echolilial Reviews

Romy and Michele's High School Reunion (1997)

funny...

[27 February 2002]

Oscar-winner Mira Sorvino (Mighty Aphrodite) and Lisa Kudrow from TV's 'Friends', star in this blonde comedy, directed by David Mirkin.

It's been ten years since Romy White (Sorvino) and Michele Weinberger (Kudrow) completed high school at fictional (?) Sagebrush High in Tuscon. Still best friends, the dizzy pair live together away from the ridiculed past that was their high school years.

After hearing word of their ten year high school reunion (which they weren't invited to), the two women concoct a make-believe life after high school story (they "invented" post-it's) to make themselves appear more successful than what they believe they are and to impress what was the school A-List (headed by school bitch, Kristy Masters [Julia Campbell]).

What could've been a very predictable (it's only a tad), dull, laughless, low-brow comedy, actually does not fail to provide a few laughs. Including a 'groovy' 80's soundtrack (with Belinda Carlisle, Cyndi Lauper, etc.) and what can only be described as an hilarious performance from Janeane Garofalo (expect to miss her when she's not in a scene), this film is a summer holiday, (slumber party, perhaps?) classic that takes you back to your school days and even sometimes reminds you just how horrible it was/could be. ******/10

Working Girl (1988)

Melanie Griffith has never been so good... and never will be again...!

[8/10 · 8 February 2002]

Directed by Mike Nichols, 1988's 'Working Girl' is a humorous look at trying to get to the top. Melanie Griffith plays Tess McGill, an ambitious secretary who dreams of becoming a 'someone'. Her chance comes when she thinks up a brilliant idea and puts it forward to boss Katherine Parker (Sigourney Weaver) who steals the idea and tries to take all the credit. Tess finds this out when Katherine is off on holiday and decides to do something about it -- conjure up a way to get the idea to the 'big boys' before Katherine does (and steal the heart of Katherine's main man, Jack Trainer {played by Harrison Ford})

Kevin Wade's screenplay gives plenty of funny one-liners and situations and the female leads, (Griffith, Weaver and Joan Cusack) are brilliant. In fact, the films' main problems are that of the presence of Ford and Alec Baldwin as Griffith's snaky boyfriend.

Not bad for an 80's film, if not for the Carly Simon song, the delightful performance of Joan Cusack as a 'dance-in-the-mirror-type' secretary. Glowing. Warm. Funny.

The Sixth Sense (1999)

finally a film with a promising child actor

[10/10 · 12 January 2002]

Shyamalan's 'The Sixth Sense' (1999) was nominated for 6 Academy Awards including a nod for best picture. It lost to another great, 'American Beauty', however the two are similarly watchable and boast fine performances from a majority of the principle cast.

Cole Sears (Haley Joel Osment - brilliant) is a loner-child who has the ability to see 'dead people'. He tells no-one his secret, not even his Mum (wonderfully played by Toni Collette), until he meets child psychologist Malcolm (Bruce Willis in his best role yet). The two form a trusting relationship and gradually, Cole's horrifying secret/problem is revealed... both orally and visually.

Excellent performances, storyline, direction and a hauntingly splendid score make M. Night Shyamalan's 'The Sixth Sense' a must-see. 10/10

AAN: best picture, director, screenplay, supporting actor (Haley Joel Osment), supporting actress (Toni Collette), editing.

The Fisher King (1991)

seeking salvation... and one's sanity

[7/10 · 12 January 2002]

Robin Williams (Good Will Hunting) plays a deranged tramp named Parry 'on a mission from God to retrieve The Holy Grail'. Jeff Bridges (The Contender) plays popular radio disc jockey Jack, whose advice inspires a madman to commit a shooting at a restaurant. Mercedes Ruehl (Oscar-winning) plays Anne, the patient yet suffering girlfriend of Jack (and owner of a video store). And finally, Amanda Plummer who plays Lydia, whom Parry falls in love with.

One night under terrible circumstances, Jack and Parry meet. Later, Jack finds out Parry's former wife was killed in the restaurant shooting and has been living on the streets ever since. To show his guilt, (not known to Parry), Jack helps Parry in the quest for the Holy Grail and in meeting Lydia.

Sounds simple but there's wa-a-a-a-a-a-y more to the story than just what I've mentioned. Although uniquely original, the script seems a little too unrealistic but the fine performances from all involved, (particularly Ruehl and Plummer) makes this 1991 fairytale -- both funny and sad and sometimes even scary -- a watchable film that is sure to put a smile or two on your face.

AA: Mercedes Ruehl AAN: best actor (Robin Williams), art direction, score, screenplay