shuba Reviews

10 Things I Hate About You (1999)

Quality Adolesent Romantic Comedy

[8/10 · 11 March 2000]

Stiles and the lead fellow shine in this worthy effort, capturing the High School mating ritual. Goes, needlessly over the top at times; still I'd highly recommend it for stay-at-home date night. May intrige some to explore Shakespear's "Taming of the Shrew" on which this is loosely based.

200 Cigarettes (1999)

Exceptional, You May Love this Movie

[9/10 · 11 March 2000]

I'm 37, so I'm about the same age of the people in this period. I had heard bad commentary on this movie and granted my expectations were lowered. Yes, the characters are shallow to a large degree, and the person I watched with got quite bored with this dialoge driven comedy. That being said, it has been a great while since I enjoyed a comedy as much as this. Like an Arthur Hailey novel you constantly bounce around to 5 or 6 parties and their very different issues. I could relate in alot of ways; please remember this is a couple years before the Aids crisis. I never found it to be dull, indeed I was draw in by the characters as things went along. I think what bothered many who've commented on the movie, is you are lead to believe everyone will be meeting at the 'Party'. Have patience; remember the film is about the people, not the party. The end of the movie was probably the best part. If you're intriged by what I've described here, definitly make this a Must-See"

Before and After (1996)

Well-Acted Drama

[9/10 · 18 August 1999]

This is a very good movie. A family gets rocked by tragedy and must get to the heart of their son's secret. This isn't a typical crime drama because the real issue is the reaction of the parents. The acting is so superb that that is enough. This movie stands out for not trying to do too much, What is successful about it is how real everything comes across. I complement the producers of this film for taking the chance they did with this great screenplay.

The Basketball Diaries (1995)

True Harsh Drug Drama.. About a Great Poet

[8/10 · 18 August 1999]

I am very biased. The Jim Carroll band is a Lou Reed styled rock band, of some (little) prominence in the 80's. His music is highly rewarding in many ways.. especially lyrically, he's yet another great artist that didn't get his due. The movie is by all counts an accurate portrayal of his life right before getting his recording contract. DiCaprio, sports a credible likeness to Jim Carroll and does a fine job here. The movie is harsh and not for young or sensitive viewers. My recommendation is get music by Jim Carroll and view the movie later if interested.

The Treasure of the Sierra Madre (1948)

If you haven't seen this yet, What are you waiting for?

[10/10 · 18 August 1999]

Simply put.. don't waste any time deciding if you should see this film. See it! You won't find anything better. It is not only the greatest work of the greatest actor in the history of film.. It is compelling and entertaining. This is one of those exceptionally rare movies that has universal appeal and can not be disappointing no matter how much you expect. If you don't think this movie deserves every comment you see on this page.. then.. Donate all your organs to science.. IMMEDIATELY!!!

Hard Rain (1998)

Truly Unique

[9/10 · 16 August 1999]

While this movie may have had it's flaws.. The cast, drama and mostly the concept make it a must see. I watch movies for escape and this was a definite trip! The whole movie takes place in a flooded town (must of cost plenty to make). The action is constant and I cannot see how fans of Slater, Driver or Freeman could be disappointed. The standard double-crossing at the end of the flick seemed credible from all characters perspectives.. Give it a shot.

And Justice for All (1979)

A Gem!!!

[10/10 · 6 August 1999]

This movie stands out among the hundreds I've seen; It is exactly what it was initially marketed as; an inditement of the late 70's (and I suspect little has changed) legal system. This is accomplished magnificently.. Imagine an over-worked court appointed defender with a heart of gold.. in a corrupt web of compromise, and over-stressed beauro-crats. If you have ever enjoyed a court/lawyer movie give this one a chance!!! Look out for one of the funniest and yet reasonably plausible situations I've ever seen in a movie.

The Mummy (1999)

Predictable; though worthwhile

[8/10 · 21 July 1999]

The first sequence in the film, in ancient Egypt is riveting. Also the first visit to the tombs kept my date and I in a delightful apprehension. If the first part wasn't so first rate perhaps the ending, predictable and overly done with special-effects, wouldn't have been as disappointing. My thoughts on leaving "When will hollywood realize.. Less is More!" Still time worth spending.