el oso Reviews

Zero Effect (1998)

Rename it the "Zzzzzzzzero Effect"

[4/10 · 23 August 1999]

This movie has the distinction in my book as one of the few that put me to sleep while sober. It is also unique in that it one that I shut off before the ending because I couldn't take it anymore. Several times I was brought to a state of semi-consciousness by an interesting plot point only to be let down by a total lack of interesting resolution. Watch this flick if you want a good nap.

The Ice Storm (1997)

Like "Ordinary People"...Only better.

[19 July 1999]

Just rented this one after remembering all of the good reviews it had gotten. A really great heavy drama. Perfect for a really lousy day when you want to feel miserable or when you want to cheer yourself up by looking at the misery of others. Great acting, great art direction, great story overall. Were the 70's REALLY that bad?

Dark City (1998)

Part "Brazil". Part "Naked Lunch". Part "1984."

[19 July 1999]

I enjoy films that keep me guessing as to what the hell is going on. This film reminded me of such films like "Naked Lunch" "Brazil" or "1984". Very weird and dark with beautiful art design. You have to stick with it to the end to get the cookie. Not a really great movie, but worth seeing for the visual effects of the strange, twisted world.

Fluke (1995)

More than a "dog movie"

[7/10 · 19 July 1999]

I remembered the commercials for this film. Oh boy. Another cute puppy movie. Then I heard Siskel & Ebert review it and was amazed that they LOVED it. It took a few years before I finally rented it, but I must say that I agree with them. Just like "Babe" is more than a cute animal movie, "Fluke" is more than a dog movie for the kids. A good bittersweet tale that makes me hope for reincarnation.

The Thin Red Line (1998)

Put Platoon and Apocalypse Now in a blender and you get...

[5/10 · 2 March 1999]

A friend warned me that this movie was too "deep." He was right. The ridiculous flashbacks were very distracting. The nature scenes were beautiful but out of place. I had heard the author of the book was trying to get across the idea that war is totally against nature. The second to last scene in "Platoon " with the deer walking through the battlefield was much more powerful than any nature scene in this film. I had to keep telling myself that this was a film about WWII and not Vietnam. It tries to be a great war movie, but will probably be quickly forgotten.

Life Is Beautiful (1997)

American film makers should take notice on how to make a great "romantic comedy".

[8/10 · 2 March 1999]

This was one of the few movies I have ever went to "cold"; not knowing anything about the plot. All I knew was that it was nominated for Best Picture, was an Italian film, and took place during WWII. I detest romantic comedies, but the storytelling won me over. Having a "comedy" take place in a concentration camp was confusing, until the story wound its way around to the point where you saw the method to the madness. The bittersweet ending was perfect. An American film maker would have everyone walking happily into the sunset. A wonderful film, but I still think it will come in 2nd at the Oscars.