eli_8 Reviews

Since You've Been Gone (1998 TV Movie)

I couldn't stop laughing.

[27 January 2001]

This movie was fantastic.

The acting was terrific, from the high strung Electra Pollack (Laura Eason) to the arrogant Kevin MacEldowney (Phillip Rayburn Smith). Most of all, Grace Adler (Lara Flynn Boyle), the class psychotic.

Not as terrible as most reunion flicks this is one to watch.

8/10

Mortal Kombat (1995)

!0 times better than Street Fighter.

[14 January 2001]

After convincing myself that this movie had a slight chance of NOT being another Street Fighter, I hired it on video. I was quite surprised that this film was not a total dissapointment.

The acting was good, particularly Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa as Shang Tsung. Bridgette Wilson (Sonya Blade) and Christopher Lambert (Lord Rayden) played their parts well (I always imagined Sonya as a arrogant bitch). Robin Shou (Lui Kang), Talisa Soto (Princess Kitana) and Linden Ashby (Johnny Cage) were all right.

The plot is pretty mediocre, but nevertheless interesting and the fight scenes are reasonably real, not computer enhanced (Like in the Matrix).

Overall this movie is one to watch when your in need of some kick-ass action and a refreshing break from all the chick-flicks of late.

Enjoy! 8/10.

Merlin (1998)

Well made and well acted.

[10 December 2000]

My, my, was I surprised when I watched this movie. As a fan of the sword and sorcery-type genre I am constantly disapointed by badly made second-grade flicks that aren't worth the money I spend watching or renting them. But Merlin was a refreshing movie that had great character depth and excellent acting.

On the subject of acting, the cast is phenomonal, Sam Niell shines as Merlin, as does Martin Short in his comic role as Flick. My full congratulations however, go to the severely under rated Miranda Richardson, who doubles as Queen Mab of the fairies and The Lady of the Lake. Helena Bonham Carter, Rutger Hauer, Isabella Rossellini and Lena Headly provide a superb supporting cast.

The characters themselves are enchanting and you find yourself swept away in the story. This is a great achievement for director Steve Barron. As a reasonable fan of the Arthurian Legend (I'm a historian at heart) I wasn't prepared for the terrific adaptation that Steve Barron made, with what, I believe to be, a tired and used historical period.

Overall, a 10/10 from me, one of the few movies that has earned it, my full congratulations to ALL who were involved in the creation and distribution of this film, you've done well.

Mortal Kombat: Annihilation (1997)

Disgustingly annoying.

[10 December 2000]

As a fan of the video game and the first movie, I was awaiting this sequel with mixed emotions. First of all, I was worried it would not live up to the first movie, and that the lack of Bridgette Wilson (now one of my favourite actresses) would put me off. Well forget second worry,the first shot this movie down in flames.

Notably, there is more characters, but this only adds to a confusion that has started since the beggining of the movie. Unless you played the video games religiously, cameo performances by Rain, Nightwolf and Maleena will go un-noticed. Now for my favourite subject, the cast.

Robin Shou and Talisa Soto reprise their roles as Liu Kang and Princess Kitana, but without Christopher Lambert as Rayden the movie severely lacks a spark. James Remar was pathetic in every way, I was not impresed at all. Irina Pantaeva and Musetta Vander were all right in thier roles and Sandra Hess made a decent Sonya. Lynn "Red" Williams absolutely stank, and personally I wouldn't cast him for anything.

The fight scenes were un-realistic and appealed only to children who went home and acted them out after they had seen it. Sheeva's was particularly pathetic. The special affects were terrible, especially in the final fight scene.

The music was great again, so in my opinion, don't waste the $10.00 for a ticket, spend $30.00 and get the CD. Overall a meagre 3/10.

I Know What You Did Last Summer (1997)

Nothing new, but don't miss it.

[10 December 2000]

I Know What You Did Last Summer. A teen slasher flick that never really pulls you in, but is saved by stellar performances from the up and coming actors and actresses that star in it.

"Party of Five"'s Jennifer Love Hewitt leads the cast as Julie James, the "nice girl" of the movie who kinda loses it thanks to the man with the hook (Muse Watson). "Buffy the Vampire Slayer"'s Sarah Michelle Gellar is slightly uncomfortable in her role as Helen Shivers, but gets the job done. Her elder sister Elsa, played by Mortal Kombat's Bridgette Wilson was my favourite character, her arrogant attitude, especially towards poor Gellar made me an instant fan. It's a shame this former Miss Teen USA did not make it to the final credits. Ryan Phillipe was superb, as usual, this hunky actor really plays his roles well, and is no doubt gonna be a huge star. Then there is Freddie Prinze Jr., the worst performer in the movie, and not surprisingly, all his movie roles are acted out half-heartedly and I'm surprised his cast in any movies at all, but bagging aside, he gets the job done. Smaller roles went to "Roseanne"'s Johnny Galecki and former Ellen DeGeneras spouse the very sexy Anne Heche.

Actors aside, their is not much more to say about this film, It is well written and Directed, but there is no spark in it, all though the slight twist at the end surprised me. Overall a 6/10 is all I could bear to give it. Sorry Freddie, you just need to find a passion in your acting.

Drop Dead Gorgeous (1999)

Hilarious.

[8 December 2000]

This movie was a real surprise for me. I thought it was just another small time comedy that had big names, but a small story line. But I was pleasantly surprised. The performances were terrific, Kirstie Alley, Ellen Barkin, Denise Richards, Kirsten Dunst and Mindy Sterling is one impressive cast, and the smaller roles are also played extremely well. The story line was silly, but funny and Kirstie Alley's role was hilarious, as was Ellen Barkin's. I recommend this movie to anyone who enjoys a good comedy. And remember girls, play nice!

Hocus Pocus (1993)

Bewitching.

[8 December 2000]

I prepared my self when I sat down to watch this movie, expecting a boring Disney film not for my generation. But this movie was hilarious! Bette Midler, Kathy Najimy and Sarah Jessica Parker were fantastic in their roles as the witches, especially Midler in her role as Winifred. Unfortunately there is no soundtrack to this film, which is a shame but not a tragedy. Overall a fantastic film that the whole family should enjoy.