Rumples-2 Reviews

The Whole Nine Yards (2000)

Simple, engaging, fun

[7/10 · 4 December 2000]

I expected little from this film and was very pleasantly surprised. Matthew Perry is fairly effective in a fairly typical role (the next WASP Woody Allen) as a neurotic good-hearted bumbler, Bruce Willis is almost as effective at comedy as action movies (which is to say, more than adequate without threatening startling brilliance), Natasha Henstridge is always a total hottie so little acting is required, the supporting cast all quite good (although Rosanna Arquette is almost - though I suspect deliberately - unbearablly bad). If you are looking for a fun, simple romp without expecting too much you could do far worse than this film. My vote 7/10

U-571 (2000)

Surprisingly boring for an action movie

[6/10 · 4 December 2000]

This film was slightly disappointing. Although it was almost non-stop action the cliches and predictability made it rather dull. The historical aspect caused some debate. I tend to lean towards the slap-in-the-face camp but admit it is only entertainment. I would say fairly good for what it is but eminently missable. My vote 6/10 and lucky to get it.

What Lies Beneath (2000)

Ho hum, Alfred robbed again

[6/10 · 29 November 2000]

Unlike the fortunate cojan1, it cost me AU$10.50 to see this film (close enough to US$5.25) and I can't honestly say it was worth it. This movie managed to cobble together some classic Hitchcock scenes and ideas, added with some old well-worn concepts, and call itself an original movie. That said, however, it did manage to produce a few scares and some interest. It is fairly predictable but well acted. A film of contrasts I think the voting is running about right. My vote 6/10

Intensity (1997 TV Movie)

Deserved much better

[7/10 · 12 November 2000]

I probably watched this in the same network tv viewing as Craig, although I thought more highly of the film. Couple comments - which may be coloured by the medium viewed. 1) The movie was called 'Intensity' but whenever the moment got intense they broke to an ad. My wife and I were so annoyed we complained to the station. Do not watch this movie on tv - I guess having it as a mini-series would have been better but still annoying. 2) Why introduce characters/scenes that were utterly irrelevant? The guy crawling out of the root cellar - just to disappear under a dog attack? The black cop that searches, only to end up dead and totally meaningless to the plot? Even the crazy old woman in the Chevy who called the cops was tacked on - notifying the cops ended up making no difference anyways??? The guy's cruelty was already well established. It's just like the wookie defense, it just doesn't make sense. Lastly, 3)the flashbacks were annoying and stupid, and the whole white wolf imagery was too cliched and corny. Apart from this - although you might not think so - it was actually quite an enjoyable movie with good acting, chilling scenes, reasonable suspense in an interesting plot and reasonable dialogue. My vote 7/10 and worth a watch.

The Tichborne Claimant (1998)

Just about right

[7/10 · 31 October 2000]

• the voting for this film that is. I agree that it is an interesting, if somewhat slow period drama, but it is intelligent, and well acted and scripted. It's historical accuracy is an added dimension. Worth a look but probably not worth shelling out much money for. My vote 7/10

84 Charing Cross Road (1987)

One of my all-time faves

[9/10 · 14 October 2000]

I could watch this film again and again. It is one of the single most clever and touching pieces of movie-making I have ever experienced.

A stellar cast and simple old-fashioned storytelling make this one that will be treasured and remembered by a wide audience.

My vote an enthusiastic 9/10

Cube (1997)

Disturbing but brilliant

[8/10 · 27 September 2000]

For what this movie is (ie low budget, cast of 7, no sets/scenery or really much of anything), it is incredible! Yes there are some holes and lapses - this film won't win many awards for cinematic excellence - but it more than makes up for these in sheer imagination and disturbing ideas and images. My wife and I are still pondering it 1 1/2 days later! This is a movie that will probably shock and disturb, but you will not soon forget. My vote 8/10

TwentyFourSeven (1997)

Dark, gritty, realistic drama

[7/10 · 21 June 2000]

This film was one I had heard of, thought I'd like to see, but simply missed. When it came on pay-tv I made a point of taping it and I'm glad I did. In an extremely simple but effective way this film transports the viewer to a seedy english working class neighbourhood with its local 'colour' and crushing gloom, hopelessness and misery. A fair short film, in some respects I felt the tale unfinished - little by way of background, the heart of the film was the training and first competition which doesn't run too long, then - almost before you know it - its all over. Still, definitely worth a watch for some fine acting, interesting (though not overly original) plot, and fine but simple film-making. (ps although I can understand the use of b/w I'm not really convinced it was all that necessary or effective). My vote 7/10

Blue Streak (1999)

Not a bad little romp

[6/10 · 16 June 2000]

Ok, it isn't a brilliant movie and won't have you splitting your sides with laughter, but this movie isn't all that bad. There are some funny moments - some unfunny but meant to be funny moments too admittedly - and a reasonable premise making for a moderately entertaining effort. Wilson was underused and Lawrence generally did a good effort (pizza boy notwithstanding) but one thing doesn't gel. It all started out quite promisingly, and the first 2/3 of the movie hung together fairly well - but the whole drug dealer stuff was stupid and meaningless. The only purpose it served was to get them to the border. Surely this could have been done in a cleverer way? Anyways, not bad but it can wait until video. My vote 6/10

East Is East (1999)

Very, very good

[8/10 · 16 June 2000]

This film, portraying the culture clash of an anglo-pakistani family, is a stunning piece of work. Humourous, moving, powerful, sympathetic, it just about has it all. Stellar performances by the leading cast members add remarkable polish in this ensemble performance. The viewer is drawn in to this peculiar family trying desperately to straddle two cultures, two religions, two countries, in the middle of working class england during the early seventies. I can imagine similar scenes being played out in other anglo-south asian families across the UK. I can see why this film won best british movie of the year. I cannot recommend it highly enough. My vote, a very solid 8/10

Stepmom (1998)

Soppy, weepy, sappy, crappy

[5/10 · 12 June 2000]

This movie is dull, it moves at a pace that would lose to sloths, and is stupidly manipulative. OK, Julia Roberts and Susan Sarandon do decent jobs with the material but there's very little to like about this film. There are so surprises, no real tension or conflict (it is clear from the start where these two women are heading), and the children - while theoretically the centre of the film - become increasingly irrelevant to the goings-on. My vote 5/10 and all the points were for the cast.

Godzilla (I) (1998)

Not as bad as you've heard

[5/10 · 12 June 2000]

I'd heard lots of bad remarks about this movie but thought I'd give it a try on cable. It was a lot better than I expected. OK - its no brilliant piece of film-making and won't change your life but it's definitely not terrible. More an enjoyable romp. One thing I don't understand - why have so many comedic actors in a movie that had no comedy??? 5/10

The Avengers (1998)

Phew-ee what a stinker

[4/10 · 1 June 2000]

Sad to see that this was sheer excrement. Such a waste of a talented cast! I would say that this is quite probably Sean Connery's worse effort ever (of course he didn't have much to work with) and Ralph Fiennes is probably in the same boat. But its the content rather than the delivery that's really to blame. Unfortunately, it wasn't even bad in a funny way. I really found myself wondering (wishing) when it would all end. Never mind, tea anyone?

South Park: Bigger, Longer & Uncut (1999)

Not as good as all that...

[6/10 · 22 April 2000]

I must say I was a little surprised at the score and user approval of this movie. While it is certainly clever, entertaining, different and memorable, it isn't even close to top 250 material. There are definitely some funny bits. There are some very funny bits, the songs are clever, but on the whole the movie drags. Its constant borrowing from other films and genres starts to get a bit old and eventually you start hoping for a quick finish. Of course, the message is an interesting one and the violence v language message is powerfully reinforced, but it starts to become a bit too laboured and offensive after awhile. On the whole a fairly solid effort but not worth any more than about a 6.

Fallen (1998)

Not bad at all

[7/10 · 30 January 2000]

Certainly this movie was better than I expected. It was chilling and creepy in just about the right measure - enough to keep you going, not so much you can't stand to watch. I thought the very lovely Embeth Davidtz was basically wasted (although it was interesting to see her character using her real name) and Sutherland's role was also a little lacking. Washington continues to be a legitimate star vehicle and the remainder of the supporting cast was strong. An interesting tale - how come Azazel couldn't enter everyone by touch, but never ran up against anyone resistant on the street??? - with an interesting twist in the end (although I could kinda see it coming - dang cats!) and keeps you watching. My vote, a strong 7/10.

Manhattan Murder Mystery (1993)

An extremely clever movie which is just a little too long

[7/10 · 30 January 2000]

This is a brilliantly witty movie and some of the dialogue and acting is sparkling, but it also suffers from the occassional lag and at times my interest waned. However, the gems of neurosis that fall from Woody's lips make the rest of the ride worthwhile in this entertaining and engaging piece of light comedy. My vote - a strong 7/10 (almost an eight)

Shooting Fish (1997)

Delightful romp ***possible minor spoiler***

[7/10 · 27 January 2000]

This movie is retro in everything. It is a lighthearted romantic comedy in the old mold, with two mismatched con-men, falling for the same girl, the dopey one eventually gets her, and his buddy gets the sister! While the plot is occassionally disjointed it never fails to keep moving along and is throughly charming along the way - helped greatly by the winning main characters. I was very surprised to see the mixed reviews, it is hard to work out what there is not to like in this thoroughly likable movie - occassionally clever, sometimes sappy, possibly a little predictable - but never unlikeable. As for the title, if you can't work it out, you don't have enough intelligence to be allowed out of the house by yourself. My vote 7/10 and a fun movie for some light-hearted entertainment. Definitely worth a watch.

American History X (1998)

Very good - with minor drawbacks

[8/10 · 24 January 2000]

There is simply no question that this is a very stylish and provocative movie. Equally it is true that it has its limitations - due largely to time and production restraints (and the odd influence of hollywood/mass market appeal) - and a few too many simplistic resolutions/devices. Norton does a typically superb job and is quite adequately supported by the remainder of the cast - but this remains Norton's film. On the whole, a movie likely to shock or offend some, move many, and influence almost all. Definitely worth a watch. My vote 8/10

Nick of Time (1995)

Not terrible

[7/10 · 24 January 2000]

I didn't expect a lot from the movie and so I was moderately impressed by the outcome. While far from the best film I have ever seen, neither is it even close to one of the worst. It is a fairly solid effort with an interesting storyline and some pretty good tension/suspense and tolerable acting (Depp gets to cover a whole range from dazed incomprehension through to shock ;-). Supposedly filmed in 'real time' (although actually off by a few minutes) it moves along fairly well and manages to, by and large, maintain veiwer interest. Worth a watch on cheap video night. 7/10

Rounders (1998)

Ho hum...

[16 January 2000]

This not not a bad movie by any means, however it doesn't reach the heights it perhaps could. I didn't expect much from this film but it was reasonably entertaining. With a talented cast headed by Matt Damon (a wildly over-rated actor) playing Matt Damon (not a difficult role for him you'd think - he does it passably well) there is no real challenge and precious little plot or character development. But of all the unusual and unlikely things done by the characters in this movie (get this - KGB's 'tell' is playing with his Oreos - the viewers pick this up straight away because its so blindingly obvious - but wunderkind takes the whole movie and a pile of money to work it out?!?) the worst is turning away the luscious Famke Janssen - like sure!!! It would have been nice to see Worm turn up at the end but, on the whole, this is a relatively formulaic but moderately enjoyable movie - even if just for some classy actors (Malkovich wasn't really THAT bad although his accent was a little hard to take), snappy dialogue and a glimpse at the seemy NYC poker underground. My vote (and apparently most others') 7/10

The Opposite of Sex (1998)

Razor sharp

[8/10 · 6 January 2000]

This film is definitely one of the best of its year. With great acting, sparkling dialogue and a devilishly clever plot this movie is a refreshing piece of entertainment. Its sheer orneryness is enough to produce some chuckles, the rest are won with very intelligent writing. My vote 8/10

Little Voice (1998)

Stunning film

[8/10 · 3 January 2000]

This is a wonderful piece of movie-making. Set against the bleak (but increasingly popular) backdrop of working-class England the cast is an amazing ensemble of talent as they portray individuals each with their own peculiarities and weaknesses. Brenda Blethyn and Ewen McGregor are getting a lot of work nowadays and deservedly so. While Mari wasn't a likeable character she was portrayed perfectly - the aging beauty, desperate for a man to 'save' her. Caine is superb as a washed-up talent scout with his last crack at the big-time, and Horrocks is amazing as a fragile, shy but talented young lady around whom this tale revolves. For the yanks who whine about not being able to understand the dialogue - too bad, try translating Stallone and Schwartzeneger's mangled English for tough going. This is a moving and humourous snapshot of a fascinating bunch. See it. 8/10

Arlington Road (1999)

Very Interesting ***Spoiler alert***

[8/10 · 23 December 1999]

A movie that took me a little while to warm to I ended up quite impressed with the overall film. I'm quite a fan of Robbins - no fan at all of Bridges - and had heard some ok things about this movie. I wasn't disappointed. It had some almost Hitchcock-esque aspects with the growing paranoia - 'not paranoid enough!'. Cusack was great as a facade of the perfect housewife and mother and, as everyone says about this movie, the ending is a bit of a surprise (especially because the baddies get away with it). I'm not terribly thrilled it becomes another addition to the huge organised conspiracy files but on the whole an interesting movie.

The Piano (1993)

Unbelievable

[8/10 · 19 November 1999]

that this movie is running at the rating it currently is. Unbelievable also that so many people have confused not enjoying the plot (or being unable to follow it) with being a 'bad' movie. This is a stunning film, visually amazing, incredibly acted, intelligently scripted and beautifully directed. Perhaps the storyline was disturbing and unpleasant - but this is a film which you will find difficult to forget. My vote 8/10 (almost a 9)

Analyze This (1999)

Not terrible

[4 November 1999]

With some marked similarities to 'The Don's Analyst' - a movie I loathed (and similar also to 'The Sopranos - are all the mobsters in the US in therapy?) I wasn't expecting much. Nevertheless, this film was passably fun and entertaining. While it had its weak spots and trailed off towards the end, there were real chuckles along the way. My vote 6/10