"Broadcast News" is James L. Brooks' funny and intelligent take on television news, both in front and behind the cameras. With fast-paced, brilliantly written dialogue, combined with tremendous performances from an amazing cast, the film is perhaps one of the finest about television. Holly Hunter has given amazing performances, but she is at her finest as a workaholic news producer, torn between a handsome anchorman (William Hurt), and a down-to-earth reporter (Albert Brooks). Hunter offers a colorful array of emotions, many in a single scene. The cliche-smashing film also offers memorable moments, specifically Joan Cusack's literal sprint to airtime, and Brooks' hilarious shot at anchoring the weekend news, only to be victim of an unpredictable sweat attack. Funny, surprising, uncompromising and fiercely intelligent, "Broadcast News" gives us a peek at a world that gives us the world...the news, and how at the core, beats a human heart.
Reviews
6 Reviews
The River Wild
(1994)
Streep Braves the Rapids...and Succeeds.
16 January 2001
Warning: Spoilers
No, I didn't say Gail braves the rapids...but Meryl Streep, not only literally, but metaphorically. Streep is definitely the actress of our time, and in no small part to her ability to tackle difficult roles of many colors, and do them without breaking a sweat. Such is true with "The River Wild", a predictable, but entertaining river rapids adventure/hostage drama. Streep incorporates her role with strength, humor, and even a bit of vulnerability. Backed by the menacing Kevin Bacon and the refined David Strathairn (the ultimate everyman...that's a compliment), Streep holds her own in a genre that one doesn't necessarily think of when her name comes to mind. One tremendous scene involves Streep reminding her captor (Bacon) of the dangers of the upcoming waterfall/rapids system known as "The Gauntlet"...Streep whispers determination and threats, promises of anger and doom, directly into Bacon's ears with a quite rage, only to be turned to an edge-of-tears monologue when her family comes to mind. Bravo to Curtis Hanson's pre-"L.A. Confidential" film (1997's SHOULD HAVE for Director and Picture). The plot itself may have holes, but with the talents of Streep, backed with the reliable cast, "The River Wild" packs quite a punch of entertainment and thrills.
Passion Fish
(1992)
Sayles' best film.
20 December 2000
John Sayles is one of the finest film makers around, and "Passion Fish" ranks as his most human, funny, and provoking film. Fueled by tremendous performances by the always reliable Mary McDonnell and the extraordinary Alfre Woodard, "Passion Fish" takes a slow, easy pace through the Louisiana bayous and through difficult adjustments with life. David Strathairn, Vondie Curtis Hall, are McDonnell and Woodard's love interests, respectively, and add wonderful colors of both subtle and flamboyant hues. We find ourselves laughing at McDonnell's crude humor as paralyzed soap opera actress May Alice, especially in an amusing segment in which she drives away a number of interestingly characteristic nurses. Then, May Alice meets Woodard's Chantelle, a Chicago woman looking to rectify her own life. Their friendship is stunning, the ride is a pure joy. "Passion Fish" is a quiet film, and meant for those who enjoy those voyages through life with patience, humor, and camaraderie through the most difficult of circumstances, ultimately finding the true gifts of life.
Trixie
(2000)
Fun, but an acquired taste.
18 December 2000
There seem to be two major demographics that film audiences fall into. The commercially reliable, and the more risky arthouse, or as Trixie would say, "but I see it the other way". "Trixie" falls into the arthouse, with its star, Emily Watson, fitting in perfectly to its offbeat nature. Watson has proven in her career, from "Breaking the Waves" to "Hilary and Jackie" that she is one of the most underrated and capable actresses in modern film. Following a "noir" mystery tale of murder, and political corruption, "Trixie" takes the cliches of a thriller and combines them skillfully with the creative tongue of the English-slaughtering lead character. For people who enjoy daring, open-minded pictures, "Trixie" is a fun way to spend an evening. For people who enjoy loud, explosion-packed films, go see them.
Grand Canyon
(1991)
Metaphorical Masterpiece
16 December 2000
Lawrence Kasdan has always assembled fantastic casts to deliver his creative and thought-provoking screenplays about contemporary life in America. From the classic "Big Chill", to the more recently understated comedy "Mumford", it is plain to see that Kasdan is much, much more than just the screenwriter of two "Star Wars" movies. With "Grand Canyon" Kasdan shows us a frightening, realistic story laced with humor and humanity about finding small miracles within the lives that we lead, instead of looking for greater ones. Kevin Kline and Danny Glover notable performances in their careers. Steve Martin plays it dramatic effectively, but being Martin, must inject humor here and there. Mary McDonnell, Mary-Louise Parker, and Alfre Woodard give strong support as well. "Grand Canyon" is one of the finest films released in 1991, and though it received an Academy Award nomination for Original Screenplay, it seemed to be unjustly passed over. Though over two hours long and filled with only dialogue, "Grand Canyon" is a must-see motion picture, if you appreciate intelligent, provoking and metaphorical writing, proving points in subtle humanity instead of exploding effects.
Dinosaurs
(1991–1994)
Inventive and creative
16 December 2000
One of the more inventive and creative shows on television in recent years. Strengthened by the capable talents of the effective Pankin, the compassionate Walter, the convincing Willinger, and the younger pseudo-Gloria Struthers, however, to keep with the main intention of creative, revolutionary entertainment, it seems to falter with the domination of Baby Sinclair.
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