gottogorunning Reviews

Bell Witch Haunting (2004)

Very entertaining true ghost story!

[10/10 · 4 September 2005]

I have always loved ghost stories and have been fascinated with the Bell Witch for a long time, having read one of the books as a teenager. It is impossible to find a more amazing true ghost story. When I saw the great review in Haunted Times magazine, I was very excited to order the movie. I was not disappointed. You could tell immediately this was not a Hollywood film. The picture looks a little grainy in places and it seems a little dark in others. But this works for the film, because it gives it more of a realistic look in the dark candle scenes and makes it creepier. This, with some of the camera shots, makes it feel more at times like a documentary. It feels real, like you are watching a part of these peoples lives, and that drew me in. I thought for the most part the acting was very well done and the costumes and locations looked authentic. After watching the film, it rekindled my interest, so I checked out a book on the Bell Witch from the library. I was surprised how close the movie was to the original story. I especially liked the way they showed the different personalities of the spirit, showing it's kindness for Lucy, it's enjoyment for church, and it's sense of humor that is discussed so much it the book. If Hollywood had made this film, they would have made the ghost one note (just scary) and you would not have had such in-depth and realistic view of the haunting. But there is plenty of scary parts too! It is an amazing story and would be of great interest to anyone who enjoys the paranormal. The "Behind the Scenes" was very fascinating as well. This is as true and real as it gets!

Something's Gotta Give (2003)

Excellent Romantic Comedy

[8/10 · 18 August 2005]

Get dramatically landlocked. I was happily trapped for the duration, glued to this tale and literally slapped with a light laugh a minute. Full speed "maximum-strength" Nicholson, he gets to run through all the gears. Cast as the character most love him as, ladies man extraordinaire. All the characters gel beautifully. Well written and acted, spawning thoroughly enjoyable entertainment. Characters who reveal themselves to the viewer in such a measured way we truly seem to understand a part of them. Then they are shaken up and mixed several different ways, so that their bold and unpredictable reactions, are both expected and unexpected. The special attribute this movie has above others like it, is it's ability to skirt complication. Equipped with the ability to lay on a very meaty dramatic interlude with light ingredients.

Anger Management (2003)

Funny and Entertaining

[8/10 · 18 August 2005]

I've just seen Anger Management and I'm buzzing. I've read the comments and some reviews beforehand, and thankfully ignored them. There will probably always be criticism on Adam Sandler's movies, and many people hate them, but I can't help wondering what people are complaining about. Okay, his movies don't rank amongst personal favorites such as Fight Club or Requiem For A Dream, but they are entertaining, funny, reasonably original for feel-good-movies (except for the obvious boy gets girl scenario, but hey, even that can be nice from time to time (unless you're a cynic)), full of hilarious cameos and supporting roles, and you can see how much fun all the actors have in playing their roles and that they are having a great time doing these movies. And for me that's all I need if I want to have a good night out. Save the classics for when you're in the mood, and watch these movies once in a while so you don't get too serious about it all. And compare it to all the other comedy trash (romantic or teen) that come out every year and you'll see: in his genre Adam Sandler is in a league of his own. So for all the fans, don't miss out on this one, and for those out there that cannot appreciate it, too bad you don't understand it because you are the ones that are missing the point.

About Schmidt (2002)

Must be watched carefully.

[9/10 · 18 August 2005]

This film must be watched very carefully. If you're not paying enough attention to it, you would miss it (some did). It's in the frames, the atmosphere, the tiny details, the situations, the acting, everything. But it's not that obvious, unless you enter that world. Simple story? Sure. Life is simple. So is great art. All in all, "About Schmidt" is a really great film. Bitter humor, all-pervading lie, the infinite sadness of loneliness and failure, sincere egoism, everyday dullness, desperate and quiet hope - this is life, and in a non-blatant, nor melodramatic manner. But you're going to weep (and smile) at the ending (I did!).

The Pledge (I) (2001)

Masterful Film

[8/10 · 18 August 2005]

Saw this film on cable last night (only the last hr. or so) & it was extraordinary. Nicholson gives both a moving & harrowing performance as an old, hard-drinking, washed up police detective. Though his character is in the dregs, he still manages to compel our empathy. Not since "Ironweed" has he attempted a character so thoroughly seedy.

His relationship w. Robin WRight & Wright's daughter is affecting; and the plot developments around the child murderer stalking the daughter are riveting.

The film concludes in a downbeat way that only a director like Sean Penn would have been brave enough to attempt in this era of happy Hollywood endings. Though we as audience know that Nicholson was right in his suspicions of the murderer, none of the characters (including Nicholson's) realize this. At the end, everyone gives up on Nicholson, believes he is nuts; & he in turn reverts to a life of booze & unintelligible muttering. It is heartbreaking to watch. As you watch Wright flay Nicholson for letting her daughter be a lure for the murderer; and we watch Nicholson react w. sullen silence to the onslaught, we are twisted into paroxysms of sadness for him. You realize the moral complexity of the situation: in order to keep faith w. other parents who've lost children to this murderer, Nicholson has endangered the daughter of a woman he has come to love. And she in turn comes to hate him when she learns what he has done. This is a profound moral dilemma.

Penn has created a masterful film, proving yet again that he is one of our better directors. "The Pledge" is one of which he can rightly feel proud.

As Good as It Gets (1997)

Really Intelligent Movie

[9/10 · 18 August 2005]

"As Good as It Gets" is one of those really intelligent movies. It's light-hearted without being too much to take, and it has its dose of "reality for a Friday night". Jack Nicholson the obsessive romance writer, Melvin Udall, who lives in an up-scale Manhattan apartment across the hall from a gay artist, Simon Bishop (Greg Kinnear) and his adorable dog, Verdell. Simon is beaten up by robbers, and Melvin, the pessimistic, bitter, complaining, obsessive-compulsive, and prejudicial shut-in, has Simon's dog forced on him, while Simon's still in the hospital. Melvin grows affectionate towards the dog, and the good in him begins to leak out. The story also centralizes around Carol Connelly (Helen Hunt), a waitress at Melvin's only restaurant and who has a chronically sick child, Spencer. The story continues with the three of them traveling together to Simon's parents' house in the south of Baltimore. Melvin almost wins Carol over, but blows it. They come back to New York after the trip with Simon feeling a new sense of hope in his life, as well as Carol. The movie doesn't end there, but I don't want to give away the ending. I will say this, however. Melvin really is a good man on the inside, despite all of his short comings and sardonic remarks. The story is about finding yourself and love in your adulthood, and coming to terms with it. The only grievance I had with the movie was that it kind of went on for too long, but it's definitely worth it.

Mars Attacks! (1996)

Fun and Funny!

[8/10 · 18 August 2005]

A few of us like grade B horror and sci-fi movies that come on late at night, we're the crowd that watches Mystery Science Theater 3000 and Elvira. This is Tim Burton's audience which is small compared to the mega following of Star Wars and Titanic. No wonder Mars Attacks! bombed at the box office but not surprisingly it instantly became a TV cult classic. Burton is extremely talented (the beginning of Mars Attacks with its great special effects, editing, music and camera work is masterful film making) but he chooses not to make mainstream commercial movies (except for Batman where he knuckled under to Warner Brothers) and yet his films are just popular enough to continue his career.

Why do many people dislike Mars Attacks!? Along with Burton's love for old B horror and Sci-fi movies is his dislike for the lifestyle and taste of the mainstream public. Mars Attacks! on the surface is another Independence Day but underneath they are completely different movies. While Independence Day is wrapped in the flag and God Bless America, Mars Attacks! gives it the finger. Lots of characters are not shown in a favorable light in Mars Attacks! to put it mildly; the President, his First Lady and press secretary, military officers, scientists, TV reporters, businessmen, lawyers, red necks and patriots. Who are our heroes?; two teenagers that don't get along with their parents, an ex heavyweight champion, kids who like video games, a single mother, an air head New Age drunk, a senile grandmother who likes Slim Whitman music and Tom Jones. And this is where I crack up. I know it is wicked, but this crowd of misfits as our saviors is hilarious as we watch Las Vegas Casinos explode and hear a Mariachi band play the Star Spangled Banner.

Is there nothing sacred to Tim Burton? Only that weirdos rule (being one himself I guess this is natural). Every minute of this movie is filled with put downs both subtle and tacky and it is beautifully done. The film score has that right 50's cheesy organ sound but this eventually gives way to the songs of Slim Whitman who is indescribable, the only country western singer with a cult following.

Then there are the Martians. The computer graphics are excellent showing them having a jolly time toasting everyone with ray guns especially wiping out America. Oh yes, and they quack like ducks.

If you are still reading this, I figure what I've written doesn't make much sense to most of you. Well, I'll just say that I like off beat comedy and Mars Attacks! fits the bill.

Wolf (1994)

Thought-Provoking Film

[8/10 · 17 August 2005]

The greatness of Wolf is that it dares to examine the bitter conflict between age and youth in modern society within the context of the classic werewolf story. The result is a creative, thought-provoking film with superb acting and fascinating characterization.

As a horror fan, I always appreciate seeing a genre film that boasts intelligence and does not scare its audience away with excessive violence. Some critics have complained that the same story could have been told with greater emotional impact had the werewolf action been excised, but I disagree. The physical transformations are symbolic of the psychological theme of the story - that our civilization has become so corrupt and inhuman that the only way to reclaim our souls is to return to nature.

Hoffa (1992)

Should of got more recognition.

[8/10 · 17 August 2005]

Possibly Jack Nicholson was showing up nominated at to many award shows at this time and he was due for a put down.The movie seemed to be overlooked or not reviewed very well at the time of release. I thought his "Hoffa" was a memorable portrayal of a complex and contradictory personality. Having been around during Hoffa's reign as head of the Teamsters, as well as being a Teamster back then myself, Nicholson's portrayal was uncanny in it's grasp of Hoffa's style and personality. Nicholson seemed to get in Hoffa's skin for this role as George C. Scott did for Patton. As a matter of fact I think the analogy is accurate. Both Patton and Hoffa were controversial, larger the life characters with a lot of flaws and a lot of attributes. Both actors were highly skilled and balanced in their portrayals.

A Few Good Men (1992)

A Must See

[9/10 · 17 August 2005]

I can't count the times over the years that I have watched A,Few Good Men ever since I first saw it in 1993 I said now here is a great movie. I must have been right because network TV and both basic and premium cable channels continue to give A,Few Good Men numerous showings. Rob Reiner did a great job directing along with superb writing from Aaron Sorkin was what made this movie so interesting that your eyes are glued from start to finish. The acting just blows me away to start you have a great performance from Tom Cruise maybe the best of his career. Cruise handles the role of Navy lawyer Daniel Kaffee great he shows his ability to work so well with others. I know with the way Cruise showed that Daniel Kaffee can roar away that is exactly the kind of defense lawyer that two Marines accused of murder needed. Tom Cruise was perfectly cast. I'm just getting warmed up on the talk about good acting Jack Nicholson was once again his brilliant direct to the point self again. I came to love Jack with his performance as The Joker in Batman and in The Shining but I must say his performance in A,Few Good Men as Colonel Nathan R. Jessup, commander of the U.S. Marine base in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba showed once again just why Jack Nicholson as a actor is in a totally different league. That being a league of select legends and all-time greats. Jack suited the role of the hard and wise Colonel so well you love ever scene he had which was only four. I always remember this intense courtroom sequence starting with Cruise: "I want the truth". Nicholson: "You can't handle the truth". Many times that quote holds true to life the truth is hard but believe me always remember the truth conquers all and is the most important thing that matters when everything is said and done and A,Few Good Men proves that very point. This movie is now a classic so be sure that you either own a VHS copy or put a tape in the VCR to record when you have time because A,Few Good Men is always a must view.

The Two Jakes (1990)

It's not the classic Chinatown is, but it's a very good movie.

[8/10 · 17 August 2005]

Most reviews pull The Two Jakes to pieces, except for a very well-considered one by Roger Ebert (find it at the Chicago Sun-Times).

Of course, it's not the classic Chinatown is, but it's a damned good movie. It's about the past, how it pervades our lives for the rest of our days, and how we assimilate it into our futures.

Many have complained that the film is convoluted, that when the key revelation comes (I ain't givin' that away) you miss the impact of it. I strongly disagree with this. I for one had actually figured out the revelation before it happened - this didn't bother me because I wanted so much for it to be what I had thought it was going to be. And when it comes, it's so subtle you could almost be forgiven for missing it. It's lovely, so comforting in a very ironic way.

All I'll say is, pay attention to the scene where Jake (Nicholson) goes to see Kahn (the unmistakable James Hong). Something about the flowers...

Anyway, I'm drifting. The Two Jakes is subtle, well-crafted, and when all is revealed, so very simple. The 'convoluted' events in the plot serve to illustrate what a single, simple desire can cause.

Just watch it. Bear in mind the events and characters from Chinatown, but only so that you have a back story for these characters and not a standard to which they should be compared.

Batman (1989)

One of the best movies in the 80's.

[9/10 · 17 August 2005]

This is truly a Fantasy/Comic movie-masterpiece. First of all- the excellent cast- Jack Nicholson shines in the role of the manic and crazy Jocker. Nicholsons character is truly amazing- like a mixture of his former roles/characters in "Chinatown" (Jake Gittes), "One Flew Over the Cuchoo's Nest" (Randle McMurphy), "Prizzie' s honor" (C.Partanna), "the Witches of Eastwick" (Daryl Van Horn) and of course "The Shining" (Jack Torrance)- but (the character) still keeps his own style. Michael Keaton also proves to be the ideal type for Burtons's Batman. He reminds on the dark Batman from the "Dark Knight" Batman comics, and is the exact opposite of Batman introduced by Adam West in the 70's. Second, Tim Burton created a unique atmosphere, exactly matching to the characters. Some people say that this movie is to dark, but I wouldn't agree. I must not forget to mention the exciting Batman Theme composed by Danny Elfmann. Burton's Batman, different from all the other Comic-hero movies, like Spiderman, Superman, Flash or Hulk, provides a refreshing character dimension.

Broadcast News (1987)

Brooks brilliantly combines comedy and drama.

[9/10 · 17 August 2005]

Writer-director James L. Brooks is a filmmaker who is able to brilliantly combine comedy and drama with rich characters and unforgettable dialogue. Terms of Endearment and As Good As It Gets are his other two masterpieces (His 1994 I'll Do Anything is a good movie but a flawed one), but Broadcast News is his personal best. Brooks paints a savage, knowing, hilarious look at the television news industry and also what can happen to your personal life when your job consumes you. The performances are simply phenomenal. William Hurt gives depth to a dimbulb anchor, but Holly Hunter and Albert Brooks walk away with the movie. Hunter just dazzles with a fearless, emotionally intricate portrayal of a neurotic producer and Brooks is hilarious and poignant as the reporter who loves her. Brooks should also be credited for a realistic ending, a different and satisfying touch to a different and deeply satisfying movie.

The Witches of Eastwick (1987)

Greatly Enjoyed

[7/10 · 17 August 2005]

Based upon a John Updike novel in which three witches Cher, Susan Sarandon, and Michelle Pfeiffer conjure up the ideal man mate, for all three to share, but it turns out to be the devil himself Jack Nicholson. Nicholson turns in an over the top performance as Daryl Van Horne the sex driven evil devil. A role that suits his real life personality perfect. Nicholson seduces the coven, which gives the trio power evil power the devil's power. Just like the evil powers that be greed develops, and Nicholson cast pain and suffering on the three ladies after his pleasureful seductions. Like any good witch would do the trio uses the gift of devil magic to good use and Nicholson's devil character dies from a voodoo doll spell. All three of the coven give birth to a child after Van Horne's death. This film gives us the message that evil can pleasure us only so far, then when mistreated we must give revenge with our own obtained evil's and enjoy our kept pleasure from the departed evil.

Heartburn (1986)

Very Good Movie!

[8/10 · 17 August 2005]

Heartburn is probably classified as a "chick flick", but I don't care. It is a very good story about real people living in the real world. I'm sure there are many men out there that would probably fall asleep during this, due to lack of machine gun fire or kung foo fighting. But for women it is a great slice of life piece. I could watch it over and over again. It has some great comedic moments, from Mark (Jack Nicholson) and his friend Arthur (Richard Masur) several times as they have profound discussions about every day things in a Woody Allen type banter. One part that always touches me is when Rachel finds out about Mark's affair and confronts him. A few minutes later she is packing up to leave and we hear Carly Simon's song "Coming Around Again" on the soundtrack. If you listen to the lyrics of the song it perfectly fits the action that is going on at that moment. It helps the viewer understand Rachel's despair. Her idea of the perfect marriage has been shattered.

Anyway, if you want to watch a movie with heart, then this is it. I think many of the people who say this movie is boring or garbage are too used to today's action standards and dismiss it too quickly. By the way, this is also a semi biographical account of now director Nora Ephron's marriage to a Washington journalist. The book is also a good read as well. If you think Mark treated her badly in the movie, it is nothing compared to the book.

In summary, Heartburn is a movie for people who are emotional and intelligent.

Prizzi's Honor (1985)

Terrifically Dark Comedy

[9/10 · 17 August 2005]

John Huston's terrifically dark comedy adapted to the screen by William Condon from his novel is a great spin on a mob family. Jack Nicholson is very good and fun to watch as the mob hit-man who marries Kathleen Turner, who happens to be a contract hit-man herself. The two are joined by an outstanding supporting cast including Hustons daughter Angelica who won an Oscar for her sly performance. The second family member to be directed to an Oscar by John, his father Walter won in '48 for "The Treasure of the Sierra Madre". William Hickey got a well deserved Oscar nomination as the old Don of the mob family. Huston's direction and the funny script add color to this great period piece.

Terms of Endearment (1983)

Great Performances!

[9/10 · 17 August 2005]

'Terms of Endearment' is a well acted film that handles its subjects pretty good but is too much of a tearjerker in the end. It won several Academy Awards including Best Picture, which it did not deserve. (Better movies from the same year include 'The Right Stuff', 'A Christmas Story' and even 'Return of the Jedi'.) It also won Shirley MacLaine and Jack Nicholson an Academy Award and those were deserved. John Lithgow and Debra Winger were nominated for their parts. This says a lot about the movie. The acting is so good that you are willing to forgive the film its weak points, especially the end.

Director James L. Brooks has directed four movies (including 'Broadcast News' and 'As Good As It Gets') and it is the strong acting they all have in common. The fact that he knows how to create a lot of comedy moments in a drama film, or the other way around, is admirable as well. In 'Terms of Endearment' people are not very happy. We have Aurora (MacLaine) who is an obsessive mother who is probably the most unhappy of them all. Her daughter is Emma (Debra Winger) who marries a guy named Flap Horton (Jeff Daniels); Aurora does not like him at all. As the story develops we see how Emma and Flap, who started pretty happy together, become more unhappy with their lives and each other. They move away from Aurora because Flap finds a job in Iowa. Aurora slowly lightens up. The main reason for that is the guy next door named Garrett (Jack Nicholson).

Up until this point the film is an interesting look into a family but about here the story starts going wrong. Especially the events around the Winger-character seem to be there to keep the movie going in an interesting way, including an affair with Sam Burns (John Lithgow). The later events seem to be there only to jerk a tear. Fortunately it also provides scenes where MacLaine, Winger, Daniels, Lithgow and of course Nicholson can show how good they can act. Where the story goes wrong the acting only becomes better and better. That alone is a good reason to see this film, although especially the first half is interesting as a story as well. Actually, I think most audiences will not mind the second half. There is a good chance you ill be moved and the movie gets what it wants.

Reds (1981)

Great Film!

[9/10 · 17 August 2005]

Warren Beatty and Diane Keaton work well together. Their performances are earthy and seductive. The attraction and love between their characters is palpable, and I've always thought that an actor who can disappear into a role, actually become the character, is the main indicator of their talent. Both Beatty and Keaton accomplish this with seeming ease, and much of this must hinge on Beatty's directorial efforts. They appear comfortable in their roles. The script is witty and intelligent, hearkening to a time when America was younger and less sure of herself. The use of the information provided by the Witnesses adds a level of thoughtfulness and conjecture to this film by seeing the characters through the eyes and minds of actual people who remembered them. The film is long (over three hours,) but the persistence of the viewer is well rewarded by an impressive list of supporting roles played by Maureen Stapleton, Jack Nicholson, Edward Herrmann, and Paul Sorvino.

The Shining (1980)

One of the best horror films ever!

[9/10 · 17 August 2005]

Stanley Kubrick is a great director and Stephen King is a great author! I love all of Kubricks' work especially this one. The Shining is one great movie. The characters' and then makers couldn't have made a better film. When I first saw it I was scared to death. It's one freaky movie with a great story line and action. There was never a dull moment. Surprises' were around every corner in the movie. Kubrick and King provided everything for a awesome movie with a mood that makes you feel scared but yet in some way you fell bad for the people stuck in the hotel. They couldn't have based the movie anywhere else besides where they did or it wouldn't be as good because the surroundings and weather help the story develop. If you even like horror movies, you have got to see this one!

Goin' South (1978)

Deserved more praise than it got.

[7/10 · 17 August 2005]

I saw it when it first came out in the 1970's and thought it deserved more praise than it got. It is mostly an entertainment comedy with such lines as "You weren't that hard to find. You were standing in the middle of town with a rope around your neck." I read someplace where Mary Steenburgen had been working as a waitress in an Arizona dinner and Nicholson stopped in and thought she would be perfect for the part. I think there is some very touching scenes between Nicholson and Steenburgen that are well written and acted. Except for Christopher Lloyd the rest of the cast is wasted. I think the only reason John Belushi is in the movie is because Nicholson wanted to meet him. At that time Saturday Night Live was considered radical chic.

The Missouri Breaks (1976)

Brando Is The Man

[8/10 · 17 August 2005]

Like most of those with opinions I agree that "The Breaks" won't go down as one of the biggies, but it still reminds one why Brando is still without peer. Yes, his antics probably torpedoed the overall effectiveness of the movie, but Sir Marlon of Brando was on his game. Don't forget, it was just 2 movies earlier that he mesmerized the entertainment world with his riveting role as the "Godfather". In "The Breaks" he actually conjures up several memorable roles in one movie! My favorite scenes are with Little Todd (Randy Quaid) when one of Brando's characters (preacher/horse rustler) tries to cajole Little Todd into confessing that he is part of the Tom Logan Gang (Jack Nicholson). The creative magic he weaves with the grasshopper is reminiscent of the "glove" improv in "On the Waterfront". If you appreciate creative acting Brando is still the guy!

One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest (1975)

Great Film Making!

[10/10 · 17 August 2005]

One Flew over the cuckoo's nest is a perfect example of great film-making. Milos Forman directs this story of a Randall McMurphy(Nicholson), a man who fakes being insane to avoid going to jail. But he is faced with a problem in the mental hospital and is always clashing with the head nurse (Louise Fletcher). The story is very touching and at times extremely funny. With awesome direction and a flawless screenplay, Brad Dourif, Danny DeVito, Sydney Lassick and Christopher Lloyd also give very good supporting performances, especially Dourif who plays a young unconfident stuttering patient. Overall there is little to be said about this film that has not been said before, but it is near perfect in every sense, and plays a great message as well as a very interesting story. Its Nicholson at his very best. 10/10

Tommy (1975)

World's longest and noisiest music video

[3/10 · 17 August 2005]

This is probably not the best movie to start watching after a busy day at 10:30 P.M. Even though I had already heard the Who's original album, I was still completely unprepared for the sensory assault mounted by the film's director, Ken Russell. Every scene is a kaleidoscopic frenzy of garish and bizarre images, most filled with hilariously obvious symbolism (which the college kids watching the film with me seemed to enjoy pointing out), and reinforced by the Who's music, which runs throughout the movie at top volume and with barely any interruption. It's also badly dubbed to the actor's lip movements, which only adds to the overall strangeness. Russell seems particularly fond of having the actors degrade themselves- one long sequence shows Tommy being abused by his sadistic cousin and his perverted uncle. In another scene, involving Ann-Margret as his mother, champagne and baked beans erupt out of a TV and fill an immaculately white room. Following the lead of the original album, Russell seems to be trying to make some kind of satirical statement on organized religion, but the whole thing is so over-the-top and bears such little relationship to any reality that the attempts at commentary wind up as empty as the rest of the film. Russell's dubious accomplishment basically consists of having created the world's longest and noisiest music video.

Chinatown (1974)

Classic!

[9/10 · 17 August 2005]

There isn't a great deal I can say in praise of this film that hasn't been said before. If you want a worthy review of this film, check out Roger Ebert or one of the other stalwart critics. They're spot on as usual about this one.

A few points of praise: all the performances (Nicholson, Dunaway, Huston), the plot (Robert Towne), the direction (Polanski at his best since Repulsion), the score (Jerry Goldsmith, no surprises there)... get the picture? One little gripe is Polanski's tinkering with the ending, which might still be wonderfully tragic, but shouldn't have taken place in Chinatown. The name was not supposed to be the actual place, but a suggestion of a dark place we've been and shouldn't go back to again for the sake of our EMOTIONAL well-being, not the physical... in this case Jake's past, in which he was a beat cop in Chinatown.

You might not know that a sequel, The Two Jakes, was made in 1990 with Nicholson (who directed it) and some of the key supporting cast. Most reviews pull it to pieces, except for a very well-considered one by Roger Ebert. Of course, it's not the classic Chinatown is, but it's a damned good movie. It's about the past, how it pervades our lives for the rest of our days, and how we assimilate it into our futures.

So there's what I think. Chinatown is one of those movies that should never be forgotten, but one of those that will probably, and sadly, not stand up to the ever-diminishing attention spans of today's audiences. Catch it while you can cope with it.

The Last Detail (1973)

Beautifully Crafted Piece of Character

[8/10 · 17 August 2005]

Nicholson's "Bad Ass" is a beautifully crafted piece of character. He cusses. He fights. He drinks. He's loud. No one else speaks Robert Towne's words better than Nicholson. In this film he overwhelms at every turn. In the bar scene, he shows brute anger and a desire for dominance. The scenes with a young Nancy Allen are delightfully witty because of Nicholson's schoolboy antics of getting a woman into bed.

It is the scenes with Randy Quaid (also wonderful) where Nicholson shines brightest. "Bad Ass" represents a paternal figure lacking in Meadows' life. He makes him a man by demanding he send back a hamburger if it's not cooked the way he likes it. He demands Meadows to stop crying and be a man. He demands Meadows to stand up for himself and fight when someone pushes his buttons. He demands Meadows to want to have sex, like other men his age. Nicholson's father figure image here is played off perfectly as Meadows sort of imitates things "Bad Ass" does. If Bad Ass has a beer, Meadows has a beer. If Bad Ass wants a woman, Meadows wants a woman. There's a secret trust between the two. It's unspoken, but it's there. That trust is broken in the end when Meadows tries to escape. It wasn't all a lie, Meadows just felt that it was time to stop learning and start moving.