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Reviews
The Insider (1999)
Very powerful
Lest one thinks that a movie made about a tobacco whistleblower who loses the chance to tell his story to the world would be dull, think again. This film is hard core drama. A gripping story ripped right off the evening news. Al Pacino plays Lowel Bergman, a producer for "60 minutes" who accidentally finds a recently fired VP of a big tobacco company holding valuable information that could cost the cigarette companies billions in law suits. But just as he tries desparately to get Jeffrey Wigand's story told (excellently played by Russell Crowe), CBS backs out of the story leaving Bergman holding the bag and angry at the CBS brass for making him the fool and a liar. This film has some of the best acting I've seen in years, especially in Christopher Plummer as Mike Wallace. Plummer doesn't imitate Wallace as much as portray the intensity and drive that he is well known for. The Insider pulls no punches in attacking the cigarette industry (an easy target), but also attacks the hypocrisy of the news media wanting to be free to tell "their" side of the story at the same time wanting protection against any ramifications that come of it. This should have done better than it did in the theaters but comes across well on DVD. Don't miss it.
Live and Let Die (1973)
A poor start for Moore
Now that all the James Bond movies are on DVD, I have gone back to watch each one chronologically. The first of the Roger Moore films as Bond is disappointing. Aside from a great boat chase near the end of the film, the entire movie lacks the constant sense of danger and thrill that are trademarks of the original Bond films. Moore seems unsure of how his version of Bond is to act and he creates a Bond that his both weak and uninteresting. His lust for the Tarot card reader Solitaire, is nothing more than just a cheap excuse to get laid and he shows none of the growing passion for her that he shows in later films (for a truly sexy Roger Moore as Bond, go back and visit "For your eyes only"). In this film, the villains are inept,stereotypical pimp baddies, the plot stupid and the entire film is a sort of bad version of "Bond meets Shaft". Connery was consistent in all of his films and to be fair, Moore does better in later attempts as 007. As for this film, Live and let it Die.
Sleepy Hollow (1999)
Visually stunning
Once again Tim Burton dazzles us with his artists eye and creates a dark and somber place called "Sleepy Hollow". Quite different from the book but never the less well told. Johnny Depp is quite good as the constable Ichabod Crane. He plays Crane as an analytical fussbudget with a weak stomach at the sight of blood which makes for some of the more humorous elements in the film. Alas, Christina Ricci is not effective at all as Katrina. No passion, no depth. Quite a waste really. The rest of the cast features some great performances by leading British actors and the addition of Christopher Lee was a treat! The sets and backdrop were perfect. This should be on everyones must see list for Halloween. A very good film.
A River Runs Through It (1992)
Falls flat
I recently watched this film back to back with Brad Pitt's other "brother saga", Legends of the Fall. Legends is a far superior film. River has none of the conflict or spark that Legends has. Craig Sheffer shows barely any emotion throughout the film. Brad Pitt shows that he is the best actor in both films but shines brighter in Legends. Aside from the stunning cinematography in River, the story is lacking in excitement, conflict, character development and pace. Unless you're a huge fan of fly fishing, watch Legends of the Fall instead.
Dogma (1999)
Excellent!
Dogma proves that religion as a film subject can be funny. This movie is a wonderful examination of christian religion and all it's glory and foibles. Each of the actors brings a special gift to the story (not the least of which are the two prophets). Kevin Smith does an excellent job of taking some of the most complicated and abstract doctrines of christianity and painting them with a wide brush, making it humorous and provocative. I really enjoyed this film and actually would like to see a sequel made. This is a "must see" film for all of the fallen by the wayside catholics out there.
The Rapture (1991)
Extremely thought provoking
This is one of those films that come along in a great while that both enthralls and disturbs you. Mimi Rodgers plays a woman caught up in depressing job as a directory assistance operator with her only escape, the sexual games and encounters she has with her lover. Driven to seek a better life, she is drawn into a religious cult that has her believing the Apocalypse is near. She is chosen by the group to go out to the rugged landscape and wait for a sign from God. What happens there is the remarkable and torturous journey of a woman brought to madness and questioning all that she believes in. This film haunts you long afterwards like witnessing a roadside accident. You are mesmerized by the horror of it while at the same time wanting to turn away. This film is powerful, provocative and deeply moving. A must see for serious film lovers.
Silverado (1985)
Best Western
This is truly one of my favorite films. The entire cast is great and the story really allows actors like Scott Glen, Danny Glover, Kevin Kline and Kevin Costner the chance to add some humor into an otherwise dead genre. The pacing of the story is excellent and never bogs down too much. The only thing missing from this movie was Slim Pickens. Yee Ha! Enjoy the ride!