Reviews

On its glossy surface, Cool as Ice may appear to be just a comedy, but as you delve deeper below the surface, one realizes that this film is actually a harrowing journey into the horrors of suburbia. Vanilla Ice portrays Johnny, an idealistic graduate student who wanders into an unnamed suburban wasteland while trying to get directions to his youth fellowship meeting. Then, like Alice, he is transported through the looking glass into a disturbing realm of white picket fences, yard sales, and candy colored motorcycles. As he makes his way through this underworld of brutality, he befriends a jolly gang of motorcycle enthusiasts, and a highly educated but morally bankrupt devil-woman, whose romantic pursuit of Johnny constantly puts him in jeopardy with a gang of uncouth and misogyinistic WASP's. This film is a unflinching look into the rudimentary instincts of survival inherent within us all, and draws justified comparisons with Sam Peckinpah's "Straw Dogs". The lush but gritty black and white cinematography conjures a pseudo-documentary feel to this film, and makes the hard lines on the faces of these doomed souls so jagged that one must be carefull not to cut one's self. The film's message is a simple one, in this life, none of us escape unscathed.

After I had completed my reading of the book, "Steven Seagal, the man, the myth, the legend", I had become interested in his work outside of the laboratory, back when he was paying his way through M.I.T. by appearing in the occasional action film. And what an introduction it was. On Deadly Ground is pulse-pounding, senses-shattering, tear-jerking masterpiece of the action genre, with ample amounts of social commentary and slapstick comedy added to make this a celluloid gumbo of extreme potency. Although this was originally an off-broadway show, Steven Seagal's deft hand carefully eliminted what didn't work, and added several original musical numbers to give this film his distinct signature. It works on several levels, as a showcase for Seagal's undeniable breakdancing skills, a message film, bringing the plight of our eskimo brethren into our own living rooms, and as an edge of your seat thriller, with a penguin stampede that will have you quaking in your seat. A top-notch entry in the Seagal canon, and a truly amazing directorial debut from the man who bent the atom to his will.

One would think that after the previous two adrenaline-soaked installments in this series that the franchise would run out of steam, but instead of moving forward at the breakneck speed one would expect, instead it slows down and looks inward, finding fertile new ground to explore. One such example is when the boys first meet their native american uncle, and are illuminated to the ecological problems in our consumer specific culture. Not since "Fire Down Below", has their plight been so real that you cannot ignore it, and must hold yourself to blame. Another prime example is when Tum Tum runs afoul of the Yakuza, and his brothers steadfast protection of him in the face of danger. A bold, artistic statement, Three Ninjas Knuckle Up gives up the way of punches and kicks, and chooses the love of family over blitzkreig martial arts shenanigans in what is the most refreshing film of the year, and a prime candidate for film preservation. (All things said, I must admit that my review may be a little biased, being that I played "Ninja who gets hit in the crotch #3", so I hope you'll bear with me)

Rising like a phoenix from the ashes, D2 spreads its wings and soars to new heights of artistic merit. D2 is the rarest of sequels, a sequel that is truly better than the original. All of the jagged edges in the original film's plot have been streamlined, and the new ground being broken, (Self-Doubt, Conquering your fears, Sexual Identity) fit in seamlessly, giving this film a more robust feel, similar to that of Chunky Soup. Emilio Estevez (In his star-making role) plays coach Bombay with a smoldering fury that makes it very clear that he is Martin Sheen's favorite son. The rest of the cast is equally brilliant, especially the ducks themselves, whose performances are so real, you cant help believing that they are truly kids. The direction is bold yet beautiful, and instantly recalls that of the early german surrealists. The electronic score by Goblin is eerily effective in creating suspense in both the game and locker room scenes, and lets the viewer know that this isnt a game anymore, and that national pride is on the line. A masterpiece of baroque visuals and dry wit, D2 is a most worthy rental upon your next excursion to the video store.

Finally, there is a film which accurately portrays hackers as the "Cyber Robin Hoods", that they truly are. These brave and noble men and women are the truest American heroes of them all, and instantly draw comparison to the samurai of feudal Japan. Bound by their, "Cyber Bushido", They only use their abilities to protect the weak and innocent from tyrrany and oppression of large industry conglomerates, and looming, lurking offices of the goverment, and are not deserving of the metaphorical mental image of being mugged by Steve Urkel, that has been propogated by the mass media. So finally, their critics have received their comeuppance, in this masterpiece of celluloid retribution. The young and talented cast has an easily seen affection for the material, and have obviously done their research. Fisher Stevens attacks his role with a fervent gusto that hasn't been seen from him since Short Circuit, and it is his deftly nuanced performance that makes his character all too real, and anchors the picture. Also turning in top-notch performances are Jonny Lee Miller as the "Newbie" to this Loyal 47 Ronin-esque group, and a salad-days Angelina Jolie, as his elusive love interest. They're performances burn white-hot with the intensity and impetuousness of youth. Well-scripted, well-acted, and well-filmed, Hackers is a truly groundbreaking work, which could easily keep company with Rashomon or Fellini Satyricon in the lexicon of classic world cinema.

After the colossal artistic and commercial triumph of Leonard: Part 6, "The Cos" decided to make his next film a more organic, "Art-House" picture and proves once again that he has the cinematic midas touch. In a premise that might seem silly in other hands, Cosby and director Sidney Portier deftly weave a tightly knit tapestry of familial melodrama and undead hijinks. The lush cinematography lends a documentary feel to the proceedings, a much needed dose of gritty reality which helps immeasurably when dealing with the afterlife. Cosby's bravura performance is both ferocious and demure in equal measure, but always REAL. Also, the underlying message of fatherly responsibility seems remarkably apt in these times of the "Baby Boy" syndrome. An often overlooked masterpiece in the Cosby canon, Ghost Dad is without a doubt a labour of love from one of the cinemas greatest pioneers.

During the past 100 years of cinema, never has a film come along that so accurately portrays the trials and tribulations of the baseball player. Freddie Prinze Jr. portrays his character with a quiet intensity not unlike that of Clint Eastwood. When Matthew Lillard crouches down behind home plate, he gives one the impression of a jungle cat ready to pounce on its prey with utter conviction. A fearless film full of natural, unforced performances, summer catch is a true sleeper waiting to delight those who take the time to look for it at their local video store.

Kazaam is a winning combination of a coming-of-age story, and a slapstick comedy, with pulse-pounding basketball scenes. Never before has the ghetto been portrayed with such realism, and shaquille O'neal's fearless performance is worthy of the recent oscar buzz. I make one suggestion to all of you, WISH that you can get tickets to see this masterpiece of the cinema.

Once again, mere mortals are graced with the gospel of the comedic juggernaut known as, "The Cos." Leonard part 6 is truly a masterpiece of the surreal, effectively mixing slapstick comedy and espionage into a celluloid delicacy. A feast for the eyes and mind, Leonard Part 6 will touch your heart with the relationship between leonard and his daughter, and make even the roughest man misty-eyed with the heartbreaking interaction between "The Cos" and his estranged wife. Truly a masterpiece of american cinema, with only Leonard Parts 1-5 being superior. A Triumph!!