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Reviews
Best Laid Plans (1999)
Finally a worthy tribute to the film noir scene. Bravo!
Long live Mike Barker! This fairly fresh feature director has pulled off one of those rare tributes to the film noir scene, which once coloured the movie scene in the past. There have been worthy efforts, but this one seems to have it all right. The movie starts as most movies from Mike Barker start. Circumstances found as in the traditions of working class realism found in the films of Ken Loach and the novels of Alan Silitoe, colour the first couple of scenes. The story starts with a scene in which is explained that Bryce (Josh Brolin) has 'accidentally' raped a minor. He calls his old university buddy friend Nick (Nivola) to help him out. At this moment the story rewinds to 4 months earlier and we can peak in the history to see how this problem started. Nick has just lost his father, found out he doesn't get any money, and works at a recycling plant. He than engages in some criminal activities, which turns horribly sour and he ends up owing 15,000 dollars to a local criminal. Now, that's all you need to know about the storyline, there are so many plots and twists that even the most critical movie fan would be impressed by the surprises that are being thrown at you. The last time I experienced such a feast, was during the Usual Suspects, and that is quite a compliment.
Reese Witherspoon (Lissa, nick's girlfriend and the 'raped' minor) pulls off one of her more impressing acting roles since 'Freeway' Although a bit more constraint than her role in Freeway, her presence definitely enriches the movie. Allessandro Nivola (Nick) will await a big future. His nonchalance acting and worried looks, will make him the perfect actor for sub-blockbusters. Finally one of his bigger roles after movies such as Inventing the Abbotts and Face/Off. Josh Brolin is less appealing, but even he is not bad enough to ruin this movie.
Mike Barker continues his strong line of work, after The James Gang in '97. And in a sort of way, this movie resembles his previous to some aspect. In both movies poor families take center stage, and in both movies they are resulting in criminal activities because of the financial trouble they are in. Barker is definitely one of the most artistic directors around (up there with Scorsese), but one wonders if he doesn't overdue it a bit sometimes. Even these minor negative things can't make me change my mind that this is a great movie, cinematic wise, with a well written script, that the characters are well thought out and acted, and that Barker has proven himself once more that he is a major talent. Bravo!
8MM (1999)
Daring, gruesome look into the underground porn scene. Heavy, but intense.
Let me start by saying that this movie truly made me think about things. We all know that the world is getting sicker and sicker, and yet we don't seem to worry too much about it. Making a movie about snuff movies, seems to be the last taboo to be broken by the hollywood scene, I mean what more can we expect? Seeing this movie gave me a good insight in the underground porn industry on the US west coast, one that I will likely not soon forget. It starts with a perfectly normal, suburban white man, Tom Welles, who wastes his time doing private detective work, gets this assignment from a wealthy widow who wants him to find out if a snuff tape, left by her deceased husband, contains real footage, or is a set up.
Welles begins his investigation from scratch, which comes over as pretty realistic, I mean how often don't you see in movies coincidental leads and tips etc.? Anyway he embarks on his crusade and meets all kinds of interesting people. first of all Max California, a smart kid who happens to work in the porn industry. He recruits his services and both descend to the deepest rat holes known to humanity. Gruesome images, illustrative characters and a gloomy atmosphere make you want to call mammie. Slowly you start to see a chance in Welles, how obviously is affected by all the dirt he sees.
Anyway the film continues and via a surprising plot, it reaches its end. What struck me most about this movie was the relationship between Tom Welles and the mother of the missing girl on the movie. This relationship seemed very sincere and the emotional aspects really came over as naturalistic.
Cage is excellent in this movie. Although a bit constrained by the script and the director, he does deliver the goods. Phoenix is a great supporting actor, but one doubts if he can carry the weight of a star role. All the other supporting actors are sublime, especially Welles wife, who witnesses the transition her husband is going through and the pain it causes her.
Although not the most brilliant storyline, camera work and plotline, this movie makes you think about your daily existence and makes you wonder why people do what they do. Don't take a date, but go alone and reserve an hour afterwards to ponder about what just happened.
Hoodlum (1997)
Fair acting, reasonable story, quite enjoyable
Well, what can I say about this movie. I can't say I didn't enjoy it. On the contrary, Tim Roth was quite okay in his Robert deNiro impression. Fishburne was like he always is, sufficient to good. I still believe V. Williams should have sticked to her bathing suite career (or whatever you call this Miss .... stuff), although this was one of her better roles. Although the movie lacks depth, and is almost a direct copy of the untouchables, I can't make myself saying it is not a good movie. The camera action is quite good, there is some sort of structure and I has said before it doesn't really get to bore you. In summary, a solid movie, with solid acting and solid directing. Yes, solid, that's it!!!
The Thin Red Line (1998)
Subtle Camera work, great cinematography and excellent movie
When I saw T.T.R.L. I remembered how movies are supposed to be. I seldom saw a movie which moved me more than this one. I was completely blown away by the visual effects, which really grab your attention. Unlike some criticism (like Ebert) this movie does have a strong actor basis. Although no main character can be appointed, the actors do keep your attention.
Great, great movie!