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A Simple Plan (1998)
Superb, well acted tale of suspense
Money doesn't buy happiness, but most of us feel that more money would at least make our lives easier. In "A Simple Plan", directed by Sam Raimi, two brothers and a friend discover that more money (4 million dollars more) only brings tragedy. Bill Paxton and Billy Bob Thorton are great as the brothers. As the movie unfolds, the viewer is forced to consider what he or she might do in similar situations. Bill Paxton's decisions are entirely logically correct, but bear horrible results. Sam Raimi directs with style and suspense. One of the best films of 1998.
A Civil Action (1998)
Justice is served
Incredibly, the 500 page book, "A Civil Action", has been condensed into an intriguing, moving, and occasionally humorous two hour film that is true to the spirit of its source. The entire cast is fine, but Travolta, Duvall, and Macy are especially good. I had the feeling that this film showed how the legal system actually works, and its not a pretty picture.
Out of Sight (1998)
Excellent Adaptation
In Elmore Leonard's books, which I admire greatly, the good guys are always a little bit bad and the bad guys are a little bit good. Their reactions are unpredictable. "Out of Sight" captures these Elmorian characters better than any previous attempt. The casting is flawless, the dialogue sharp, and its great to see an action film that respects the audience's intelligence. Finally, having been born in Detroit, I appreciate a film set in Detroit that uses actual Detroit locations, unlike Gridlock'd. One of the top 10 films of 1998.
Shakespeare in Love (1998)
see this movie
It is a pleasure to see a movie that is as intelligent, well-written, and witty as "Shakespeare in Love". Above all else, this film is a backstage comedy and will be especially enjoyed by anyone who has been involved in staging a play of any sort. Some familiarity with "Romeo and Juliet" is helpful, but you don't have to be a buff of the bard to like this film. If this film doesn't do well at the box office, then we deserve more pseudo-serious junk like "What Dreams May Come". Shakespeare joins Private Ryan and Mary as the best new films of 1998.
The Faculty (1998)
just what you would expect
Mix together "Invasion of the Body Snatchers", "John Carpenter's The Thing", and "The Hidden, throw them into a high school full of stereotyped students and staff, and you get "The Faculty". Nothing in this movie is too surprising, but its well-made technically and delivers at its own loopy level. Bottom Line: If you're at all interested in this type of film, you'll love it. If you're skeptical, you best stay away. If you're a Salma Hayek fan be aware that her role is very small and her charms were more amply displayed in "From Dusk Till Dawn" and "Desparado".
Mighty Joe Young (1998)
trite story tramples effects
Joe looks great, as a matter of fact, so does Charlize Theron. But the by-the-numbers story left me curiously unmoved. The villains are so overplayed that they are humorous. Bill Paxton phoned in this performance. I thought the original Joe was more charming. This is better than Godzilla 1998, but just barely. 6/10
Star Trek: Insurrection (1998)
same old stuff
This entry in the Star Trek log seems uninspired. "First Contact" had a better plot and much better guest stars (Alfre Woodard and James Cromwell vs. Donna Murphy and F. Murry Abraham). This film is only marginally better than a "Next Generation" episode. The "Phantom Menace" trailer was more exciting.
Psycho (1998)
rent the original video
Gus Van Sant's remake of psycho is virtually a shot-by-shot, word-for-word reconstruction of the original. The actors are more than adequate, but none really improve on the original performances. Why remake a classic if you're not going to give it a personal touch? My suggestion, unless you're allergic to glorious black-and-white photography, rent the original video. You don't need to see this respectful but pointless remake.
Enemy of the State (1998)
"North by Northwest" for the millennium
"Enemy of the State" puts Will Smith in a classic Hitchcockian situation. He's in the wrong place at the wrong time and nefarious government agents are after him. The electronic hardware they use to track Smith and tear apart his life is frightening. This film might have been an above average thriller, but the introduction of Gene Hackman as a retired agent who helps Smith elevates it to sublime levels. Hackman subtly invokes the character of Harry Caul, the reclusive snoop he portrayed in the 70's classic, "The Conversation". Jon Voight continues his second, or is it the third, career as a villian. Lisa Bonet, who should be making more movies, is fine as a mysterious woman from Smith's past. Regina King provides solid support as Smith's beleaguered spouse. All in all, a classy ride. I give it an 8/10.
Meet Joe Black (1998)
too long, but worth a look
Death wants to check out life, so he borrows Brad Pitt's body and crashes at the pad of a multi-millionaire (Anthony Hopkins), who just happens to be a nice guy with a beautiful daughter about to marry a snake. If death always made such good choices, only the bad would die young. The death character is inconsistent. At times, he appears omniscient. He seems to know every sin some of the characters ever committed and he's familar with the IRS (is there a connection here?). But he has to be told what peanut butter is and has to be shown how to eat!
Like Brest's "Scent of a Woman", this film is too long but satisfying in the way good characters triumph over bad. And, as death films go, it's much better than "What Dreams May Come". In fact, it even has a more dramatic and shattering car accident.My score 7/10.
The Siege (1998)
pretentious action flick fizzles
"The Siege" tries to be the thinking person's action movie.Too bad that good intentions don't make a good movie. Terrorist attacks lead to martial law in the Big Apple. The movie wants to be taken seriously and lapses of logic that might be overlooked in less ambitious fare torpedo this effort. I give it 5/10.
Living Out Loud (1998)
Best relationship movie since "As Good as It Gets".
Danny De Vito playing a charming, sensitive guy? Hard to believe , but it works. Can emotionally wounded middle-aged people find love and happiness? This well-written and superbly acted film offers no easy answers. Holly Hunter is a divorcee, Danny De Vito is her doorman. Ms. Hunter's performance is subtle and funny, and excellent, as expected. But, De Vito is the surprise. The speech where he opens his heart to the Hunter character brought a tear to my eye. Queen Latifah provides fine support. I give it an 8/10.