Normy18 Reviews

High Fidelity (2000)

Should've brought my gun...I mean this should be fun!

[6/10 · 7 July 2000]

If Only.

Cusack is one of my favorite actors and he again struts his stuff in High Fidelity. His talent for developing a believable character is extraordinary; sometimes I think his characters reflect parts of him. Then again, parts of his character in High Fidelity could reflect on a lot of people.

Anyway, the character development in High Fidelity is fantastic, the dialogue is realistic and often funny, and the writing is unique and fresh.

But...the whole movie felt like some really bad sex. Foreplay for an hour and a half, and just when you think there might be a satisfying climax, it doesn't really come, and you leave smoking a bad cigarette.

I don't like being teased with a plot that doesn't really grow. Either make a movie with a plot or make a movie without one.

I know this movie and the characters are more or less realistic, but that doesn't mean I find the general public very interesting, and would want to continue viewing these anecdotes. Besides, one can only digest so many "Top 5" lists from someone who's terribly difficult to care about. Without a plot, I wouldn't have tried to care about him, and would've enjoyed his character more.

I think the director tried to hit every base in the world with this movie. For many, it does. For me, Frears tripped over second base gawking at his own talent.

Candleshoe (1977)

Well done. Bravo

[7/10 · 3 July 2000]

One of Jodie Foster's first roles, but she succeeds brilliantly despite a script with some corny verbatim. Very tomboyish but still gorgeous and her demeanor and acting ability far surpass her years. Niven is great fun playing several roles, all while trying to keep a straight face. Fight scene near end perhaps a bit overlong and typical, but maintains some humour. Average script is made up for with strong, tender performances in a children's movie (which probably only appeals to adults, now)which surprisingly is not emotionally manipulative. 7/10

Jingle All the Way (1996)

Worst Christmas Movie Ever

[1/10 · 6 June 2000]

I thought this movie was going to mock Christmas materialism and be extremely funny, especially with the comical cast. But instead it ends up glorifying and justifying the whole idea!

For kids the movie might be entertaining, but the whole stalking bit with Hartman and Arnold's wife is stale and not entertaining for children one bit.

For adults, the movie has little to offer except a chuckle every now and then. Some earnesty, but mostly mean-spiritedness make this move insulting. If the plan is mocking a Christmas tradition, you don't do it by being mean to innocent people (and reindeer!); you do it through slapstick or through some other form. And besides, the ending contradicts the whole point of the movie, that people shouldn't be materialistic.

I saw this in a theater with my girlfriend, and both of us were so disturbed by the movie we couldn't even cuddle with each other!

Wretchedly horrible, but not the actors' faults (other than the fact they signed on to the script). This makes The Santa Clause (from a year before) seem like Miracle on 34th Street.

One of the worst movies I've ever seen.

Emmanuelle in Space (1994 TV Movie)

Entertaining!

[4/10 · 7 April 2000]

I just have to comment on this movie because I gave it a 4 rating, and in my opinion that's pretty high for a softporn smut movie. The actual plot is kind of hokey (who would expect otherwise) but Hafron is so incredibly funny, and he delivers everything in a cyborgish voice so it's easy for him. Whoever wrote the script had some wit definitely! I must have laughed out loud ten times, and that's not a reason anyone would pick up this movie. The only softporn movie I've seen which had any merit other than beautiful women (and believe me, Emmanuelle is drop dead gorgeous...just look at the cover!)

Any movie that can entertain me considering how poor the plot was and how bad the acting is, also considering the movie wasn't made to artistically entertain, so to speak, it gets at least a four in my book. I mean, who wouldn't watch this before Stop! Or My Mom Will Shoot?

Where the Red Fern Grows (1974)

Has everything the book has except magic

[5/10 · 6 August 1999]

An adaptation of one of the best children's books ever written, while a good production, does not capture the magic of the book. I should know. I have read this book three times, and I love it more each time.

The atmosphere present in the book is very well morphed onto the screen. Most of the characters are very believable, and Billy is pretty good himself too. The movie also follows the book almost to a tee. The only main difference is the chemistry between the two dogs. While the dogs seemed well trained in the movie, only the human imagination can actually create the love that emulates from both of these animals.

And of course, the book is always just a little bit better anyway. If you've read the book and wish to see the movie, it might be a little disappointing. If you've seen the movie and want to read the book, do so immediately! It'll have you in tears.

Jesus Christ Superstar (1973)

Not bad considering...

[6/10 · 5 August 1999]

Let me start out by saying that I am not religious or spiritual in any sense of either word. I have never believed in Christianity or any other religion for that matter. I am not a hate monger either, and I think religion in and of itself (which means excluding the lot that abuses it and those that embrace it like it should be) is a good thing. It just has never been a part of me.

But I love this movie. Without a doubt the best soundtrack to any film ever. I can sing along to almost any song and I still laugh at, "If you are the Christ, yes the Great Jesus Christ..." That guy was great. Well directed movie, creating suspense where there should be suspense, and tears where there should be tears. Ted Neely is absolutely phenomenal. I had the privilege of seeing him perform live about 5 years ago.

While probably not as well written, cast, or directed as some musicals like the Sound of Music, the actual "music" part of it leaves even Grease in the dust. I would recommend this movie to anyone, regardless of religious background.

8 Seconds (1994)

Probably for rodeo fans only

[4/10 · 3 August 1999]

While a touching story about the famous rodeo sensation Lane Frost, I have a hard time feeling sorry for him at the end. I simply have a hard time empathizing with a person who has to prove his manhood by torturing a poor animal. I was saddened a little by his death, but I almost cheered when the bull nearly castrated him! Simply paybacks is what I think.

There is a deeper story than that, however. If Luke Perry indeed represented Lane Frost pretty well, then I must admit Lane Frost wasn't that bad of a guy. I thought Perry did a pretty good job (despite my very low expectations) and the relationship between him and his love interest is pretty realistic from my standpoint. Not a great movie, but enjoyable if you're in the mood for a sad drama and have a little bit of country in you.

Although I must say that if you are a country fan and you don't feel like watching the movie or hate rodeo, the soundtrack is still pretty good as far as country movie soundtracks go. Not quite as good as the soundtrack for Maverick, but I thoroughly enjoy them both.

E.T. (1982)

The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly

[4/10 · 3 August 1999]

I first saw this movie when I was 5, and I liked it pretty well. My parents even bought for me...and I don't think I've watched it since (other than clips). I cannot remember most of the jokes and dialogue in the movie, but I remember the big picture still. After all, the movie is still popular.

Let me start by saying that Spielberg entered in this movie some of the best aspects of filmaking and also some of the worst. The movie is magical, especially for a young child. The relationship between E.T. and the boy is indeed heartwarming, and the special effects are good enough to compete with Cameron. However, the disappointing aspects of this film overweighed the good in my mind. This movie was rated PG-13 in some European countries. Why? Spielberg lures kids in to watch this movie, only to tell them that parents are close-minded and completely out of touch with kids, while also encouraging children to defy their parents when they "know" all the answers. Now granted, Spielberg doesn't come right out and say it, but for very young kids, this atmosphere could be harmful.

Moreover, much of the movie is directed to people who fall in love with lots of cute things. I don't mind cute movies, but it is overdone in a movie which is meant to be a sci-fi movies for kids, and a serious drama for adults. There are also many contrivances and plot holes that I believe are only accepted because the director was Speilberg and because it was a "cool" sci-fi flick. However these do not affect my rating of the movie, as I also am willing to ignore some poor or formulaic writing when the rest of the movie is great.

It seems I am in the minority on this movie. Even AFI has it 25th best all time on their list. But even throwing away all my personal taste, the message sent in this movie would still detract me from rating it among the classics.

I give it a 4 (out of 10) for effort.

Dead Calm (1989)

Almost...but not quite

[5/10 · 24 July 1999]

Gripping...suspenseful...realistic...until the last fifteen minutes. Probably the biggest contrast between the ending and the rest of the movie. William Shatner hero scenes in Star Trek are not as lame as the ending in Dead Calm. I swear the writers must've had a party to celebrate their wonderful script and got drunk right before they wrote the last part. Laugh out loud funny.

Cliffhanger (1993)

Definitely not a cliffhanger

[4/10 · 21 July 1999]

As with most action movies, the plots are generally not Oscar-worthy, the acting is average or subpar, and the action itself is pretty unbelievable. However, if one enjoys the action genre, these movies can be very entertaining. But then there are movies like Cliffhanger, which stretch credibility so far (while pretending that it has some) that the movie suddenly becomes laughable. The strongest, well-bodied and athletic person in the world could not even accomplish 85% of the things Stallone seems to be able to achieve in this movie. Not only that, but sometimes the movie defies basic scientific theories (like Armageddon does). Even more unrealistic than True Lies, and with a much worse plot, this movie gets put near the bottom of the barrel, even among the action movies that I've seen. Stallone fans and action movie buffs may enjoy this movie, but I can't imagine anyone else feeling like their money and time was well spent.

Listen to Me (1989)

Only for a limited group of people

[6/10 · 21 July 1999]

If you're a debater, especially if you're an L-Der, you'll probably be at least mildly entertained by this movie. Unless you have actually been involved in debate, high-school or college, you will not understand a lot of the little things that are going on throughout the movie. Definitely not for those who dislike debate, and probably not for those who have never been involved either. Unless you're a huge Cameron and Scheider fan.

I was a debater in high-school. I loved it.

All Quiet on the Western Front (1930)

READ THE BOOK!!!

[6/10 · 21 July 1999]

I only gave this movie a 6 out of 10, but maybe that is because I read the book first. The movie, while pretty good, does not do the story justice. The book captures the imagination so vividly that any glorifying thought of war is immediately stricken from your memory. If you do not have the time to read, or just cannot get into a book, at least pick up the movie. Portraying war from a non-American perspective not only gives us a better respect for other cultures, but also a better idea of what war actually does to humans and to society. Ten times more powerful than Saving Private Ryan, this book is an absolute must-read for anyone.

True Lies (1994)

Only if you're in the mood

[4/10 · 12 July 1999]

If you like Schwarzenneger and Curtis, go ahead and see the film. The action is very good at the beginning, but seriously deteriorates. Some of the action gets to the point where it is so unrealistic it's comic. Watch out for the fairly lame (as far as action scenes go) scene with a horse. Flashbacks of The Last Boy Scout horse scene. Ouch.

The film is too inconsistent with the script and action too far-fetched for me to watch it again. But if you're just in the mood for another kick-butt action movie, it might be worth it. It helped me get through a nasty 104 temperature, so it obviously has some redeemable qualities.

Timecop (1994)

Sneak Peek at the bottom of the barrel

[2/10 · 12 July 1999]

As far as Van Damme movies go, this isn't that bad. When he doesn't have to actually act too much (like Bloodsport), he's watchable.

As far as movies about time travel go, this movie ranks right down there with the bottom. Not only is it less feasible then other movies like Terminator and even Back to the Future, the movie contradicts itself too many times considering how short it is.

As far as all movies go, don't waste your money, unless you're a huge Van Damme fan. The action is good. But a so-so plot, sub-par acting, and amateur directing make this movie very forgettable.

D2: The Mighty Ducks (1994)

Same ol, same ol...

[3/10 · 12 July 1999]

I saw the first version of this movie in the theaters and I thought it was reasonably well done for a Disney movie. It was somewhat memorable with a few funny lines as well.

Then I saw the second movie (only cuz it was free). Basically it was like watching the first movie again. The only difference is an unrealistic beginning (even unrealistic as far as Disney goes) in where the kids somehow have managed to forget how to play hockey.

Again they start to get better. Again Emilio becomes a self-centered egotistical jerk, and again the kids bring him around til where they start screaming Quack! Quack! And again, of course, they do the impossible against a team with 100 times the talent.

I believed the first one was worth watching by the average person who generally likes Disney movies. The second one; rent it for your kids. Or leave it gain dust on the shelf. After all, you've already seen it before.

The Distinguished Gentleman (1992)

One of Murphy's few above average movies

[7/10 · 9 July 1999]

I'll start off by saying I don't particularly like Eddie Murphy. I think he is not always in tune with what is funny, and the only movie that he was in that I truly enjoyed (I thought he was excellent in the Nutty Proffessor but I didn't like the movie really) was Beverly Hills Cop. And this one. Here's why:

Eddie Murphy does not force his humor in this movie, like he tries in almost everything else I've seen him in. For most of the movie, he seems himself. Not only that, you actually see a little drama from Eddie, which while not ranking up there with the likes of Hanks and Hackman, he certainly makes you believe he's got another side to him.

The movie, while stretching credibility, attacks the System very well, both dramatically and humorously. If one watches this movie expecting a mild satire instead of a barrel of laughs or a breathtaking plot, they will probably enjoy it, assuming they didn't hate Beverly Hills Cop.

Chasing Amy (1997)

Mirror Image

[8/10 · 25 June 1999]

Okay. I must admit that the lesbian falling in love with a man thing (despite Smith's explanation for Alyssa as to why she could despite being a lesbian) kind of irked me. I was not terribly impressed with the plot of the movie. But there were a few things I loved.

The movie was different. I wouldn't say it was completely original, but definitely not Hollywood. No director is ever going to be 100% accurate with the portrayal of human relationships, but that is to be expected. This movie was one of the first movies that showed relationships and dialogue within them to almost mirror ones that I have had. I think Smith could have left out the whole gay/straight deal and not much would've been taken away.

Affleck's speech to Alyssa expressing his love: I swear I have practically said the same thing myself (to a woman who didn't feel the same way). And Alyssa's reaction (at least her original reaction) was so realistic. And the scene outside the ice rink: so realistic I was left totally in awe, and crying by the end of it. Very few movies remind me of my love life. This one did.

But maybe that's the catch. I thought Smith's interpretation of love hit the target much closer than any director has in the past, but that could be just because his interpretation is awfully close to mine.

And of course, Jason Lee was excellent.

"Because the other three don't *#&$ exist!" :)