DFWcrtic Reviews

Run Lola Run (1998)

I wonder if anyone were to do a documentary on the sheer number of Euro directors who seem to cast attractive girls as their leads for the sole purpose of shagging them.

[24 July 1999]

Since this is supposed to be the art-house film of the year, I had to check it out--but what I got is something I'm still undecided on. Franka Potente, looking like the girl from '5th Element' (another film from a Continental director), wound up dating the director of this film--the sort of thing which seems to happen at an alarmingly high rate these days. I wonder if anyone were to do a documentary on the sheer number of Euro directors who seem to cast attractive girls as their leads for the sole purpose of shagging them.

Franz Kafka's It's a Wonderful Life (1993)

A fascinating short film

[24 July 1999]

A fascinating and unique film from the BBC which received much critical buzz in England, though relatively little attention stateside. 'Tis a pity, as the colonists would get a kick out of it.

American Pie (1999)

A shock(ing) "comedy."

[11 July 1999]

American Pie--which I had the (mis?)fortune of seeing at a preview screening--does little more than shock its audience into uncomfortable laughter. Although I must confess that I laughed aloud several times, I'm ashamed of it. And while there is definitely an audience for this sort of material, they most certainly should not be partaking of it. Unfortunately, the disturbing emphasis placed on underaged sex and the false message that life as a prep school student consists of little more than trying to shag anything that moves (or doesn't move--a pie, for example) is truly stomach-turning.

Meet Joe Black (1998)

Great performance by Pitt.

[11 July 1999]

A wonderful job by the excellent Brad Pitt in what is otherwise a less-than-stellar but okay film. Anthony Hopkins delivers a strong performance, although Claire Forlani's role is reduced to little more than a pretty face who looks at Pitt with lustful longing that's a little bit stalkerville.

Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery (1997)

Yeah, baby!

[11 July 1999]

This inspired comedy by Mike Myers--an hilarious parody of a very specific sub-genre of 1960s British cinema--gets it right on the money. Having grown up on the films which "Austin Powers" spoofs, I can say with utmost certainty that "Powers" is an absolute gem. Added bonus: a surprisingly realistic performance by model Elizabeth Hurley.

Ally McBeal (1997–2002)

A wonderful series!

[11 July 1999]

A truly remarkable series, starring theatre actress Calista Flockhart in her strongest on-camera role. The real benefit of watching this series is following the intricate, too-crazy-to-be-true storylines involving the supporting characters. My one complaint: why, oh WHY is Vonda listed in the opening credits???

Henry & June (1990)

Recommended...but could've been better

[11 July 1999]

The first film to earn the MPAA's new NC-17 rating--for its highly-erotic-but-still-a-bit-tame depiction of lesbian sex--features an early performance by a then-not-so-well-known Uma Thurman. Recommended...but could've been better.

Rushmore (1998)

A fresh, new film.

[4 July 1999]

Now divorced from the influence of indie producers Kit Carson and Cynthia Hargrave, director Wes Anderson and [now executive!] producer Owen Wilson have the opportunity to demonstrate just how well they can shine. In this remarkably funny, amazingly nuanced comedy, Bill Murray delivers what may well be the performance of his life. "Rushmore" is slicker than Anderson's earlier "Bottle Rocket," and while some fans may miss the indie feel of the previous film, "Rushmore" admirably maintains the quirky humor present in Anderson's directorial debut. Indeed, despite his reputation for a rather arrogant temper, it's a testament to Anderson's abilities as a filmmaker that some of the movie's most fascinating moments occur during moments of no dialog. Not since "The Simpsons" [produced, interestingly, by "Bottle Rocket" executive James L. Brooks] has the "pregnant pause" been so masterfully utilized.

Armageddon (1998)

Overall, an entertaining movie.

[4 July 1999]

Despite the headache-inducing MTV-style editing in its action scenes, "Armageddon" is--overall--an enjoyable movie. Special kudos to the filmmakers for going out on a cinematic limb with the [rather surprise] twist at the film's end. As usual, the robotic Ben Affleck [and his too-sappy-to-be-true, gag-me "romance" with cute-but-not-as-pretty-as-everyone-says-she-is Liv Tyler] is the film's weakest link.

Midsummer (1999)

A gem of a film.

[10/10 · 4 July 1999]

Oft-disparaged indie producers Kit Carson and Cynthia Hargrave have bucked their reputations and created a gem of a film here--certainly their finest since 1996's "Bottle Rocket" [also shot in Texas]. An invitation-only preview in Dallas revealed a modern, 20-something, MTV approach to the bard that's refreshingly hip--and intellectual--in today's market of mindnumbingly histrionic Shakespeare pictures. The remarkably foxy Domenica Scorsese makes a thoroughly nuanced and downright sultry Hermia [Scorsese can convey more with her suggestive gaze than, say, Calista Flockhart can do with two hours of melodramatic speechifying], and the writers' choice to centre the film around her and Lysander--as opposed to Bottom, for example--is inspired. Too-good-looking-to-be-true soap opera star Travis Schuldt rounds out the cast as a sadistic Demetrius. Some of the more esoteric references to mysticism and Tarot may be lost on the casual viewer, but it is hard not to appreciate a Shakespeare film with a soundtrack that's got a great combination of techno/ and retro/alterna bands like this. Best moment: The interpretation of "love in idleness" as a designer drug! My only complaint--it needs to be longer. Looking forward to the release of the full feature.

Bottle Rocket (1996)

A great little film--with a slow middle.

[8/10 · 4 July 1999]

Dallas filmmakers Owen Wilson and Wes Anderson have crafted a delightfully subtle comedy about small-time criminal wannabes. Unfortunately, the film suffers somewhat from a slow, obsolete, obviously-tacked-on romantic subplot that has no place in a film this hip and fresh. Although James Caan was the film's only name actor at the time of production [and it's one of his best movies in recent years], brothers Owen and Luke Wilson have since made names for themselves as actors as well. Rumors of swollen budgets and on-set tensions with infamous producers Kit Carson and Cynthia Hargrave aren't evident in the final product, which--overall--is a fabulous debut film for Anderson.

Goodfellas (1990)

One of the finest films ever made.

[4 July 1999]

With "Goodfellas," master director Martin Scorsese establishes himself as one of the all-time great filmmakers. Certainly the best film of his career, "Goodfellas" is flawlessly written, produced, edited, acted, and [especially] directed. Scorsese gets excellent performances from the remarkable Ray Liotta and the various supporting cast members. Robert DeNiro, in what may well be the role of his career, plays an Irish gangster destined to forever hover on the outer fringes of the Mob--and, by extension, self-acceptance. Truly, "Goodfellas" is destined to join such cinematic milestones as "Citizen Kane" and "2001" as one of the finest films of all time.

Midsummer (1999)

A gem of a film

[10/10 · 26 June 1999]

Oft-disparaged indie producers Kit Carson and Cynthia Hargrave have bucked their reputations and created a gem of a film here--certainly their finest since 1996's "Bottle Rocket" [also shot in Texas]. An invitation-only preview in Dallas revealed a modern, 20-something, MTV approach to the bard that's refreshingly hip--and intellectual--in today's market of mindnumbingly histrionic Shakespeare pictures. The remarkably foxy Domenica Scorsese makes a thoroughly nuanced and downright sultry Hermia [Scorsese can convey more with her suggestive gaze than, say, Calista Flockhart can do with two hours of melodramatic speechifying], and the writers' choice to centre the film around her and Lysander--as opposed to Bottom, for example--is inspired. Too-good-looking-to-be-true soap opera star Travis Schuldt rounds out the cast as a sadistic Demetrius. Some of the more esoteric references to mysticism and Tarot may be lost on the casual viewer, but it is hard not to appreciate a Shakespeare film with a soundtrack that's got a great combination of techno/ and retro/alterna bands like this. Best moment: The interpretation of "love in idleness" as a designer drug! My only complaint--it needs to be longer. Looking forward to the release of the full feature.