Capps Reviews

Nightwatch (1997)

Superb Thriller - Highly Underrated

[10/10 · 22 February 2003]

"Nightwatch" is a fascinating cinematic exercise in atmosphere and tension. The film has a swift pace, prodigious sense of style, and near-perfect balance of thrills and entertainment.

I have seen "Nattevagten," the Danish picture on which this is based, and am unsure why fans of the original despise this American remake. Writer/director Ole Bornedal's second outing with the creepy source material is highly faithful and admittedly more satisfying. It retains all of the right elements while subtracting only several minor scenes of excess. "Nightwatch" develops its characters, exposition, and scares much faster and more effectively. It blends its humor and horror in a graceful manner, and wisely picks the precise moments to flesh-out the details of its protagonists and antagonist. The cast is incredibly likeable as well. Well-respected talent such as Ewan McGregor, Nick Nolte, and a surprisingly impeccable Josh Brolin add a richer, deeper subtext to performances that could have easily been automitized.

The premise of the feature and how it plays out is not about sheer originality. The script is written with enough intelligence to distinguish between excitement and absurdity. It provides the filmmaker with the opportunity to place viewers in the shoes of a horrified protagonist. Bornedal presents the confinement of the morgue in a manner both elegant and creepy. He succeeds in his goal to provide a satisfying mystery with "Nightwatch," one of the best and most underrated thrillers in more recent years.

American Pie (1999)

Finally, a true teen comedy!

[8/10 · 6 July 1999]

In a year of- no wait, scratch that- in a decade of major league disappointments in the genre of teen cinema, Universal Pictures has finally delivered a flick that lives up to the standards of such raunchy classics as Fast Times at Ridgemont High and Porkys.

American Pie is a genuinely funny film. While it seems as though most of the gross out humor is a blatant result of the success of There's Something About Mary, the laughs truly are quite original and not forced. The film is reminiscent of when John Hughes was writing in his prime in the mid-late '80s, back when teen comedies actually appealed to teens with true emotion and hysterics.

While the script is very well written, the cast is really the driving force behind the film. American Pie would not have been half as funny had there been "IT" boys and girls such as Freddie Prinze and Jennifer Love in it. Actors such as Jason Biggs and Natasha Lyonne are the true stars to watch out for nowadays. The expressions, deliveries, and characterizations are priceless all around the board. Each individual actor expresses his/her character with a certain sense of pragmism and originality that it's hard not to like any one of them.

I don't think I really need to discuss the plot or some of the best scenes in the film because they really have to be seen to be appreciated. Just make sure that while going to the local multiplex to catch the latest big budget filmmaking disaster of the '90s, you save a little room inside your cerebrum of entertainment to catch an outstandingly funny, smart, and emotionally satisfying flick that might not be sold out on two screens.

The Faculty (1998)

The epitome of a fun movie....

[3 January 1999]

Sure, it's derivative as hell, but the Faculty is a movie so incredibly fun that it's cliches are dismissed. There is some originality to the film, but for the most part, it borrows from many sci-fi classics such as Carpenter's version of "The Thing" and of course, "Invasion of the Body Snatchers." However, Rodriguez is a director who knows how to mix style and action with little substance (this is definitely Williamson's most flawed script). The action sequences are all superb (you gotta love Jon Stewart's demise) and the climax actually is climactic, unlike many horror and action films where they tend to fall apart after a decent opening. The cast is wonderful as well. Each of the younger actors pulls off a completely original spin on a contrived type of character. Standouts include Elijah Wood as Casey and Clea Duvall as Stokely. The casting of the faculty could not have been more perfect either (Robert Patrick is as creepy as it gets). All in all, the Faculty is a little movie gem that reminds us why we go to the movies: to have a good time. (* * * 1/2) out of (* * * *)

When a Stranger Calls Back (1993 TV Movie)

An amazing sequel and a fantastic film...

[14 December 1998]

When A Stranger Calls Back is without a doubt one of the most underrated films of all time. It is better than it's predecessor (which was also a very entertaining film). However, what makes this film more enjoyable and scary is the fact that the tension is kept throughout the film, as opposed to the first one where only the beginning and end are suspenseful. In When A Stranger Calls Back, the beginning, middle, and end are filled with some of the most frightening scenes I've ever viewed and keep the film going at a steady, entertaining pace. And the ending is mind-blowingly creative and scary. The characters are all well developed, the script is tight, and the direction is superb. I won't reveal anything about the plot, but all I can say is that once you see this film, you will be drawn in by its originality and suspense. Kudos to underrated writer/director Fred Walton for making one of the best suspense thrillers you'll ever see. (****)out of(****)