A quick lowdown of what commercial films I care to see in the cinema. Or not.
- Shakespeare in Love
Why? Wee! A drama? A comedy? A Shakespeare play? All of the above? Well, it stars Ralph's brother Joseph Fiennes, so who's complaining? Jospeh also played in another period piece, Elizabeth with Cate Blanchett, who played together with Ralph Fiennes in Oscar and Lucinda. Just so you know.
Why not? Erm... Gyneth Paltrow, Ben Affleck. Not people I associate with Good films. Rather with lousy remakes (A Perfect Murder) and bad action flicks (Armageddon).
- Pi
Why? Interesting and witty, intellectual screenplay.
Why not? Bit of a let-down conclusion-wise.
- Dead Man's Curve
Why? Interesting and witty screenplay.
Why not? Perhaps a twist too many?
- Out of Sight
Why? Finally, a film based on an Elmore Leonard book which does the novel justice.
Why not? George Clooney.
- Antz
Why? I really don't know. It's a strange kind of attraction like with Mulan and other 'kiddie flicks'. Besides, it's got Woody Allen.
Why not? Well, just look at the second rule in my Ten Commandments for Film and Filmmakers.
Seen it. And? Well, it was fun. Just plain, ordinary, juvenile, nostalgic, twenty-first century FUN. Spotting the voices was great too. Go see it. Or rent it (it doesn't matter all that much).
- Mulan
Why? Erm, because I saw The Lion King and Alladin years ago and liked it? Erm, because it's drawn a lot better than other Disney offerings of late? Just 'because'?
Why not? Erm, well, it's Disney, innit? Get ready for the comic sidekicks!
- The Truman Show
Why? Brilliant, multi-layered film about reality, lies, tv's influence and power, voyeurism.
Why not? Jim Carrey? Ah well, to quote Barry Norman, "And why not?"
Seen it. I thought it was good. Of course, there are a number of things that don't stand close scrutiny, but the message is clear, the theme is interesting, the visual aspects are well done and Jim Carrey is excellent as Truman Burbank. The transition from hapless pawn to dawning realisation is brilliant in its build-up and execution. Best film I've seen in the cinemas since I saw The English Patient. Shame about the lousy ending.
- The Avengers
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Why? Ralph Fiennes & Sean Connery
Why not? Eddie Izzard, Uma Thurman, unconvincing script, best bits are left on the cutting room floor
Seen it. And it sucks Big Time. Rapsberry Award for the editors! String up the director! Give Ralph his dignity back! Etc.
- There's Something About Mary
Why? Cameron Diaz, Matt Dillon & politically incorrect, somewhat tasteless humour.
Why not? It's by the same people who made 'Dumb & Dumber'
- The Ice Storm
Why? A film about the paralysing effect of newly found (sexual) freedom in the seventies.
Why not? Well. Kevin Kline & Sigourney Weaver. Hm.
- The Butcher Boy
Why? Brilliantly sensitive film
Why not? Another friggin' film about life in working class Ireland
- Metroland
Why? It's based on a novel by Julian Barnes
Why not? It's based on a rather predictable novel by Julian Barnes
- Zero Effect
Why? A private detective movie with an interesting twist
Why not? Bill Pullman as a paranoid detective? I don't think so
- Sling Blade
Why? Best Adapted Screenplay Oscar© 1997 for Billy Bob Thornton, who also plays the lead, together with Lucas Black (the kid from American Gothic)
Why not? There is no "why not".
Seen it. Finally! FINALLY! FINALLY!. So what did I think of it? Brilliant acting and setting. The score wasn't much to talk about (rather distracting, though undoubtedly meant to represent the workings of Karl's mind) and it was, of course, rather predictble. However, these things didn't matter because everything else was done so well. Billy Bob Thornton should've deserved an Oscar© for this!
- The Horse Whisperer
Why? Kristin Scott Thomas & Robert Redford
Why not? Predictable story based on a rather boorish novel
- The Spanish Prisoner
Why? Totally inventive & original story with good twists in the plot
Why not? Steve Martin plays the lead role
- Lock, Stock & Two Smoking Barrels
Why? It's a British film
Why not? Vinnie Jones? Drugs, money & violence? Isn't one Trainspotting enough?
- Saving Private Ryan
Why? It's by Steven Spielberg, with Tom Hanks & Matt Damon
Why not? It's by Steven Spielberg, with Tom Hanks & Matt Damon
Seen it. It's the latter. It's bad, really really bad, unless you happen to like war-glorification, overzealous patriotism and/or terrible American nationalism. I hated it.
- Primary Colors
Why? Emma Thompson
Why not? John Travolta appeared in one film too many recently, and isn't that Clinton-thing milked dry about now?