ebe28 Reviews

Pride and Prejudice (1995)

This one is the best...

[10/10 · 20 March 2002]

Besides the lavish production values and the impeccable casting, this 1995 version of Jane Austen's "Pride and Prejudice" is simply the best. The labour of love shown from the cast and crew in bringing this adaptation to film is so evident throughout the production.

Jennifer Ehle as Elizabeth Bennett and Colin Firth as Mr. Darcy could not be more splendidly cast. At first, Ehle and Firth seem to be uncomfortable with their roles, yet with each passing minute, they easily bring the two characters to life and take us to a time when falling in love was not always an option in society. Their chemistry is undeniable here.

As for the other characters, I must admit that Alison Steadman's Mrs. Bennett can quickly grate on your nerves, but undoubtedly, that is how Austen wanted her portrayed. All of Eliza's sisters were perfectly cast as well. Adrian Lukas' portrayal of Mr. Wickham was almost too perfect. He came across as incredibly charming and likable that it was almost difficult to believe that he had a dark side. While Crispin Bonham-Carter's Mr. Bingley was very likable throughout.

This adaptation had an almost epic feel to it, particularly when they showed Pemberley. The lush scenery and high production values were almost characters themselves to help compliment an exquisite cast.

This one is a must have for your movie collection, particularly if you love romantic period pieces.

Pride and Prejudice (1980)

True to the Austen classic...

[20 March 2002]

I first watched this version of Pride and Prejudice when I was in college about 10 years ago and fell in love with the characters as I envisioned them from the novel.

However, after watching the updated 1995 version from A&E, this one seems to pale in comparison. Reading other people's comments, it seems the common "complaint" if you will regarding this 1979 production is that the characters were "too stiff," and it seemed more "theatrical" in feeling than the updated version, which I agree.

Getting away from the costumes and rather sparse sets, some of the dialogue, though staying true to Austen's novel, doesn't always sound natural when spoken by the actors. The actor playing Darcy doesn't seem to change mannerisms or attitude in the entire movie. There is also so much focus on Elizabeth Darvie as Elizabeth Bennett, which makes sense considering she is the heroine, but it also feels somewhat forced as there are *so* many voiceovers of what she is thinking or feeling regarding a given situation. When Eliza and Darcy finally get together at the end, it doesn't seem natural, and the payoff is not as satisfying.

One word to describe the 1995 version: EPIC. Again, getting away from the costumes and very lush settings, the whole feeling of the A&E version felt like something out of Titanic or Gone With The Wind. The basic plot of P&P is a romance, but the glamorous settings and perfect casting of the various characters made the 1995 P&P seem much more classic and grandeur. Also, there is an obvious chemistry between Elizabeth and Darcy, played so brilliantly by Jennifer Ehle and Colin Firth, which is glaringly missing in the 1979 production, that the ending is VERY satisfying and stays with the viewer long after watching the film.

The 1979 version is perfect for people who really want to stay more true to the novel, but for pure romantic notions and grandeur settings, the 1995 version is unbeatable, unforgettable, surreal and a must see for any P&P or Austen fan.

Seven Girlfriends (1999)

Surprisingly good romantic comedy

[31 January 2002]

These kind of low budget movies are a great reason to have digital cable. I had never heard of "Seven Girlfriends" but noticed that the likeable Tim Daly was in it. Since many movies that are played on cable late at night are usually uninteresting, I thought I would take a gamble with this movie.

It was surprisingly enjoyable for a relatively simple premise. Daly's Jesse is very much someone who could be your neighbor rather than some big Hollywood larger-than-life star. Though he has the enviable task of having to spend time with some of Hollywood's less known but very beautiful actresses, Daly makes every scene watchable. Though I didn't find any "laugh out loud" type humor, it still had very humorous scenes all throughout the film.

I was very impressed by many of the actresses, particularly Mimi Rogers, Laura Leighton, Olivia d'Abo and Melora Hardin even with their rather limited screen time. But that's what made the film flow so well. In the end, I was not surprised which actress Daly ended up with, but it was a nice thing to see. I also liked that there were still more scenes shown even with the credits running through the end. It made the experience of the characters that more satisfying to watch. This is a nice little light movie to put a smile on your face. Highly recommended.

Down Periscope (1996)

Much more cleverly funny than advertised...

[14 August 2001]

I first saw this movie when it came out on video within months of its theatrical release in 1996. I remember how I laughed much more than I expected.

I haven't watched the film until it came out on cable TV recently. Even though I knew the plot and many of the jokes, I still found myself laughing as hard as when I first saw it. I was pleasantly surprised that the movie still had an appeal after all these years and many of the actors in the film did a great job without being overly done. Kelsey Grammer, in particular, played a very likeable commander and even though he had the goofiest men under his command, Grammer brought out the best in each of them.

This movie is much more believeable to watch than any of the Police Academy movies. Being a former Navy vet myself, the language made sense to me and after watching a super serious thriller like "U-571" recently, Down Periscope still kept within the framework of what is acceptable and believeable within the Navy. If you haven't seen this film, I highly recommend it for pure entertainment and escapism.

The Chamber (1996)

The book is *so* much better...

[10 July 2001]

I've been hooked on Grisham novels the past few years and just recently finished reading "The Chamber." I was surprised to find out that a movie adaptation had been made. I don't recall ever seeing any previews for it in 1996. After watching the movie, I can see why.

Though I do believe that O'Donnel and Hackman were properly cast in the main characters of Adam Hall and Sam Cayhall, respectively, I don't understand why Faye Dunaway was cast as Lee. She was a bit overdramatic for many of the scenes, and her character wasn't so bubbly in the book. Also, some of the other characters were either not as prominent in the film as in the book (i.e. Goodman, the warden, Lucas Mann) while other characters who were barely mentioned beyond a cardboard cutout in the book were featured prominently in the film (i.e. Nora, Rollie Wedge).

The plot is similar enough but many of the sub-plots and settings were totally different that I almost didn't recognize it as part of the novel. Also, the pacing of the movie was strange since I never knew how long time had passed from the beginning when Sam had 28 days until his execution until the actual minute of his demise. There were too many gaps that didn't flow very well.

Though I've only read one other Grisham novel that was adapted to film (The Pelican Brief, which stays almost entirely true to the novel), I've seen other Grisham-based films (The Firm, The Rainmaker, The Client) to know that "The Chamber" would have been so much better with a better production and writing team as well as lack of Hollywood interference. The ending showing Wedge being captured by police was atrocious!

The Replacements (2000)

A cliche of a movie but fun to watch...

[18 June 2001]

There's not much in this movie that would be considered original, but the characters and some funny moments make this movie very fun to watch. Though Keanu Reeves didn't do anything different, he was needed to be the straight guy for all the wild personalities around him. The treat was seeing the gorgeous Brooke Langton and her cheerleaders. Their scenes were some of the better and funnier ones in the movie. Overall, I'm glad I waited until this movie came on cable. If you want to see a funny football movie, watch "Necessary Roughness." If you just want to see something silly and fun, "The Replacements" fits the bill.

The Family Man (2000)

A movie that gets under your skin...

[11 March 2001]

Though most people have compared this movie to "It's A Wonderful Life" and "Me Myself I," "The Family Man" reminded me more of "Mr. Destiny" with Jim Belushi playing Larry Burrows, a man experiencing an alternate life except that his fantasy was what Nicolas Cage's character already had. It was a nice variation of the "what if..." genre where Belushi's Larry is a middle-class guy living the Donald Trump life and all the craziness that goes with it.

Ironically, "Family Man" starts off similarly to "Destiny," the *event* in each character's life that changed their future forever. It is 1987, and Nic Cage plays Jack Campbell, who has an enormous opportunity of a lifetime if he steps on a plane bound for London rather than stay and resume his relationship with his beautiful college sweetheart, Kate (appealingly played by Tea Leoni). Jack takes "the road less travelled" and boards the plane.

Thirteen years pass, and we see that Kate is no longer with Jack. In fact, he has obviously succeeded immensely in the business world and can pick any beautiful woman that he wants. Jack has all the material things any person desires: *lots* of money, expensively tailored clothes, a huge penthouse with a Park Avenue view, a fast Italian sports car and people who both envy and follow him.

Jack is a nice enough guy. There is nothing inherently *bad* about him, but he is thoroughly obsessed with work. He has his staff coming in on Christmas Eve rather than have the day off because of a billion-dollar merger happening the day after Christmas that Jack orchestrated. Yet, he gets a curious telephone message from Kate, whom Jack never saw again after he boarded that plane in 1987.

Though nostalgic about a past love, he doesn't call her back and decides to go about his life. Later that night, he has a chance meeting in a convenience store with a man waving a gun. Jack could have just let the events unfold in front of him, but he takes a risk and confronts the man, whom we later find out is named Cash (played by the underused Don Cheadle). Jack even tries to help him by suggesting counseling or help groups, which makes Cash laugh, but Jack's kindness impresses him nevertheless. Little do we know that Cash is going to do Jack a "favor."

Jack goes to bed that night none the wiser only to wake up the next morning in a different bed with Kate, his old college sweetheart, laying on him. Now, Jack finds out how "the other half" lives and literally is lost and confused for a time. Yet, even though he seems to be lost in suburbia hell, a subtle transformation takes place within Jack. The cold, heartless overachiever that made Jack succeed so well in business becomes a loving, caring husband and father.

Though some of the movie appears hokey and somewhat contrived, the story never veers away from the concept of love and family. True, Jack does not get to spend money on $2400 suits and expensive wines and dinners, but beyond all that, he realizes that he never truly got over Kate. Even though it's been 13 years, he sees that she has blossomed into a truly beautiful woman that his friend, Arnie, says "any man would give up his left nut to be with."

There are many funny moments of pure suburbia living that most people will identify with. We see glimpses of what "family man Jack," a good husband and father, was like through his friends and the birthday video where he sings to Kate that "business man Jack" sees and even cries over.

I was impressed that Kate was willing to give up the life she had to let Jack pursue his dream of being a business success. She truly loved him enough to allow something as that life-changing. Realizing her feelings for him, Jack felt more lost without her when he was unceremoniously returned back to his real life. Like Belushi's Larry in "Mr. Destiny," Jack sees that his life is not truly complete unless he has someone special to share it with.

I found myself smitten with the performances of most of the cast, particularly Cage and Leoni. They have a dynamite chemistry that makes the story believable. I have never been a big fan of Leoni, but her portrayal of Kate as a charming, sexy, loving, loyal and supportive wife makes her extremely appealing in this movie. It's not difficult to see why Jack never got over his love for her after all those years.

The ending, appropriately at an airport, was very sweet and realistic. We can only imagine what Kate thought about Jack's re-cap of the lives they never had. Yet, it was enough to get her attention. That last scene with them having coffee in an airport lounge with snow falling outside was just perfect. Though I wish there wouldn't have been the predictablity of Jack's alternate life ending, he was brave enough to risk his career to get that small chance to have a life with Kate. This is a great feel-good movie not to be missed!

Mission: Impossible II (2000)

Definitely a Tom Cruise vehicle

[3 June 2000]

No matter what they do with the Mission:Impossible movie franchise, NO ONE will ever be satisfied. The first movie was definitely more closer to the spirit of the television series. Yet, people and critics complained that the plot was too confusing and complicated, and there was not enough action. As far as I remember, the series had super complex plots and rarely had any of their IMF team hanging on to a side of a speeding train or any other daredevil stunts.

So in MI2, Cruise decided that it needed to be simpler in plot and have more wham bang action. Director John Woo definitely delivered on the action, while the plot was so simple, even a 3rd grader would understand. YET, surprise, surprise...people and critics alike still didn't like it. Tom Cruise can't win.

I admit that the sequel was more in the tradition of Bond than the series or even the first film. Yet, I found it much more refreshing. After I saw the sequel, I went home and watched the first one on video, and the time seemed to drag...I like the first film, but the second one caught my attention more, particularly Thandie Newton. Wow! She literally burned the celluloid with those sultry looks she gave Cruise.

For future sequels, I would definitely recommend that Tom have more of a team atmosphere instead of making Ethan Hunt so much of lone gun ala James Bond. But keep the action sequences and Woo as director. Now, if he can get more feasible plots, Bond might very well find competition for longest running movie series.

Mission: Impossible (1996)

A definitive spy thriller

[27 April 2000]

A very watchable movie that does stay true to the paranoid feeling and complex missions of the original TV series. However, the team concept of the series was pretty much gone from the film, and the action could have been more abundant.

The best sequence of the movie had to be the scene at CIA Headquarters in Langley, VA. The intense skill to both act and direct that sequence makes the film truly worth seeing. I don't think I started breathing again until after they sped out of the facility. It was *that* suspenseful and absolutely memorable! Small wonder that scene is on the posters and the movie jacket for the video. Yet, it was only one of a very disappointing few action sequences in the film.

The biggest problem that I saw with the movie was that it was too much a star vehicle for Tom Cruise rather than the team chemistry that the original series did so well. Cruise as Ethan Hunt sees his entire team killed and has to trust two former agents who are shady at best as well as the wife of his fallen leader, Jim Phelps. Not to spoil it for those that haven't watched it yet, but I did not really like the producers' idea for the bad guy in this one. It definitely ruins the enjoyment for many of the faithful fans of the original series.

Though I admit that I enjoyed this film after numerous viewings, I certainly hope that the action in the upcoming sequel is much more abundant (ABSOLUTELY guaranteed with John Woo directing), and the team concept is back. After all, this is not supposed to be Ethan Hunt, the American answer to James Bond, but the chronicles of the IMF. Cruise was very good as Hunt, but let's face it, this is his first sequel of *any* movie he has ever done and only because he is one of the executive producers. If he didn't have that other title, we might have never seen another Mission Impossible.

Boogie Nights (1997)

More brilliant with each viewing

[26 April 2000]

This is a classic "rise and fall" plot set in the 1970s porn industry. There are two main elements of the movie that make it both endearing and unforgettable: the characters and the music.

Director Paul T. Anderson brought together a highly eclectic and talented cast of actors to portray the abundance of characters. The three most notably stand-out performances definitely belonged to Mark Wahlberg, Julianne Moore and Burt Reynolds. They kept the movie together even during some of the more weaker plot areas around the falling out of Diggler and Horner. They brought highly believeable characters on-screen. One of the most telling talents of any actor is to show a very distinct difference between acting and acting as though you were acting. See the line drawn in the first movie Eddie films as Dirk Diggler. Wahlberg and Moore show how natural they are before the filming and then show cardboard cut-outs of themselves in front of the camera. Anyone who has ever seen a porn film from this era can see how true to character they portrayed the filming.

If the plot and the characters weren't enough to keep you hooked , Anderson adds music from the era that gives it the right feeling for the times. He also knows what songs to play during certain plot points. Notice how all the songs played from the pool party through Dirk Diggler's initial success as a porn star are all upbeat, while the later scenes where he is in a downward spiral are all ominous and foreboding.

It took a couple of viewings to fully appreciate the brilliance in Anderson's dialogue and camera angles. I loved that scene where he follows the girl into the pool underwater and right into Dirk and Reed on the other side. It was fluid and highly unorthodox. Another brilliant stroke were the scenes near the end where he expertly showed Jack, Dirk and Buck have interesting experiences on the same night and all within a few blocks of each other without ever running into each other.

This film is definitely a must see. Though the main plot point was about a young man becoming a porn star, it had very little nudity and even fewer sexual situations. The drug scene that was definitely rampant in the 70s and early 80s is much more noticeable. Anderson obviously has the makings of a Scorcese or a Tarantino, and this movie will be the one people will remember as the first of many brilliant movies.

GoldenEye (1995)

Pierce Brosnan IS James Bond

[21 March 2000]

I remember when I first saw Pierce Brosnan in "Remington Steele." The first thought that came to mind: "He looks like James Bond." There was something about him that struck me as the ideal actor to play 007. So, I was thoroughly disappointed that the show that made him famous also prevented him from playing the ultimate movie spy. But as they say, "good things come to those who wait."

My dad got me hooked into James Bond. In the early 80s, HBO played a James Bond movie every month in order until "For Your Eyes Only." He relived his youth, and I was lucky enough to see the ultimate in action movies. He loved Sean Connery and tolerated Roger Moore. I loved them all. But it was always the idea that James Bond movies were the ultimate form of escapism. You get to travel to exotic locales, have a huge expense account, drive the latest cars, use the latest gadgets and bed the most beautiful women. What guy could refuse that kind of life?

After six years of nothing, Goldeneye comes along with my preferred actor to play James Bond. And Brosnan didn't disappoint! It helped that he had an excellent supporting cast and a very formidable enemy in Sean Bean. Admittedly, it was formulaic, but who cares? The action was literally non-stop, and Brosnan looked very much the part of the super spy.

Goldeneye definitely had a lot of pressure placed on it. The James Bond franchise was never more in jeopardy, particularly after such a long layoff. Yet, everything that made all the previous Bond films enjoyable also worked in Goldeneye but with a 90s update. The Cold War is over, but the prejudices still remain. We have old enemies becoming cautious allies, and Bond finds himself answering to a woman!

This was a great introduction for Brosnan to fit into the role. Each Bond film he has done since has only shown how much he compliments and adds to the further mystique of James Bond. Hopefully, Brosnan will be happy to stick around for a few more.

Galaxy Quest (1999)

A surprisingly good movie with lots of heart

[20 March 2000]

With so many serious movies out at the same time, I knew that Galaxy Quest would be an escapist movie at the very least. I had seen two dramas in a row (Bicentennial Man, Talented Mr. Ripley) and was *desperate* for some humor. This movie was not only funny, but before the ending credits finished, I found that I thoroughly enjoyed myself. So much so that I saw it again two days later!

The biggest asset of the movie is that Tim Allen was believeable as the heroic Commander. Instead of dreading another convention full of people with no life, he embraced his celebrity to the fullest and accommodated all his fans. While his "crew" fed off his enthusiasm and stayed loyal to him throughout. Allen was definitely at the heart of this movie, and he made it work very well.

The most humorous scenes were the ones where the actors tried to portray their roles for their alien allies and failed miserably. But once they realized how *important* they were in their respective roles, they easily fit into them like a glove. This metamorphosis was fun to watch!

The supporting cast was excellent, particularly Sigourney Weaver and Tony Shalhoub, and it was obvious that they all liked working with each other. Though the plot felt a little thin at times, the actors definitely made the majority of the movie enjoyable. And I found myself feeling like a kid again when the NEW adventures of Galaxy Quest was shown at the end. I almost wished it were a real series!

I highly recommend seeing this one. I can't wait for it to come out on video/DVD. It's well worth it!

The X Files (1998)

A good, suspenseful science fiction movie

[19 March 2000]

I admit it. I am a devout X-Files fan. I'm one of the lucky few who have seen it from the beginning and have never lost interest through all these years. So when the idea of a full-length feature film was made a reality, I made sure I was in line to see it.

Overall, the movie was good for extending the mythology of the series. The two greatest strengths of the series was in full force: the mythology and the ever-evolving relationship of Mulder and Scully. The most disappointing was that no more answers were given particularly the Samantha factor, but that's part of the charm.

The plot was excellent in relating to any non-regular viewer of the series just how epic the whole idea of the X-Files really is. And anyone who likes seeing very likeable characters with combustible chemistry (ala Richard Gere/Julia Roberts or Bruce Willis/Cybill Shepard) will absolutely *love* Mulder and Scully. Their love for each other is SO obvious but their respect for their close friendship is even more romantic. That was definitely the highlight of the movie.

This was a great mixture of the feeling of the series, a bit of action/adventure like a James Bond film, a global conspiracy, eye-popping special effects and a touching romance. This movie had it all. I can't wait for the next one!

Welcome to Woop Woop (1997)

An unusual yet oddly fascinating movie

[19 March 2000]

I had never heard of this unusually titled movie until I caught it on one of my HBO channels late one night. Now, they've been playing it almost every other night this month. With each viewing, I start to see how this movie is more and more appealing beyond the surface impressions the first time around.

Some of the other comments I've read are interesting in that they viewed it as either hilarious or vile depending on their taste. Not surprising that the ones who hated it most came from Down Under.

I found it appealing in that the dark humor was offset by the change in Teddy. Through the odd twists and turns he encounters after meeting Angie and the rest of the Woop Woopers, his selfish motives that lead him to Australia in the first place change into one of actually caring for some of the people he finds exciled there: Duffy, Ginger, and particularly, Krystal. He could have easily left once he got the key to the truck, but he stayed because of Krystal. She told him there was "nothing in it for him," which is the theme throughout the movie regarding his selfish ways: "What's in it for me?" Teddy shows that his con artist ways hide a real person and a true romantic at heart.

That underlying romance between Teddy and Krystal was at the very core of the movie, and I admit that I'm a sucker for that kind of stuff. There was obvious chemistry between them beyond the pure sexual magnetism between Teddy and Angie. And the little extra scene after the movie's credits underlines how deep that love between Teddy and Krystal really was. It was a nice touch.

I hated Daddy-O, but only until I realized that his rather bullish ways hides an obviously very tender and vulnerable heart that he showed at Ginger's funeral. Keeping people in Woop Woop against their will is very wrong but he tries to do right for the people that stay loyal to him. Rod Taylor's performance was excellent in conveying the two-sided nature of the character.

The music was what got me. I loved the references to "Sound of Music" and "South Pacific." The music played in the background made the scenes even more powerful and every bit as emotionally poignant as any good drama would.

As odd a life as the Woop Woopers lead, it doesn't seem to be detrimental to their overall happiness. Isn't that what we all aspire to have?

The Matrix (1999)

Sci-fi and Action at its best

[1 November 1999]

From the beginning, this movie is one hell of a ride. The action is fast and furious with mind-blowing special effects that make any other movie pale in comparison. On top of all that eye candy, the plot is intelligent and kind of makes you see the world from a *very* different perspective.

The cast was absolutely top-notch, particularly Reeves and Fishburne. If there was any slow parts to the movie, I vaguely remember them. The whole look is something derived from slick comic books but nothing about this movie can compare. As far as action and effects, Terminator 2 was the only movie I can even think of that comes close. It's a must see!

The Full Monty (1997)

A Dark Comedy that comes out shining very bright

[8/10 · 1 November 1999]

When I first saw this movie, I absolutely loved it. With each successive viewing, I noticed the characters' emotions as they coped with the dirty hand that has been dealt to them and making the most of it. I also saw the immense bond between the men as they already shared the low-class existence and a rather bleak future but seeing nothing but an opportunity to be rich. And they were all willing to endure the humiliation in front of hundreds of people to achieve it.

Like M*A*S*H, the Full Monty shows people placed in a harrowing existence with seemingly no end in sight. Yet the laughs are sprinkled throughout nicely, and even though each man has their own personal fears to overcome, they find strength in each other, which makes the experience all the more fruitful.

The actors were absolutely top notch, particularly Robert Carlyle. I was already impressed with his performance from Trainspotting to know that he is very capable of carrying the central figure of the movie. Peter Cattaneo's direction was inspired, and he knew the right angles to use (check out the scene when the lads were auditioning new members, particularly Guy) for perfect comedic effect.

I admit that some of the sub-plots needed more fleshing out, particularly between Gaz and Nathan as well as Gerald and his wife. And as many times as I've seen the movie, I don't know much about Guy other than his love for Singing in the Rain and his obvious natural endowment that took the breath away from his mates!

The music was terrific as well. I dare anyone to deny that they had to consciously stop tapping their feet when hearing "Hot Stuff" after watching this movie.

I have been to Sheffield recently, so the movie holds even more personal meaning for me. And for all those complaining about the accents being difficult to understand, watch it again. It's in English not Chinese! The accents are part of the charm. I rate this movie a solid 8.5 out of 10 and worth seeing many times over.

Happy Gilmore (1996)

Definitely the funniest Sandler movie ever

[1 November 1999]

Being an avid golfer myself, I knew that this movie would be instantly appealing to me because of the sport it portrays. Yet, I didn't realize just how funny it truly is!

Even though Sandler has made more successful movies than this one (i.e. Waterboy, Big Daddy), I personally think this is his funniest. He not only portrays a hot-tempered loser who is gifted with a 400-yard drive, but he shows a man-child who refuses to grow up but does not hesitate in helping out his family and friends.

It's a charming movie. Unfortunately, many of the antics become very tedious with each successive viewing. Sandler has a way of both amusing and annoying people in the same film. Yet, this one is a keeper and highly recommended whether or not you like golf or not.