WoBiE1 Reviews

The Haunting (1999)

A good "experiment" in fear

[5/10 · 18 December 1999]

What can I say that hasn't been said about "The Haunting"? It has everything that would make a great picture. Wonderful sets, moody music, and sound design to die for were all in place. The screenplay, though, sometimes boggles the mind in such a weird, surrealistic way. The entire team must have forgotten to read it through, maybe because they were too busy creating cg effects and building gothic sets to notice how weak the plot was. Each member of the cast gives a worthy performance, although with little conviction to the material at hand. Lili Taylor has the most to do while the others mostly react to her. But that's about it. All I can say is that it was a slightly enjoyable two hours, but you will definitely want more. A lot more.

Toy Story 2 (1999)

Hmmmm.....

[10/10 · 25 November 1999]

What can I say about Toy Story 2? It has a great story that both a child and an adult can tolerate, some great animation that surpasses what we saw in the first and a touching message that Disney brings to the platter so very well in every animated movie they bring to the silver screen. Bottom line is this is just as good, if not better, than the the original. The one aspect of the film that shines is the conveyed feeling of how a toy is not only "a toy" but an entity that has been given life by its owner. How much you love a toy is how much it will live. Great stuff here. Of course, Tim Allen and Tom Hanks are great. I'll stop talking about it so you can just go see it. You'll have a great time. Trust me.

Sleepy Hollow (1999)

Visual story telling at its finest

[9/10 · 21 November 1999]

I love Tim Burton. I really do. Tim Burton has created an utterly fascinating world of images that are beyond compare. Truly original designs of 18th century cottages and smoke walkways are prevalent throughout the entire film. Acting was inspired as well; I haven't seen Depp perform this well since Burton's own Edward Scissorhands. Christina Ricci gives a fine performance but is lacking somewhat an emotional depth. The bottom line is that the visuals are the real stars of the show. They give a sense of escapism I haven't felt in many movies. The headless horseman is shown with immense style without overly exposing his true form. A foreboding sense of horror is always a primary goal. A must see for all.

The Mummy (1999)

What fun!!

[9/10 · 17 October 1999]

To say the least, I liked this movie. It was in the grand tradition as the time it was set. Beautiful sets and vistas with great special effects that don't overpower what is just an old-fashioned American adventure only hollywood could provide. Don't I sound cheesy or what; all I know is I can't wait for the sequel. Brendan Fraser and Rachel Weisz are just beautiful together, and Arnold Vosloo is one terrific mummy. See this movie...on the widescreen DVD with great extras....=D.

The Bone Collector (1999)

An OK serial killer movie

[7/10 · 10 October 1999]

"The Bone Collector" is just another serial killer movie that offers nothing new to the genre. Sure, Denzel Washington and Angelina Jolie give great performances, but it just doesn't make up for the derivative story and predictable ending. The "green eyes" thing was so cheap a device to use. I was sitting there wondering why these two actors signed on for this. I give it a 7 out of 10 for the performances. Just don't expect to see something fresh and new.

Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me (1999)

Not as original and funny as the first....

[6/10 · 14 June 1999]

Alright, "Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me" had its moments. Sure, Heather Graham is pretty hot. But it wasn't nearly as funny as the original! The "bad" scenes outnumber the good. Most of the scenes in the movie just seem to last too long, and I sometimes had to ask myself, "Was I suppose to laugh at that?". Scenes would end with those music cues that just serve to tell you that they(the filmmakers) weren't confident in their ability to make you laugh at that scene. Bad sign. Mike Myers' performance as all three of his characters was pretty impressive in its own right. He is definitely a comedic genius. For a movie that is suppose to be "the" comedy of the year, the theater in which I saw it was pretty silent for most of the film. I've been at movies that were booming with laughter, and this one just didn't do it for me and for many others. Many have said that if you like the first, you'll like this one too. For myself, I was a little let down. That's all I have to say.

Alien 3 (1992)

Well done, David Fincher; well done.

[9/10 · 7 June 1999]

Having just purchased the Alien Legacy on DVD this past week, I have had the chance to revisit all the Alien movies and appreciate the different approaches that each director takes. I have to say that Alien 3 went down better then when I had originally seen it back in 1992. David Fincher has such a great eye for detail in every shot that is filmed. The only thing that I had a problem with is the tension that he tried to build but just wasn't working. The last scene in which the alien is chasing the prisoners throughout the corridors was nice to look at, but it came up short on the "scare" scale. If I would have seen the alien itself move at the blazing speeds that the camera was moving at, it would have been more effective.

As for the story, it was meant to displease the audience, and Fincher just seems to be too eager to do so. Casting problems might have prevented the return of the little Carrie Henn(she wouldn't have been so little in Alien 3 anyway) and Michael Biehn. To just kill of Newt in the very beginning of Alien 3, especially if you have seen the director's cut of Aliens, is absolutely heart-wrenching. For those who have not seen the director's cut of Aliens(which is available alone or in the new Alien Legacy box set on VHS and DVD as well as on a special edition laserdisc), it expands the maternal side of Ripley's persona. Definitely worth seeing if you are an Alien fan. Even if you haven't seen the director's cut, it is still a major disappointment to see the poor Newt dead.

With all this being said, Alien 3 works. It just does. David Fincher's tight direction and uncanny visual style save what would have been a horrible Alien experience. Once again, Weaver's performance as Ripley is superb. The rest of the cast gives excellent performances throughout. The story has its disappointing side, but it can be seen as admirable as well. You have to admire the writers for having the audacity to create such a disturbing world that is this prison from hell. I would have liked to see further developments in the Alien's species. James Cameron did it extremely well by introducing the alien queen. Other than that, great creative effort that offers something different, and this time different is good.

Aliens (1986)

A milestone in movie making....

[10/10 · 7 June 1999]

Just recently, I have purchased the new Alien Legacy box set on DVD, and each one is excellent. Aliens is the second chapter in the Alien saga and is probably the most remembered by today's generation. Let's face it; it changed the way sci-fi movies were made forever,and it hasn't been for the best(I'm not saying Aliens is a bad film). Aliens set such a high standard in action sci-fi(basically the new genre the James Cameron has created) that none of the copycats can compete. Take the recent movies Soldier and Event Horizon(both directed by Paul Anderson). They both try to be Alien movies but do not succeed. My advice to Mr. Anderson is to stop trying to copy what has already been done. Enough said.

As for Aliens, it is a perfect sci-fi action movie. Great casting(although ALL are stereotypes), great music(James Horner is the man), great use of technology and a well written script are all present. Weaver's performance is outstanding; one of the best action heroes of all time just happens to be a woman. If you have a chance to watch the director' cut of Aliens, I suggest you take it(it's available in the new Alien Legacy box set or alone on DVD and VHS as well as on laserdisc). It expands on Ripley's maternal persona which makes Weaver's performance all the better.

James Cameron came off making The Terminator and made Aliens. He used his expertise in the sci-fi genre and created an engrossing story that does not let up until the final reel of the film. For all the young folk out there that have not seen this film, watch it and see perfection in action movie making. A must see.

Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace (1999)

Hey, it's Star Wars!!

[10/10 · 30 May 1999]

I'm sure you've heard all the negative aspects said about this movie, so I won't bore you by going into depth about them(well maybe just a little depth). All in all, its was a GOOD film. Not great, but good. I don't care how much CGI you pack into a movie, or how engrossing the images may be; I want better dialogue. The story was adequate for what Lucas set out to accomplish, but there were many scenes that seem to be just thrown in there to show off the computer images. THEY DIDN'T SERVE THE PLOT AND THAT IS MY MAJOR GRIPE ABOUT THIS FILM. Don't try to dazzle me with images. Make my want to see it again by telling a story that is hard to forget with interesting dialogue and compelling characters. The casting was dead on; you couldn't ask for a better queen or a little Skywalker. The Jedi Knights, Qui Gon and Obi Wan were great also........but some of the things they have to say are sometimes laughable. I love Star Wars movies; I really do. I just wanted more, and the hype that surrounds this movie will only prove to hinder its success. Episode II will be better; George Lucas has given us a taste of what's to come, and if he can develop an engrossing story with truly satisfying revelations, EVERYONE will love it, guaranteed. Just look at "The Empire Strikes Back". Oh yes, the future of the Star Wars movies looks very bright indeed.

Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace (1999)

Luke and Leia they are not......

[10/10 · 21 May 1999]

....but Anakin and Amidala are extremely fun to watch. Their relationship thus far has been limited to the fact that Anakin is only in his pre-teens, but it will grow and become an integral part of the next two prequels. George Lucas needs to be commended in bringing this BEAUTIFUL world of his to life in a manner that no one has ever seen before. Do yourself a favor and check out the wonderful vistas that are presented here. Under water cities and vast desert scapes are all alive with an array of different species that have become a trademark of the Star Wars Saga. Liam and Ewan are great Jedi knights that are believable and absolutely fun to watch. The Jedi reign is in full force here. Oh, let's not forget the music!! John William's score from beginning to end adds so much more to the action, that we are pulled into this universe which makes this movie so much more. Bravo. And Darth Maul.....what a EVIL villain. His mere presence would make anyone want to run and find the nearest Jedi, so he could kick his butt. The one dude that really annoyed me was(say it with me now), Jar-Jar Binks. His speech is at times so incomprehensible, it can become distracting. I'm sure the young ones will want to have a Jar-Jar all their own, and that is because he is completely a "living" cartoon. In that respect, he is a success. Let's not forget the phantom menace itself. What a great setup for the next two films. Finally, I would like to say that it is not up to snuff with the existing trilogy, but it is an EXTREMELY welcomed addition to the whole saga. Just sit and get ready to be blown away by the "STAR WARS" emblem and the famous John William's score; it's definitely worth the price of admission. Every saga has a beginning and what a beginning it is. Very well done, Mr.Lucas. ***1/2.

Mortal Kombat: Annihilation (1997)

It was fun.....

[7/10 · 7 April 1999]

The sequel to the first Mortal Kombat game can not be compared to the original in any way. It totally takes away any character development the first one had and made it one long fight movie with LOUD techno music. Don't get me wrong; I had fun watching this movie because of the soundtrack that was present. I still listen to the soundtrack with me feet tappin (well, sort of). It had enormous potential, but like so many other sequels in any genre, it did not have an original script to go along with it. Anyway, it is enjoyable on some level but don't expect a lot. Trust me.

Mortal Kombat (1995)

A great adaptation of video game

[9/10 · 7 April 1999]

In my opinion, this is the best video game to movie translation out there. There is plenty of action to satisfy any fan of the games. The CG works to compliment the story (it isn't as paper thin as some have stated). The acting is a little hammy at times, but it can be forgiven. Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa makes a great villain; he makes this film more than just another action flick. The techno music and score by George S. Clinton serve the numerous fight scenes well. Paul Anderson's direction is very tight and well thought out unlike some of his later projects. The beautiful and lush set designs are some of the best I've seen. Just enjoy this film for what it is: a action-adventure movie that is a feast for the eyes and ears. Recommended.

The Matrix (1999)

TRUE Science fiction........

[10/10 · 31 March 1999]

.........is what this movie is all about. It actually takes the time not only tell you about the world they have have created, but they also show it with great elaborate sets and amazing cg. The script was original and fresh. It was well cast; Keanu Reeves gave a good performance, but Fishburne steals the show. And Carrie-Anne Moss......whoa. Something that also shines is the choreography of the fight scenes. All the actors do their own fighting, and it looks great. This definitely makes up for Fishburne and Reeves' other sci-fi encounters(you know what they were). What is the matrix? You'll just to have to find out for yourself. A must see.

The Prince of Egypt (1998)

A story of a wonder that I hope will move and touch all who see it......

[10/10 · 18 December 1998]

I would just like to say that this is one of the best movies I have ever seen. It was beautifully animated and very well told. Each and every song is filled with raw emotion that will touch everyone who believes in the power of the story. I might not recommend taking little children to see this movie unless they are told of what this story is all about. There are many scenes that might be too intense for them. To all of the biblical scholars who do not agree with what the movie makers have changed about the story, just try to enjoy the movie for what it is: a movie about a story that will live forever. All in all, I give it a 10.