karma185 Reviews

Just One of the Guys (1985)

Better then the others

[11 October 1999]

As the resident viewer of less then oscar-worthy movies, I think that this movie was like the precedent for all those movies where the guy tries to be a girl or a girl tries to be a guy. Out of all of those really stupid movies with stupid dialogue and plenty of excuses for guys to go into a girl's locker room/slumber party without getting caught, "Just one of the Guys" actually tries, and sometimes succeeds in presenting believable characters, somewhat real situations, and the audience pulls for the heroine. Again, it's very very not an "Adult" movie, and you probably won't enjoy it if you are of drinking age, but it's a good party movie, for a bunch of girls that are sitting in their pajamas, eating ben and jerry's, crying about How lonely they are. I mean, the music is awful- but I was really left with a good feeling.

Bottle Rocket (1996)

Ambitious

[7/10 · 26 August 1999]

Everything about "Bottle Rocket" was ambitious. The film making was ambitious, the characters were ambitious. While I can't say this was a religious experience, Bottle Rocket was a good independent film, and I do recommend it. I was lucky it was on IFC, but I plan on renting it again just to catch the dialogue. The way that the characters take their "crimes" so seriously is so fun to watch. Everyone seemed to be playing pretend, almost. When Dignan talks about his plans for a heist, you almost wonder when mom is going to call him in for supper. I truly enjoyed the acting of everyone, especially the Wilsons. I have a problem with the way Luke Wilson delivers his lines, he's effective and believable enough, but there is something in his speech patterns that annoys me. Anyway, I also enjoyed the music in this film! Every song seemed to hit the right mood- especially when Anthony and Ines are together. I thought some parts dragged on a little but it was worth it to catch the themes in this movie- the difference between the "reality" of Futureman and his friends, and the "reality" of the gang. Some of the best movie lines were in "Bottle Rocket". "He said to me, 'Even though you are a F**k up, you're still my brother.' That touched me" or when James Caan says (more or less) "I hope you aren't offended when I say, your brother's a C**kSucker." and then everyone in the room laughs. I plan on telling all of my friends to see "Bottle Rocket."

Die Hard (1988)

Innovative for the 80's

[22 August 1999]

What I mean to say, is that Die Hard is one of those movies that set a precedent. The whole movie successfully blended a story line with action, (something that most action movies can't accomplish.) How refreshing to find that even the damsel-in-distress, (who isn't a supermodel in any way,) has the chance to throw a few punches. And the audience actually wants the police and the FBI to die, because they aren't the good guys. Die Hard is the reason why action movies sell, the way Scream is the way teen movies sell. Every twist in the plot was exciting, the action scenes were exhilerating, and the script was good enough- there was none of the lines that make you laugh out loud or say "Come on! They wouldn't really say that!" Not Oscar, but an awesome rental.

Notting Hill (1999)

Awesome

[10/10 · 5 June 1999]

I thought this movie was Julia's Best. There was not one part of this movie that I didn't enjoy. I thought that the script was refreshing, it was the kind of movie that had the whole audience laughing and crying and hugging at the end. The whole cast worked so well as an ensemble, with the roomate standing out, but with all the others standing out as well. I thought some moments were just beautiful, such as Grant's lengthy stroll down the street and the park scenes. The way that the movie combined comedy, romance, and drama together in one film was not at all cynical, it was so believable. Okay so maybe I'm a sap, but I thought that parts of this movie could have been biographical. I loved the soundtrack, with exception to the song that plays in the opening scenes. The music was effective at capturing the basic tone of the film. One more important thing- I like Hugh Grant as an actor again! He's so good in this that I want to see him act again. This is nothing like "Four Weddings. . .," which I thought was boring and hard to follow.

Logan's Run (1976)

exudes the 70's

[9/10 · 28 May 1999]

Okay, so this movie was made way before I was born and I really can't say that it exudes a decade I know nothing about, but It was still a really good movie. I think that we could use more sci fi movies like this, and like Planet of the Apes, movies that seem so darn innocent but still project that ever-important social message. I mean, Species??? (First 90' Sci-fi that comes to mind except the Phantom Menace which doesn't count, and the Matrix, which I call an exception,) This movie reminded me so much of the things that that era will be remembered for. The Sexual Revolution, Resisting Authority, etc. Am I the only one who thought this movie was sexy in a campy, silly way? Never would I have thought Michael York could be so cool, but I only know him from Austin Powers. Of course, he and Jessica HAVE to get into furs to keep warm. Of course, he's a hip, shagadelic swinger who gets to say "Come on, let's have sex." I totally recommend this movie because I'm going to see it again!

Irreconcilable Differences (1984)

lacking something

[4/10 · 15 May 1999]

"Irreconcilable Differences" definitely missed something but I'm not sure what. The acting was great and I thought the story was original. I think it was too much story in one movie, though. I think that most of it was melodramatic and none of it was funny, just depressing. However, I identified with Barrymore's character and I really liked the relationship between Shelley Long and Ryan O'Neal, when they got along. Not enough to recommend it.

Crooklyn (1994)

On the verge of classic

[7/10 · 1 May 1999]

This was the first movie done by Spike Lee that I have ever seen, and I saw this movie by accident. Out of all of his films, why is this one of the least known? It is worth seeing, because so many things work. It's definitely one of the most thematic movies I have ever seen, and I can definitely relate to many of Spike Lee's memories. It is sad, but it is also hopeful. Alfre Woodard was awesome, and I definitely think that she is one of the best unrecognized actresses in the US today. Delroy Lindo played his character well too. The relationship between Troy and her brothers was especially memorable and so universal! The best scenes in the movie showcase the children in front of the television. This movie was on the verge of greatness but it didn't capture it just because some parts of the movie were melodramatic and drawn out. The movie itself was about 15 minutes too long.

Home Fries (1998)

the strangest plot of 1998

[5/10 · 18 April 1999]

Well, I wouldn't say that this movie sucked, but I wouldn't really recommend it either. Drew Barrymore plays the same character she has played for the past few years. The plot is so confusing and just tries too hard. I guess that's the major problem. Home Fries tries too hard to be romantic, funny, dark, and intelligent. The acting overall was good, but the actors did the best with what they had. I thought Luke Wilson was good and he is definitely eye candy, but the script itself did made him look really stupid. Some things were so unnescessary. What was the point of Sally's family? Why wasn't her backround explored? (This could have been a really sweet rich guy/poor girl film.) How come Catherine O'Hara seemed clueless towards the end? I felt bad because out of all of Barrymore's recent films this one was the one that COULD HAVE been so much better.

L.A. Confidential (1997)

Awesome

[9/10 · 17 April 1999]

I saw this movie on HBO because I thought nothing else was on. I was reluctant to see it because I usually don't watch cop movies. (I'm under 18, what can I say. They don't market them for my age group) I couldn't have been more wrong. L.A. Confidential was awesome, very high on my list of good movies, because it was so well done. The Los Angeles aspect was so distinct, which I appreciated even though I don't know anything about the 50s that isn't on Nick at Nite. The acting was awesome too, enough that it should have been more recognized at the Oscars. Everyone gives kudos to Spacey and he was great but I didn't consider him the main part of the film. I thought that the acting of Guy Pearce and especially of Russell Crowe, stood out. I thought Crowe had a stronger prescence then Pearce, but they were both good and I really wish that this movie would have been a jumping off point for their careers. I really want to see more of them! Basinger was good too, worthy of her awards and worthy of a comeback. I don't think this role was cliche for her because this time she played a blond with intelligence and motives and dimension. The script was great, with a few things that disturbed me and I accepted as part of the story. The racism, characteristic of that era, and the corruption were effective enough to make me yell at the T.V. I thought people were kicking in doors too much, and shooting first/asking questions later. Lastly, the soundtrack was awesome. The jazz sounds that played continuously throughout the film accented the story the way a soundtrack is supposed too. Many people compare this movie to films like CHINATOWN. I can't offer the same comparison because I haven't seen CHINATOWN and I don't know what it's about. But I think L.A. Confidential is a great movie without attaching it to a genre. It's a great movie "in itself."

Four Rooms (1995)

awesome

[9/10 · 15 April 1999]

Maybe I'm just a sucker for dumb movies, but I enjoyed every piece of this particular film. I was interested throughout the whole movie, even through the first piece. I guess I'm the only one who got something out of the second skit with Jennifer Beals. The third skit was great but not any better then the others. The last one, with Tarantino, was the only skit that got remotely irritating. It seemed to drag and mislead a bit but the ending was worth the wait. Tim Roth, who I don't see a lot of, was awesome enough to make me a fan. He was hilarious the whole way through. Also, this movie puts the "f-word" to really good use, I really appreciated the way expletives were inserted into just about every sentence.

Tim (1979)

the lamest movie ever

[12 April 1999]

Okay so maybe it isn't the lamest. However, I wouldn't reccomend it. Mel Gibson, who's like 25 in the movie, is gorgeous, but that's it. It's an old fashioned romance but it was filled with just too many holes. I found myself anticipating the end, the story lines were too many and got confused, the ending itself was unrealistic and confusing. I didn't know who Mary Horton was in the end of the movie and I think that I should have. I didn't think Mel's impersonation of a retarded boy was very convincing I guess because I've seen him in too many movies and it just looked unnatural. I wish his family would have been explored more as well. I felt like the relationship between Mary and Tim was almost incestuous, or like one between a teacher and student- and I doubt that's what the author had in mind. It was just weird.

What Dreams May Come (1998)

Very Emotional

[6 April 1999]

What Dreams May Come was emotional from beginning to end. I was a little skeptical about Robin Williams, but he definitely delivered a great performance. The effects were awesome, even on TV, as were the music, the acting, and the script. The whole soul mates/afterlife plot was beautiful. The colors were gorgeous. Cuba Gooding Jr. and Robin Williams were great, even after both won Oscars. Sciorra was a little annoying at times but she clicked with Williams enough that you could believe her, which is very important.

Wayne's World (1992)

One of my favorite movies.

[10/10 · 6 April 1999]

Wayne's World has to be one of my favorite movies. It is the ultimate party movie, the ultimate quotable movie, and If you don't like it you can't be one of my friends. The acting is what you'd expect but when you watch it you aren't supposed to look at the acting. The humor never gets old, and I think this is the only time a Saturday night live sketch was as good as/better on screen as on TV. I also think that movie makers could learn a lot from this movie when they are trying to think of ways to reach out to the teen generation, simply because this movie is so priceless. It's dumb but it's always playing at parties that I've been too!