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Andrew
Reviews
Kill Bill: Vol. 1 (2003)
Inexcusable Crap
First off, let me say this: I am a Quentin Tarantino fan. My DVD collection includes everything he has written or directed. It will not contain Kill Bill.
I went into this film expecting to love it. I came out revulsed and disgusted. Where QT has always used violence and mayhem to make statements about people and culture, here he has made a film about violence for the sake of violence. I have a pretty strong stomach, but the sight of a small child's mother being brutally murdered before her eyes was too much for me. Especially when the murderer is the character we are supposed to be rooting for. The child's reaction was played for grins, not for pathos. Shortly thereafter another child's parents are brutally murdered in such close proximity that the child is doused with their blood. This child seeks revenge, which leads to the single most offensive line I have heard spoken in a film: "Fortunately for her, [bad guy] was a pedophile."
Unfortunately for us, Tarantino has lost his way.
Shakespeare in Love (1998)
A wonderful film
Shakespeare in Love is a film about great literature disguised as a romantic comedy. By following the romance and adventure of two very sympathetic characters (Shakespeare and Viola), the audience is shown the magic of great literature. Generations of high school students have been force-fed the works of the Bard without being given any feeling for how truly special they are. This film personalizes the romance, the comedy, and the profound sadness of Shakespeare's work. Above all else, it is accessible. A filmgoer with very little knowledge of Shakespeare can leave this film with a greater appreciation for and interest in his works.
All of the performances are wonderful, but special mention goes to Geoffrey Rush as an hilariously bedraggled theatre owner.
Incidentally, try not to judge the historical facts of the film too closely. Virginia had not been colonized at the time of the writing of Romeo & Juliet, but such small details do not detract from a truly special film.
What Dreams May Come (1998)
Visually Unique, but a Dreary Plot
As you know from the trailers, this is a gorgeous motion picture. The images of Heaven and Hell are all they are advertised to be -- incredibly detailed and beautifully realized. Unfortunately, the story that comes along for the ride is excruciatingly dull and terribly depressing. It is sad in a manipulative, kids-in-danger way, rather than generating any genuine emotion. It's a shame, because Robin Williams and Anabelle Sciorra give strong performances, and the visuals are as impressive as any I can recall.
Rounders (1998)
Feel-good film about compulsive gambling
Rounders is helped by a rich cast, led by the increasingly more likable Matt Damon. John Turturro adds a quiet strength and dignity to his standard misfit prodigy character. The film has a surprisingly low-key feel, with many scenes filmed in dim rooms punctuated with hushed dialogue. It's an entertaining film, but it seems unlikely that Mike (Matt Damon) could go through what he goes through and maintain such a sunny disposition and steadfast sense of honor. The dialogue is rife with poker references and inside lingo. If a viewer has no understanding of the game of poker he/she will certainly be lost.