Reviews

From director Chuck Russell comes this average action nonsense, "Eraser". Arnold Schwarzenegger, as U.S. Marshall John 'The Eraser' Kruger, does get to do a lot of stunts and he carries around some fearsome hardware. Femme fatale model Vanessa Williams gets to look cute and bare her claws. The plot is obvious, as are the villains, led by a cardboard James Caan (he has been infinitely better). Also stars James Coburn, James Cromwell and Robert Pastorelli.

From the pens of Tony Puryear, Walon Green and Michael S. Chernuchin, this is pure throw away fodder for the action junkie.

Saturday, July 22, 2000 - T.V.

From renowned action and thriller director Wolfgang Petersen, "The Perfect Storm" is an exciting real-life adventure yarn that has some real highs, even if it is slow to start.

The solid cast all do well, including George Clooney, Mark Wahlberg, Diane Lane, John C. Reilly and William Fichtner. Some talent, such as that of Karen Allen's, is wasted somewhat.

Adapted from the novel by Sebastian Junger, the truthful ending included is a little unexpected, and has a real impact. Entertaining throughout.

Saturday, July 15, 2000 - Forest Hill Chase

From "Patch Adams" own novel, and director Tom Shadyac, comes this touching story of one man's struggle to bring humanity into medicine. The humour is crass at times, but the drama, moving and true to life, won't fail to make it's mark in your heart.

Robin Williams is made for this role, of course, and he excels once again. Great support comes from Peter Coyote, Monica Potter and Phillip Seymour Hoffman.

"Patch Adams" shows us how the medical profession should be, full of compassion, with a commitment to people, not diseases.

Sunday, June 11, 2000 - DVD

From director Andy Tennant, "Ever After" is a fanciful, child-like tale of the real Cinderella story that can never be taken too seriously. At face value, it is a light romp concerning an oppressed common girl who meets and falls for the prince. He of course falls for her, believing her to be a courtesan.

Drew Barrymore is no great shakes as a romantic lead, though neither does the support really shine; even though Anjelica Huston relishes her role. Sets, costumes, editing and cinematography are all okay. Still, it's fun.

Thursday, June 15, 2000 - DVD

Written by Steven Rogers, "Hope Floats" is a standard romance that tries so very hard to be a drama, but it just isn't. As I watched, I became rather annoyed with the self-indulgent character Birdee Pruitt played by Sandra Bullock, who is usually so likable.

Director Forest Whitaker would have been better served presenting this movie more like a Julia Roberts ("Pretty Woman" or "The Runaway Bride") or a Meg Ryan ("Sleepless in Seattle" or "You've Got Mail") flick. Also starred Harry Connick Junior, Gena Rowlands, Mae Whitman and Michael Pare. Look for Sandra in "While You Were Sleeping" for a much more enjoyable film.

Saturday, June 10, 2000 - DVD

Intriguing, well-constructed sci-fi that unfortunately falls flat when it comes to providing a conclusion. Again the prevalent problem with great ideas is how to finish them. Zemeckis appears full of inspiration when it comes to innovative film making, yet he couldn't round this one out.

Based upon the novel by Carl Sagan, this pic tells the story of a young astronomer who is determined to prove the existence of intelligent life forms on other planets. Jodie Foster is compelling as always, and is well supported by Tom Skerritt, David Morse, Matthew McConaughey and John Hurt. Special Effects are excellent, and Alan Silvestri's music serves well.

A shame then about the contrived ending.

Saturday, May 13, 2000 - DVD

Infinitely likable tale about a fairytale love story concerning a lonely princess and her dashing hero. This unusual film is refreshingly different, being at once funny, exciting and moving. A large amount of the credit must go to William Goldman's screenplay, adapted from his own novel; and director Rob Reiner's ability to pull it all together in just the right way.

Mark Knopfler's simple theme music, Norman Garwood's production design and Adrain Biddle's cinematography all compliment proceedings.

The cast round things off, with Robin Wright making her debut alongside the debonair Cary Elwes. Chris Sarandon, Christopher Guest and Wallace Shawn are all suitably malevolent while Andre the Giant has a ball. Peter Falk, Billy Crystal and Carol Kane all drop by, while Mandy Patinkin is great as master Spanish swordsman Inigo Montoya.

Wednesday, April 26, 2000 - Video

Is this movie about a young girl's search for the truth about her parents? Is it about her yearning to become a woman? Or is it just about sex? I'll leave it to you to decide.

Liv Tyler is alluring as the young American who returns to Italy to delve into her mother's mysterious past. Jeremy Irons has little to do as her ailing British confidant, and extra support comes from Joseph Fiennes, Sinead Cusack, Rachel Weisz, Stefania Sandrelli, Jean Marais, D.W. Moffett and Donald McCann.

Bertolucci's film, from his own original story, gets its strength from the visual. Art direction is inspired and cinematography is picturesque. Little else uplifts.

Wednesday, April 26, 2000 - Video

From director Glenn Gordon Caron, "Picture Perfect" is a predictable, everyday romantic comedy that is lifted above the drudgery by the movie's bright cast alone.

Jennifer Aniston is a fresh, enjoyable movie newcomer. She plays well the frustrated career woman who can't get her job or her relationships sorted out. Jay Mohr is the nice guy who tapes weddings for a living and Kevin Bacon is the sleazy Sam, a guy who sticks to unavailable women to avoid commitment. Likable support from Ileana Douglas, Olympia Dukakis (though not at her best) and Kevin Dunn.

Tuesday, April 25, 2000 - Video

Guy Hamilton directs systematically this clever Christie whodunit about a glamorous Hollywood actress whose big comeback is under siege from a jealous co-star and several other stars.

The plot is the real key as always and this one's not half bad. It may not fool the astutely observant, though the true motive is not revealed until the denouement. Angela Lansbury is the ideal Miss Marple, the would-be sleuth who plays Aunt Jane to Edward Fox's Scotland Yard detective.

Huge supporting cast includes Geraldine Chaplin, Tony Curtis, Kim Novak, Rock Hudson, and a melodramatic Elizabeth Taylor. England in the 1950's is skilfully recreated and picturesquely lensed by Chris Challis.

Monday, April 24, 2000 - Video

Dry as a bone relationships comedy ends up being too parched to produce the humour needed.

Heavily reliant on good performances, the cast (including Ed Burns, Mike McGlone, Cameron Diaz, Jennifer Anniston, Maxine Bahns and John Mahoney) do well, but there are no standouts.

Writer-director Burns is unfortunately unable to endear us to any of his characters in "She's the One", so you won't care who ends up with whom.

Super cool, trendy yet uninspiring 90's fare.

Sunday, April 16, 2000 - Video

Touted as a comedy-thriller, this Ivan Reitman film succeeds thanks to its good humour rather than its suspense.

The plot from Reitman, Jim Cash and Jack Epps Jnr is solid and has a reasonable twist at the end. "Legal Eagles", which has precious little courtroom action, never gets too clever though, and that's a good thing.

Comedy is always the movie's strong point (and director Reitman's), and it is this that the film relies on. Important too is the chemistry that Robert Redford and Debra Winger manage to create. They do a good job at this and their respective performances. Terence Stamp and Brian Dennehy are typecast, but both do well. Daryl Hannah is a natural beauty and looks gorgeous.

Saturday, April 15, 2000 - Video

Whoa! What a shocker this film is. "Speed 2" is as bad as "Speed" was good. The plot is pathetic and, I hate to say it, the acting is likewise. The action is not exciting, as DeBont tries to draw each sequence out too much. Even the music does not suit.

Worst of all the movie's attributes is the cinematography. Most of the time it appears Jack N Green could not control his camera. The action sequences are confused by this and by the editing which snips from one shot to the next too rapidly. I could hardly tell what was going on half of the time; I didn't care either.

Totally humourless too.

Saturday, April 15, 2000 - Video

Enjoyable romantic-comedy from the "Pretty Woman" that doesn't suffer too much from its obvious conclusion.

Comic style in the film does swing from dry wit to slapstick and back, yet one cannot help but enjoy the natural chemistry the two leads create.

Roberts is in good form, and together with Gere, they keep us well entertained. Director Garry Marshall is astute enough to let the strength (his stars) carry the show. Funny support comes from Joan Cusack and a cast including Hector Elizondo, Rita Wilson and Paul Dooley.

Sunday, April 9, 2000 - Video

This one lost me from the very beginning with its "poetic licence" disclaimer. I believe, if you are going to make a movie about God's word, the truth is very important.

"Noah's Ark" is everything a film like this shouldn't be. It is inaccurate, irresponsible and lacks impact as a result. Director John Irvin is unable to inspire, and the film is thus dull and at times moronic.

Jon Voight has been infinitely better, as has Mary Steenburgen. Even the great F. Murray Abraham wastes his time. All the English accents are annoying too. Forget it!

Saturday, April 1, 2000 - T.V.

Writer-directors Daniel Myrick and Eduardo Sanchez had this very clever, original idea of bringing this true story of three student film-makers attempt to film a documentary about the legend of the Blair Witch. Unfortunately, "The Blair Witch Project" is ineffective when one knows the big secret of the whole affair. I am sure this would have scared the living daylights out of all those who were oblivious to the truth.

The small cast really excel, yet I found their behavior often frustrating, rather than being spooked by the situation.

Saturday, March 18, 2000 - Video

This moving, strong drama is well paced by Frank Darabont, who knows how to do this stuff (see "The Shawshank Redemption"). His direction along with the familiar score from composer Thomas Newman gives one the strong feeling of "deja-vu" at times. The original story was from the pen of Stephen King once again.

Acting in this film may well be its strongest point. Tom Hanks masters yet another role as the practical warden of Cold Mountain Penitentiary. Excellent support come from Bonnie Hunt, James Cromwell, Michael Jeter, Graham Greene and many others. David Morse is especially memorable as Hanks' workmate Brutal. The darling of Hollywood now though is Michael Clarke Duncan, after his strong, emotional portrayal of the giant John Coffey who seems so out of place on death row.

Yes the film could be called formulaic, following as it does a reasonably obvious path; and I really didn't like the behavior of certain characters that I thought were above certain responses. All this aside, this is a most enjoyable, entertaining outing from Darabont that touches the heart once again.

Saturday, March 18, 2000 - Village Crown Gold Class

Wow. Combine a spectacular effects show, and great science-fiction, and you have this sensational actioner from the Wachowski brothers.

The plot is very clever - don't try and think about it too much though. Original and mind-boggling, it is unfortunately missing an ending to match.

Keanu is ultra-cool as the talented Neo, and the support, including Laurence Fishburne and Carrie-Anne Moss, are equally slick in all black get ups. Hugo Weaving has an absolute ball with his evil Agent Smith. "The Matrix" contains some fantastic action scenes!

Saturday, March 11, 2000 - DVD

This sequel to the comedy smash promised much, yet delivered very little in the way of entertainment. Mike Myers is still great fun as the intrepid, sexy spy in her majesty's service, but he alone cannot carry the entire film. Heather Graham and Rob Lowe can do little to help the cause.

Myers and Roach introduce us to some new characters, such as the repulsive, politically incorrect "Fat Bastard", yet these additions to the world of Austin Powers create little interest, and even less humour. A really disappointing follow up.

Saturday, February 19, 2000 - Video

So! What's all the fuss about? I was very disappointed with this highly touted offering from director Sam Mendes and writer Alan Ball.

To be fair, the film does focus well on some of our worst human frailties, and a few scenes are disturbingly close to home. Having said this, I find it hard to call the disintegration of the family unit entertainment, let alone black comedy.

I am a huge Kevin Spacey fan, yet I could not take to him in this film. Either the role and he were mismatched, or he is only at his best in support roles. Annette Bening is at her marvellous best as the obsessive Carolyn, and Thora Birch is a major talent on the threshold as the frustrated teenager Jane. Mena Suvari, Wes Bentley, Chris Cooper, Peter Gallagher, Sam Robards and Scott Bakula also star. Thomas Newman produces a familiar theme.

What a shame this film lost the plot so badly after a promising, thematic beginning.

Friday, January 28, 2000 - Village Century City Walk

Enjoyable Gulf War yarn about the investigation into the awarding of a medal of honour to a valiant captain who risked life and limb to save a troop of doomed soldiers trapped on the ground.

Smart script and well-paced editing help, as do the great cast. Denzel Washington is always a must, and his performance here boosts his reputation. Strong support comes from a range of co-stars including Matt Damon and Lou Diamond Phillips (his best role since "Stand and Deliver"). It's fantastic to see Meg Ryan in a role that is such a departure for her, and her turn is a worthy one too.

Finally a good film from director Ed Zwick, his first success since "Glory" (1989).

Saturday, February 12, 2000 - Video

Superman versus the world's most powerful super-computer worked pretty well back in the early eighties; now it just doesn't cut it.

This third instalment starts brightly enough, and the presence of the bumbling Richard Pryor always lifts proceedings. The film quickly peters out however when things start to heat up between the man of steel and the powers of evil.

"Superman III" suffers from the missing personnel that made the first instalment so much fun and the second a good yarn. Margot Kidder only makes two fleeting appearances as Lois Lane, while Jackie Cooper (Chief White) and Mark McClure (Jimmy Olsen) are scarce. Gene Hackman is missing completely, as are Ned Beatty and Valerie Perrine. Robert Vaughn and Annette O'Toole cannot replace them, nor can Pamela Stephenson. Who cares about Lana Lang?

Special effects are only so-so. Thank goodness Christopher Reeve pulled on the blue suit again.

Tuesday, January 11, 2000 - Video

Campy, b-grade sci-fi could have become a cult classic had it been done a little better - perhaps more like "Bladerunner", a film that has become a perennial classic.

What lets "Soylent Green" down is the lack of imagination from the set designers and art crew. All we see here is a 2022 that resembles a poor man's 1970's. No special effort has been made to make this look even remotely futuristic. There are no special effects evident.

Charlton Heston surprises us with his appearance in a film such as this, as does the enjoyable Edward G. Robinson (scene-chewer extraordinaire from such films as "Double Indemnity" - 1944).

Monday, January 10, 2000 - Video

Banal action flick from director Joseph Zito that capitulates from early on as it tries to take itself seriously. I guess if I'm really honest, I must say films such as "Platoon" and "Saving Private Ryan" have really spoiled these sort of flicks for me. Perhaps that is an unfair comparison, especially since this pic predates both. Well…whatever; it is still a very ordinary movie. And they actually filmed sequels!!

There has to have been some better Chuck Norris action pics than this……right?

Sunday, January 9, 2000 - Video

Argh! How bad is this!? From director Jim Drake and writer Gene Quintano, the typical decline of the movie series finished with this film, "Police Academy 4: Citizens on Patrol". "Police Academy" went from very funny to indescribably woeful in just four tries. They were still churning these out at the rate of one a year back then.

No wonder Steve Gutenberg bailed after this one. I guess none of the others could find alternate work. Michael Winslow, David Graf, Leslie Easterbrook, Bubba Smith and even G.W. Bailey all returned. Also starred Sharon Stone!

Sunday, January 9, 2000 - Video