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Léon (1994)
Professional-ly done!
Wow! This was one of the first non-classic movies hat just blew me away!!!!!! Back in '94 when it was released, it was a welcome change from the 'senseless violence' flicks that Hollywood started to churn out in droves. The movie featured a compelling plot, well-cast actors and some very riveting performances.
The basic root of this story - a killer with a soft heart - was probably the best executed example of its kind. Jean Reno nailed his portrayal as Leon; a professional hit-man whose relationship (not sexual, mind you) with a young girl forces him to re-examine his inner youth/lost child that his harsh life had robbed him of all those years ago..
Gary Oldman was a little over-the-top drama king as the dirty cop villain, but I don't think anyone could have done it better, especially when his character took actions under the influence of drugs.
I believe this was Natalie Portman's theatrical debut, and boy was she convincing! I don't think there are that many young actresses who can vividly portray the emotions and suffering that here character had to go through given the story that played out.
The cinematography was superb, the effects well done (not overdone), and I'd recommend this movie for almost anyone to see, regardless of preferences!!!!!
Desperate Measures (1998)
It was alright ... enough ...
I remember first seeing this movie back when it was released in 1998. My expectations of it weren't too high, because at the time I did not think that Andy Garcia was that much of an actor.
However, I was pleasantly surprised that the movie was as entertaining as it turned out. Michael Keaton, as the villain, really carried this picture, reminiscent of his performance in the second Batman movie. So, you may now be wondering why I only gave it a 6 ...
The plot was in my estimation a little weak. That is to say ... you take a psychopathic killer whose profile shows that he will be hell bent on escaping, and yet no real provisions were made to prevent said escape from a very 'escapable' facility! That made the show a bit far-fetched for me, giving the 'humanitarian sacrifice' of the criminal the benefit of the doubt.
Other than that, the action sequences, and pacing of the movie was very tight with very few slow parts - even for the emotional scenes featuring Andy Garcia's character and his terminally-ill son. Even the sequel-friendly ending was not all that bad in my book.