jllb17 Reviews

The Siege (1998)

not what i expected

[13 November 1998]

I went to this movie expecting an action movie, albeit a good one. I was somewhat disappointed in that it ended up being more of a political statement relating to the oppression of the muslims in the general population because of the actions of a few. However, the plot is involving, albeit not as explosive as you might expect, and the acting is reasonably well done. Don't go if you just want to see a lot of explosions, but it's allright if you want action with a little bit of questioning mixed in.

Without Limits (1998)

under-appreciated

[10/10 · 13 November 1998]

This really was a very good movie, and I was upset that just because it didn't involve any explosions, it was only in theaters for two weeks in Dallas. For anyone who has ever run competitively, even only at the high school level like myself, this movie brings it all together. Sitting in the audience with my cross-country teammates, I really felt like we knew what was going on. "Without Limits" inspires you to want to go and just run all out for as long as you can, just as Pre ran all of his races. It focuses on the personal side of Steve Prefontaine more than the earlier film did, and that focus provides more insight into who he was and why he did what he did. An inspirational and entertaining movie, it is a shame that it didn't get more exposure. I'm looking forward to the video release.

Saving Private Ryan (1998)

spectacular

[5 September 1998]

This is without a doubt one of the most powerful movies ever made. It is one of Spielberg's best, right up there with "Schindler's List." The opening few minutes are some of the most visually stunning in movie history , and the story keeps you involved and really caring about Miller and his team from the landing on D-Day right up to the end. While most certainly not a movie for children of any age, everyone old enough to appreciate it should see this film. Spielberg and Hanks should both get Oscars for this effort, and the film should win best picture for sure. Definitely one to be remembered!

Deep Impact (1998)

better of the two

[11 August 1998]

"Deep Impact" certainly ranks as the better of the two comet/asteroid disaster movies this summer. Unlike in "Armageddon," here you actually care about the characters, and I didn't find myself looking at my watch to see when the movie would be over. If there was one way to improve this movie, it would have been to show more scenes of Morgan Freeman (the best movie president in a while) and focus less on the plotline of the reporter and her father. Overall, though, a very entertaining film, which cannot be said for "Armageddon."

Armageddon (1998)

too long and fake

[11 August 1998]

Armageddon definitely comes in behind "Deep Impact" as far as the comet /asteroid disaster movies go this summer. The biggest problems with this movie are that it goes on way too long and tries way too hard to be moving. Spending twenty minutes on the asteroid scenes would have been much better than spending a whole hour. Also, at the end of the movie, I almost laughed at the absurd way in which it tries to make you cry. Anyway, if you want to spend your money on something related to this movie, buy the soundtrack. At least that's worth it.

Titanic (1997)

nothing special

[11 August 1998]

Sure, "Titanic" was entertaining, but I'm sick of hearing people say how it's the best movie of all time. Let's face it, the movie was three hours of cheesy dialogue and special effects that are commonplace nowadays. This is by far the most disappointing film James Cameron has ever made. Even though the movie kept me interested while I was in the theater, it's certainly nothing that will stick with me for a long time.