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Reviews
Born on the Fourth of July (1989)
Fourteen Years Hence
There have been incredible innovations in cinema in the last fourteen years; this film is STILL an incredible achievement. Some naysayers may find it corny but every time little Ronny hits a homer and Williams' theme comes on, I shed a tear. This film WILL be THE 'It's a Wonderful Life' of this century. Mark my words.
Cidade de Deus (2002)
Best Foreign Film of 2002
Weinstein, where you at? You should've snagged the distribution rights for this one. Best Foreign Film of 2002? No. Best FILM of 2002? Yes. No way should Scorsese be getting so much recognition at the nadir of his creativity. Marty, YOU know this was better than your film. Harvey, you know you regret not buying up this gem. Academy, you're washed up. Politics make for strange artistic bedfellows. Citizens, see this film.
Quiz Show (1994)
Now THIS is a movie
I won't go into boring tactics of film dissection and/or criticism. I will say this: If you are in any way associated with the world of cinema, art or literature then you will love this film. It is, without a doubt, one of those rare gems that occasionally sprout out of Hollywood----a near perfect film. Enjoy.
Lethal Weapon 2 (1989)
Pure Magic
The first one was hard core. It was all about drugs, intrigue and Vietnam. It was also about Riggs' suicidal tendencies. It was serious. Too serious. That was awesome. This one is about a lighter, gentler Riggs. The same Murtaugh I'm afraid but a lighter gentler Riggs-for a while that is. Reasons why this film is better than the original: 1. Leo Getz, 2. Same chemistry but with a tighter bond, 3. Comic relief, 4. Truly despicable villains, 5. Revenge story that pops out of nowhere really (this is quite surprising for a Gibson flick mind you). This one's the best of the series. Part three was a joke. Part four...I dunno what the hell that one was. Part one was pure setup baby. This is the one. >
Less Than Zero (1987)
Bad because....
This film was made obviously because of the success and impact of the novel. I don't think that the film-makers originally intended to make this a typical anti-drug film. However, since there was obviously no conventional point of entry (no protagonist with whom the audience could identify), this dreck was the result. This film is NOT AT ALL LIKE THE BOOK. It doesn't even capture the books essence. The book is about nihilistic rich kids in L.A. and their quest for nothing. This film is about Robert Downey Jr. freebasing too much. I'd stay away. It's not even kitschy.
Star Wars: Episode II - Attack of the Clones (2002)
Oh my
Suspend all of your ridiculous "adult" cynicism. Think back to the original series. Remember the suspenseful incredulity you felt while watching the most incredible spectacle you have ever seen on the big screen. Remember the music, the sounds, the romance, the adventure, the bloody passion. It IS back. As I watch this film for the second time (now on video), I realize that all of my criticism was due to nothing more than pathetic peer-like (decipher) expectations and 'grown-up-ism.' This is the original series. You must watch this film with an un-altered eye. You must watch this film with an open heart. This is pure cinema. Watch Anakin embrace his mother the same way in which Luke will embrace him years later. Watch Anakin's reflection on Tatooine...notice something familiar? Listen to the INCREDIBLE music written for the film (Williams must forever be remembered as a great composer). EXPERIENCE the clone wars. If you dare pretend that these are any less powerful than the battle on Endor, then I dare you to view Jedi again and compare it to the intense zoom-ins and dust clouds of these war scenes. I must end this geekish tirade now as it is probably alienating all potential viewers of this film. Just enjoy.