paullouis Reviews

Sweethearts (1997)

Rare intelligent romantic comedy

[10/10 · 14 May 2004]

I urge anyone who cannot sit through a Meg Ryan film without wanting to scream "the world is not like this!" at the top of their lungs to watch this film. Sweethearts is an absolutely fantastic film, with a pair of top draw performances from Mitch Rouse and, especially, Janeane Garofolo who shows a grasp of pathos I for one had previously never even glimpsed. The choice of setting the film almost entirely in one locale (a trendy bo ho coffee house) is inspired, fostering an claustrophobic intensity that gives the emotional content that extra bite. The dialogue is, with one or two exceptions, in turns bitingly savage, wonderfully droll and genuinely touching. There are also some wonderful directorial flourishes, in particular during the rooftop scene. By far the best element of the film, however, is the way it consistently plays with the conventions of the genre it superficially falls into. Horvat masterfully leads the viewer into a falls sense of security ("oh, right, now he'll fall in love with her and she'll have a life changing epiphany and they'll all live happily ever after. And there'll probably be a dog involved somewhere") only to pull the rug out from under at the perfect moment. In all few films, especially romantic films, have left such a deep and lasting impression on me. I heartily recommend anyone with at least half a brain and half a heart to try to find this film (please, someone, release it one DVD), you won't be disapointed. 10/10

Cold Steel (1987)

Must see movie!

[1/10 · 28 December 2003]

This movie is an absolute must see for all true film fans. A wonderfully entertaining one and a half hour cliche fest. From the ludicrously over the top car chases, to the hackneyed dialogue, wholly predictable plot "twists" and diabolical attempts at comedy there's always something to laugh at (though never with). This film deserves to be a mainstay of drinking games, just go to one of the movie cliche websites, print off a list of the cop movie cliches and drink whenever one appears. If that's not enough to get you completely hammered you could always try downing your drink whenever Brad Davis's character seems to completely forget the fact that his father's just been murdered. Cold Steel is brilliant if enjoyed as a spoof or as a chance to get drunk. As a film, however...

0/5