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Reviews
Psycho (1998)
KEEP THE ORIGINAL UNIQUE
Personally, it would have taken a lot for this remake to come close to the success of Psycho (1960). The original is such a classic that even the best work Gus van Sant could provide, wouldn't please the critics. This movie was so bad when it came to recreating the horror - this won't frighten you. The attempt to make the slashing scenes believable didn't really work. For 1998, the slashing scenes in the shower and when the detective is attacked on the stair case was pretty bad. The original Psycho is still pretty eerie with the black and white colouring. It would have been good if Gus van Sant had made this more gory (like Scream), even if it meant the UK certificate was an 18, not a 15. Plus I can't stand the actor who plays the detective - he just has this persona that he's such a comedian. He didn't fit into the serious role. However, it's not that bad on the whole. If you loved Psycho (1960), then this is watchable as it's (obviously) more modern, with the fresh actors (Vince Vaughn and Anne Heche). 5/10.
Ever After (1998)
Good modern spin
I was skeptical at first about this film as I'm not really into period dramas or fairy tales and I did wonder how Drew Barrymore would come over. However, her character is a great role model. I loved how it focused on female and male issues, but I think it's more of a chick flick. It's good to see Drew in a film out of the typical Hollywood scene and in a different era. The storyline was clever how they included quotes from the book Utopia and how Drew's character was tortured by the past and present, but remained fair in the end. Anjelica Huston played a good role as the step mother and I liked how she was funny, but calculating and had issues of her own to deal with. The step sisters were also well casted and the dizziness of the youngest sister gave it a light hearted nature.
The fact Barrymore managed to hold her own against such a respected actress (Huston) shows her talent and this film definitely changed her public image. She has remained cool and modern amongst the young, but appreciated by the adults. This film shows she has come along way from the drug and alcohol rehabilitation and her B-movie bad girl roles.
However, don't expect perfection. Barrymore sometimes slips into her American accent and that spoils some scenes, but Huston is consistent throughout. Also, for viewers who are knowledgeable in history will know that the English version of Utopia wasn't printed when this film was set. There are some other historical imperfections to name, but it doesn't spoil the charm of the film.
Not one for the guys. 9/10.
Home Fries (1998)
The worst Drew Barrymore film.
Firstly, I have to say that I am a Drew Barrymore fan and I've liked her ever since I read her autobiography describing her painful childhood. However, I also like her acting but this film is so bad. I wouldn't even give it the credit and call it a black comedy - it's nothing. The plot is ridiculous and Drew's character was annoying. Usually she gets the chance to show off how she can be charming, sweet, seductive, innocent and strong but this just wasn't the right role. Her character was undeveloped and got the worst lines. I don't understand how she even took this role. Catherine O'Hara's role wasn't that great either and neither was Luke Wilson's. They all have great talent but are better of in other films.
It's a waste of time and don't be fooled into thinking it's great just because of the all-star cast.
Psycho (1960)
The best horror movie of all time
Nowadays we have been exposed to scarier horror and macabre to find Hitchcock's classic frightening. However, there are certain elements which make this film the best horror movie of all time.
Considering the era (1960) Hitchcock used innovative camera angles to build up the tension and fear in Psycho. For example at the beginning the camera pans down on the motel giving the impression that the house is watching the motel. This personification (that the house is alive) is used again when Marion's sister (Lila) approaches the house near the end. The camera changes from objective to subjective numerous times to give the impression that the house is watching Lila. More camera actions which are innovative is when Bates and Crane are talking over supper. The low camera angle gives the impression that Norman Bates is bigger and therefore more menacing. This is an early indication of the horror which is to come. These are just examples of the clever use of camera.
The music and lightening is a major strength of the film. For example when there is the scene with the corpse the mummified mother is a mixture of dark and light. This represents the good and evil side of Norman. Moreover, there is light shining at the backs of the eye sockets which makes the corpse appear alive. Hitchcock innovated with the signature tune ("screeching violins") and that builds up the suspense. Such directors as Speilberg have copied this idea (e.g. Jaws)
Symbolism is a good part of this film. For example Bates has an unusual hobby of stuffing birds. By analyzing Anthony Perkins performance he perches on the edge of his chair as if he is a bird seeking his prey (i.e. Crane). He also acts like a bird when he twitches his head from time to time. Another clever use of symbolism is when Lila picks up the book in the Psycho house. She is unsure which side is what as they are equally patterned. This represents Norman's character; you can't determine his side as he has two personalities. More symbolism is Marion's change in underwear when she packs her case; white represents purity and black represents evil/wrong doing. Symbolism like this is also used when the camera shows the stuffed bird towering over Bates when he becomes uneasy with Marion's conversation. This represents his mother watching over him and changing his personality. By watching the film other examples of symbolism can be depicted throughout.
What made Psycho so remarkable at the time was realism. The setting was a realistic place and familiar to American and worldwide audiences (i.e the motel, the city - Phoenix, Arizona) rather than fictional places like Transylvania. Also, Norman had a medical condition (he was a psychopath). This was a breakaway from the previous unrealistic films, such as Dracula. This made the film even more frightening and people were scared that such events could occur with "real" people. Also what was realistic about this film was that the characters were neither "goodies" or "baddies" - they had transformations. Marion was a mixture of good and bad (the color of her underwear she chooses represents this and the color of the car she buys.) This makes the film more realistic as it shows that people all have good and bad in them, which is true.
Moreover what stood out in the film was what happened to Janet Leigh. She was killed of very early into the film and this shocked audiences that the A-list Hollywood actress was so brutally murdered. This is nearly on a par with what Drew Barrymore chose to do for Scream when she chose to be Casey. This fact shows Hitchcock has influenced the thinking for other horror movies.
Therefore, although you will be better of with Scream or Scary Movie to scare you this film is an example of cinematography at its best.
Drop Dead Gorgeous (1999)
Tasteless
This film is definitely a "teen flick." It's tasteless and stupid, but it can keep you laughing. The film is larger than life and exaggerated to the point you just want to turn it off. The best part was played by Kirsten Dunst, but the rest just weren't funny. Kirstie Alley doesn't suit the documentary style role and she got annoying.
Considering it's a beauty pageant it's obvious the characters had to be drama queens but it could have been more subtle. At least films such as Miss Congeniality the performance of Sandra Bullock kept you sane from the over-the-top contestants.
However, this film does have some memorable quotes, such as when Amber Atkins explains why she doesn't eat shellfish (because they carry their home around and you don't know where it's been). Thus, a subtle dig at trailer people possibly? Some of these quotes do stick in your mind, but after a while the black comedy fades. Scenes such as when the girl with the eating disorder in the wheelchair was just sick and tasteless.
The Wedding Singer (1998)
Great chemistry
Like most people would agree Adam Sandler and Drew Barrymore had great chemistry in this movie. They should consider teaming up for another movie. However, they were two different people so people who hate Sandler's humor can appreciate Barrymore's acting (and vice versa).
The only annoying thing about this movie is that I was relatively young in the 80's and can't really appreciate or recognize the music/dress. However, this film has steadily made me a fan of the 80's music. Sandler was great as the singer and he made the cheesy music come alive.
This film, along with Ever After (1998), firmly placed how good an actress Barrymore is. Previously, as an adult star, she was perceived as the B-Movie Bad Girl who landed obnoxious roles, which fell on line with the publics image of her. However, her role as Julia is far different and shows that Barrymore is versatile; she can act in different roles and she maybe isn't such a bad ass but a working actress.
It's a chick flick, but guys take some hints and compose a goofy, romantic song for your lady - they'll love it.
10/10
E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (1982)
The best movie of all time
The first time I ever saw this movie was when I was around four years old and I loved it. However, it wasn't until I saw it again, when I was fifteen, that I fully understood it.
Along with movies such as Hitchcock's Psycho, Speilberg has created a masterpiece constructed around a simple story line. The cinematography in this film is remarkable and the symbolism is clever. Notice how the film has a biblical theme and it makes the statement that God and human should be at peace. The rainbow at the end symbolises this. Also the film bases itself on the fact that adults fear and are hostile (i.e. prejudice) to the unknown, but children are less. Also, the camera is often shot at a low level to represent the height of children.
The performance of the actors is clearly an excellence. At such a young age Drew Barrymore was so natural and innocent. The audience laughs with her and at six years old this is remarkable.
What is a strength about this film is that regardless of age everyone can love it. Although little kids don't fully appreciate the themes they can be easily captivated by the fantasy. Adults can learn from this film and see the light hearted side too.
This film, which was went to be a small time project, has not only continued to entertain audiences 20 years on it was also the foundation for one of the best, most talented actresses of today (Drew Barrymore).
Charlie's Angels (2000)
You either love it, or hate it.
The cast of the movie and the success of the TV show probably attracted more people to the cinemas than anything. However, it is not the performance of the cast which drags this movie down, but the story line. In parts the movie can be so predictable, yet it can also be overly complicated and it is not until people view it a couple of times that they fully understand the plot.
Also the film is so cheesy in parts and unrealistic which in a way may be a somewhat disappointment to the maturer audience. However, considering it's based on the TV show this had to be expected. Scenes such as when the Angels are chasing the "Tall Thin Man" is either bad continuity or plane unrealistic. Alex rips off clothing and appears in a body suit, yet before was wearing a sleeveless dress. Also, the character of Bosley is somewhat annoying and the scene when he grinds the ice (I take it it's ice) when he's imprisoned just adds to the stupidity.
However, the film has it's good action parts (such as the fights) and the award winning helicopter scene. The film probably would have been more appealing if it was more believable and the continuity was better. What's fun about this film is you can pick out all the errors if you find the plot too stupid. (If you're a bird fan you will no that bird is not a pygmy nuthatch).
On saying that this film shows girl power and is a definite hit for any hard core Charlie's Angels fan (TV series) or fans of Diaz, Barrymore or Lui.
Boys on the Side (1995)
Barrymore at her best
Drew Barrymore really makes this movie what it is as the dizzy (blonde of course) Holly, with her fresh and upbeat view on life. The faces which Barrymore pulls to dramatize her part will keep you laughing (e.g whilst on the Greyhound bus, whilst in labor). Moreover, this film shows that Barrymore can not only play the slutty, seductive parts (e.g The Amy Fisher Story, Poison Ivy) but a role which mixes both.
What will surprise you about this comedy (and tear jerker) is that it's not as predictable as you may except. Although the story line is simple, there are always the odd parts which you don't expect. The fight at the beginning with Nick will keep you shocked and probably laughing.
It's definitely a chick flick (although the guys may drool over a blonde Barrymore.) However the actor who plays Abe Lincoln is an eye catcher.
This is not one of Whoopi Goldberg's best roles and I didn't think her part as the lesbian was believeable, yet she did display both strength and humor to keep you interested. Mary Louise Parker was excellent and her performance was on line with her part.
Definitely a movie for a Barrymore fan and if you need a heart warming movie to keep you interested at night. You go get it!