Reviews
Starship Troopers (1997)
Who's expecting Hamlet?
If you've heard anything in advance about Starship Troopers, you at least know not to expect taut drama or even a decent adaption of Robert Heinlein 's novel.
I cannot figure out if this is one of the worst or best movies I've ever seen. There's no doubt it's all tongue in cheek, but I think there was purposeful casting of actors with limited ranges; it painted an interesting picture of the future.
Some of the bug-related gore was fantastic. I think this puts horror movies to shame. The scare/disgust factor in this film is such a better movie value than the tired thrills of Scream or I Know What You Did Last Summer. I haven't squirmed this much in my seat since I almost walked out of Mimic last year. (Perhaps I have a serious aversion to bugs.)
This movie really excited me. I don't think I've seen anything like it. I really didn't care for Basic Instinct and hated Total Recall. But this is movie Schlock as it's supposed to be. This is the movie that Godzilla could have been.
Doogie Howser was disappointing. I would have liked a more suitable actor in that role, but again, they might have been saying something about the limited role of real emotions in the future.
Also, I do advocate just relaxing your reality when it comes to ST.
The Big Lebowski (1998)
The fastest, sharpest movie I've seen
I think I could see Lebowski every day. So far, I've seen it five times which just makes me want to see it more. My favorite Coen Brothers movie. I think they've improved with every movie (except The Hudsucker Proxy). In fact, I think this is the movie they had in mind when they worked up the Hudsucker Proxy. With all of the imagery, symbolism and themes all over the script, I think this movie is in some ways a tribute to complexity and coincidence.
Only complaint: I want more of John Turturro as Jesus.
This movie is electric. Watching it reminded me of getting an hour-long massage - I loved every minute of it, and was fearing the inevitable end of the movie. Karl Hungus, Walter, Donnie, Jesus & Liam, Maude Lebowski, everybody was sensational - but The Dude is the focal point. He should be an inspiration to us all.
The more I think about this film, the more I believe it's my favorite movie of all-time.
I Love You, Alice B. Toklas! (1968)
Peter Sellers at his absolute best
I Love You, Alice B. Toklas! is probably my definitive 60s romp.
This movie has so many classic comic moments, I don't know where to begin. It was written by Paul Mazursky and might just be the high point of his illustrious career.
In between great stuff like where Howard, his fiancee and Jewish parents unwittingly eat pot brownies and the scene where Howard's scene turns into a bummer, there's some decent commentary of the hypocricies of the 60s. Plus a focused Sellars performance as Harold Fine with some great Jewish humor.
I'm tempted to quote this movie non-stop.
If you are any kind of fan of Peter Sellars, I cannot recommend this movie highly enough.