Handykam Reviews

A Dog of Flanders (1999)

Refreshing and entertaining

[14 September 1999]

I found this movie to be extemely refreshing and entertaining. Each scene drew me more involved to the story. It was great to see the veteran actor Jack Warden even if it was a brief role. Jon Voight plays a stand out role. I thought the movie would be mainly about the dog (a beautiful Bouvier), but the story is more about the talented boy. Also, the score by composer Richard Friedman was very appropriate and pleasing to the

Eyes Wide Shut (1999)

Open and Provocative

[14 September 1999]

First, this movie has a great title. Secondly, the casting is superb. The supporting cast (especially Sydney Pollack) is good too. I liked seeing Alan Cummings as the hotel desk clerk. The somewhat disturbing aspects were the score and the actual plot. I think Stanley Kubrick, although a cinematic genius, has gone a bit too close to the edge. It seems as if he has made a porn movie, but with a message. I especially felt the last line of the movie to be quite offensive. But in respect for Kubrick, I feel he has made a bold cutting edge film. The hype for this film was a bit much. I don't feel that this film lives up to the same quality as his others, and I'm upset that this was his last film. In closing,the score was way too repetitive and quite dissonant. But on the other hand, it probably did the job of capturing the mood of the disturbing plot. Even if it's not your cup of tea, if you're a Kubrick fan, you need to see this film just out of respect for this innovati

Notting Hill (1999)

Refreshing and Realistic

[1 June 1999]

Notting Hill is an extremely entertaining film. Starting with the wonderful acting of Hugh Grant and Julie Roberts and adding a great supporting cast, the film just gets better and better. Notting Hill is able to weave comedy and drama together. The film goes deeper than just relationships of famous and "non- famous people. The idea is put forth that people should just take a chance and let themselves fall in love. Adding to the films success is a sensitive soundtrack and good choice of songs. The unbilled cameos of Alec Baldwin and Matthew Modine is also a nice touch. Kudos to the director and makers of this refreshing, realistic romantic co