Starks Reviews

Mr. Deeds (2002)

Very Funny Stuff

[29 June 2002]

I went into this film expecting the worst. The critics panned it and after Little Nicky I had my concerns. But rest assured, this movie is very very funny. Is the story predictable? Definitely it is a movie formula we've seen 80 million times... and there certainly aren't any deep intellectual plot twists... with that said, the movie delivers some of the biggest laughs I have had all year. Sandler does what he does best. For my money it was all of the supporting players who really made this movie hum. Major props to John Turturro, who delivers big laughs throughout. I also gotta say that with a few exceptions there was very little toilet humor... most of the laffs come from cartoon-type fisticuffs and physical comedy. To all of the critics who panned this film, I just wanna know what they were expecting and how they allegedly sat through the movie without laughing... it was amazing!

American Pie 2 (2001)

Nice Follow-Up But.....

[12 August 2001]

Expectations for this sequel were very high. American Pie 1 took me completely by surprise - not only was it a throwback to the old teen-sex comedies of the seventies/eighties but it had a certain charm about it, characters who were fun and who you wanted to see again. Well we have all the characters back and after viewing the sequel I am a fan again, this is a fun summer picture with all of the raunch and fun of the 1st edition back. Some great moments (not all appeared in the previews). My only problem with the movie is that besides Jim (Jason Biggs - this is your movie all the way), the core group of friends with maybe the exception of Stifler don't really do anything... For example... Oz's story was one of the best parts of AP1 but in this one he has nothing going for him except a girlfriend (Mena Suvari) who is in Europe for most of the summer. What could have been an opportunity to put Oz in a tight situation (being tempted by women) is lost, Oz does nothing except a few phone bits. What a waste of Chris Klein (you kinda have a feeling he was busy wrapping up Rollerball while making this movie - same thing with Mena). And Oz isn't the only wasted character. I guess what I'm saying is that while there are a ton of laughs (really Jim and Stiflers movie) the story didn't do the other likeable characters justice. Plus it would have been acceptable to add a couple of new characters (besides the "lesbians"). All in all though, a fun movie with a couple of scenes that top the first AP. After seeing AP2's high box office numbers perhaps AP 3 is on the horizon - an American Pie bachelor party before a big character wedding, would be a lot of fun.

Made (2001)

Yes Yes Yes

[16 July 2001]

All I have to say is I saw Made Saturday nite and it was hilarious. I great follow up to Swingers, but please do not expect the same movie. This is a different kind of flick, somewhat of a send up of the old crime/mobster movies. Favreau and Vaughn (especially Vaughn) are in top form, the two have a great chemistry and are a wonderful on screen comedy pair. As a New Yorker I especially liked the fact that this is a New York picture where as Swingers was a West Coast pict. Locales all across the city are used to tell a great tale (indeed one of the funniest scenes in the movie took place right outside the movie theatre). Also, big praise to Peter Falk (perhaps this is an Oscar worthy supporting actor role) who provides many humorous comments and gets the comedy rolling. And P Diddy, Sean Combs... I was ready to hate him, but a funny thing happened, he is excellent in his role as a NYC crime big. Funny movie, funny lines, funny moments. Definitely go seee it - a great follow up to Swingers.

Swordfish (2001)

Just What I Want Badguys Bombs Breasts and Beer

[12 June 2001]

Well, I must say I was a bit disappointed when I read the reviews for Swordfish. But then I thought to myself, it couldn't be so bad so I decided to pay my $10 (ahh love the NY City tkt prices). At the very least, I would see beautiful Halle Berry for half the movie, and as a bonus (and might I add a smart decision by the studio to chip in an extra $500,000) we would see her bare breasts on camera for the very 1st time.

The movie is exactly what I thought it would be, a mindless action romp, with some interesting gadgets, funny lines, an amazing opening scene, a ridiculous final confrontation scene and Halle Berry's beautiful breasts in full display (an audible gasp was heard throughout my theatre as both men and women viewed the lovely lovely vision). And if you have been watching the numerous Swordfish/Heineken ads over the last few weeks, there is an expected product placement (I won't tell you what product though I don't want to spoil it :) ) in the first 5 minutes of the movie (which must be some sort of record).

Travolta was pretty decent, although I think he was a lot more fun in Face/Off. Hugh Jackman is on his way to being a major star... as the protagonist - computer hacker fighting for his daughter he has the makings of a down to earth hero. As I stated before, Halle Berry's breasts are awesome but she also exudes a sensuality everytime she's on camera (someone please put her in the next Bond or Austin Powers picture). And Don Cheadle as always is marvelous as a FBI agent and Vinnie Jones is turning into one of my favorites on screen.

Complaints - sure I've got a few. #1 The plot could've use a few more twists and turns - you kinda know where everything is headed. #2 In this regard, why was Cheadle's character in the movie... he added some funny lines here and there but in terms of advancing the plot... nothing. Cheadle could have helped to provide some of the twists and turns I was looking for. #3PLEASE MORE VINNIE JONES NEXT TIME. He is without a doubt one scary bad guy, he definitely deserved to have more dialogue and more action (all you Snatch fans know what I mean) #4 Final confrontation scene was a bit disappointing... but it seemed as if they had a sequel in mind so perhaps this will be resolved in the summer of 2002. #5 Can someone please tell movie producers are convinced they are the only ones who use computers - we all use computers now, we know what they look like, what the screens look like, can they make a "computer hacking" scene that looks a bit more realistic, I mean who are they trying to fool.

So all in all, a really fun movie, with an excellent beginning, an interesting middle and a slightly disappointing end but still over the top end. I got my $10 worth just by seeing Halle topless and the rest is a bonus.

Pearl Harbor (2001)

An Open Letter to Michael Bay

[29 May 2001]

Dear Michael Bay,

I saw Pearl Harbor this past Saturday and based on reviews and some word of mouth I was determined that your film would be a dog (very disappointing especially after some of the best trailers I have ever seen in the theatre). Well after sitting through the movie for 3 plus hrs I must say that it was not as bad as some people made it out to be. Sure the dialogue is a bit syruppy at times. Sure the romantic triangle seems a bit forced. Sure you do a disservice to Cuba Gooding and his character (a real life pearl harbor hero) by giving him a bit role (I'm assuming most of Cuba's lines will be in the Pearl Harbor DVD). And sure you bring smiles to the political correct fans by turning the Japanese into reluctant attackers (riiiiiight!!!). But Michael Bay, despite these flaws (there are several others) you created a film that kept me entertained for the duration with several scenes/lines (some intentionally funny - some accidentally funny) that I will spend the rest of the summer reciting to my friends along with 2 pretty intense battle/action sequences. And really, despite people howling about how there is no soul to your film or how the story stinks, this is really why everyone went to see the movie - to see the battle sequences - and these do not disappoint. So Michael I think your "sin" is not creating a storyline (much like in Titanic) that would make audiences feel better about going to watch a film about a huge disaster. As far as I'm concerned, you did pretty well and didnt feel the movie was half as bad as critics are making out. You and Bruckheimer keep making pictures that please the masses. PS: Whenever you make Pearl Harbor 2 I think you can handle the Japanese/political correctness issue in a much more subtle fashion than you did in this movie. Instead of making the Japanese commanders out to be reluctant attackers, follow a young Japanese pilot as he prepares for this mission (go watch Saving Private Ryan to see how Spielberg focuses in on a "sympathetic" German soldier). That would be a much easier way to build "sympathy" for the Japanese, rather than having Japanese commanders going around saying how war stinks, etc, etc

You Can Count on Me (2000)

Linney/Lonergan Should Win the Oscar

[9/10 · 17 February 2001]

I just saw this movie in a matinee and it is certainly one of my favorite movies of this year and definitely of all time. Such a wonderfully realistic story by Mr. Lonergan and an excellent job directing this movie. The story is so real, dialogue so real. Nothing is forced, the characters so deep. The comments I have read about this movie pretty much hit the nail on the head but I would like to praise some performances. Linney - unbelievable, she should win an Oscar but unfortunately this has been deemed Julia's year. That is too bad because her performance is a break out (I was not a big fan of Truman Show). She conveys so much with her words but also with her reactions, so much pain and emotion is put forth via her face. She also has some very humorous moments as well which she also pulls off not only with her dialogue but with her movements. Her acting is right on the money. Ruffalo - he also amazed me, I thought we were in store for another messed up sibling character with who would be one dimensional. But no, his character (thanks to Lonergan's script) becomes so much more so deep, so humorous, Ruffalo isn't as messed up as we think he is and it is a wonderful realization. Ruffalo makes this so believable. Broderick - I read comments saying that his performance was somewhat flat - I must say that yeah Broderick's performance is flat but I think it is by design. His character is a flat boring guy trying to make a small town bank more efficient. I think Broderick plays him just right (and remember he is a supporting player in this movie) the focus is right where it should be on Linney and Ruffalo. Lastly, I want to give high praise to Lonergan,not only for his direction and script but for his perfomance in the film as the town's local priest. So many times we see the Tarantinos and the Spike Lees of the world in their movies and it detracts from the film. Here, Lobergan's appearance is just right because he can act and he is the film's voice of reason bringing forth some interesting moral insight but also giving his take on how religion does fit in, in today's society.

Go see this movie and if you are not brought to tears by the film's last scene you have no heart. I have never seen such a 'real' moment from life caught on camera so well. BRAVO!!!!

Meet the Parents (2000)

Bottomline: Hilarious!!!

[9 October 2000]

I just got out of Meet the Parents and simply put it is one of the funniest movies I have ever seen. Maybe I'm biased because I love Bobby De Niro and Ben Stiller, but this combination on screen is the best I have seen in a while. Why is this such a great movie???? Every piece of comedic action is right on the money, DeNiro who is a great actor once again takes a comedic role and has so much fun with it... Ben Stiller who is probably one of the most underappreciated comedic talents around is hilarious as well. Every comedic segment is a great belly laugh. As the dad, DeNiro has this psychotic presence surrounding him with traits from some of his best roles (Goodfellas, Cape Fear) and in this context it is funny. If you liked him in Analyze This, you will really love him here because he is about 5 times better in this. Overall the story is simple but very very humourous. We have all been in a situation where we had to meet our significant other's parents. Here it turns into a nightmare and Ben Stiller as the common man boyfriend is you or me having probably the worst weekend of our lives. It is impossible not to like Stiller and you immediately feel bad for the idiot as his weekend and relationship go awry. Go run and see this it is so worth the admission.

Almost Famous (2000)

WOW!!!

[19 September 2000]

This movie flat out floored me. I must admit the previews didn't do it justice, it looked like a cheesy rock and roll flick. But after some of the best reviews this side of American Beauty I decided to see what was going on. This film is quite simply a masterpiece. Thank you Cameron Crowe for sharing your coming of age with us. As someone who has always been a big Crowe fan and thought that his earlier work was always close to greatness but never great - this movie is my reward. Take all of the best elements of Crowe's earlier work (Crowe has a talent for creating some real relationships and dialogue between real people) and you have Almost Famous. Importantly though I think this is Crowe's finest story (next to Say Anything - I thought Jerry Maguire was a little too over the top). It is clear Crowe wrote what he knew, every detail is right on the money from the wardrobe to the music to the performances. In my mind 2 scenes stick out in my head, Frances McDormand on the phone with Billy Crudup and (I know it is cheesy) but the bandmates singing along with Elton John's Tiny Dancer. The phone conversation is amazing because in a matter of a milli second this cooler than anyone rocker is brought down to size "freaked out" by someone who is "uncool." The bus ride is important because it shows a unity - people on the road because they love the music (or at least they used to before the groupies, reporters and the seventies came along). Run out and see this as soon as you can. It is a sure Best Picture Oscar nominee (let's see if grumpy academy voters give it the golden guy).

The Original Kings of Comedy (2000)

FUNNY!! But what's up with the picture quality?

[28 August 2000]

This concert film is hilarious. For those of you who say it is racist, do you dare criticize a Margaret Cho, Paul Rodriguez or even Jerry Seinfeld for making jokes about the differences between ethnic groups? The Kings (or should I say Kahngs) of Comedy do this to a funny effect. They are not saying anyone is better or stupid just that yes there are ethnic differences between blacks and whites in the same way that there are differences between Italians and Germans. For all of you folks crying "racism" do protest the fact that in the history of Hollywood blacks have won about 6 Oscars total? If anything that is the real racism. As a black man, it was nice to see a movie starring 4 blacks that was funny and intelligent and didn't involve shooting or gang banging.

Now to review the movie, I have not laughed this consistently hard in a movie in a long time. All four of the comedians are hilarious but I think the guys who surprised me the most were Steve Harvey and Bernie Mac. Steve never struck me as especially funny on his sitcom or on Showtime at the Apollo. But in this special he is on fire!!! The best bit is his take on Rae Carruth, Titanic, his exchange with an audience member and his daily trips to church as a child. Bernie Mac had a tour de force turn as well, his description of taking care of his brothers kids had me in stitches (think Robin Harris and BeBe's kids). This isn't to say DL Hugley and Cedric weren't good because they were (kudos to Cedric for his take on black people vs. white people when it comes to office violence and running from trouble). I applaud all of the comedians for pointing out some of the ridiculous aspects of hip hop and the youth culture today. My one criticism would be of Spike's early direction of the movie - Spike let the show speak for itself we don't need images you insert ruining the show on stage. For those of you who have seen it I'm not talking about the vignettes in between the acts I'm talking about during Steve Harvey's first set when Spike decides to splice in some posed pictures of the "country folks" who are at the concert.

My other criticism I have after viewing this film - Why MTV, why Spike Lee did you decide to shoot this on video transferred to film rather than straight to film? The picture quality is bad (think Blair Witch when they showed scenes shot with the video camera). I'm sure when it comes to TV it will look much better but it is too bad for the theatrical release that they went the video route. All in all, I recommend this movie. It is funny funny funny. PS for those of you who want a preview clips are on Napster.

Gone in 60 Seconds (2000)

It is what it is.....

[21 June 2000]

This movie like Top Gun, like the Rock, like Con Air is classic Bruckheimer... It is about fast, sleek, and amazing new cars and antiques. It looks great and sounds great. Think of it as an auto show with a plot running down the middle of it. My biggest problem with the movie is that Angelina Jolie isn't in it more, or for that matter Delroy Lindo. But overall, if you are looking for a fast paced film with a couple of good fight scenes, a better villain than Mission Impossible 2 (if only this guy was in Woo's movie think how much better it would have been), Nick Cage being Nick Cage and an awesome collection of cars, this is your movie. If you want something else, wait for the Patriot or Perfect Storm to come out.

Mission: Impossible II (2000)

This Movie Has Self Destructed

[30 May 2000]

I was waiting for months to see this movie. I thought the combination of Woo, Cruise and Thandie Newton, would make this movie bigger and better than the first and a great movie. Well, the movie is a better than the 1st Mission Impossible but that isn't saying too much. Woo and Cruise ruin an opportunity (and big budget) to make a great action/spy film. Instead, Woo goes for a few chase scenes and one really interesting gun fight.

Where to begin with this - I think I knew we were in trouble with the opening scene. Not to give anything away, but let's just say it is an airborne scene I have seen 1 million times in a spy/action thriller. No new twists no new turns... very surprising. Then you cut to the Cruise cliffhanging mountain scene which you see ad nauseum in the previews. It is a nice opening montage, but you are left saying, "what was the point to that?"

We then are introduced to Thandie Newton who is SUPER HOT. But whoever wrote this thing and Woo, do nothing with this character at all. She is introduced as a super thief, but she never puts these talents to use. It is nice to see Cruise has a love interest, but it is the year 2000 and the woman should be more than window dressing. She should have been more involved in the mission... unfortunately she is just a James Bond like woman. Now this wouldn't be bad but she is hardly in the last part of the movie, and she is not sexy or anything so what was her point.

My next problem with this movie is the idea of Mission Impossible AND Ving Rames. For some reason except for the 1st montage of the 1st MI and a few minutes of the second MI, Mission Impossible has failed miserably to live up to the formula that made the TV show so excellent. Mission Impossible should be about a team of spies who work together to accomplish a mission. There should be deception intrigue... These 2 movies have just been about Tom Cruise and no teamwork. Which leads to Ving. Ving is awesome yet he is not truly allowed to take part in any of the missions. What a waste of talent!! Ving Rhames has to be given more screen time.

Next up - the villain. I'm not giving anything away by saying that the villain in this is a rogue IMF agent. But you never get a sense of how bad he is or why he has turned evil (unless I slept through this part). Since the writers have decided to dumb down the Mission Impossible franchise, the bad guy becomes even more important and the audience must really hate him. But I never felt that hatred for him nor did I think he was ruthless or even funny. He was just kinda there.

Gadgets- Hey this is Mission Impossible, there should be some cool gadgets, but unfortunately no one in the prop department could think of anything hi tech or cool. What a waste. No special weapon or gun or vehicle. Just those dumb rubber masks that are used to tie up loose plot twists.

1 Gun Battle - There is only 1 real gun battle in this movie. Was this done to pacify the gun control lobby. Woo thrives on action and gun play yet there was far too little in this picture... it almost seemed like a Batman comic book.

So there are my thoughts. It is an okay diversion but then you realize there have been far better spy/action films (give me any of the last James Bond picts) and that Woo did so much better with Face/Off. Then you hear that the movie made close to $100 million already so it doesn't really matter. But hopefully Mission Impossible 3 will finally bring the franchise a good plot to go along with the Woo-like effects and gimmicks. This movie made me want to go see Shanghai Noon which I hear doesn't disappoint the true action fan.

The Beach (I) (2000)

Don't Believe the Reviews

[7/10 · 15 February 2000]

The only thing I will say about The Beach is don't always believe what the critics tell you. Based on reviews, I was expecting this movie to really stink. But I found it to be a nice escapist fantasy movie with some likeable characters and interesting themes. I also read many critics knocking Leo's performance. I couldn't disagree more, I thought Leo performance was pretty good. He was funny at times, goofy, serious. Remember he is only in his early 20s and his best work is probably yet to come. So if you are looking for an interesting movie that will keep you on the edge of your seat for a few moments, check this one out (at the very least the beautiful Thailand scenery is a nice respite from our brutal winter)

The World Is Not Enough (1999)

Now this is the Bond I remember...

[8/10 · 22 November 1999]

I saw TWINE this weekend and was very pleased. This is probably as close as Brosnan and Co. will get to replicating the great Bond films of the Connery era. Most of the previous comments get into the film, so I will not duplicate their work. But I will tell what I liked about TWINE and a couple of the things I didn't like.

What I liked: 1. WOMEN - This has really been at the core of the Bond series. This is why 99 percent of the guys who see Bond go. And TWINE has plenty of them from beginning to end. And this Bond lets Brosnan have fun with them with witty interplay and sexual double entendres. There are some classic Bond lines that will give Mike Meyers plenty of material for his next Austin Powers movie. Sophie Marceau was excellent and I thought Denise Richards held her own (memo to critics: who cares if Denise is unbelievable as a nuclear physicist - she looked fantastic) 2. OPENING SEQUENCE - One of the best Bond opening sequences. Words cannot describe the opening chase scene. This alone was worth the 9 bucks I spent to see it 3. GADGETS - Some good believable stuff. The BMW was amazing although I wish we could have seen it in action a little more. Good addition of John CLeese as R, his dialoque with Bond was very funny. 4. STORY/DIALOGUE - A pretty good story. Considering the world is running out of evil communist dictators, the Bond script writers have done the best that they can (it's better than the evil media baron of the last film). Nice to see M involved in the story although I wish they had given her something more to do. Finally Bond had some of his wittiest dialogue to date. 5. DIRECTOR - This was a good looking movie that moved along at a nice brisk pace. The locales were pretty cool and the stunt photography was fantastic.

Now what I didn't like: 1. EVIL BAD GUY - Maybe I've been spoiled by Austin Powers but I go to a Bond film to cheer for the bad guy (Goldfinger, etc). The bad guys in this film weren't really that bad. Even the guy who felt no pain was pretty lame. And the henchmen were boring to. We need a new TopJob or Jaws Please!! 2. CASINO SCENE - It was great having a Bond casino scene but I thought this one was a bit wasted. In the next Bond let's get James in the casino playing a few hands of something. 3. EVIL SCHEME - I thought the evil scheme wasn't clearly laid out and the stakes weren't high enough. You never really felt like the world was in danger.

So there is my critique. Overall an great Bond film with a few problems that don't get in the way of it being very entertaining. Definitely check it out.

Dogma (1999)

Bravo Kevin Smith!!!

[8/10 · 15 November 1999]

I really enjoyed Dogma. While not a perfect movie, it is a hilarious statement on religion in the world today that doesn't get too preachy.

It is a very witty film with an interesting take on organized religion. Excellent performances from Linda Fiorentino and Chris Rock. My absolute favorites in the movie are Jay and Silent Bob!!! Don't worry all you folks who didn't see Clerks, Mallrats or some of Smith's other work. While I'm sure there are a couple of inside jokes I missed, this film is a great independent work you will not feel lost.

No Degrassi Jr. High references in this film but a couple of Star Wars and John Hughes referrals.

Finally, my hat is off to Kevin Smith, not only for his wonderful performance as Silent Bob, but his guts for making this movie in the face of protest. Thankfully, there has been no furor and people have had the opportunity to check this film out. This movie isn't anti-catholic - it is anti- intolerence. (spoiler here: truth be told I think the real reason Miramax [Disney] sold Dogma to Lion's Head was because of that scene in the boardroom of disney-like children's company)

Being John Malkovich (1999)

Absolutely Delightful

[9/10 · 1 November 1999]

I saw Being John Malkovich yesterday and I was not disappointed. It is a well written, well acted black comedy with tremendous performances by Cameron Diaz (you won't even recognize her), John Cusack, the excellent Catherine Keener and of course John Malkovich.

The movie reminded me of something Monty Python would have done. It is a ridiculous notion that you can enter someone's head for 15 minutes at a time, but early on in the movie you just come to accept this and appreciate this. And then you start to think about the philosophical ramifications of such travel. I highly recommend this film, it's not like Double Jeopardy that plugs performers into a tired formula, rather Spike Jonze attempts something different and unique and it pays off. Bravo.

Fight Club (1999)

The More I Think About It the More I Like It

[8/10 · 21 October 1999]

Fight Club is not at all what I expected it to be. I was thinking that it was a look inside a secret world of amateur ultimate fighting, an action film with the top notch stars like Pitt, Norton and Bonham Carter. Boy was I wrong. Fight Club is so much more involved and intricate than that. It is a statement about American consumerism and one man's attempt break away from Ikea catalogs and triple chai lattes. What American Beauty does for the suburbs, Fight Club does for this materialistic society we live in. The story is interesting but what really makes this film is the director and the effort he put into it. This film had some scenes and shots that had me scratching my head saying how did he do that. There are some really neat things here. I would recommend this movie (unless you get grossed out easily)

Double Jeopardy (1999)

Don't Bother!

[11 October 1999]

Well I saw Double Jeopardy this weekend because it is really the only thing out right now that sounds interesting. Save your cash. There is nothing special about this movie. Talk about a predictable script - there are no surprises in this thing, I've seen better TV movies. I won't bore you with details but it is the same predictable thriller we have seen about 80 million times. While it is well made, the story is just dumb - it is the type of movie where you yell at the screen (some people actually did this in my screening) and say "why would she do this?" "why would he do that?" etc etc. Ashley Judd is pretty good considering she doesn't have much to work with and Tommy Lee Jones is his same old Tommy Lee Jones you've seen in the Fugitive and US Marshals (except this time he is a law enforcement officer with a drinking problem) - for the life of me I couldn't figure out what the heck his point was in this movie. He is just kind of around because a wisecracking parole officer is needed (what a waste). In a way this movie gives me hope - I can right a mediocre screenplay, get it produced and then have it released when nothing else is out! What an easy way to make a million bucks.

A Night at the Roxbury (1998)

Yeh! Another SNL Skit Turned into a Lousy Movie

[4/10 · 11 October 1999]

I am so glad I didn't pay $9.50 to see this garbage (love those NYC movie prices). The premise is interesting at first glance: two losers who live at home dream of nightclub glory. One problem though, I have seen this a million times. It is bad enough that the Butabi brother's skit is on almost every other SNL these days, but it is a knock-off of the Wild and Crazy Guys characters Steve Martin and Dan Akroyd used to do. If that isn't bad enough, there is no real story to frame the hit and miss jokes around. The guys who play the Butabi brothers are okay but for me this played like a boring Wayne's World knockoff. Now I can't wait a year for Superstar to show up on cable because I'm sure it's much better (not!). Hey Lorne (Michaels) can't wait for that Goatboy and the preppy cheerleaders movie.

American Beauty (1999)

An American Classic!!

[9/10 · 4 October 1999]

This film is a masterpiece... I had heard some reviewers comparing this film to The Graduate not knowing whether that was just hype or what. After seeing this film last night, I can tell you that this is not hype - American Beauty is one of the funniest movies I have ever seen while at the same time one of the saddest. As the Graduate took you behind the closed doors of suburbia and revolved around Dustin Hoffman's rebellion against society's expectations, American Beauty takes you back to suburbia and is centered around Kevin Spacey's desire to rediscover the man he used to before a marriage, fatherhood, work and suburbia destroyed what he used to be. Spacey, playing a disgruntled middle aged married man named Lester Burnham, is the centerpiece of this movie and he is magnificent. His performance is intense yet never over the top. He is also very funny (Oscar voters -> While it is early on, I doubt you will find a more worthy Best Actor Oscar candidate than Spacey). Annette Bening is also wonderful as his wife Carolyn whose finds her marriage and her relationship with her daughter crumbling away. I never knew she had this type of performance in her. Thora Birch is also powerful in her role as their daughter Jane. But for my money the most amazing performances in this movie came from Wes Bentley as Rick Fitts and Chris Cooper as Rick's father Col. Fitts. Bentley is phenomenal as the boy next door who can see things for what they really are through his video camera. He is perhaps the "smartest" and "wisest" person in this film because he has not lost track of what truly matters in life, even though his homophobic ex-marine father constantly presses him to become a better man. Lastly, kudos to Mena Suvari who is this year's American women with a great role in American Pie and a nice dramatic turn in American Beauty. I look forward to seeing her again.

There were great performances in this movie but without a great story there would be nothing. This script is terrific, it zips along at a nice pace and the dialogue is so witty. I think it is tough to do comedy, tough to do drama but to do both so well in the same movie is an achievement. If this movie does not win a best screenplay Oscar - then I wanna see the movie that does win it because that script is gonna have to be phenomenal. Lastly the direction and cinematography was right on the mark!! Go see this movie, they don't make films like this often.

American Pie (1999)

Classic!!!

[8/10 · 7 September 1999]

I have to say that the most fun I had at the movies this summer was when I saw American Pie, the funniest picture I've seen since last summer's There's Something About Mary. This movie has taken the classic teenage boy film (Porky's, Revenge of the Nerds) and spruced it up for the 90's. It is hilarious from start to finish. If you like physical comedy, gross out comedy, sexual comedy, American Pie has it all. A great ensemble cast of likeable young actors makes this a joy to watch.

I think this year's breakout star has to be Chris Klein. He was phenomenal in Election and he is even better here as a jock who tries to soften his image to score before prom. I have a feeling Klein is going to be Hollywood's next big thing and I hope he has a chance to flex his acting muscles in some different movies (I can definitely see this guy in an action film).

Also very good is Jason Biggs who plays the sympathetic Jim character, the guy who is least likely to lose his virginity. His antics are very funny to follow and he gets the lion share of the laughs. Finally a huge ovation for Eugene Levy, who gets major laughs as the Jim's dad.

Big Daddy (1999)

Sandler Does It Again

[7/10 · 30 August 1999]

On the heels of the Wedding Singer and the Waterboy, this is yet again another great Adam Sandler vehicle. This movie has one great ingredient: Sandler trying to take care of a kid. The chemistry between Sandler and the kid is great, even though you know Sandler is not father material you are kinda rooting for the two of them to stay together. It is this relationship that is at the very heart of this movie and makes you want to stick around to the very end to see what happens. Everything else in the movie is either icing on the cake or is unnecessary. In the icing on the cake category I would have to include Sandler's constant battles with his roommate's girlfriend ("Hooters!"), Rob Schneider's delivery guy character, and Sandler's relationship with his ex girlfriend ("Hey, Old Man River..."). In the unnecessary or lame category, Sandler's blossoming relationship with a new girl (I never liked this pairing) and SPOILER Coming... the courtroom scene at the end wasn't well done.

A really good movie, which will entertain and delight all who watch it.

The Sixth Sense (1999)

My 6 Cents on 6 Sense

[27 August 1999]

When I had first saw the preview/ad for the 6th Sense, my immediate reaction was 1) another bad Bruce Willis sci-fi picture with a lot of hokey special effects and 2) what an amazing job they did on his hair. So I avoided it the first few weeks of release. Then I looked at the its box office totals and was shocked to see it not only number one but not losing much of its business. I also spoke to some friends who saw it and they said it was not what they expected it to be - go see it.

So I went last night (by the way I saw a 640PM Thursday show in Manhattan and the medium sized theatre we were in was packed) and I must say that I was pleasantly surprised. It is not quite the psychological terror/horror film I thought it was. Rather this movie is very thought provoking. Haley Joel Osment does a fantastic job as the boy Bruce Willis' character is trying to help. I think that his performance is certainly Oscar worthy. Bruce Willis is also very good in his very subdued ("Anti-Bruce") performance. Former New Kid on the Block Donnie Wahlberg also gives a very brief but powerful performance that sets the stage for the movie's plot. Go see this movie, unlike a couple of pictures I saw this summer, it does not disappoint and will keep you on the edge of your seat. Not as scary as the name or ads would leave you to believe (and you eventually get use to Bruce's hairdo).

The Blair Witch Project (1999)

Heather Donahue: "I'm so sorry you paid 9 bucks for this movie."

[6/10 · 23 August 1999]

Blair Witch was a nice concept, nicely executed but there is NO way this is a masterpiece. It is a very very good student film, nothing more, nothing less. There was very little suspense and absolutley no payoff at the end. Why did the producers feel the need to tell us that the filmmakers were never heard from again right at the beginning of the film. HEllo!! You know from the get go that these people aren't going to make it out alive. So the only thing that is left is the terror that these people have to endure. But what all I saw were cheap campfire tricks designed to scare 10 yr olds. Once again I liked the concept, the free form nature of it, even the performances of the 3 leads but there is no terror on screen only a lot of complaining and jitery camera work.

South Park: Bigger, Longer & Uncut (1999)

South Park is Better Longer and Uncut

[8/10 · 23 August 1999]

South Park (SP)is a fabulous TV show that I thought would lose a little something in the translation to film. Boy was I hella wrong! SP is one of the best films of this year and I'll say one of the best films of the 90s. Stone and Parker used the extra added freedom afforded to them on the silver screen to up the ante. The bleeps are gone and we get to here Kyle Stan Kenny and Cartman at their obscene best. The musical numbers are superb from top to bottom (although how they heck do you make a movie with Isaac Hayes and not have him sing in the movie [he does sing a song not in the movie on the soundtrack]). A great movie, I can't wait for the 2nd SP movie (or maybe Terrence and Phillip).

Bowfinger (1999)

Members of Academy - Please Nominate Eddie!!

[23 August 1999]

Just saw Bowfinger this past weekend. Laughed hysterically all the way through it. I definitely agree with most of the users that the scene in the parking garage was a classic! It is definitely not a classic movie but there are some memorable lines and bits that will leave you in hysterics -> the best was Eddie Murphy's line as Kit about there being a certain number of a certain letter of the alphabet in the script.

Speaking of Eddie, the one thing everyone seems to agree on when reviewing this film was the fact that Eddie Murphy's performance was outstanding (although someone did say they would have casted Will Smith, hey don't quit your day job if you're making casting decisions like that). Eddie was outstanding in this picture because he pokes fun at his own image as a the premier action/actor. He is cocky and has a certain swagger but then as he starts to lose his senses he loses it in such a believable way. And Eddie as Jif was incredible. If you closed your eyes and listened to Kit and Jif's voice you would have no idea they came from the same actor. Eddie did a great job handling both characters and did not go over the top. If any members of the Academy are out there surfing, PLEASE NOMINATE EDDIE for a best supporting actor nod. I'm not saying he should win but he is certainly deserving of this recognition.