Reviews
A Simple Plan (1998)
Dark and twisted - classy
This is not a pleasant film and you are going to have to think a little - if this doesn't sound like your type of movie, stay away! If, however, you like intelligent and peculiar film-making, then you'll probably appreciate A Simple Plan. In an effort somewhat reminiscient of Fargo meets Shallow Grave, this clever, dark, character drama explores some unpleasant ground to produce a quirky and distrubing overall result. I must admit I finished this movie feeling rather unpleasant, but struck by its intellect and striking dialogue and performances. This movie is definitely worth the price of a video. My vote 8/10
The Waterboy (1998)
Silly but satisfying
This movie is a real no-brainer, but if that's what you're looking for then this baby is right up your alley. Adam Sandler specialises in this type of film, switch off the cerebellum and just revel in the stupidity. The Waterboy is not going to win any awards or even make its audience think, but it will inspire some laughs if you let it. As for it being similar to Happy Gilmour, you might as well say that it is identical to half of the movies produced in Hollywood - unlikely hero comes good, gets faced with a difficult challenge, overcomes it an wins the game in the last few minutes! Sheesh, what movie doesn't use this formula nowadays? In short, don't expect too much from the film and you won't be disappointed. My vote 6/10
Mr. Reliable (1996)
A clever and charming yarn
I had seen this film before and avoided it - suspecting it would leave me cringing. I did it a great injustice. This movie is very much in the vein of recent Aussie successes such as The Castle, and Muriel's Wedding - movies that take pride in the dry, wry, and laconic Aussie perspective on life. It had all the basic ingedients of a fun flick, charm, humour, good characters, bit of romance, and an interesting plot with a clever ending. If you see it, give it a try - you, like me, could be surprised. My vote 7/10
Enemy of the State (1998)
Slick and fun, if somewhat predictable and unlikely
This is a polished movie and is certainly fun to watch. It almost manages to convince the audience to suspend disbelief and packs quite a bit of action, suspense and simple enjoyment into a movie. This ain't no masterpiece but it is entertaining. My vote 7/10.
Waking Ned (1998)
Simple but sweet tale of fun and friendship
Well, they don't make many like this anymore. No sex, violence or swearing and only a little (male) nudity. The lead characters really did carry this movie in what was really a classic piece of small-town storytelling. This is a one premise movie but carries it off in a delightfully charming way. Certainly there's no question that Ned Devine left the delightful little town of Ballymoor a wonderful legacy and a fantastic opportunity for the townsfolk to throw Ned the wake of a 'lifetime'. My vote 8/10
Rush Hour (1998)
Very ordinary movie
Well, there's nothing new in this movie. In fact, it is a relatively weak effort all around. Chan has been rather limited in both his ability to showcase his fun personality and his impressive fight choreography. If you like Jackie Chan's fight scenes you won't see enough to entertain you. If you like his sense of humour, you won't see enough to entertain you. If you find Chris Tucker extremely annoying, you will see plenty to reinforce your point of view. In all, this movie was a waste. Apart from a few good parts it takes a classic story idea and a master actor in the genre and produces something limp and lame. My vote 6/10 and mainly because I'm a Chan fan!
Screwballs (1983)
Brilliant!
As a classy movie this one rates a 0 - but as a fun frolicking teenage sex romp it is unquestionably a 10! I would have to say that this is a classic of the genre and I must agree with the other comments that have been made here (and totally disagree with Leonard Maltin). If you like this type of raucous fluff and you're into a titty movie that isn't a full-on porno, this just might be what you're after. They definitely don't make them like this anymore, pity really, they were lots of fun and every boy's dream.
Notting Hill (1999)
Cute, simple, harmless, unchallenging, unremarkable
This film is nice and moderately pleasant. It allows Hugh Grant to act like Hugh Grant (almost intolerable for my liking), and trots out the old boy meets girl, loses girl, gets girl back, routine in a pleasant way for such a well-worn formula. The supporting cast is fairly good but is really only there for cheap laughs or a bit of sympathy. Julia Roberts is tolerable and the situation passingly interesting (every man's fantasy really) but just didn't do much for me. Part of the problem may have been that I'd just been to see 'Life is Beautiful' the evening before and this just pales into insignificance in comparison. Undoubtedly most of the viewing public will enjoy this because it does nothing more than deliver some low-brow chuckles and soppy sentiment - a perfect recipe for success today it seems. In any case, I'd suggest you at least leave it for video. My vote 6/10 (and a dang sight more realistic that the 7.9 or so its currently running at).
La vita è bella (1997)
Absolutely amazing, one of my all-time favorites
This movie is simply brilliant. Casting aside all of the trappings of modern movie-making (special effects, brain-jarring sound, big name stars, bizarre plots and settings, language sex and big explosions) it produces instead a film which captivates audiences because of its simplicity, classy acting and the sheer beauty of its tale. In what may well be the hallmark of a great movie, opinions of LIB are markedly polarised - the number of '1' votes are about equal to the range of 2-6, strongly illustrating that it is difficult to be indifferent to this movie. This is a major difference between LIB and most of what Hollywood churns out where indifference is the only acceptable response. It saddens me that so many people have failed to recognise the charm of this film by choosing to take offence at the way in which the Holocaust was portrayed. I am not Jewish (or Romany, Eastern European, handicapped etc) and would not attempt to presume to tell any of these groups how to react to this portrayal but I can say that I was more moved, more hurt by man's inhumanity towards man, by LIB than I was by Schindler's List or any other Holocaust movie or doco. I, like many others, came out of this film wanting all my friends to go see it. The sub-titles in no way detract from the experience, in fact they are hardly noticeable after a little while. My vote 9/10.
Immortal Sins (1991)
You keep waiting for it to get better,
But it never does. Which is a bit of a pity because, although far from an original idea, the concept has some promise. Still, what a way to go! The two leading women are both gorgeous. 4/10
Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace (1999)
What a joke!
This movie is a complete farce from beginning to end and is only exceeded by the hype and the ridiculous score it's currently running at on the IMDB! There are only two redeeming features in this film - the audio and visual effects. Everything else is ordinary in the extreme. From the cardboard acting to the dull dialogue to the predictable, stolen, pointless story-line. To say that this is simply a kid's movie is both nonsensical and false. It sells out the legions of fans who have kept Star Wars alive for the last two decades and fails to provide an excuse for the lack of quality film-making. I won't even begin to discuss the numerous obvious rip-offs of other well known movies but if you missed the obvious thievery for Ben Hur you must be mindless. Even still, everyone must have noted the similarities to Ep. 4! If I ever build any type of large spaceship someone please, I beg of you, remind me to provide a little more than token protection of the core! I can't say that this was a bad movie, it simply was not a good one. My vote 6/10
A Perfect Murder (1998)
Not exactly Hitchcock but...
On the whole not a bad film. I may have been influenced by the fact that I didn't have to pay to see it but I would say that this film is a reasonable attempt at a remake and will prove fairly entertaining to most people, whether or not they have seen the original. On the whole, certainly not the worst remake ever. 7/10
Matilda (1996)
Fun for young and old
Unlike so many "kid's" movies, this is a film that can be watched and enjoyed by adults too. An amusing fantasy drawn from the work of a master author, this tale provides young girls with a true hero. Definitely worth a watch with your kids - they understand what 'fantasy' means in film-making, even if the adults can't seperate it from reality. 7/10
Pulp Fiction (1994)
Some good, some bad
Firstly I should say that I saw the sanitised for tv version - I don't watch 'R' rated movies and this was 'R' rated even here in Australia. This obviously means that the film was not entirely as the director intended it to be. I must say 'though that, while this film has many interesting features, some classy acting and the occasional witty repartee', it is in my opinion on the whole nothing more than a crude and juvenile attempt to shock and offend the majority of the movie watching population. Being visually and verbally assaulted by film may well make for a memorable cinematic experience but doesn't necessarily make for a good film. But it isn't so much the action itself as much as the language which achieves this - and most of the profanities (and I include the all too frequent use of n****r in this list) were unnecessary - I tend to side with Spike Lee on this issue, QT is never gonna be a black man no matter how hard he might try. And while this movie is offensive and far from original, it has some very clever aspects and shows some of the directorial class QT clearly has (although no real acting ability - his cameo was a big mistake). In all I ended up with rather mixed feelings about this movie. My vote 7/10
Barton Fink (1991)
Memorable, disturbing, and very Coen-esque!
I'm still not entirely sure what to think of this film. One thing is sure, it won't be easy to forget. This movie is clearly the product of a writer who has struggled with their muse, and equally one who has a healthy mistrust of Hollywood - the sausage grinder. Although Hollywood has been critiqued in film before in similar ways, memorable scenes, clever dialogue, quality acting, and a surreal plot and setting, add together to make this an unusual and different film. Maybe another viewing might add a different dimension. This is by no means 'light entertainment' and it leaves plenty of questions unanswered. But on the whole, an intelligent movie, if something of an enigma. My vote 7/10
Bottle Rocket (1993)
Clever, different, but not a 8.9!
This is a witty movie, certainly cute, clever, and appealing, if somewhat slow. The number of votes that it has (or hasn't) attracted has allowed some serious skewing of the rating scores. Maybe it was because the cast are the only ones voting? Nevertheless, a fairly amusing tale and well crafted for the backyard effort that it was. But not for everyone - my wife gave up on it. My vote 7/10
In the Company of Men (1997)
This movie isn't misogynistic, it's misanthropic!
This is a startling, disturbing and generally unpleasant tale of the darker side of the psyche. The cruelty and manipulation exhibited degraded both the giver and the receivers. Nevertheless, it was thoroughly convincing as a depiction of the few central characters and absorbing in its unremitting sadism. Although previous movies have begun with a similar premise, they have always ended with some form of justice or redemption. Not this movie, which somehow manages to become even more loathsome. The story is intriguing, the acting is convincing, the dialogue is intelligent, and the direction basic but apt. In all, although this was a thoroughly nasty movie, it was still quality. My vote 7/10
Blade (1998)
One of the better comic adaptations
Blade is violent, unpleasant, cliched and even a bit corny. But it is still a fairly entertaining movie and a classy action/horror film. Yes the script is flimsy and the storyline a tad unlikely but that doesn't stop this film from being interesting. I felt that it started out quite strongly, not being familiar with the comic I was intrigued at the possibilities, but faded badly at the end. Anyways, don't expect too much and you won't be disappointed. But if you're prone to queasiness and don't like the latent sexuality behind all that biting, sucking and blood, give Blade a miss. My vote 6/10
Mouse Hunt (1997)
Complete and utter crap!
I suspect that some of the people who have written comments here (the ones who suggest this movie is either entertaining or humourous) were watching a different film. This movie is nothing more than rodent excrement. It is honestly one of the worst movies I have seen for some time. It is thoroughly unfunny, dull, predictable, and boring. It was nothing more than a weak collection of inanities cobbled together and served up by two moronic brothers. My wife and I sat through it pleading for it to end, all the time thinking it must get better. It didn't, it got worse! If you care at all about your money of the 1 1/2 hours of your life you'll lose, stay well away from this nonsense. (BTW, this is probably one of the most scathing comments I've ever given in the IMDB).
Dating the Enemy (1996)
Boring, been done, pointless.
This movie is listed as a comedy but isn't funny. It is described as charming but isn't. Called witty it is brainless and unoriginal. Not a lot to praise in this movie - I'd give it a wide berth unless you're the type to enjoy seeing Guy Pierce's chest and/or you don't require even a hint of intelligence or originality in a movie.
The Madness of King George (1994)
Stunning film, stellar performances
This is a standout film. If you have not seen it and you consider yourself a lover of movies - go and see it immediately. It is a beautiful depiction of an interesting historical period and the dilemmas faced by countries lead by accidents of genetics. The script is magnificent and the filming gorgeous, but it is the incredible performances of the leading cast that set this film apart. Historical dramatic film at its best. It reminds me of Her Majesty Mrs Brown on a fairly superficial level. TMOKG is a better film although Mrs Brown was also excellent. My vote 8/10 and well deserved.
True Colors (1991)
Eh, it could have been worse
Ok, this was no classic and, judging by the number of votes it has attracted (or NOT attracted), not too many people know about it. Somewhat entertaining without being particularly interesting. Neither of the lead characters are close to their best but the whole thing has just too little going for it. Pity, it wasn't a terrible premise. 6/10 is about right for this film.
Say Anything... (1989)
A very real, touching film
Much as I hate to admit it, this movie really resonated with me. It pulled all the right strings and pushed all the right buttons. I'll likely remember it for some time to come and the emotions it provoked. I only rented it because of the consistently high votes it received on IMDB and I wasn't disappointed (although it was rather different to what I'd expected). Classy acting from a fairly youthful ensemble, fine scripting and direction, and just some incredibly memorable scenes combine to give this movie some incredible emotional pull. One thing 'though, I'm no psychologist but I've watched my fair share of talk-shows and I'd have to say that Lloyd and Dianne's relationship, while beautiful, appears far from healthy.
Groundhog Day (1993)
Very clever movie
As has already been said several times, this movie is good. It is so good that it manages to be thought-provoking at the same time as it is humourous. Memorable performances from the cast (I'm a bit ambivalent about Andie McDowell) tied with a witty script and clever directing lift this fascinating premise to a very watchable film. So watchable that I and many others feel they could watch this movie again and again (although only on free-to-air ;)
Good film, definitely worth a watch. 8/10
Aladdin (1992)
IMHO
This movie is one of the better Disney animated films in recent years. Cute story, fun, light, entertaining and a catchy score to boot this is actually quite tolerable. 7/10