Change Your Image
Scott Tenorman
Reviews
American Beauty (1999)
Horrible
This is the most overrated movie EVER. Everyone talks about it like it's 'Last Tango in Paris' or something. It only dishes out third-rate and (and fourth-hand) life philosophy--laughably. If it's supposed to be a satire, then WHAT the hell is it satirizing??? Everything is either tired cliches or is completely detached from what suburbia *really* is. Do YOU know anyone at all similar to any of the characters in the film, and if so, would you consider them NORMAL?
It's a sentimental load of crap. This movie thinks someone crying alone--without ANY background or justification for the action--is emotional. It has NO depth whatsoever, and most disappointingly it doesn't play a song from 'AB' anywhere? This movie isn't worthy of any Dead albums, not even "Terrapin Station." It's album equivalent is Eddie Money's "No Control."
If you like this movie, it's because you're someone of average or below average intelligence in sweet rejoice of finally *getting* a *smart* movie (see 'Good Will Hunting'). -Please-, just *tell* me you haven't engaged in conversations about this movie where you use the words "society" and "conformity." BAH! I hate you ALL!
Chasing Holden (2003)
Avoid
If you could put the word "cliche" into a bottle, shake it up real good, and then empty that bottle onto a reel of film, well then you'd get "Chasing Holden."
It's about one "troubled young man"'s attempt to track down J.D. Salinger, thinking that he has some kind of cosmic connection with Holden Caulfield. You know that cringing feeling you get when you hear an Iggy Pop or Stones tune in a car commercial, knowing that it was bought and paid for 40 years after it was written and is completely out of context and an insult to everything you believe in? Well *BAM* there's 'Chasing Holden' for you.
And Kevin Smith fans, don't be fooled! This movie has nothing to do with 'Chasing Amy.' Instead of seeing this movie, instead I suggest you watch Chasing Amy again, maybe this time focusing only on every fourth word that is said. You will have a lot more fun than watching this flaming piece of crap!
Men at Work (1990)
like Citizen Kane, only WAY better
I don't use the word "awesome" lightly, but I think that 'Men at Work' obviously falls into that category. The first time Charlie Sheen (Carl) and Keith David (Lewis) teamed up, it was in "Platoon." And if you thought that movie was funny, well then you'll have trouble locking and loading your funny sac after seeing 'Men at Work,' truly a great film.
To paraphrase, two garbagemen--James (Emilio Estevez) and Carl--are in dire straits. Few films had tackled the plight of American garbagemen before 1990. And after this movie, there is really no need, because never has "the job" been portrayed so accurately on the silver screen. In supporting roles, Leslie Hope and Keith David are spectacularific; never again would they get roles that afforded them such creative balance in the rest of their careers.
The deeper social message is further conveyed when brothers Carl and James find the body of a politician in the trash in a scene that though today might seem tame, was in 1990 (and pre-Sept 11) a very daring and controversial move by director (and star) Estevez. Also, there is the evil corporate powers that want to dump toxic waste into the Pacific Ocean. These scenes are really where the movie shines, making it the most thought-provoking examination of environmental issues since Frogs (1972).
When I first saw this movie a few years ago, I knew there was something special in the chemistry between Charlie Sheen and Emilio Estevez. Later that year, by the water-cooler at my office, a co-worker informed me that the two actors are in fact brothers! Wow, I thought and moments later said. You will express similar amazement at this "awesome" film, which I give **** (four stars). I only hope that, like the Incredible String Band, this movie will someday get the appreciation it never recieved in its own time.