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Reviews
Magnolia (1999)
"and the book says: we may be through with the past, but the past is not through with us"
I agree with all comments thus far that Magnolia is definitely one of the greatest achievements in modern cinema.
But rather than go into story details, I felt it is worth mentioning the overall idea behind the piece.
In the case of every character represented in the film, we see how they are constantly forced to deal with actions of their past. There is very much a cause and effect idea going throughout the film.
However, the opening scene, Donny's lightning incident, the meeting of Claudia and Jim, and of course the final climatic frog scene, plays in with the author's theory that sometimes things just happen. In a film which reinforces the importance of the past, the final ironic twist is that sometimes things just happen, with drastic effects, which we didn't ask for and cannot prevent.
"...and no, it is not dangerous to confuse children with angels."
A Simple Plan (1998)
A Bit Too Simple...
I must say, I was very much surprised when I noticed this movie was voted into the top 250 films of all time (that is, the list at IMDb).
Sam Raimi (the director) is a funny character. Granted, the Evil Dead films are amongst the greatest shlock works of all time, but considering his resume also covers projects such as Xena: Warrior Princess, I hardly think he is a 'master'. There is nothing wrong with the direction in a simple plan, but it does not display anything exceptional. The only really 'Raimi' style scene occurs when a woman is shot and flies across the room.
The real problem with the movie, however, is in its scripting. Vaguely interesting, but highly cliched characters, are unfortunately only given pockets of thoughtful dialogue, while the rest of their speech is devoted to moving the plot along.
And while we're on the plot, it isn't very good. Gee, three ordinary guys find a stack of money, decide to keep it, and it causes them to act a little immorally - how original! The story is all highly predictable (wow, I didn't expect the rough looking guy to get killed - not) and it all moves about as fast as an asthmatic ant with some heavy shopping.
With the exception of Billy Bob Thornton, the actors are nothing special, with Bridget Fonda only changing her facial expression once (or maybe twice), and Bill Paxton really should just stick with the likes of 'Mighty Joe Young', children won't notice how poor he really is.
I think people have simply (absolutely no pun intended!) voted for this overrated waste of time, as they've recently seen it at the cinemas, and as it was directed by Raimi, they were prepared to enjoy it.
Some reviewers have already admitted that A Simple Plan is not entirely original, but state that no film is. I suggest you try a new video store, one with more classics (both ancient or otherwise).
Barracuda (1997)
I can't believe anyone could find this movie boring!
In another review of this film the writer claimed the film was boring, where as upon seeing the film I was very impressed that the film sustained my interest for the full length, despite the fact that is was all set in the one apartment.
It was very well acted and made, and the the story and ideas were incredible.
Abandon any ideals that this film is boring, as it is one of the most interesting films I have ever seen.
(and that includes 'Psycho')
Dog's Head Bay (1999)
Its possibilities are limitless - actual show is limited
Famous Australian playwrite David Williamson is not consistently good with his work. It is a case of when he's good, he's really good, but when he's bad, he writes "Dog's Head Bay"
Whilst this show has potentially wonderful, exuberant characters, it is poorly acted, poorly scripted, poorly shot and to cut a long story short it's poor. Gary Sweet has never looked worse. And as for the guy who plays his son (loud fart noise).
It is supposed to be a comedy, but instead it is more of a joke. We suggest you don't bother.