right off the bat- he has to teach them through what they know.
The directing by David Fincher is wonderful (he's really always been a noteworthy director, Fight Club just magnifies his talent because of its subject matter), Edward Norton is an insanely good actor, and the script is superb. For those angry at the plot twist, why? I ask. It most certainly causes you to reevaluate the entire film (which is why I wholly recommend a second viewing), as a good twist should.
Apologies for the long-windedness and roundabout nature of this review, I am just a very passionate supporter of this film and am truly saddened by those who don't share this attitude. My point is, don't be turned off by the Fighting aspect of Fight Club. Look deeper, really take it in, because it is not a film about beating people up. It is about reconnecting, about taking chances, about giving up the multitude of irrational fears that each and every one of us possess in order to truly feel and experience life. For all its dark grimness, I think it is a beautiful and moving film. I recommend it to all.
Rushmore (1998)
Simply put, a really well-made film
There is not a single weak element in this movie. The directing was innovative and effective, the screenplay was humorous and touching, the acting impeccable, and the soundtrack nimbly worked with the film, rather than undermining it. Rushmore is Bill Murray's most complete acting performance to date (and this is coming from a Murray fan). More than anything, this film made me truly appreciate the subtle art of filmmaking. A movie does not need to be the funniest, the saddest, the most creative, or most enjoyable thing out there, it has to be all of those things, and Rushmore very slyly manages to do just that. It sneaks up on you in an unassuming and humble way and by the end you just have no choice but to be impressed. A definite must see, suitable for just about any type of viewer.
The House of Yes (1997)
Los Angeles, California
One would think that Tori Spelling being in the cast of this movie would immediately signal its poor quality, but The House of Yes is a rare exception to that rule. Dark, twisted, and wickedly funny, one can't help but be drawn into the delusional world of Jackie O. Her family can't seem to either, as they revolve around her, half in reality and half out. This strange, surreal dynamic drives the film, and brings most of the comedy. A definite must see for fans of Parker Posey, and for anyone who considers themselves knowledgeable in the world of indie film.
Kicking and Screaming (1995)
For anyone who has faced the real world, and promptly ran away from it.
Kicking and Screaming is hilarious and depressing all at once, as it follows the lives of recent college graduates who simply cannot move on with their lives. Sharing a house near campus, they eventually get sucked back into their old routines: hitting on freshman girls, drinking at the same bar, and even re-enrolling in courses. This lifestyle can't continue forever, though, and soon each character must make some choices that allow them to go forward, however reluctantly that may be. While the plot revolves around the romance between Grover and Jane, the most enjoyable and funny moments come from scenes where the housemates are just hanging out together, expounding on their somewhat pitiful lives.
Great performances by all, including Chris Eigeman (who you might recognize from various Whit Stilman films or TV's "It's like, you know..."), Parker Posey (always crazy and hilarious), and Eric Stoltz, as the bartender who has been attending college for over a decade...a frightening glimpse of things to come.
Billy Madison (1995)
Don't even try to pretend you're above this
It is impossible to fight the humor of Billy Madison, as childish and stupid as it may be. From bathtub fights between bottles of shampoo and conditioner to imaginary penguins, Billy Madison is a strange and hilarious movie. In my opinion, still the best Adam Sandler movie to date. If you're a fan, simply a must see, and if you're not, probably worth the try nonetheless. While his recent stuff is good, let's face it, Sandler is much better without the sentiment, and Billy Madison delivers that up perfectly.
So I Married an Axe Murderer (1993)
A great Mike Myers movie
Mike Myers, as his own father Stuart, is quite possibly one of the funniest characters I have every seen, and it is worth it to watch if only for those moments. The rest is strong as well, with excellent comedic performances from Anthony LaPaglia, Alan Arkin, and the late great Phil Hartman. Not the tightest script around, So I Married an Axe Murderer makes up for any lags with its hearty and frequent laughs, coming mostly from the excellent acting of Myers and the aforementioned performers. I guarantee that anyone who watches this movie will be quoting from it.
All About Eve (1950)
"A Mass of Music and Fire"
And no, Bette Davis is NOT a "kazoo and a burnt out sparkler." This is my favorite film of all time, a classic from start to finish with sharp and witty dialogue, superb acting, and flawless direction. Even if you don't know a thing about the theatre this film draws you in and keeps you there for the duration. It is smart satire at its finest, with no need for today's cheap laughs and thrills. Recommended to anyone who loves film and cares to know more about some of the greats.
Titan A.E. (2000)
Fun eye candy- who cares about the rest?
I have seen Titan twice now, and I am thoroughly surprised to read some of the reviews on the film. Granted, the story is cliche sci-fi, a narrative pulled together from every other space movie you've ever seen. But to say that it has no heart, that the Drej are not a formidable enemy, or that viewers need to be slow to enjoy it are just off base. If there's anything Titan has it's tons of heart, in many ways that's what obscures the plot. The characters are not so dull that we don't cheer for them, or feel pride in their victories. The Drej are just plain scary looking, and their leader is a force to be reckoned with. Finally, I saw this movie with other twenty-somethings, who all really enjoyed it, not some 5 year olds. It's just fun people! Cast aside your pretensions about art and film, suspend your disbelief, and immerse yourself in the spectacle of it all.