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1998-07-29
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From: owner-movies-digest@lists.xmission.com (movies-digest)
To: movies-digest@lists.xmission.com
Subject: movies-digest V2 #57
Reply-To: movies-digest
Sender: owner-movies-digest@lists.xmission.com
Errors-To: owner-movies-digest@lists.xmission.com
Precedence: bulk
movies-digest Thursday, July 30 1998 Volume 02 : Number 057
[MV] The Object Of My Affection
[MV] Armagedon - two thumbs down
[MV] 3 reviews for the price of one
Re: [MV] Godzilla female
[MV] Movie News - 07/27/98
[MV] The "Private Ryan" Bandwagon
[MV] Saving Private Ryan
Re: [MV] Saving Private Ryan
[MV] Saving Private Ryan -Reply
[MV] Saving Private Ryan -Reply
Re: [MV] Saving Private Ryan
[MV] Saving Private Ryan, * * * * (out of 4)
[MV] Movie News - 07/29/98
Re: [MV] Saving Private Ryan -Reply
[MV] Barabara....
[MV] Movie News - 07/30/98
Re: [MV] Saving Private Ryan -Reply
Re: [MV] Saving Private Ryan -Reply
[MV] The Movie Report#152, 7/30/98
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Date: Sat, 25 Jul 1998 22:54:25 +0800
From: "David Lee" <sashimi@mbox2.singnet.com.sg>
Subject: [MV] The Object Of My Affection
Hello, all...
First, let me confess for not writing much. But I do read all the views
that you have. And I guess it's time for me to put in my two cents' worth
for a movie which I have something (actually quite a lot) to say.
Well, having Jennifer Aniston in the cast list was a reason good enough for
me to watch the movie (I must say, I haven't missed a single Aniston movie
since she started Friends, but not that I'm a big fan of hers or
anything... just waiting for her to prove herself as an actress, I
suppose). And to start the whole thing off, I think she did not prove
herself very well. Why am I so critical, you ask? Afterall, she is one fo
the more popular friends in Friends. What she has done in this movie, is to
bring the persona of Rachel into the character of Nina, who lets out one of
her rooms to George, a gay 1st grade teacher. To be more specific, she was
whiny and agitated most of the time. And mind you, she's quite good at
that, being whiny and agitated and angry, perhaps symbolic of the new-aged
female.
Jennifer Aniston wasn't the only reason for me to complain. I'm not saying
that the movie was bad. In fact, it was mature and sincere in its
interpretation and treatment of the 'platonic-friendship-without-sex' and
homosexuality themes. But it was perhaps I expected more from the movie.
The first half of the movie was slow and perhaps, a little draggy. Things
started picking up only when Nina got pregnant and everybody got confronted
with the issue of fatherhood/motherhood/'unclehood' (for George's case) and
as I said earlier, the treatment was competent and touching. What you can
expect from a 120 minute movie.
However, the movie also brought on other themes, which it was simply
incapable of coping within the constraints of a 2-hour movie, one of which
was inter-racial marriage, the other being George's homosexuality. The
latter, in particular, was treated brashly with the occasional boyfriend
problem. This is much in line with the recent spate of movies which deal
with the theme of homosexuality, namely 'The Best Friend's Wedding' (notice
how we were not given a look into Rupert Everett's love life?) and 'In and
Out' (more an out-and-out experience for Kevin Kline). On hindsight, I
suppose the directors were taking a safe step forward in the treatment of
these issues, for who would want to repulse the audience at the risk of
poor takings?
Finally, a mention of how the title was derived seems necessary. One of the
main things that get me through a movie, is to see how the title relates to
the movie (do any of you do the same?). And it thrills me if the title is
intelligently connected with the plot or 'lesson' of the movie. I must say
that it was done in great panache for this particular movie, much credit
goes to the author of the novel, Stephen McCauley. Well, this may spoil the
movie for you, if you haven't watched it, so skip to the next paragraph if
you don't want to read spoilers. There is this scene where an elderly film
critic (or literary critic, you can hardly tell) played brilliantly by
Nigel Hawthorne (The Madness of King George) who says this to Nina in
perhaps the most moving scene of the movie (thanksgiving dinner at Nina's)
(a quote which I would paraphrase, for obvious reasons [I can't remember
the actual quote[), "one cannot be blamed for being despondent if the
object of one's affection returns the favour with less enthusiasm".
Overall, I would give the movie a thumbs-up. For those who missed the run
in the US, I believe the video whould be out by now. for those who haven't
watched the movie (it just started its run in Singapore yesterday) go watch
it. For it will bring to you tears of joy and aguish. It's a movie for
those who are familiar with unrequited love.
Have fun at the movies, always,
David Lee
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------------------------------
Date: Sun, 26 Jul 1998 08:32:11 -0400
From: Gene Ehrich <gene@ehrich.com>
Subject: [MV] Armagedon - two thumbs down
My wife and I went to see Armageddon last night after coming up against
sold out conditions the last three times we tried to go.
The first half of the movie was very good and we thought the character
development was also very good. Didn't care too much for the young lady but
all of the rest of the characters were great even Bruce Willis.
The second half of the movie was dullsville all the way. Other than a few
cute lines how many times can you see the same footage of explosions etc.
Very, very boring second half of the movie. Not really worth our time.
As to crying at the end, give me a break. I cant imagine anybody was really
moved by the ending.
Gene
- ------------------------------------------------------
http://www.voicenet.com/~generic
gene@ehrich.com
Gene Ehrich P.O. Box 209 Marlton NJ 08053-0209
- ------------------------------------------------------
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------------------------------
Date: Mon, 27 Jul 1998 01:37:46 -0700
From: Jason Cormier <movieman@netcom.ca>
Subject: [MV] 3 reviews for the price of one
With directing that play I have been out of touch with writing these
reviews - but I still had time to see the movies...so here are three of
them...
Mask of Zorro - good, entertaining - could definitely been one half an hour
shorter and it would have been great! Great motivations for each of the
characters. Fun swordplay - lovey-dovey stuff slowed it down...but decent.
70%
Something About Mary - Now so many people have already said this an
hilarious movie so it is very hard for me to go out on the limb and say
that I didn't like it that much. The humour in this movie is just shock
humour - it's funny because they go out on the edge and then over it - it
is so politically not correct that it is somewhat relieving in one way but
then childish and immature in another. If you enjoy shock humour then you
will definitely love it (like most teenagers will) but I guess I prefer to
stick with any other style of humour...like dark, subtle, clever,
intelligent, slapstick etc... 65%
Saving Private Ryan - Now this is the movie to see....wow - and what good
timing too! After seeing crappy movie after crappy movie this summer it's
good to se this movie come out and finally give us something to chew on.
It's definitely got Oscar written all over it - and it is not for the
squeamish. The first half hour is nothin' but war. Not the heroic mamsy
pamsy style of war - but the in your face - this is it - kind of war.
Spielberg said he wanted to make you feel as if you were in the war - and
he achieved that. I saw the midnight screening of this (after being awake
for a crazy amount of time) and didn't even doze off once (it's 3 hours
long!) Check this movie out at the theatres - you won't be disappointed. 95%
Jay the Movieman
movieman@netcom.ca
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------------------------------
Date: Mon, 27 Jul 1998 14:35:46 +0800 (HKT)
From: Jayson <ja970600@balut.admu.edu.ph>
Subject: Re: [MV] Godzilla female
On Fri, 24 Jul 1998, Paul McFadyen wrote:
> Hi,
>
> What's the name of the actress who plays the female lead in Godzilla?
> Also - does anyone have any pics of her or know where I could get some?
>
> Paul
>
I think she was Maria Pitillo. Dunno any pics, though.
Jayson
- -----------------
I've been down this road walkin' the line
That's painted by pride
And I have made mistakes in my life
That I just can't hide
Oh I believe I am ready for what love has to bring
Got myself together, now I'm ready to sing.
I've been searching my soul tonight
I know there's so much more to life
Now I know I can shine a light
To find my way back home
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------------------------------
Date: Mon, 27 Jul 1998 13:15:38 -0600 (MDT)
From: The Reporter <gregorys@xmission.com>
Subject: [MV] Movie News - 07/27/98
Star power, Oscar-worthy reviews and warnings about the
graphic nature of its battle scenes (which actually may have
enticed some moviegoers into theaters) all conspired to make
"Saving Private Ryan" the weekend's No. 1 attraction, with
an estimated $30.1 million taken in at the box office. The
Tom Hanks-Matt Damon WWII movie by Steven Spielberg outpaced
the previous weekend's top gun, "The Mask of Zorro," which
this week fell to No. 2. "Zorro" was followed by "Lethal
Weapon 4," "There's Something About Mary" (which is showing
impressively strong word-of-mouth) and "Armageddon," which
slipped two notches to become the weekend's No. 5.
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------------------------------
Date: Tue, 28 Jul 1998 23:38:47 EDT
From: <KenKnows@aol.com>
Subject: [MV] The "Private Ryan" Bandwagon
"Saving Private Ryan" is such a big hit that the other studios are trying
to 'get on the Bandwagon' with new films that could appeal to the same
audience. Films like "Saving Private Benjamin", the suspense-filled tale of
how Goldie Hawn's epic masterpiece landed at a studio's beachhead and fought
its way onto the Big Screen.
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------------------------------
Date: Wed, 29 Jul 1998 12:16:04 +0800 (HKT)
From: Jayson <ja970600@balut.admu.edu.ph>
Subject: [MV] Saving Private Ryan
Any reviews out there?
Jayson
- -----------------
I've been down this road walkin' the line
That's painted by pride
And I have made mistakes in my life
That I just can't hide
Oh I believe I am ready for what love has to bring
Got myself together, now I'm ready to sing.
I've been searching my soul tonight
I know there's so much more to life
Now I know I can shine a light
To find my way back home
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[ (without the quotes) to majordomo@xmission.com ]
------------------------------
Date: Wed, 29 Jul 1998 09:21:52 -0400
From: MaryAnn Johanson <mjohanson@earthlink.net>
Subject: Re: [MV] Saving Private Ryan
Jayson wrote:
> Any reviews out there?
You can see mine at
http://www.flickfilosopher.com/flickfilos/archive/3q98/privateryan.html
Enjoy,
MaryAnn Johanson
- --
<------------------------->
Tired of the same old movie reviews?
Check out The Flick Filosopher!
www.flickfilosopher.com
<------------------------->
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------------------------------
Date: Wed, 29 Jul 1998 08:26:55 -0700
From: Bruce Bridges <bruce@SABAN.COM>
Subject: [MV] Saving Private Ryan -Reply
I thought Private Ryan was a brilliant film that probably put you
closer to the graphic horror of war as any previous movie. All of
the cast was top notch and I'm sure that the movie will be a huge
nominee come Oscar time.
The movie is surprisingly unemotionally involving though and that's
not just me talking. All of my friends said the same thing. I think
that they were so diligent in not exploiting or romanticizing the
subject matter that they may have inadvertently left some of the
heart out.
The only complaint I have (and it is minor because I think this film
is truly great) is the opening and closing. Spielberg does what he's
done before and it seems that it was tacked on simply for the
emotional tearjerker not present in the movie itself.
Private Ryan is unbelievably brutal though and I would warn anybody
that is squeamish to stay away. It's not a great first date movie
either.
bb
>>> Jayson <ja970600@balut.admu.edu.ph> - 7/28/98 9:16 PM >>>
Any reviews out there?
Jayson
- -----------------
I've been down this road walkin' the line
That's painted by pride
And I have made mistakes in my life
That I just can't hide
Oh I believe I am ready for what love has to bring
Got myself together, now I'm ready to sing.
I've been searching my soul tonight
I know there's so much more to life
Now I know I can shine a light
To find my way back home
[ To quit the movies mailing list, send the message "unsubscribe
movies" ]
[ (without the quotes) to majordomo@xmission.com
]
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[ (without the quotes) to majordomo@xmission.com ]
------------------------------
Date: Wed, 29 Jul 1998 08:26:55 -0700
From: Bruce Bridges <bruce@SABAN.COM>
Subject: [MV] Saving Private Ryan -Reply
I thought Private Ryan was a brilliant film that probably put you
closer to the graphic horror of war as any previous movie. All of
the cast was top notch and I'm sure that the movie will be a huge
nominee come Oscar time.
The movie is surprisingly unemotionally involving though and that's
not just me talking. All of my friends said the same thing. I think
that they were so diligent in not exploiting or romanticizing the
subject matter that they may have inadvertently left some of the
heart out.
The only complaint I have (and it is minor because I think this film
is truly great) is the opening and closing. Spielberg does what he's
done before and it seems that it was tacked on simply for the
emotional tearjerker not present in the movie itself.
Private Ryan is unbelievably brutal though and I would warn anybody
that is squeamish to stay away. It's not a great first date movie
either.
bb
>>> Jayson <ja970600@balut.admu.edu.ph> - 7/28/98 9:16 PM >>>
Any reviews out there?
Jayson
- -----------------
I've been down this road walkin' the line
That's painted by pride
And I have made mistakes in my life
That I just can't hide
Oh I believe I am ready for what love has to bring
Got myself together, now I'm ready to sing.
I've been searching my soul tonight
I know there's so much more to life
Now I know I can shine a light
To find my way back home
[ To quit the movies mailing list, send the message "unsubscribe
movies" ]
[ (without the quotes) to majordomo@xmission.com
]
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------------------------------
Date: Wed, 29 Jul 1998 09:28:28 -0800
From: Ken Andrews <kendrew@earthlink.net>
Subject: Re: [MV] Saving Private Ryan
I believe this the first time I've ever posted to the list, but on this
movie I can't be quiet.
How good was it? Let me just say that during my life there have only been
a couple of movies that I have seen that truly impacted me. This movie is
one of them. I will never look at my Grandfather the same again. He
landed at Normandy, and led a scout squad through France. Somehow after
seeing this movie. . .well, my freedom and lifestyle mean a little more and
have more value.
There was an older lady in my life who went to my church. When she became
home-bound I visited her quite often. After the first couple of visits, I
ventured into asking her who the pictures hanging throughout her trailer
were. She was a widower, and I thought had no children. She told me that
it was her only son. He had been killed in the Pacific during the war.
This movie brought the depth of her sacrifice to a new level for me. I say
a movie is outstanding when it reaches into the heart of someone and moves
them deeply. It did this for me. It was obvious to me that Hanks and
Spielberg are doing exactly what God created them to do.
Ken
Jayson wrote:
> Any reviews out there?
>
> Jayson
> -----------------
> I've been down this road walkin' the line
> That's painted by pride
> And I have made mistakes in my life
> That I just can't hide
> Oh I believe I am ready for what love has to bring
> Got myself together, now I'm ready to sing.
> I've been searching my soul tonight
> I know there's so much more to life
> Now I know I can shine a light
> To find my way back home
>
> [ To quit the movies mailing list, send the message "unsubscribe movies"
> ]
> [ (without the quotes) to majordomo@xmission.com
> ]
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------------------------------
Date: Wed, 29 Jul 1998 13:05:27 -0600
From: "Gregory A. Swarthout" <greg_swarthout@autosoft.com>
Subject: [MV] Saving Private Ryan, * * * * (out of 4)
Review by Gregory A. Swarthout
Stars: Tom Hanks, Edward J. Burns, Tom Sizemore, Jeremy Davies, Vin
Diesel, Adam Goldberg, Barry Pepper, Giovanni Ribisi, Matt Damon.
Written by Robert Rodat, Frank Darabont, Scott Frank. Directed by Steven
Spielberg. Rated R for graphic wartime violence, profanity.
There hasn't been a movie as profoundly moving, as unflinchingly
realistic as "Saving Private Ryan" since director Steven Spielberg's own
"Schindler's List". This new World War II epic pulls no punches in
showing the brutality of war and its effect on the people who participate in
it. It is not for the faint-hearted and I would strongly encourage parents to
leave their children at home. The nightmares induced by horror movies are
nothing compared to the nightmare of war.
Captain John Miller (Tom Hanks), after narrowly surviving the
Normandy invasion, is assigned to locate Private James Ryan (Mat Damon)
and send him home. Private Ryan's three brothers have all been killed in
action and it would place the military in an awkward position if it had to
announce to their mother that all four of her sons had paid the ultimate price.
Captain Miller handpicks a squad of eight men and sets out to locate the
remaining Ryan boy, not knowing for sure where to find him or even if he is
still alive. When some of the squad are killed during their mission, the
others are compelled to ask themselves if one life is worth more than
another.
It goes without saying that Spielberg should make room on his mantle
for a slew of new Oscars. If I could use only one word to describe "Saving
Private Ryan", that word would be "stunning". This film overwhelms the
senses with its graphic depiction of the horrors of war. I often found myself
flinching at what I was seeing and thinking to myself "there but for the grace
of God go I". It is impossible to leave this film unaffected by its honesty.
With the usual glut of feel good summer movies choking theaters, never
have I been so thrilled to feel bad.
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------------------------------
Date: Wed, 29 Jul 1998 15:35:15 -0600 (MDT)
From: The Reporter <gregorys@xmission.com>
Subject: [MV] Movie News - 07/29/98
Despite drawing a record-setting 500,000 moviegoers
on its opening day in Japan, the Dean Devlin/Roland
Emmerich film Godzilla isn't faring all that well in the
Land of the Rising Sun, according to Variety. After just
one week in theaters, Toho's infamous radioactive lizard
relinquished the top box-office spot to Pocket Monsters,
the feature film version of the popular Japanese animated
TV series of the same name.
In fact, Godzilla earned just $2.6 million during its second
weekend in release, playing on 381 screens. Meanwhile,
Pocket Monsters took in an estimated $3.4 million on only
250 screens. Toho probably isn't too worried about the
monster battle, however, as the Japanese studio has a
stake in both films.
-=> * <=-
Peter and Bobby Farrelly, the
writing/producing/directing team behind movies such
as Dumb and Dumber and There's Something About
Mary, will next turn their talents loose on the SF comedy
The Space Man, according to The Hollywood Reporter.
The film, described as "a buddy comedy," was pitched by
writer David Dorfman, who recently sold a script called
The Guest to New Line Cinema.
The Farrellys are currently enjoying the success of
There's Something About Mary, which earned $13 million
during its debut weekend and which has been reviewed
favorably by critics. Casting and production dates for the
The Space Man have not yet been set.
-=> * <=-
New Line Cinema has picked up the film rights to
Christopher Buckley's satirical SF novel Little Green
Men, according to published reports. The book is
based on the premise that supposed alien abductions and
encounters with UFOs have all been staged by a secret
government agency that was created in the 1940s to
make the Russians think the United States had access to
extraterrestrial technology.
The agency's most recent ruse is to "abduct" a
well-known Washington TV host and convince him that
aliens and UFOs are real. However, the scheme backfires
when the host discovers his abduction was a hoax, and
he threatens to expose the government's secret. Random
House plans to publish Buckley's novel next spring.
-=> * <=-
Oscar-nominated actor Samuel L. Jackson has joined
the cast of director Renny Harlin's underwater SF
thriller Deep Blue Sea, according to Variety. Stellan
Skarsgard (Good Will Hunting) and Saffron Burrows (Circle
of Friends) are also attached to the film, about a group of
marine researchers trapped in a sinking science facility
that's being besieged by intelligent, genetically enhanced
sharks.
Jackson, who also appeared in the underwater SF flick
Sphere, recently completed shooting his cameo role in the
first Stars Wars prequel.
-=> * <=-
Director Paul Verhoeven, best known to SF fans for
Starship Troopers, Robocop and Total Recall, has
agreed to direct The Hollow Man for Columbia,
according to Variety. The film was written by Andrew
Marlowe (Air Force One) and tells the story of a man who
is turned invisible.
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------------------------------
Date: Wed, 29 Jul 1998 18:07:49 EDT
From: <Jimwalmann@aol.com>
Subject: Re: [MV] Saving Private Ryan -Reply
I've heard a lot about "Saving Private Ryan". My mother-in-law has asked my
wife to tell me not to see it. My son said it was "brutal".
But I've been waiting a long time for a worthy follow-up of a twin-bill I saw
back in 1975(?)..."Coming Home" and the "Deer Hunter". "Apocalypse Now" is my
all-time favorite. Prior to seeing that, "Barbarella" was my favorite, but
only because that's all we had to watch when I was stationed in An Khe (1968).
I've been to Normandy (1971) and it blew me away. I couldn't make it back for
the 50th anniversary of D-Day, but I'll be back.
So I'll brush up on D-Day via videos and books and then I'll be ready for
"Saving Private Ryan". I'll let you know what I think.
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------------------------------
Date: Wed, 29 Jul 1998 18:46:42 EDT
From: <Jimwalmann@aol.com>
Subject: [MV] Barabara....
Any Barbara Steele fans out there? Here's a web site for those who are
interested:
http://home.earthlink.net/~gershom/steele.html
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------------------------------
Date: Thu, 30 Jul 1998 12:15:31 -0600 (MDT)
From: The Reporter <gregorys@xmission.com>
Subject: [MV] Movie News - 07/30/98
Due to scheduling problems involving his all-star cast,
director Martin Scorsese has put his Dean Martin biopic "on
the back burner," reports Variety columnist Army Archerd.
Tom Hanks is Scorsese's choice to play the Ohio-born crooner
who rose to show-business heights, with John Travolta as
Frank Sinatra, Hugh Grant as Peter Lawford, Adam Sandler as
Joey Bishop and Jim Carrey as Jerry Lewis. (HBO has its own
"Rat Pack" movie set to premiere on the cable network Aug.
22. Joe Mantegna plays Martin, with Ray Liotta as Sinatra.)
While he waits for his cast to be available for his Martin
picture, Scorsese will direct "Bringing Out the Dead," with
Nicolas Cage.
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------------------------------
Date: Thu, 30 Jul 1998 16:15:16 -0400 (EDT)
From: "Just Different." <yae@cooper.edu>
Subject: Re: [MV] Saving Private Ryan -Reply
i've found it quite emotional in the end especially because of the
beginning sequence with the old man.
I shed a few tears at the last 10 minutes through his soliloquy.
syl.
___________________________________________
|"Nothing Astonish Men so much as Common |
| Sense and Plain Dealing" |
| ***George Orwell was an Optimist. |
-------------------------------------------
On Wed, 29 Jul 1998, Bruce Bridges wrote:
> The movie is surprisingly unemotionally involving though and that's
> not just me talking. All of my friends said the same thing. I think
> that they were so diligent in not exploiting or romanticizing the
> subject matter that they may have inadvertently left some of the
> heart out.
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------------------------------
Date: Thu, 30 Jul 1998 16:15:16 -0400 (EDT)
From: "Just Different." <yae@cooper.edu>
Subject: Re: [MV] Saving Private Ryan -Reply
i've found it quite emotional in the end especially because of the
beginning sequence with the old man.
I shed a few tears at the last 10 minutes through his soliloquy.
syl.
___________________________________________
|"Nothing Astonish Men so much as Common |
| Sense and Plain Dealing" |
| ***George Orwell was an Optimist. |
-------------------------------------------
On Wed, 29 Jul 1998, Bruce Bridges wrote:
> The movie is surprisingly unemotionally involving though and that's
> not just me talking. All of my friends said the same thing. I think
> that they were so diligent in not exploiting or romanticizing the
> subject matter that they may have inadvertently left some of the
> heart out.
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[ (without the quotes) to majordomo@xmission.com ]
------------------------------
Date: Thu, 30 Jul 1998 16:18:21 -0700
From: Michael Dequina <michael_jordan@geocities.com>
Subject: [MV] The Movie Report#152, 7/30/98
T H E
M O V I E
R E P O R T
#152
JULY 30, 1998
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Select reviews are available at CompuServe Hollywood Hotline:
http://www.HollywoodHotline.com=20
...and the Eyepiece Network at:
http://www.eyepiece.com
...and Albany Online at:
http://www.AlbanyOnline.com
all movies graded out of four stars (****)
~~~
=3D>M O V I E S<=3D
N E W R E L E A S E S
_Ever_After_ (PG-13) ***
Hollywood Hotline Featured Review
_Halloween:_H20--20_Years_Later_ (R) ***
Say what you will about its banality or the inherent ridiculousness of its
messengers, but the Spice Girls' mantra of "Girl Power" seems to have made
a profound effect in Hollywood. For proof, look no further than two wildly
different films opening within less than a week between them: _Ever_After_
and _Halloween:_H20--20_Years_Later_, which put effective feminist spins on
the normally weak icons of Cinderella and the slasher film scream queen,
respectively.
Drew Barrymore's Danielle, the heroine of _Ever_After_, has more than a
little in common with the Cinderella of fairy tale lore. After the death
of her father (Jeroen Krabb=E9), Danielle (nicknamed "Cinderella") is treate=
d
as a lowly servant girl by her wicked stepmother Rodmilla (Anjelica Huston,
wonderfully bitchy). There are two stepsisters, Marguerite (Megan Dodds)
and Jacqueline (Melanie Lynskey, Kate Winslet's best friend/lover/partner
in crime in _Heavenly_Creatures_); there is a prince, by the name of Henry
(Dougray Scott); and there is a lavish ball and even a slipper left behind.
But it is there that the similiarities end and something quite radical
begins. For one thing, there is no magic at all in _Ever_After_--no
pumpkin carriage, rat horses, not even a fairy godmother, though Danielle
has a helper in no less than Leonardo daVinci (Patrick Godfrey). The
absence of the fantastic has an empowering and liberating effect on the
heroine, who in other Cinderella tales is rather passive and weak.
Danielle is far from that, strong in will and body (in one scene, she
literally _carries_ the prince) and in total command of her destiny. The
prince is nice and strong himself, but she can rescue herself, thank you
very much (Danielle could very well be nicknamed "Cinder Spice"). Female
empowerment also manifests itself in _Ever_After_'s sense of sisterhood, a
quality that is missing from other versions of the story. Only Marguerite
qualifies as a wicked stepsister; the zaftig Jacqueline is every bit
Rodmilla's victim as well, and she is constantly belittled by her mother
because of her size. As such, Danielle and Jacqueline recognize themselves
as kindred spirits.
This revisionism performed by director Andy Tennant and screenwriters
Susannah Grant and Rick Parks is not without a few missteps. There is an
awkward, completely superfluous framing story, where a mysterious older
woman (Jeanne Moreau) tells the story to the Grimm Brothers; and a subplot
involving a sleazy nobleman (Richard O'Brien) with a jones for Danielle is
poorly developed. But the freshness of the entire affair and the
exuberance of its execution, bolstered by sweet chemistry between Barrymore
and Scott, goes a long way in charming the viewer.
Perhaps the most indelible image of John Carpenter's seminal 1978 chiller
_Halloween_ was that of 17-year-old babysitter Laurie Strode (Jamie Lee
Curtis) cowering in the corner of a crudely locked closet while "the
Bogeyman," a.k.a. Michael Myers, stabbed his ways through the doors. Flash
forward twenty years, and to the clunkily titled
_Halloween:_H20--20_Years_Later_ (why not just
_Halloween:_20_Years_Later_?). The most memorable sight? The same but
older Laurie, brandishing an ax, openly inviting--or, rather, _daring_--her
unseen tormentor to show his white-masked face with the piercing wail of
"MICHAEL!" Yes, cinema's most famous scream queen is back, louder than
ever, but now infused with a strong dose of Girl--make that _Grrrl_--Power.
This entertaining seventh installment of the series glazes over the events
of installments 4-6 (the third film was completely unrelated) and takes a
sharp focus on the first two, namely the character and history of Laurie.
Since last seen learning that Michael is her brother in _Halloween_II_ and
witnessing his apparent demise (apparently she didn't hear of his exploits
depicted in 4-6), Laurie faked her death and moved from Illinois to
California as Keri Tate. Now a divorced single mom of 17-year-old John
(Josh Hartnett), Laurie/Keri is the head mistress of a posh private school.
But she is still haunted by the memory of her murderous brother, who, of
course, locates his long-lost sister and decides to pay her a visit on
Halloween night, 1998--twenty years to the night he first terrorized her.
The basic story and script of _H20_, credited to Robert Zappia and Matt
Greenberg (working from a treatment by _Scream_ wunderkind Kevin
Williamson), doesn't hold up to much scrutiny. Michael bumps off a couple
of the libidinous teens at the school as well as a handful of others who
get in the way. Laurie finds out he's back and is forced to face her
demons (or, rather, demon). That's it. But, then again, the basic story
of Carpenter's original didn't exactly hold up under close examination,
either. What's important is the effectiveness of the shock and scare
scenes, and while director Steve Miner doesn't take the high road that
Carpenter took in _Halloween_ (that is, keep blood and gore to a surprising
minimum), he pulls off more than a few nailbiters, most notably the
extended climactic chases between Laurie and Michael.
The effectiveness of the thrilling final act, and the film as a whole,
owes a huge debt to Curtis and the character of Laurie. Though her
stress-related alcoholism and pill-popping are never satisfactorily
resolved, Laurie undergoes a nice character arc in reference to her
previous two films. It is highly believable that she would no longer be
scared of Michael so much as angry and, thus, out for blood herself; it
would have been less convincing if, after all this time, she was still the
girl who cowered in the closet. Although the _Scream_ films' Sydney
Prescott is a rather proactive horror heroine, the new Laurie is a step
beyond that. The seemingly indestructable Michael may want to kill her,
but that is nothing compared to her desire to kill _him_ and free herself
from the past, making for an intriguing pas de deux where the two often
trade the roles of stalker and stalkee.
_Halloween:_H20_'s Laurie Strode may not be given the fairy tale fate met
by Danielle in _Ever_After_, which is just the first in an endless list of
differences. But one, strong trait unifies them: they use their wits and
will to escape and triumph over their victimizers and take control of their
lives. Whatever the time, whatever the place, female empowerment makes the
same sound--a blistering roar.
IN CURRENT RELEASE
(full reviews of the following in past MRs and at the listed URLs)
- -_Armageddon_ (PG-13) *** <MR#149, 7/1/98>
http://www.godamongdirectors.com/mrbrown/movierpt36.html#armageddon
- -_Billy's_Hollywood_Screen_Kiss_ (R) *** <MR#148, 6/26/98>
http://www.godamongdirectors.com/mrbrown/movierpt36.html#billy
- -_Disturbing_Behavior_ (R) no stars <MR#151, 7/24/98>
http://www.godamongdirectors.com/mrbrown/movierpt37.html#disturbing
- -_Doctor_Dolittle_ (PG-13) ** <MR#148, 6/16/98>
http://www.godamongdirectors.com/mrbrown/movierpt36.html#dolittle
- -_Gone_with_the_Wind_ (G) **** <MR#147, 6/17/98>
http://www.godamongdirectors.com/mrbrown/movierpt35.html#gwtw
- -_Lethal_Weapon_4_ (R) *** 1/2 <MR#150, 7/10/98>
http://www.godamongdirectors.com/mrbrown/movierpt36.html#lethal4
- -_The_Mask_of_Zorro_ (PG-13) *** <MR#150, 7/10/98>
http://www.godamongdirectors.com/mrbrown/movierpt36.html#zorro
- -_Mulan_ (G) **** <MR#147, 6/17/98>
http://www.godamongdirectors.com/mrbrown/movierpt35.html#mulan
- -_The_Opposite_of_Sex_ (R) *** 1/2 <MR#144, 5/29/98>
http://www.godamongdirectors.com/mrbrown/movierpt34.html#sex
- -_Out_of_Sight_ (R) *** 1/2 <MR#149, 7/1/98>
http://www.godamongdirectors.com/mrbrown/movierpt36.html#outofsight
- -_Polish_Wedding_ (PG-13) * 1/2 <MR#151, 7/24/98>
http://www.godamongdirectors.com/mrbrown/movierpt37.html#polish
- -_Saving_Private_Ryan_ (R) **** <MR#151, 7/24/98>
http://www.godamongdirectors.com/mrbrown/movierpt37.html#ryan
- -_Six_Days,_Seven_Nights_ (PG-13) *** <MR#146, 6/11/98>
http://www.godamongdirectors.com/mrbrown/movierpt35.html#67
- -_Small_Soldiers_ (PG) ** 1/2 <MR#150, 7/10/98>
http://www.godamongdirectors.com/mrbrown/movierpt36.html#soldiers
- -_The_Spanish_Prisoner_ (R) *** 1/2 <MR#137, 4/10/98>
http://www.godamongdirectors.com/mrbrown/movierpt31.html#prisoner
- -_There's_Something_About_Mary_ (R) *** 1/2 <MR#150, 7/10/98>
http://www.godamongdirectors.com/mrbrown/movierpt36.html#mary
- -_The_Truman_Show_ (PG) *** 1/2 <MR#145, 6/4/98>
http://www.godamongdirectors.com/mrbrown/movierpt35.html#truman
- -_The_X-Files_ (PG-13) *** 1/2 <MR#147, 6/17/98>
http://www.godamongdirectors.com/mrbrown/movierpt35.html#x
FUTURE FILMS
- -_Lolita_ (R) ** 1/2 <MR#151, 7/24/98>
http://www.godamongdirectors.com/mrbrown/movierpt37.html#lolita
(August 2 on Showtime; September 25 in theatres)
O N T H E H O R I Z O N
OPENED WEDNESDAY
_The_Negotiator_ (R) *** <full review in MR#151, 7/24/98; and at
http://www.godamongdirectors.com/mrbrown/movierpt37.html#negotiator>
F. Gary Gray stylishly directs this taut thriller about a hostage
negotiator (Samuel L. Jackson) who becomes a hostage taker himself after he
is framed for a murder. Kevin Spacey also stars.
_The_Parent_Trap_ (PG)
Remake of the 1961 family comedy, with newcomer Lindsay Lohan taking over
for Hayley Mills as the twin sisters who conspire to reunite their
estranged parents (Dennis Quaid and Natasha Richardson)
FRIDAY
_BASEketball_ (R)
Two losers (Trey Parker and Matt Stone) create a hybrid sport of baseball
and basketball that becomes hugely successful in this lowbrow comedy.
Yasmine Bleeth and Jenny McCarthy also star for director/co-writer David
Zucker.
_Ever_After_ (PG-13) *** <see above review>
Charming feminist reading of the Cinderella story, with Drew Barrymore as
the put-upon servant girl, Anjelica Huston as her evil stepmother, and
Dougray Scott as the prince.
_Full_Tilt_Boogie_ (R)
The making of Robert Rodriguez's _From_Dusk_till_Dawn_, as seen through
the eyes of filmmaker Sarah Kelly.
_The_Governess_ (R)
Period piece in which Minnie Driver stars a Jewish woman who becomes a
governess in Victorian England.
~~~
=3D>V I D E O<=3D
N E W T H I S W E E K
_Dark_City_ (R) *** <full review in MR#133, 3/5/98; and at
http://www.godamongdirectors.com/mrbrown/movierpt29.html#darkcity>
Rent or buy at Reel.com:
http://www.reel.com/cgi-bin/session/MRBR/moviepage.asp?MMID=3D40907
An amnesiac man (Rufus Sewell) searches for the keys to his past in a dark
metropolis overrun by mysterious aliens in Alex Proyas's visionary, if
emotionally distant, sci-fi fantasy. (New Line Home Video)
_The_Gingerbread_Man_ (R) *** <full review in MR#128, 1/29/98; and at
http://www.godamongdirectors.com/mrbrown/movierpt28.html#gingerbread>
Rent or buy at Reel.com:
http://www.reel.com/cgi-bin/session/MRBR/moviepage.asp?MMID=3D40892
Unusually atmospheric John Grisham thriller (based on an original screen
idea) in which a cocky Southern lawyer (Kenneth Branagh) becomes entangled
in the messy life of a woman (Embeth Davidtz) stalked by her father (Robert
Duvall). Robert Altman directed; Mark Isham composed the haunting
electronic score. (PolyGram Video)
_Hard_Rain_ (PG-13) ** 1/2 <full review in MR#126, 1/16/98; and at
http://www.godamongdirectors.com/mrbrown/movierpt27.html#hardrain>
Rent or buy at Reel.com:
http://www.reel.com/cgi-bin/session/MRBR/moviepage.asp?MMID=3D40875
Sporadically diverting cross between the disaster and action genres, with
a group of robbers led by Morgan Freeman attempting to rob an armored car
driven by Christian Slater during a flood. Randy Quaid and Minnie Driver
co-star. (Paramount Home Video)
=09
A L S O N E W T H I S W E E K
_A_Brother's_Kiss_ (R)
Rent or buy at Reel.com:
http://www.reel.com/cgi-bin/session/MRBR/moviepage.asp?MMID=3D40398
Drama about the anguished relationship between two brothers (Nick Chinlund
and Michael Raynor). Michael Rapaport and _Untamed_Heart_ co-stars Marisa
Tomei and Rosie Perez turn up in small roles. (BMG Independents)
_Little_Men_ (PG)
Rent or buy at Reel.com:
http://www.reel.com/cgi-bin/session/MRBR/moviepage.asp?MMID=3D41249
Adaptation of Louisa May Alcott's sequel to _Little_Women_, with Mariel
Hemingway as the adult Jo March. (Warner Bros. Family Entertainment)
_Live_Flesh_ (R)
Rent or buy at Reel.com:
http://www.reel.com/cgi-bin/session/MRBR/moviepage.asp?MMID=3D40876
The latest from Spanish director Pedro Almodovar tells the tale of a
recently released con seeking out the people who wrongly sent him to
prison. (Orion Home Video)
_Titanica_
Rent or buy at Reel.com:
http://www.reel.com/cgi-bin/session/MRBR/moviepage.asp?MMID=3D41542
Documentary about the ill-fated oceanliner, filmed in the gigantic screen
IMAX format. So why see it on the small screen? (Miramax Home=
Entertainment)
~~~
=3D>N E X T W E E K<=3D
More reviews, including:
- -_Snake_Eyes_
'til then...=20
__________________________________________________________
Michael Dequina
Chat Forum Host, The Official Michael Jordan Web Site
http://jordan.sportsline.com
mj23@michaeljordanfan.com
michael_jordan@geocities.com | mrbrown@ucla.edu
>My personal WWW sites<
Mr. Brown's Movie Site: http://welcome.to/mrbrown
Michael Jordan Beyond the Court: http://fly.to/michaeljordan
A Michael Jordan Fan's Heartbreak: http://fly.to/mj23
Personal Page: http://welcome.to/w3md
>Other WWW sites I work on<
CompuServe Hollywood Hotline: http://www.HollywoodHotline.com
Albany Online: http://www.AlbanyOnline.com
Eyepiece Network: http://www.eyepiece.com
"Oliver Stone doesn't know shit about basketball."
- --Michael Jordan, on why he refused to work with the
director on a hoops-themed Nike commercial
__________________________________________________________
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