Miramax-2 Reviews

Flawless (1999)

A darker version of La Cage Aux Folles

[7/10 · 25 November 1999]

DeNiro did a great job as a stroke victim, Philip Seymour Hoffman did an outstanding job as the "Drag Queen next door". I'm happy to see Hoffman getting more substantial roles. He was great in "The Big Lebowski" as Brandt and was also very good as the environmental activist in "Next Stop Wonderland".

Anytime I see some kind of Drag-Queen comedy I can't help but think of the French film La Cage Aux Folles. Flawless in many ways is just as funny but is balanced with a darker plot.

My Life's in Turnaround (1993)

Not bad... but not good either.

[4/10 · 6 July 1999]

If you go into this film knowing some of the history behind how it got made your appreciation for the film will rise. But if you watch this film hoping for "The Brothers McMullen" forget it.

It kind of reminded me of the Seinfeld episode where Jerry and George try to create a show about "nothing". That's the theme of this film. The acting wasn't too shabby, the celebrity cameos were nice and there was enough to film that kept you hanging in there until it's end. Although I found the actor/director/writer Eric Schaeffer to be over-bearing throughout most of the film... man is he annoying. I kind of liked Donal Ward, a little less hyper than bud Eric... and came across better on the silver-screen.

John Sayles was great in his cameo as a mainstream movie producer. I still can't believe they convinced him to be in their "major motion picture". He must be a good sport.

Run Lola Run (1998)

A rich attack to one's Central Nervous System.

[10/10 · 5 July 1999]

I had heard this film pulsates with sheer speed but I wasn't prepared for what I witnessed. Simply amazing. A techno soundtrack sets the pace for a boyfriend rescue via three attempts. Each attempt is actually the story with a different outcome. You really have to pay attention to see all the marvelous connections (even between the "attempts"). I love the lead character; a strong, come to the rescue type female (this is my prototype mate :). Not a lot of dialog, but what is said is meaningful. I don't believe there's been too many films in the past that have broken such techno/artistic ground. I am utterly amazed this film isn't showing at more theaters, even the mainstream ones. What's wrong with these suburban theaters ! They feed us films like "Wild Wild West" and "Big Daddy" when we should all have the chance to see "Run Lola Run" and "Rushmore". Thank the film Gods for Film Festivals, or "Run Lola Run" would never be seen.

• Michael

Rushmore (1998)

A creative, quirky, humorous and well written film.

[10/10 · 3 July 1999]

Max Fisher (Jason Schwartzman) is a character you believe is a bit demented but through the course of the film you end up appreciating his style. I believe we all know some form of "Max Fisher" in high school... not an academic achiever but a mover/shaker. The type that ends up on his feet and does some remarkable things. That is the case in this film. He operates at a level far beyond his years, no wonder he desires an older woman and is close friends with a late 40-ish millionaire.

I really liked this film on so many levels :

• Bill Murray's deadpan looks

• the soundtrack... so appropriate during certain scenes

• the whole supporting cast (especially Max's sidekick Kirk)

• scene sequencing

• the character's attire

Overall, a good quality film by Wes Anderson.