vegan x Reviews

Cruel Intentions (1999)

Not as bad (and much funnier!) than you might expect

[8/10 · 29 August 1999]

I was just pleasantly surprised by Cruel Intentions. Probably the most unexpected feature was the witty and often-funny script. Gellar (as Kathryn) and Phillippe (as Sebastian) succeed in playing convincing siblings-from-hell. Selma Blair's hopelessly ditzy Cecile (who naively falls prey to Kathryn's scheming) is both pitiful and amusing.

The plot of the film can be dizzying, but keeps a good pace. My only disappointment is with Gellar's performance; though not bad, she's better on television. Over all, a much better movie than most of the "teen flick" genre, and a testament to director/writer Roger Kumble's mature (yet hip) talent. Although not due to win any awards, I'd definitely see it again.

Oscar and Lucinda (1997)

fiennes shines again

[7/10 · 5 August 1999]

This was a beautifully original movie, deeply sad, with a mood almost reminiscent of Edward Scissorhands. Again, another example of Ralph Fiennes' versatility. I had thought I'd seen him at his best in The English Patient, but he has amazed me yet again. I was also impressed with Blanchett's performance, as this is the first time I have seen her. They make a believable, though very curious pair. A truly heart-wrenching film.

Meet Joe Black (1998)

surprisingly good

[8/10 · 5 August 1999]

I expected little from this movie going into it, and also knew nothing of the plot. Both factors, I think, contributed greatly to my liking of it. Many have groaned at the length of the film, which I found flew by rather quickly, as the plot was very engrossing. A good performance for Pitt and Hopkins, though I would not deem them oscar-worthy. What I found particularly enchanting was the love scene between Pitt and Forlani, which was neither gratuitous nor distasteful. It sensitively focused on their mutual experience of it, rather than on showing skin or being provocative.

All around, I would say this was a very charming movie, but with two criticisms:First, I do feel that the end was a bit drawn-out; Second, Brad Pitt's embarassing attempt at a Jamaican accent should never have made it past the cutters.

Buffy the Vampire Slayer (1997–2003)

an all-around wonderful show

[5 August 1999]

I have gotten more than my share of ridicule for watching Buffy as religiously as I do. And all of it despite the fact that the series is one of the most critically lauded productions in years!

I can't say enough about the writing and casting on the show. I was initially drawn to it during the second season, where I found the climatic Angel/Buffy saga intriguing. Whedon has certainly done a brilliant job of bringing a fantastical plot premise into realistic terms. In fact, Buffy probably succeeds because it is so real. As Whedon explained, every demon faced by Buffy and crew is a metaphor for all the "demons" young people face every day. Sure, the concept of "surviving" high school takes on an added meaning in Sunnydale, but we've all had the feeling.

"Buffy" encapsulates all the features that make classics out of movies and TV shows alike. It is comedic, dramatic, exciting and introspective, and excels in each of those areas. Plus, like any great movie that has stood the test of time, it has a 'spark'- that indeterminable 'something' that makes it unique and captivating.

Even beyond the inspired scripting, the show's best feature has to be its young talent. There is not a single weak link in the cast, and each creates a character that is uniquely endearing. If nothing else, watch this show for its amazing actors and actresses, since you will certainly be seeing much more from them in the future.

Interview with the Vampire: The Vampire Chronicles (1994)

read the book!

[6/10 · 3 August 1999]

I was very fortunate to have read the book before I saw this movie, so nothing was taken away from Anne Rice's absolutely enthralling novel. Although I think the movie was good enough, it falls far short of the character and depth achieved by the novel. If you liked this movie even a little, by all means, read the book! You will not be disappointed. I think you will find that Rice's inspired method of storytelling will far surpass Brad Pitt's mediocre performance, and Tom Cruise's horribly weak interpretation of Lestat.

The Avengers (1998)

confounding

[1/10 · 2 August 1999]

First of all, I would like to admit that I never watched any of the original Avengers series. That said, you can skip my review if you feel that I'm not justified in giving criticism.

However, in review of the movie itself, I can't express how disappointing and downright painful this was to watch. I should have known not to expect much from Uma Thurman after her embarrassing performance in Batman Forever, but I was sure that masters Sean Connery and Ralph Fiennes would deliver. Sadly, even they could not salvage the monotonous screenplay and virtually nonsensical plot. The few scenes which may have illicited a chuckle were generally overdone, and gratuitously repeated throughout the movie. Even the relationship between Steed and Peel was implausible and sterile. I prayed desperately for it all to come together in the end, but by the time the credits rolled, I was left with only numb confusion and bleak disappointment. I cannot justifiably rate this movie better than 1 star.

The English Patient (1996)

Mixed Sentiment

[7/10 · 2 August 1999]

For fans of a love story, The English Patient fits the bill. As a movie, it is masterfully crafted from all angles: the direction and cinematography are flawless, as are the performances of Fiennes, Thomas, Binoche and the rest of the cast. The relationship portrayed by Fiennes and Thomas is passionate and enthralling, and as a fan of Ralph Fiennes for some time, I must say that this is probably his most awe-inspiring showing yet.

What detracts from this film, unfortunately, is its lack of originality. The typical love story is thankfully elevated by the actors' performances, as well as a wonderfully inventive script. However, I feel that for such a long movie, more time should have been spent developing the main plot (namely, the trials and love of the young count) and less on subplots. Of particular note is the relationship between the nurse and Kip, which I found only confused the meaning of the original storyline.

Overall, I would say a well-performed and orchestrated love story, although I am glad that I did not spend $7.50 on it.

Wuthering Heights (1992)

Captivating

[9/10 · 2 August 1999]

I first happened across this movie on cable, and found myself absolutely captivated by Ralph Fienne's portrayal of Heathcliff. I can think of no better actor for the part, as Fiennes speaks volumes with his eyes alone, and magnificently portrays the tortured, twisted protagonist/antagonist. The rest of the lead cast is likewise brilliant, especially with regards to Juliette Binoche's endearing Catherine. The movie strays from Bronte's novel only on minor issues, and overall, performs in a manner worthy of the classic story.

The sensitive and masterful score by Sakamoto is almost a character in itself. Listening to it without distraction, it is almost impossible not to absorb the desolate and haunting mood of the film. The choice of locale for the movie was absolutely perfect, capturing the metaphors represented by the two great houses and the stark English moor.

This is definitely one of my favorite movies of all time, and one of the few occasions in which it may equal or even supercede the original novel. A must-see for fans of twisted period romances or anyone interested in pondering the roles of love and evil in the human soul.