Qbrick Reviews

The Contender (2000)

THE CONTENDER is a liberal's wet dream

[14 October 2000]

This could have been one of the truly great films but thanks to writer/director Rod Lurie's pandering to his Dreamworks buddies, THE CONTENDER has been gutted. What could have been rich, complex portrayals by a stand-out cast is now a liberal's wet dream. Two very wrong-headed concepts ruin this picture: (1) that all conservatives are evil on the level of a Darth Vader while only liberals possess intelligence and warmth (2)and that any politcian would risk their career when they could easily disprove damaging allegations. I was truly disappointed because I think Joan Allen is wonderful in THE CONTENDER but so is Gary Oldman. They should save this kind of stuff for Democratic fund-raisers.

Magnolia (1999)

Give That Man an Oscar

[8 December 1999]

Lesser film critics may dismiss MAGNOLIA, the new film from Paul Thomas Anderson, as a Robert Altman knockoff, recalling NASHVILLE or the more recent SHORT CUTS. They might even extol MAGNOLIA for the same reason. To do so, will be a disservice to one of this decade's most gifted filmmakers. Yes, there are cinematic nods to Mr. Altman's influence (for instance, in the casting of Henry Gibson from NASHVILLE) But in this wonderful film, about the weird synchronicity of life; Mr. Anderson playfully tosses these kinds of filmic treats throughout the movie. He does this in his choice of casting and even soundtrack music.

MAGNOLIA is a funny, mesmerizing display of parallels.of synchronicity. And MAGNOLIA is also an examination of how one person can impact the lives of other. It's like the Kabbalist teach, when we act in a wholly negative manner, that act will create an evil angel. That angel will do its work.

There will be lots of blah blah blah about Oscars and it's all deserved, especially for the cast. I've gone this far without revealing the plot(s) of MAGNOLIA. I wouldn't dare. This is film that is rich with surprise from a director who obviously enjoys MOVIES. After spending three hours with MAGNOLIA.I want to spend three more.

Man on the Moon (1999)

Start Engraving Jim's Name on That Oscar

[2 December 1999]

MAN ON THE MOON will dispel any thoughts that Jim Carrey is simply a cartoon character come to life. He eerily inhabits the persona of the late Andy Kaufman. He is so real that when we encounter real-life personalities on-screen, Jim's presence is right in sync...he's just as real as the real cast of TAXI or producer Lorne Michaels appearing as themselves. There will be Oscar nominations for Carrey, Director Milos Foreman and screenwriters Alexander and Karaszewski. And stay for the closing credits.

The Cider House Rules (1999)

Cider House Does Rule

[30 November 1999]

I have to join all of the previous posts regarding the new film version of John Irving's CIDER HOUSE RULES. Some have actually worked on the film and all comment about the love that went into this fine production. Well, for my money, it's all up there on the screen. The film IS lovingly crafted, richly realized and glows with nostalgia. The cast is wonderful, especially Michael Caine. By all means, see this picture. And has anybody noticed how much time we're spending in the 1940's, on film, lately?

Simpatico (1999)

Pure Thoroughbred

[19 November 1999]

Like the race-horse of the title, the cast in this dark, eccentric tale are pure thoroughbreds...Nick Nolte, Jeff Bridges, Albert Finney,Kathryn Keener, Sharon Stone along with up and comer Shawn Hatosy. And though the director, Matthew Warchus, appears to be a first time helmer, his handling of these pros is sure-footed. Warchus also does an impressive job of steering us through a complex plot with sure, visual dexterity. SIMPATICO, from a script by Warchus, based on a Sam Shepard play, really isn't about horse-racing. It's an entertaining exploration of betrayal, survival and how the simple passage of time changes the whole equation.

My Dog Skip (2000)

This Dog Will Hunt

[18 November 1999]

Parents craving a good family film will find a real winner in MY DOG SKIP. Talented newcomer Frankie Muniz heads up a fine cast that includes Kevin Bacon (in one of his best performances in a while)along with the lovely Diane Lane (a woman who just keeps getting better looking with every passing year) and Dallas' own Luke Wilson. 'SKIP' is based on the memoirs of prize-winning author Willie Morris, recounting his boyhood in Yazoo, Mississippi. The film fairly glows with warmth and nostalgia. I found myself longing for a time and a place I never really knew. Please see this rare little gem and yes, take the whole family.

The End of the Affair (1999)

Neil Jordan's Latest Affair

[15 November 1999]

In lesser hands, End of the Affair could have become a Soap Opera by way of Masterpiece Theatre. But director Neil Jordan has fashioned Graham Greene's autobiographical tale of stolen love into a quietly haunting film. It's set in Post-War London, thick with constant rains and illicit sex between a cynical novelist (Ralf Fiennes) and the bored wife (Julianna Moore)of hard-working government official (Stephen Rhea). I'm a sucker for period films..any period, so this was my cup of English tea. Graham Greene's knack for story-telling coupled with Neil Jordan's elegant film technique offer a compelling film experience in The End of the Affair.

Boys Don't Cry (1999)

A Rough Little Gem

[13 October 1999]

Meet one of Hilary Swank's newest fans. I watched Director Kim Pierce's newest (and I assume first)film wondering where she found this little gem of an actress. Swank is heartbreakingly real in this true story. She plays Brandon Teena, a young girl who desperately wanted to be of the boys but with terrible consequences. It was shot here in North Texas (doubling for Nebraska) and the low-budget look of the film actually contributes to the tacky, boozing world that Brandon and her redneck friends inhabit. Thanks to a great cast and Ms. Pierce's fine direction, "Boys Don't Cry" exudes a tragic tenderness. But the lead, Hilary Swank, is the one you'll be watching.

Fight Club (1999)

Fight Club Breaks the Rules

[11 October 1999]

The first rule of FIGHT CLUB is.....go see this audacious, cranial busting flick. I sat thru a rousing Dallas screener tonight and walked away with all synapses humming. FIGHT CLUB will be added to a list of movies that made this an incredible year for film(THREE KINGS, AMERICAN BEAUTY). Fincher has fashioned a rowdy, hilarious, blood-soaked allegory of everything that's wrong with Modern Life. Brad Pitt, Edward Norton and Helena Bonham Carter should all get penciled in for Oscar noms, not to mention Mr.Fincher who proves that he can be frightening and funny at the same time. Though people are beating each other up, the film isn't really about fighting...it's about fighting back.

Stir of Echoes (1999)

Six Degrees of Echoes

[25 August 1999]

Poor Kevin Bacon. He's not only the star of a dangerously mind-numbing trivia game, he was cast in this flick. I would only recommend 'STIR' for one reason: Illeana Douglas. This sultry, witty, big-eyed reincarnation of Marie Windsor has proven (especially with that little-seen gem, GRACE OF MY HEART) that she is more than 'SCORSESE'S GIRLFRIEND'

The film sets things up when, at a party, Ms. Douglas aims those gorgeous goggles at Kevin Bacon, putting him into a hypnotic trance. In this altered state, she convinces Kev that the movie will not embarrass him or the audience. I actually saw this before SIXTH SENSE and it spoiled the latter film for me. I kept waiting for Bruce Willis to see red lights everywhere. For those of you who want to see this farce, the flashing red scenes are the lamest dramatic device to crop up in a 90's film...this is the William Castle school of film making.

Sorry, Kevin. Next time, Illeana attempts to hypnotize you...open your eyes and READ THE SCRIPT.

The 13th Warrior (1999)

Heads Will Roll

[25 August 1999]

Just think Kurosawa's SEVEN SAMURAI in Viking drag. That could have been the pitch to the suits at Disney for this rousing Antonio Banderas film. Director John McTiernan has always had a keen eye for action but his elegance is missing.

Though the the casting is interesting and bloody heads tend to fall from bodies, the film has the feel of an extended trailer. The powers that be must have employed one of those hefty Norse broadswords at the editing suite.

Alas, I'm a sucker for detailed period pieces and 13th WARRIOR has plenty of detail and bloody pieces. Go see it...I give it two swords up.