VWaltz77 Reviews

The Cooler (2003)

Sharp & refreshing look at lady luck

[19 January 2004]

William H. Macy's performance as a Vegas cooler is so much more than the typical, down on his luck, bummed out character we are used to seeing him create. His performance, as well as a good outing by Maria Bello & a STELLAR performance by Alec Baldwin, push this film through an emotionally-charged & tangled tale of deception, devotion & depth. The screenplay by Wayne Kramer & Frank Hannah was intriguing & was very well conveyed by Kramer (who sat in the Director's chair). An excellent crew rounded out the production; I particularly enjoyed the dark, rich cinematography, the crisp editing & a wonderful soundtrack to boot.

Bottom line: This is possibly the best performance of Baldwin's career; you'll love him and you'll hate him.

Grade: 8/10

Freddy vs. Jason (2003)

Surprisingly Deep Story (possible spoilers)

[6/10 · 17 August 2003]

I went into seeing this movie with the expectations that it would be like the rest - just a bunch of sex-crazed teens getting killed in innovative & grisly ways. This expectation was fine; I grew up a fan of slasher flicks. Although this expectation was met, I was also very impressed.

This movie was the most well-written film in either the Freddy or Jason series. The story was surprisingly deep in that the psyche of the Freddy & Jason characters were really explained; audiences have a unique opportunity to see the hated murderers in a much different light.

Actually going back to see where their characters came from was very interesting. I found myself sympathizing with Jason, as well as having such appreciation for Freddy!

I don't dare compare this to 'The Silence of the Lambs' or 'The Shining' saying it's among the greatest horror/thriller flicks of all time, but this certainly surprised me as I really got my money's worth.

Of course, the humor, drug use, sex, gory murders, etc. were fun to see too!

Bottom line: Entertaining & fun, a good flick to see with friends... 7/10

Amadeus (1984)

Stanzi shines in the Director's Cut!

[9/10 · 17 August 2003]

After recently purchasing the Director's Cut & viewing the film with the 20-plus minutes of added scenes, I really appreciate the character of Stanzi so much more.

In the original theatrical & D.V.D. release, I believe that many people claimed that Stanzi's character really lacked depth, where as all of the other performances were great.

In the newly released Director's Cut, there are a few scenes (most notably the Stanzi-Salieri seduction sequence) that add such a great deal of depth to the Stanzi character. For example, her distant behavior/bitterness towards Salieri (at the end of the film), her protection of her husband & his well-being, her humanity as a woman, etc. are so much more easily understood in this version. In the original theatrical/D.V.D. release not much was presented about her character; audiences felt that this was due to actress Elizabeth Berridge's shortcomings as a performer, when I feel that it was more of a lack of her character in the screenplay & some unfortunate cuts in the editing process.

Bottom line: This could be considered the "Stanzi Edition" as she shines in her supporting role & brings so much more to the film than she ever had before... 9/10

The Princess and the Warrior (2000)

My 1st Tykwer Experience

[8/10 · 17 June 2003]

This film was playing in our little theater here, as part of the Beyond Normal Films promotion about a year & a half ago. I must say that before then, I had never heard of Tom Tykwer.

Since then, he has become 1 of my favorite writers & directors. I immediately went out & got the highly acclaimed *Lola rennt* & I must say that I was very impressed. I also got to check out his most recent film *Heaven* as part of this year's Beyond Normal ticket; I LOVED it.

If you are not familiar with Tykwer's work, I would suggest you start with *Der Krieger.* The story has several elements that almost everyone will enjoy & although the story may be a little slow in a few parts, it is nonetheless, interesting. It is not really a film for kids though.

I was once a little intimidated by films in a language I could not understand (German, for instance). There were several times that I did not even have to read the subtitles to know what was going on, it was great & even a little inspiring to me for wanting to learn some German (Danke schön, Tom). I encourage you all to check this flick out if you have not yet.

My rating: 8/10

Heaven (I) (2002)

Murderous, Mysterious and Magical (Possible Spoilers)

[8/10 · 9 February 2003]

I went into seeing this movie as a fan of Tom Tykwer, I left as a fanatic! Much different from the last 2 Tykwer films I had experienced (Lola Rennt & Der Krieger und die Kaiserin), Heaven provides a unique opportunity for the viewer to experience the humanity of the characters by employing very intrinsic means. I believe that the level of success this film achieves lies with not only the brilliant writing of the film, but also the cinematography; every shot was beautifully photographed (most notably, the love scene with the sunset behind the tree). The score was unbelievably simple, yet extremely effective, allowing viewers to experience the audible magic that the film provides. The closing shots of the film were AMAZING. Myself and the other viewers in the theater sat spellbound as we watched, waited, and realized why the film was titled as it was. Leaving a theater after a film had never felt so peaceful.

Bottom line: An entertaining ride with some hidden humor and beauty, 8/10.

Boogie Nights (1997)

P.T. Anderson's finest film to date!

[9/10 · 17 December 2002]

"Boogie Nights" is an excellent account of the rise, fall, and renaissance of a young man's American Dream. The opening sequence is among the best in recent years as the mood is built with simple orchestral music, which is rather misleading. The film's title flashes, and with a bang, we transported to a hip-hopping disco scene! The opening single camera shot (which introduces the audience to each of the principle characters) is brilliant! As the story develops, we see them in their every day lives, as well as some precarious or adverse situations. The film is laced with excellent wit and humor. The costumes and makeup are very accurately done. The film editing is fantastic. The soundtrack is to die for. "Boogie Nights" makes for a great time.

Bottom line: Excellent casting and period clothing, music, and properties make this a charming film... yes, I said "charming."