Reviews

This is clearly a film that has it's heart on it's sleeve and wants us

to get outraged about the injustice and 'red tape' that is holding up

our VA system. Made before the glut of hospital shows such as ER or

Chicago Hope, it features many of the same ideas and stories, but shot

in a better way. The camera work is fine in this film, much better than

either of those tv shows. The acting is too, for the most part. I felt

the film was stolen by the great Eli Wallach, who walks away with every

scene he's in. I ended up feeling sorry for Kiefer Sutherland who had to

share the screen with Wallach- it was like watching a kid play

basketball with Michael Jordan. Ray Liotta does a fine intense job, and

the supporting roles are all wonderful. The great Kathy Baker is all but

wasted, but does a great job. Lynn Thigpen has a small role, but does

it with her usual dignity and grace. Kieth David, John Mahoney and

Jeffrey Tambor all bless us with their talents, and I ended up wishing

the movie focused more on them than on the 'pretty young things'. If

anything does not work with this film I'd have to say it was the

directing or the editing- for some reason it doesn't come together in a

satisfying way, despite some fine performances. Also, I'd just recently

seen M*A*S*H*, which sets the bar pretty high for this kind of movie.

And not to compare apples and oranges, but if you're looking for a

'things are screwy in the medical profession' film, M*A*S*H* would be

the best way to go.

I prefer the book that Bret Easton Ellis wrote, for some reason they

decided to jetison most of the plot and alter the lead character of

Clay, thus watering it down till it's almost unrecognizable. Perhaps

they thought they had to 'clean it up' for the movies, although the

movie tries so hard to wallow in the shallow vapidity of the eighties

anyway that one is left wondering why- why alter a fine book at all?

Everyone gamely tries, but few succeed. The performances that work the

best are, of course, the 'bad guys'- James Spader and Robert Downey

Junior, in a role that has him doing most of the things he's recently

been arrested for, and doing them very well. It's a little eerie to

watch, a bit like watching 'Manhattan' now, knowing that Woody Allen

ended up essentially marrying his step child who is 40 years younger

than he is. Does that stop the enjoyment of the film? No, but it informs

it in a disturbing way. Less Than Zero has a bouncy sound track, a

catchy "Bangles" song (remember them?) and a lot of posing, which was

essential to the book but when you put it in a film it doesn't hold your

attention as well. It's like the difference between HEARING about a

person who was pretty but vacant that your friend saw at a party, and

actually SEEING that person at the party, just standing and trying to

look cool. I'd much rather hear about it than be forced to watch it.

Andrew McCarthy puts in probably his best performance, but the role is

so underwritten and uninteresting that he's left looking for Spader or

Downey Junior to help him get through his scenes alive. Jami Gertz seems

very nice but totally miscast in this role. Once again there is one of

those 'keep the sheets up so that it covers your privates' love scenes

that make us all boo the screen and run to get popcorn. Actually, this

one made me think why is it that our culture is so hung up about nudity?

Hung up to the point that when we show a love scene, it's done in the

most unrealistic way possible? It makes no sense. But I digress. Tony

Bill is the 'adult', who is mostly absent, and he's well cast and does a

fine job. Everyone does a fine job, it's just that the whole doesn't add

up. The parts must have looked very interesting when this film was being

made, but it just didn't add up. The director apparently came from

commercials and it shows- he puts a gloss and a shine on the pools and

the houses and the parties, but deep down you get the feeling he's

trying to sell you something you don't really need or want. Stick with

the book, you won't be sorry.

That's not to say there's not something of worth in it, but someone here

claims that Mamet wrote this- the truth is, he SOLD it, and it became

'Hollywoodized', sanitized and beaten down from it's pure and shocking

form. On stage this was a howl, a rage against the inevitable- falling

in love. On film, it's a little gooey and sweet, not much bite there,

but a few interesting lines (usually all taken from Mamets play) that

hit home about the difficulty of sacrificing 'self' to become a

'couple'. Lowe and Moore are pretty, but it's the surrounding

characters that actually act and are interesting, and if you look hard

you can see some good actors in small roles, such as Megan Mullaly (Will

and Grace) Catherine Keener (Walking and Talking) and Ray Wohl

(Arli$$). This is definitely a film of and for it's time, although not

quite as painfully dated as St. Elmos Fire, you'll still laugh at some

of the hair styles and fashions and music. The director went on to

create "thirtysomething", which tells you right there that he didn't

have much in common with David Mamet. A curiosity, this film. .

Sort of like watching an old episode of "Dynasty"- you'll laugh, but at

all the wrong things, and remember how 'cool' you thought the film when

it first came out. It isn't, and the proof is in the pudding, however;

it's quite fun to watch Rob Lowe pretending to play the sax, and the

other folk with their hair and unfortunate wardrobe choices all swing

and sway in time. The plot is really just 'boys meet girls and they all

whine'- but it's kind of an interesting thing to see how rich and

entitled they all are, it somehow perfectly crystalizes the 80's in a

way. Some good performances, Mare Winningham and Ally Sheedy are the

best I think, or at least the most realistic. They guys all seem to be

playing at being cool, and in fact this film led to the birth of the

infamous "Brat Pack", a moniker that I'm sure they'd all like to forget.

Shot like a soap opera (witness Demi Moore weeping as the curtains

billow around her) and scored within an inch of it's breathless life,

this is just a monument to excess, proof that teen films ended up going

way too far. Sad really, but interesting and kind of fun at the same

time.

I'd hardly call this a 'social warning' film, but it does have it's merits, chiefly the cast, and in particular John Wood and Ally Sheedy, who are both so lively and interesting that they help carry the rather dated and cloying plot. A kid hacks into a computer to 'play war games' of all things. This film hasn't aged very well, but it's audience is clearly 13 year old video game addicts so it's hard to get mad at it. Enjoyable fun for kids.

This is a great film, taken from a book and turned into visual poetry by

the great Julian Schnabel. I didn't quite know what to expect, but what

I got was so compelling that I went back to see it a second time. It's

rare that you see a film about a poet (that is not a documentary) that

actually makes you see the poetry- Schnabel visualizes Arenas words in

ways that force you to feel them as you're seeing them, which is no mean

feat. The camera work is all new to me, shot in a style that can only be

described as unconventional- and that's not to say that it's noticable

or trying to be 'hip'- it's like a singer who has her own style that you

can't quite pinpoint but that is clearly not classically trained. Nina

Simone comes to mind. Anyway, it's refreshing and vital and it feels

almost like a documentary in the best way, you are made to feel that you

are a participant. The lead role, Reinaldo Arenas is inhabited fully by

Javier Bardem. I've seen him before in some Spanish films, but never

utilized to such a magnificent extent as he is here. He is this

character so thoroughly that at times it's frightening. His passion, his

life, his voice, everything about him is absolutely perfect. In fact,

all the supporting roles are amazing as well- I was particularly

impressed with Johnny Depp as two very different roles, and Sean Penn as

a local driving a wagon. Not large parts, not showy ones either. Well,

actually, Depps is kind of a show boat role- but the fact that these

great actors did this film, obviously to help Schnabel get it made

somehow, is quite telling. I don't know the names of the other actors,

but the ones that played Arenas gay friends in Cuba were all glorious.

And to see Cuba- although it wasn't filmed there!- is a treat as well.

The music is perfect, everything about this film makes you want to sing.

This is an outstanding film and well worth seeing.

I love this movie. It's an acquired taste to be sure, but it's all there

if you're willing to visit. I'm a big fan of Whartons book, so I was

almost looking for it to let me down, and it didn't which is rare. The

supporting players are all perfectly cast. Dan Aykroyd is a great Gus

Trenor, unexpectedly turning from friend to foe with a smile that

lingers a bit too long. Anthony LaPaglia is a wonderful Sim Rosedale,

although why they avoided his Jewishness is a mystery to me- the only

nod to politically correct revisionist history in the film. Laura Linney

is an icy Bertha Dorset, all smiles and warmth till you cross her, and

Elizabeth McGovern is the perfect Carry Fisher (no, not the one from

Star Wars) the woman who fascilitates everything. But the film belongs

to Gillian Anderson and Eric Stoltz. Stoltz is the perfect Seldon- all

repressed passion and loving desire coupled with inaction and a ghostly

demeanor that is just as Wharton wrote him- it's a difficult role that

we rarely see in films these days, the 'passive lover'; he's the

equivalent of a female supporting role in that he does nothing to help

her but love her, and I believed every minute of their screen time

together and was quite moved by it. The scene where he lets her lean

down and kiss him (this is framed, interestingly enough, with Anderson

on top and as the aggressor) was wonderful. And Anderson surprises and

delights throughout, throwing herself into the role of Lily Bart like

she's never thrown herself into a role before. I've seen the X-files

once or twice, I'm not a huge fan of the show (I'm not really into

sci-fi) but what Ms. Anderson does here is so wonderful and unexpected

that it took my breath away. Her Lily Bart is conflicted and needy and

beautiful, so torn by her circumstances that she doesn't know where to

turn, and this is all shown on Andersons face at any given moment. I

particularly loved the way she smoked, or held her umbrella, seemingly

non-chalant but actually quite studied, as if everything she does, every

movement she makes is designed somehow to get her what she wants. It's a

terrific performance, and it holds the movie together. She has clearly

joined the ranks of the major American actresses with this role. The

photography is gorgeous and the music (what little of it there is) is

just perfect. My one wish was that it moved along a little faster, at

times it felt rather indulgent, but then again it gave me time to soak

in the fantastic scenery. This is not your MTV Wharton, it expects you

to sit with it and think on it and not be afraid of the fact that in

1905, things moved much slower. After fighting with it for a while, I

gave in and had a wonderful time.

A great film, surprisingly relevant, and well worth seeing.

I loved this film, it's simple and you've seen it all before, that's

very true, but this time it's done well. Young Homer (get it?) sets off

on his journey of discovery and it's a joy to watch. His troubled

relationship with his father is pitch perfect, as it is with his

friends. Inspirational without being sappy, this is like those old great

films of Barry Levinson. Very little schmaltz and a lot of heart. Rent

it, you'll love it.

You've read about it, you've heard about it, there's no need to go

into the plot or the folly of making this film at all. I won't quote Film

Comment on THIS film, that's for sure! Let's just say this; I expect

more from Forrest Whitakker. One of my favorite actors since "Fast

Times at Ridgemont High", I've been watching him, and my kid

took me to this film. Not unwillingly, I went, eager to see if Forrest

could rise above the murk. He didn't. No one could! To say this is

an indulgent mess would be to compliment the film makers.

This film doesn't really work, but it's an interesting idea, the black man mistook for a criminal. The script is dark, and this was made around the time of the Rodney King debacle, so maybe the country wasn't ready for it. I watched it for Nickolas Cage, I'm a big "Fast Times at Ridgemont High" fan, and he was pretty good. I liked the way he used to look back then, he was less "perfect". Samuel Jackson is really good in this film, he too played a real character. Bob Balaban (remember him from "Midnight Cowboy"?) is also really good. The ending doesn't work, but this is worth a look.

A silly plot (an angel lands in a pool, a guy tries to help her get back to heaven while dealing with jealous fiance) but it's helped by the always wonderful Phoebe Cates. Done a few years after her star making turn in Fast Times at Ridgemont High, this film has her in the less confident role of jealous fiance, but it doesn't really work because she's more beautiful than the angel! Still it's kind of a fun movie, even if it gets a little boring sometimes.

Not a great film, but worth seeing for the budding romance between Penn and McGovern. They make a very credible couple. I expected more chemistry between Penn and Cage, they are both, after all, Fast Times alums! But the script doesn't give them a lot together. Mainly watchable for a pleasant afternoon watching Penn do a nice guy role for one of the few times in his career.

The plot can get questionable on this one, true, but it's worth seeking out just to see the early work of Jennifer Jason Leigh! Done before "Fast Times at Ridgemont High" (my favorite) this tv flick has young Jennifer as the daughter of Jennifer Warren, another face you may recognize. Their family goes off in search of work, and Ralph Waite from the Waltons is in it too. Fun to see, everybody is sooooo young!

The rest of us who saw this movie are poor. It's that simple. Don't be

tricked into seeing this film, and I hesitate to call it that, because

you'll be sorry. This is part of Nicolas Cages 'sell out' trilogy, also

featuring The Rock and (insert film here). I used to enjoy this actor,

back in the days of Fast Times and Birdy, but he's starting to look like

a waxworks figure of himself, someone who changed his name and nose and

now does films for the lowest common denominator. Anyway, on to the plot

of this remake; Nicolas has to steal some cars. His brother is

involved. Poor Angelina Jolie is involved. It's a loud movie, a sheer

and total waste of time and energy on everyones part. The only

consolation is that the people who made this film will undoubtedly

cringe for the rest of their lives every time anyone mentions it. Silly,

empty, dumb film.

Any film that brings Phoebe Cates 'out of retirement' is already great in my book. This woman is beautiful and talented and I wish she was in every film instead of Jennifer Anniston. Anyway, this is a delightful little fable that also features Jim Broadbent and Kevin Kline, both great comedians, supporting Phoebe Cates. Supposedly based on a true story, this little unseen gem is perfect for the whole family. Well done!

Forget "Almost Famous", forget "Jerry Maguire"- this is the film that

Cameron Crowe should be judged on. (That, and the classic Fast Times at

Ridgemont High) This is a touching, simple, lovely, and very funny film

that you should see with someone you love. John Cusack has never been so

good- he keeps his smirking to a minimum, and Ione Skye (where'd she

go?) is terrific too. On the surface a simple love story, but it goes

much deeper and deals with keeping your heart and hope alive in the face

of difficult times with family, something we can all relate too. Filled

with wonderful cameos, including Jeremy Piven and Joan Cusack and Lili

Taylor and Eric Stoltz (an alum from Fast Times!), this is one of the

few heartfelt studio films made in the last 20 years. "Almost Famous"

and "Jerry Maguire" appear bloated and over-produced compared to "Say

Anything". Rent this for your first date for a real interesting evening.

A great film!

Forest Whitaker makes a leap to stardom in this wonderful portrayal of jazz great Charlie Parker. Diane Venora is marvelous as well. I felt the film was very long, but perhaps that's because I saw it at a late night show. There's no denying that Clint Eastwood is a great film maker, I just wish the lighting was a little bit lighter- I found it hard to see in some scenes, but of course that could've been the projector. Anyway, Forest Whitaker proves here that he is majorly talented and can carry a movie. I wish more people would cast him as the lead, as I find him fascinating to watch. The music is, of course, great too. Filled with jazz classics that will leave you reeling. I don't think it's suitable for kids though.

This is, I think, Judge Reinholds best film since Fast Times. Eddie Murphy is of course what this film is about, but I'm a huuuuggge Fast Times fan and follow all of them as though they were my friends, which they kind of are. This film is funny funny funny, not just Eddie and Judge, but Bronson Pinchot in a cameo you will never forget. This is one of the best 'buddy/cop' films, even better than the whole Lethal Weapon series, if you ask me. If you haven't seen this, where have you been?

I wasn't impressed with this film, I expected more from Jennifer Jason Leigh who is one of my all time favorites. First of all she has Alan Cummings as her husband. Yes, he's supposed to be married. To a woman. This is the central relationship, and it doesn't hold up because it's just not believable. I enjoyed the calvacade of stars (Kevin Kline, Jennifer Beals, Gwenneth Paltrow, Parker Posey) all stopping by, but it all didn't add up to much I'm afraid. It's also very very long and filmed in kind of an odd way. As the reviewer in Film Comment said, "every impulse is masturbatory. The film wants to satirize the sense of entitlement that disfigures its 'characters,' but that's precisely the state of mind that got the film made in the first place." All that, and not much of a plot too. It all felt very indulgent and too long.

This is just a lovely film. Woody Allen did something here that far

outshines all his films for the last 5 years. I'm not saying it's a

great film, but like Sean Penn in it- he doesn't try so very hard. Sean

Penn is the best he's been in 10 years here because we don't see him

working so hard, he just IS this character, just like Woody Allen just

MADE this film. Sure, it's light and fun, but there's an art to that,

and to me it was a great relief to see these terrific artists

effortlessly letting something come to life. Also features the great and

ever underused Anthony LaPaglia. This is a fun one.

What a delightful film this is, fairly bursting with energy and fun,

sort of like an American new-wave explosion of teen commercialism, and I

mean that in the best sense. The least schmaltzy of Cameron Crowes

scripts, the best directed of Amy Heckerlings films, and the best cast

assembled in the last twenty years. Check out Jennifer Jason Leighs star

making entrance into film, it's even better than Sean Penns, which is

great. The other roles are a who's who of film today; Forest Whitaker,

Nicolas Cage (back when he was still a "coppola"- I guess that name was

okay to get him his first few jobs) Anthony Edwards and Eric Stoltz as

Sean Penn's "stoner buds", James Russo as the Pyscho, the list just goes

on and on. An enormously fun film that actually has deeper moments as

well. The teen film that John Hughes wishes he'd made, and that I wish

they'd do a sequel too.

Well. Where to begin. Let's just say this; avoid this movie at all

costs. It's based on a cartoon series. The movie makes the cartoon look

like Hamlet. Filled with emasculated actors who seem embarrassed to be

here, lousy camera work, terrible music, and enough product placement to

make you want to never visit Yahoo! again, this movie is really the

bottom of the barrel. To quote the New Yorker, Matthew Broderick and

Rupert Everett mug their way through this picture with the gay abandon

of men who have spotted a rare species of paycheck in the distance."

They should pay us some of the millions they earned for watching it.

Awful.

This is one to watch. Well made, beautifully acted, and it really has

some depth to it. What a relief! Ally Sheedy (my reason for watching it,

I'm 'growing up' with the brat pack) does the best work of her career. A

stunning leap forward for her, as well as for Rhada Mitchell and

Patricia Clarkson. Everyone in it is great, and it's so very well made

that I was stunned at first. This is a real treat. Difficult subject

matter, definitely not for the kids, but rent it. You won't be sorry.