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Reviews
Mr. Accident (2000)
Truly awful! An embarrassment to the Australian film industry!
It pains me to say this about an Australian film but Mr. Accident ranks with the worst of the worst films I have ever seen. What's even more tragic is that it doesn't fit into the 'it's so bad it's good' category. What annoys me the most about this film is the fairly large amount of money that has been frittered away on a pointless, unfunny, underdeveloped, inept screenplay. Dumb performances (What are Garry McDonald and Elisabeth Gore aka Elle McFeast doing in this trash?), inadequate direction, no plot and a general sense of meanness totally take away from the interesting production design and leave you with a truly horrible taste in your mouth. Comedy! Ha! Do yourself a favour and stay away!
Chopper (2000)
Brilliant Bana.
Watch this if only to see one of Australia's better known comedians cast that tag aside and put in one of the most outstanding dramatic performances by a male in years. This stands alongside Geoffrey Rush's portrayal of David Helfgott as one of the best spot-on performances of a living person I've ever seen. Subtle and yet exaggerated at the same time if that is possible Eric Bana keeps you glued to the screen. At times the story lags but boy oh boy you come away from it not remembering the story but this wonderful powerhouse of a performance. Those who have not seen the real Chopper Read should do everything they can to see an example of his antics after seeing this film. You'll be absolutely amazed.
Girl, Interrupted (1999)
What went wrong?
Something is really missing from this piece of tripe. A possibly heartbreaking story lies within this somewhere but unfortunately it's mired down with stupid music, overacting and boring plot developments. Winona Ryder shows her limitations and Angelina Jolie impresses for half of her running time before also showing her limitations - what were the Oscar voters thinking? - with only Vanessa Redgrave and Whoopi Goldberg saving any grace. Disappointing!
Sleepy Hollow (1999)
Fun, Fun, Fun
This is a whole lot of fun that is unfortunately pretty much forgettable. That's not saying that it's bad. You can always count on Tim Burton to produce something that is far from the norm. Perhaps with this though it's just not far enough. Johnny Depp impresses and Christina Ricci does her usual best but this is not a definite must see. Amazing sets, cinematography and solid visual effects can't seem to lift it beyond okay either. Good but not great!
Holy Smoke (1999)
Bizarre, Bizarre, Bizarre
Kate Winslet is the reason to see this. She is really really good in this bordering on mediocre tale. Campion's story just isn't there and it is neither funny enough to be a comedy or serious enough to be an insightful drama. Watch one of the finer actresses going 'round perfect the Aussie accent. Not many people manage to do that.
The Cider House Rules (1999)
Nice, Nice, Nice
Beautiful cinematography, beautiful music and solid performances lift this above sentimental rubbish. Caine is sound - disregard the Oscar he's not that good - Maguire shines - when will filmmakers realise this should be the stuff of film stars, you know? Talent!!! - Badu impresses and Theron is beautiful. Too many storylines spoil it though as not one of them is investigated fully which is a shame because this could and should have been one of the classics of the 90s.
Snow Falling on Cedars (1999)
Beautiful, Beautiful, Beautiful
This is one of the most beautiful looking films ever made. Amazing cinematography should have been rewarded with an Oscar but was overlooked for the American Beauty juggernaut that swept the pool. Ethan Hawke is solid and Kudoh is simply elegant but it's Von Sydow who steals the show. Forget the storyline - it's unimportant - and watch a talented director do his stuff. A stunning sophomore effort.
Three Kings (1999)
Original, informative and fun.
This is one of the most interesting films to hit Australian screens in 2000. No wonder America seemed to embrace it. This is what cinema is all about. It's packed with action, good acting and an incredibly important message. I wonder why they can't do this more often? Credit David O. Russell for this modern journey into the world of war. Funny, moving, informative and downright exciting. This is a near gem.