wezzel's Reviews

Hearts in Atlantis (2001)

9/10

6 January 2003

For some, Stephen King is just a mere auteur of horror stories. If you look closer, you'll see he is much more. Nearly all his stories are melancholic tales about the loss of childhood innocence. With a paranormal twist, but that really isn't the most important. I even think that Hearts in Atlantis would have worked even better, if the whole paranormal thing would have been left out. The most interesting aspects of the story are Bobby Garfield and his relationship with his mother, girlfriend and Ted. Whenever Ted brought up the low-men, my personal interest curve got a bit of a dip, but hey it's a Stephen King movie, I guess we'll have to live with it.

As it is, Hearts in Atlantis remains a wonderful film. It's the kind of film where the scenes in the present are filmed in gloomy blue and grey tones, and all the flashbacks get a golden sepia treatment. Sure it's been done before, but rarely have the effects been of such a shattering beauty.

Anthony Hopkins, never shy of giving a bombastic performance, is remarkably soft-spoken in this one, though I doubt that he was really interested in this movie. The star of the show, however, is Anton Yelchin as Bobby Garfield. He looks like the young Elijah Wood, with the same angelic blue eyes, and he's truly captivating. He even has genuine chemistry with the girl that plays his love interest. A big fat wow' is in order here, let's hope he'll get the chance to exploit his talents further.

It's a shame this movie failed at the box-office, but then again so did The Shawshank Redemption. So let's all rent/buy this wonderful film, and boost that IMDb score.

I gave this one a 9/10.

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Cherry Falls (1999)

5/10

Average little thriller

6 January 2003

The premise of this movie is nothing short of brilliant. A psycho slashes all the virgins in a town, so all the teens organise a f***fest to loose that virginity. You wonder why they never thought of that one in the 80s. If you expect porn, you'll be sorely disappointed, there's less skin here than in your average teen-slasher. If you expect gore, forget it. Most killings happen off-screen, and quick cutting prevents us from seeing anything remotely scary.

So we're left with a simple whodunnit, though most viewers will soon have figured out who the killer is, there's not exactly much choice. The question whydunnit is the most interesting one in this movie, and I must admit that the answer to that question is pretty original, for everyone who hasn't seen Scream 3.

The only thing this movie has going for it is the acting. Britanny Murphy, who seems to be making a career out of giving good performances in lousy movies, is once again pretty good in this one. Michael Biehn, a long way away from James Cameron country, is suitably creepy as her father. The killer's cool too.

I'll give this movie a 6 (though it really only deserves a 5). I still have some questions that will keep me out of my sleep, though.

How does the killer know who's a virgin?

Who exactly appoints the sherrif and the headmaster in this town?

And who the hell is that fat kid in Brittany's class? I KNOW he acted in some movie or Tv-series but I just can't remember it.

Feel free to mail me the answers, anytime.

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Kate & Leopold (2001)

5/10

Breckin and Hugh

6 January 2003

I wonder if Meg Ryan never gets tired of being Meg Ryan. She's been acting in the same movie for 20 years now and, no matter how much I like her, it's getting a bit old. Usually Meg could save the worst movie with being her cute self, but the thing is: Meg isn't cute anymore. Not with that hair, and not with that character. Luckily there's Hugh Jackman who does a Colin Firth, and Breckin Meyer who gets the funniest moment of the movie. (`I can do Canadian too!').

This movie gets a 6, (= ok for once but not really one to rewatch over and over again

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xXx (2002)

7/10

007 shouldn't be afraid

3 November 2002

XXX suffers from the worst fate any movie can have. Mediocrity. I wish I could say it's just a big, dumb, bad action movie. But that would be unfair, cos for most of the time I was really entertained. There were some very thrilling action scenes (the avalanche was well done, just like the bridge stunt) and the plot was a 'best of' every Bond movie you've ever seen. Now it would also be unfair to call it a good movie. The acting, on all parts, is far below average. Vin Diesel doesn't seem to be able to speak one convincing line in the whole movie. Asia Argento should stick to the movies of her daddy, and the villain was a carbon copy of (again) every Bond villain you've ever seen.

I'm not sure if I like the idea of Diesel becoming the new action hero. He has some screen presence allright, but he doesn't have the 'je ne sais quoi' of Ah-nuld. Ah-nuld rules by the way (before XXX began I saw a teaser for T3, so I'm in an Ah-nuld mood, sorry bout that). Anyway, Diesel was good in Fast and Furious (a movie way better than this one)but I really don't think he's leading man material.

If you want to go to XXX, you'll probably have a fun time, but chances are you'll start to forget the movie before the end credits role. Next, please!

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A Shot in the Dark (1964)

9/10

Best in Series

17 August 2002

Funny how things change when you get older. When I was a kid, I used to be crazy about all the Pink Panther films. They were a huge part of my childhood. Recently I saw them again on TV, and it pains me to say that they didn't do anything for me anymore. Except this one. A Shot in the Dark not only features Peter Sellers in top form, it also has a real funny script. It's kind of a whodunit, though I can guarantee you'll be to busy laughing to really care who the killer is. The final scene, when Clouseau solves the mystery a la Hercule Poirot, is classic. Unfortunately the later films would more and more rely on visual gags, and the great subtle humour that worked so well in this one would be lost. However even those movies are still great. You know, for kids!

Rating: 7/10

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The Age of Innocence (1993)

8/10

Beautiful movie

13 August 2002

Martin Scorsese directing a period piece. That kinda sounds like Slipknot guest appearing on the new Celine Dion album. What's amazing about this movie is that he almost pulls it off. Visually, this is one of the most stunning movies I've ever seen. Look at the shot where Michelle Pfeiffer is standing on a peer, looking at a ship. Or the rain scene, that used Enya's Marble Halls. Sheer perfection, the director as a painter. But what's the most amazing about Age of Innocence are the colors. It's really hard to explain, it's something you have to experience yourself. Unbelievably beautiful.

Unfortunately, not everything works. The story, another tragic tale of impossible love, has been done thousands of times before and didn't really hold my attention. Not bad, just more time to watch the pretty pictures. Anyway, I don't think Scorsese was really interested in the love story. It's more an analytical study of the behavior of people from that day and age, and as such it does work Daniel Day-pri Lewis ( a bundle of joy he is not) is perfectly cast as the frustrated Archer, but the actingprizes have to go to Michelle Pfeiffer. What a beautiful woman, what an amazing actress.

Rating: 8/10

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A Clockwork Orange (1971)

And the fun never stops in the wonderful world of Stanley!

6 August 2002

I hate Stanley Kubrick movies. Actually, I think the word 'hate' isn't quite strong enough to describe my feelings towards the most overrated person in moviehistory. Try physically revolted. But I'm not writing this to bash Kubrick, tempting as it is. Because, if I had to choose a favorite among his considerable output, I would say ACO is easily his best work.

A big part of the credit for this has to go to the fantastic, fascinating story by Anthony Burgess. A story so good even Kubrick couldn't ruin it. In fact, for once his trademark clinical touch enhanced the story, instead of just alienating the public as it usually does. The opening scenes are the best moments Mr 725 takes has ever put on film.

I wouldn't go as far as to recommend this movie. That would be against everything I believe in. God knows the world doesn't need any more Kubrick fans. I only want to say that I understand people who say that this is a great film. Something I refuse to accept for 2001, for instance. So if you really want to know what Kubrick is all about, check this one out. For Stanley, this is as good as it gets.

Rating: 7/10

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A Few Good Men (1992)

10/10

Don't follow the advice of the galactically stupid!

5 August 2002

It's very easy to unmask a cinema snob. Just ask him/her the following question: "What is the best Tom Cruise movie ever?" Upon hearing the nouns Tom and Cruise the suspected snob will turn blue and green; only for a moment though, snobs have a remarkably big resistance, and then answer: "Magnolia". "Magnolia," you'll ask semi-surprised, "isn't that the one with the falling frogs?" "Aaah, the frogs," the now unmasked snob will sigh and his gaze will wander to a place where bones turn into spaceships and dirty old men die on beaches.

This to make clear that I really hate all those Tom Cruise bashers. He has made some great movies over the years, but this is easily his best. It's great to see he holds his own against force of nature Jack Nicholson. It's great to see he cuts mild summerbreeze Demi Moore some slack.

The script is smart and witty, the photography uses beautiful autumncolours,... I really love this film.

Rating: 9/10

Most Memorable Movie Moment: Tough choice between Cruise on a drunk rambling spree, and the classic "You can't handle the truth" scene.

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A Day at the Races (1937)

7/10

Disappointing

31 July 2002

This is, so far, the only Marx Brothers movie I've seen. I was hugely disappointed by it. The movie contains some funny jokes (the bookselling scene-hilarious!!), but it gets completely ruined by the musical numbers. They seem to go on forever, destroy the fast pacing of the first half of the movie and leave you with a sour taste in your mouth.

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10 Things I Hate About You (1999)

8/10

I'm gonna make this short and sweet...

29 July 2002

... because there really isn't much to say about this movie. It's no masterpiece, and I don't think the makers intended it to be. But as a teen comedy, a contradictio in terminis if there ever was one, this one really works. No fart jokes, no abuse of animals, but instead an interesting story, great music and nice acting. Heath Ledger obviously stands out here and would go on to do bigger and better things (look out for his short but pivotal role in this years Monster's Ball). 10 Things kept me entertained for the duration of the movie and I was left sitting with a smile when the credits ran. And that's something that can't be said about every movie Hollywood churns out.

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Casualties of War (1989)

10/10

One of the great American movies

1 July 2002

Coppola, Stone and Cimino did their best, but the award for best Vietnam movie goes to Brian De Palma. One of the only directors working today who still knows the meaning of 'cinema', De Palma uses all his favorite techniques (the long shots, split-focus)without being intrusive. There are so many fantastic moments in this film, so many images that stay in your mind long after the credits rolled by. Who could forget the death of the girl on that railwaybridge? It's truly one of the most chilling images I've ever seen on screen, also thanks to the haunting score by Ennio Morricone.

The acting is fantastic. Sean Penn makes it very easy for you to hate him, John Leguizamo as the pathetic Diaz hits all the right notes, John C. Reilly is wonderful as always. And then there's Michael J. Fox, in a rare dramatic role. As Ericcson, he's the beating heart of this film, the only human creature on screen. His attempts to save the girl are heartbreaking and deeply tragic.

It's a mystery why this movie doesn't get the recognition it deserves. Maybe the Americans don't like the way some of their countrymen are portrayed here. Maybe the idea of Marty McFly as G.I. Joe turns some people off. The IMDb rating this movie gets is a joke, albeit not a very funny one. This is one of Brian De Palmas finest movies (it's so hard to choose a favorite he has made so many classics), the best war movie I've ever seen and one of the greatest American movies ever.

You simply HAVE to see this!

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From Hell (2001)

5/10

Return to Sender

10 March 2002

I was really looking forward to this film. Johnny Depp in another gothic thriller, what's not to like? Unfortunately, this is no Sleepy Hollow or Ninth Gate. I can't quite put my finger on what's wrong with the story. It was intelligent and detailed. I for one didn't guess who the Ripper was, though that probably says more about me than about the screenwriter's skill. For some reason I just didn't get involved. Neither couls Depp since he was acting on autopilot here (though a Depp on autopilot is still better then a lot of today's actors in top form). His romance with graham feels forced, these two are together because the script says so, not because they belonged. On the upside, there was some great looking Art direction and nice music, but that couldn't make up for the fact that From Hell feels empty and soulless, probably much like the Ripper himself. And am I the only one who hated the ending? Tim Burton could have had a field day directing this..

Rating: 6,5/10

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After Hours (I) (1985)

7/10

After Hours

21 February 2002

Starting and finishing with one on the most hypnotising and exciting cameramovements in history, After Hours is vintage Scorsese. This is a movie that almost fysically hurts to watch. You get so drawn in to the situation that it feels like it's you stuck there with all the freaks SoHo can buy.

Griffin Dunne is excellent as the everydayman who goes out for a night on the town. The movie keeps on balancing between funny and tragic, it never falls and the situations have enough realism to keep you on the edge of your seat. This is simply a story about a guy having the worst night of his life.

Rating: 7.5/10

Most Memorable Movie Moment: Griffin Dunne trying to make a phonecall at Catherine O'Hara's place.

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Adam's Rib (1949)

8/10

Pretty funny!

20 February 2002

I guess this was a pretty daring movie for that time. Katharine Hepburn and Spencer Tracy are excellent as the husband and wife who have to fight each other in court. Most of the humour lies in the repartees between the both of them, the dialogue is really excellent. Most of the reviewers here hated the neighbour with the crush on Hepburn. I thought he was pretty funny too, in an obnoxious way perhabs, but still pretty funny.

Rating: 7.5/10

Most Memorable Movie Moment: Tracy gets lifted up in the air during an early moment of girl power

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The Accidental Tourist (1988)

8/10

Essential viewing

13 February 2002

This one of those movies I watch at least once a year. This moving story about a broken man trying to start his life up again has so much to offer. It has a beautiful performance from Geena Davis and the boy that plays her son. You just keep on rooting for her and William Hurt to come together, though the right for his character would probably be to stay with his wife. It has some great music by John Williams, it has this beautiful autumn feeling about it, and at times it can also be hilariously funny (the antics of the crazy family of William Hurt are priceless)

A rare movie that actually makes you care about the people you're watching. It can be slow at times, but be sure to watch it until the end. It may very well be one of the best viewings you'll ever have.

Rating: 9/10

Most memorable Movie Moment: The Leary family debating whether or not they should pick up the phone.

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84 Charing Cross Road (1987)

7/10

For once you shouldn't read the book

12 February 2002

When you first take a look at the story, 84CCR hasn't much going on for it. A movie about books(even worse: old books!), for 75% told off-screen and with two stars who don't share one scene together. It's a miracle that this movie has so much impact on the viewer. The atmosphere is really tense, it's like you're in that little dusty bookstore and you really like the characters, though you don't know that much about them. Great acting by all. Hopkins, playing a character that resembles the ones he played in Shadowlands and even Remains of the Day, is impossibly convincing in his role. Anne Bancroft, although sometimes slightly over the top when she talks to the viewer, makes a great match.

Rating:8/10

Most Memorable Movie Moment: Bancroft raving on about the works of John Donne.

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The 39 Steps (1935)

7/10

Great British Hitchcock film

11 February 2002

Together with 'The Lady Vanishes' this is the best British Hitchcock.

The special thing about this film is the extraordinary pacing. Hitch doesn't give us any room to breath and lets Robert Donat fall from one impossible situation to another. It's all incredibly funny and tongue-in-cheek, mostly thanks to the great performance from Donat.

The story itself isn't that original but it's interesting because it explores a lot of the main themes from Hitch's American work. We have the "innocent man on the run" theme ( to be repeated in 'Saboteur' and perfected in "North by Northwest"), the platinum blonde (see Grace Kelly and Tippi Hedren), the handcuffs (Saboteur again), the Mac Guffin and so on. Hitch was exercising here and what a great exercise it's turned out to be. Highly recommended.

Rating: 8/10

Most Memorable Movie Moment: The scenes with Mr Memory

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2001: A Space Odyssey (1968)

3/10

Criminally overrated

10 February 2002

Let's get this straight: Stanley Kubrick is one of the most technically accomplished directors of all time. The man is a master in creating scenes that are so technically perfect that it looks like they were made by a scientist. And that is (was) also his biggest problem. He just wasn't that much of a storyteller. 2001 looks great but just like in most of his work, there is absolutely no trace of emotion or feelings. Things I need in a movie.

Sure that cut from bone to spaceship was inventive, and it was a great touch to let the ships spin with classical music on the soundtrack. The problem is: I don't care for what's happening on the screen. There are no characters we sympathise with (except for a few moments with HAL- the computer, yes I get the irony MR K)there is no story to follow. The only thing that's interesting in this movie are Kubrick and his camera. This is an overlong, boring, pretentious piece of would-be art; made for would-be intellectuals from a director who had nothing left to prove when he made this. See it once- then try to forget it

Rating: 5/10

Most Memorable Movie Moment: The demise of HAL

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The Cell (2000)

7/10

Not that good

3 January 2002

The Cell is not half as good as it thinks it is. Though the basic premise of the movie is quite good, I just couldn't relate to any of the characters. They are all bland and cold, we don't know a thing about them, and frankly we don't care (at least I didn't). Also the visuals aren't really that good. The trip when Vaugn goes to save Lopez was a complete rip off from the one in '2001' and most of the other set-pieces were just boring. They always reminded me of the video for 'Firestarter' by The Prodigy, and I really hate that song. The Cell will probably get a cult following, but it will never be a match for 'Silence of the Lambs' or 'Se7en'

Most Memorable Movie Moment: J-LO showing us why it's a bad idea to get nipple piercings.

Rating: 5/10

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American Psycho (2000)

8/10

Glory of the 80s

3 January 2002

Let's throw in a cliche and say that the book was better then the film.

The book was kind of a 'Bridget Jones Diary' for fruitcakes, and was not only shocking but often really funny. The movie isn't shocking, since all the violence happens off-screen, and though it has some funny moments (the scene with the namecards!) it just can't surpass the brilliance of the novel. One of the main problems was christian Bale. Don't get me wrong, he did a good acting job, but I just didn't believe him as Patrick Bateman. The person I had in mind after reading the book was someone completely different. Another thing that bothers me were the Willem Dafoe and Reese Witherspoone storylines that both ended up nowhere. American Psycho is like the 80s itself: slick, overdone and also very empty.

Most Memorable Movie Moment: Patrick Bateman discussing the finer points of Huey Lewis while preparing another axe murder.

Rating: 6/10

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X-Men (2000)

8/10

Super!

3 January 2002

Since Tim Burton left the franchise and Batmans archenemy the 'Schumacher' took over there haven't been any comic book adaptations that were worth while. Enter X-Men. I had no intention to see it, I was afraid it would nerd up my time, but the word of mouth finally got to me. To my surprise I have to admit that X-Men is quite good. There could have been a bit more action and bit more explanation for the first-timers, but generally it worked very well. Ian McKellen stands out as always, but Hugh Jackman shows much promise as Wolverine. This is the best comic adaptation of the 00s, or at least until Spiderman comes out.

Most Memorable Movie Moment:

Wolverine: "It's me" Cyclops: "Prove it" Wolverine: "You're a dick" Cyclops: "OK"

Rating: 7/10

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Pleasantville (1998)

8/10

What a swell movie this is!

3 January 2002

I'm starting to think that Tobey Maguire has a very good manager, because he always seems to end up in movies that blow my mind. Pleasantville is no exception. It's a sweet, moving and funny tale of two teenagers who get stuck in a 50s TV show. The movie does get a bit slow and preachy in the second hour, but the charismatic presence of Maguire and Witherspoone and the great effects make up for that.

Most Memorable Movie Moment: Reese Witherspoone going to the bathroom, only to discover there is none

Rating: 8/10

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Planet of the Apes (2001)

9/10

Beats the original!!

2 September 2001

Either the NRA has taken over this page, or I saw a different film as most of the other IMDb users. If this film proves anything, it's that Tim Burton is one of the greatest creative minds in cinematic history. When I saw the trailer I feared this one wouldn't be as dark as his previous efforts, but there are still plenty Burtonesque images for the fans to be happy.

I saw the original Charlton Heston film and although I appreciated the camp qualities and the shock ending, it was basically nothing more then a long episode of the muppet show. This version has so much more style and the apes are truly impressive, you forget they're just humans, unlike in the original. Rick Baker deserves an oscar for his work. I also think Mark Whalberg makes a much more realistic hero then Heston. While Charlton was happy enough to fight 'them darn monkeys', the only thing Whalberg cares about is to get the hell out of there, with or without the other humans. About the 'twist'ending (don't worry I'm not gonna spoil it), well I didn't see it coming, as did nobody else in the audience.

So don't let all the negative reviews scare you, this movie is really worth seeing!!

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Amistad (1997)

8/10

There is lion threatening to ripp their country apart, and all they have on their side is Peter Pan

29 August 2001

If you would ask people to name their favourite 'serious' Spielberg movie, chances are that they'll answer either SCHINDLER'S LIST or SAVING PRIVATE RYAN. Amistad is often overlooked. It's really a shame because this film is definitely worth a watch. Despite the serious subject, there's even place for some humour and some 'real' emotions. Technically it's all brilliant. Look out for the magnificent cross-cut between 2 prisoners exploring the Bible through pictures and the judge, who has their lives in his hands, while he's praying. Another unforgettable scene is Cinque's flashback of the slaveship, reminiscent of the ordeals the Jews have to go through in SCHINDLER'S LIST. Add John Williams incredibly 'catchy' (sorry for the word but it's really catchy) theme music and you have a beautifully crafted film.

The actors are perfect, even Matthew McConaughey is only mildly irritating in this one. Stand-out performances from Djimon Hounsou and especially Anthony Hopkins. The speech Hopkins gives at the end is some of the best acting I've ever seen on film. You really should watch it twice: one time to listen to his incredible intonation and to watch his gestures, another time to actually listen to what he's saying. The one problem I have with this film is Morgan Freeman. If you sign an actor as Freeman on you should give him something to do, instead of just letting him walk behind McConaughey all the time.

But I'm just picking now, this movie is great, not a masterpiece but still worth 8/10.

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The Talented Mr. Ripley (1999)

10/10

The Talented Mr. Minghella

22 August 2001

Warning: Spoilers

Contains Spoilers I was shocked to see how many negative comments this film got, it's one of the best films of 1999!

Much has been said about the actors. Schoolboy Matt Damon wouldn't be able to play a psychopath and Gwyneth Paltrow does enough acting for the whole cast. I don't agree. Damon, an actor I generally don't like, does an unbelievable job as Ripley. We are (or at least I was) rooting for him all the way through, which is remarkable, since Ripley is a murdering creep. In fact, Ripley is so fascinating I found myself turning against Gwyneth Paltrow's character, who is the only one 'on' to him. If you, as an actor, can provoke such emotion to a critical viewer as myself, you're doing a great job. Special remark for Phillip Seymour Hoffman, who plays one of the most irritating people I have ever see( imagine my joy when Ripley killed him)

Much has been said about the pacing. And indeed, this movie takes its time to explore characters and locations, instead of giving us non-stop violence and murder. How dare they?

Much has been said about the ending. When I first saw this film in the theaters, I saw the scene when Ripley sat on his bed and I thought "Ok, if it ends now this is one of the best films ever". And it ended. The good guys don't always win people, the ending gives the film another touch of grim realism.

I've read all the Ripley novels by Highsmith. They're fairly interesting, showing us how Ripley lives in France, is happily married (so much for the homo-erotic undertone) and still does his occasional murder when the situation demands for it. The first book remains the best though.

Great photography, beautiful locations, beautiful music...

Don't care what everyone else thinks, I cherish this movie

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