Jonathan-13 Reviews

Party of Five (1994–2000)

What a way to end it!

[24 October 2001]

It's Thursday morning, 25th October 2001, and Channel 10 in Australia has finally shown the last episode ever of "Party of Five". I'm left feeling happy at such an amazing end to an exceptional show, but more than a little sad that the program is no more. Since I first saw Party of Five six years ago, I have become a bigger fan with every episode. It was a touching show, with issues and events, tragedies and triumphs, and warmth to touch everyone. Party of Five was a rare diamond on TV, a show that will be missed greatly but remembered fondly.

Enemy at the Gates (2001)

Everything that Pearl Harbor isn't

[8/10 · 3 August 2001]

Bursting into my Top Five war movies of all time is this film. A gritty and realistic portrayal of one of the worst battles in the history of war - the 1942-43 armwrestle for the city of Stalingrad.

Much has been made of the actors speaking in their native accents, but this seems a trivial complaint - the film is in English after all! More important is the masterful manner of speech of the actors - Bob Hoskins' gutteral exultations as Ukrainian potato farmer Nikita Krushchev; Joseph Fiennes' pompous and proud intonations as the political officer; Jude Law's common man for the peasant turned soldier; Ed Harris with the clipped and crisp tones of a German officer.

This is my pick for the best film of the year so far (August). It is truly a cinematic masterpiece, with horrific scenes of the violence of war, brilliant dialog and heart-wrenching tragedy. Expect to be moved.

The Burning Zone (1996–1997)

TV Outbreak

[11 June 2001]

And not just Outbreak. The Burning Zone had its share of quasi-supernatural phenomena as well. A series about a dedicated group who seem to be some special unit of the CDC, it was also a clear attempt to cash in on the enormous and cultish popularity of the X-Files. By mixing a little more science with a lot less conspiracy and things that go bump in the night, the show was interesting but not as enthralling as some of its peers. Still, I tried not to miss it when it was one - catch it on a rerun if you can, and if you like The X-Files, the movie Outbreak or CSI, this might be for you.

Antitrust (2001)

Purpose built for geeks

[4 May 2001]

I just saw AntiTrust, and I'm pleased to say that a movie about computers has got it right. This film is a geek's dream - guest appearances from famous computer figures (not Bill), accurate descriptions of programming and networking, and plenty of humour at the expense of the evil Micro$oft. Oh - there is a little plot centred on monopolistic business practices in there as well. In many ways this is "The Skulls", where the secret society is the computing world. The storyline may not be the strongest, and the direction a little disjointed, but this is a movie that captures the essence of why so many of us are crouched in front of a glowing screen night after night. One final note for those who have seen the film - if someone was paying Claire Forlani to sleep with me, I wouldn't be complaining! I give this about 6/10 for the general population, but 9/10 and a MUST SEE rating for proud geeks.

Varsity Blues (1999)

Sex, booze, football - all you really need in a film

[6/10 · 1 April 1999]

This film opened in Australia on the same day as two other teen flicks - "Cruel Intentions" and "She's All That". I certainly was not disappointed with choosing to see "Varsity Blues". Yes, there is foul language, raging hormones and rampant alcoholism, but that's really the best stuff I remember of being a teenager. James VDB may lapse into Dawson mode on occasion, but really shows some great talent in the role of Jonathan Moxon. He is no longer a rising star - he is a star, and clearly a great and versatile actor. Then again, you could just watch the incredible football scenes, and the abundance of nudity. Basically, if you want art, go to a gallery. If you want fun, see this movie before all others.

Monster in a Box (1992)

How to make a movie about nothing

[30 September 1998]

Jerry Seinfeld has nothing on Spalding Gray. This is one of the more unusual 90 minutes you will spend, as Gray discusses the trials and tribulations of writing a screenplay.

The entire movies shows Gray sitting at a desk, looking straight ahead. He deals with personal and professional relationships, religious and ethical beliefs; and yet somehow manages to hold your attention.

Not for everyone, but you can actually watch it in parts, or even flick back and forth if it's on TV. The snippets of Gray's life sometimes seem real, sometimes unbelievable, but always give a feeling of truly looking into another person's soul.