ThinMan-4 Reviews

True Crime (1999)

One movie too many for Clint

[6 November 1999]

This movie was more entertaining than not, and a good commentary on the death penalty. Unfortunately, it was a bit of a fantastic plot, which took away from the story greatly. More disconcerting is that Clint Eastwood (one of my favorite action characters) just does not have the acting capacity for such roles. The other actors in this movie were working around Clint as they would with the equivalent of a cardboard cut out. In addition, Clint's former attributes of an impressive presence, physically and psychologically in past Westerns and detective flicks, is gone. He is now a thin, old man, with lots of facial hang, and his credibility as a ladies' man or physically tough guy is just not there. I think Clint should stick to producing and go light on the acting in such roles. Overall the movie is a 5.

Rushmore (1998)

And a good time was had by all...

[6 November 1999]

A movie worth seeing. Bill Murray is perfectly cast in this film about people able to reach across generational lines to evoke the strongest emotions and relationships. Schwartzman as Max brings out alternating compassion and irritation from the viewer, as he exhibits every behavior imaginable, even attempted homicide. Olivia Williams is the classic beauty whose attraction has little to do with her looks, although they are there too. Last but not least, Mason Gamble as young Dirk, is a very likeable and gutsy kid in his role of best friend/worst enemy. I'll enjoy seeing this movie again some time.

Analyze This (1999)

Fun stuff you'll even enjoy as a re-run

[8/10 · 22 September 1999]

Really a funny and well-constructed film. DeNiro and Crystal play well together, and the writing was above average, making the film really move with laughter. Lisa Kudrow was O.K., but someone else might have been better suited for the role, albeit the role was a minor one. This is the type of movie that you'll want to see over again next year, and probably the one after that, as it will always make you laugh.

The Thin Red Line (1998)

Can we sue the producers of this reel?

[22 September 1999]

This movie was incredibly bad. Having heard the hype, I expected a good movie, or at least a good war movie. Instead, a 45 minute story (charitably estimated) was dragged out for hours. Much of it was wasted with excessive, silent scenes presumably to convey mood, which did nothing positive. The dialogue was childish, the message of the movie a cliche. There was no real story line. The symbolism, if that's what there was, banal. This is an example of how Hollywood thinks that by pouring money into a movie and spending a lot on scenery and location, it can manufacture something out of nothing. Well, it has, but it was garbage. This is one of those films that I felt I was entitled to not only a refund, but compensatory damages.

Payback (I) (1999)

Only the bad guys die.

[22 September 1999]

This was a good action flick borrowing some attitudes and styles from the 40's genre of individual tough guy films. The premise was a bit outlandish...after all...how thick headed can a guy be? Then again, why else choose Mel Gibson? But, if you're a sport and accept the premise, the ride is a lot of fun. And the good guys (in this case the nicest of the bad guys and his babe) win! Worth the price of admission.

Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels (1998)

Monty Python goes carnivorous!

[22 September 1999]

If Monty Python decided to do a crime flick, it might be close to this. The movie follows the convergence of subplots device into a climax to yield its result, which in this case is great. It also has occasions of tongue-in-cheek scenes or dialogue which serve it well. Then, of course, plenty of blood and guts to satisfy the carnivores among us. Yes, Monty Python would be proud. Worth seeing.

A Simple Plan (1998)

Oh, what a tangled web we weave....

[22 September 1999]

From the moment you meet the people who come up with the plan, you know everything will go wrong. Better yet, Bill Paxton's character immediately realizes it and undergoes the greatest degree of corruption. The fateful retribution of the Furies plays out wonderfully, and along the way, some memorable funny and ironic moments. A really enjoyable film with a strong morality message.

The Players Club (1998)

An entertaining film with a lovely leading lady

[4 August 1999]

This film is actually interesting at several levels. It is serio-comical so it has good contrast. Lisa Ray is delicious with her obvious attributes, mesmerizing eyes, and just perfect voice. Dollar Bill, the character played by Bernie Mac is simply funny.

To the extent that there is a theme, it is one of black exploitation by other blacks, the operative color being the green of money, and it was refreshing to see the absence of non-African Americans so that the themes and action were not framed within the usual, tired aria of white economic oppression, and rather the interactions between the characters are the focal point. The criminals portrayed with the guns are more cartoonish than not, yet the real and abhorrent predators become apparent as the ones victimizing Ebony.

Not an academy award winner, but good entertainment. Gets a 7 in my book.

Simon Birch (1998)

Good things come in small packages

[19 June 1999]

Good photography, sympathetic though predictable storyline. Nice human interest story and how character will tell, with some tender and comical scenes. Good acting overall. Worth seeing for both genders. On a scale of 1 to 10, an 8.

Cube (1997)

A 1/2 hour plot stretched to movie length with a bad result.

[19 June 1999]

This is an average flick. Good points are an unusual (though repetitive) set that is well made and impressive. Bad points are the acting, the plot is too thin for a full length movie (better as a 1/2 hour to 1 hour TV episode), and a disappointing ending. On a scale of 10, this is a 5.

Species II (1998)

Formula movie gone bad for the mammary gland addicted.

[19 June 1999]

Rip off a few visual effects concepts from successful sci fi movies, pretend there's a plot, and show some magnificent naked female breasts, and you have this formula for disaster...not success. On a scale of 1 to 10, a 3. Save your money.

Pleasantville (1998)

Nice escapist fling -- good movie for a date.

[19 June 1999]

Acting is good. The premise is novel. It has a couple of interesting symbolic themes and the effects are reasonably good. This is a good flick for easy entertainment or a light date-- nice escapist fling. On a scale of one to ten, a 6.