noexecutie Reviews

Fargo (1996)

I never wanted it to end

[9/10 · 23 February 2003]

How can such a graphically violent, inane movie with its unhurried pace, sparse dialogue, completely dull, unappealing & one-dimensional characters, and gapingly devoid unresolved plot lines be so completely engaging, rich and complete keeping you on the edge of your seat? Cause maybe it's like life itself? Must be cause Fargo is 100% tremendous in its simplistic yet beautiful impact. Watch it again & again. Weird, wild, wonderful!

Anastasia (1956)

Has absolutely withstood the test of time

[23 February 2003]

Almost 50 years later -- even after knowing the whole plotline has been once & for all been settled (DNA testing proved that the imposter Anna Anderson, portrayed by Ingrid Bergman in the film, was not & never was the long-lost Grand Duchess Anatasia) -- this film remains completely wonderful & marvelous. The acting is unsurpassed. The chemistry between Bergman & Brynner is still smoldering, the reunion scene with Hayes & Bergman still heartwarming and wrenching, the throw-away lines still amusing, costumes exciting, music inspiring, side characters delightful. Anatasia is pure wonderful entertainment. And Brynner, if he still lived, would surely be voted 'One of the Sexiest Men Alive' well into the New Millenium.

The Truman Show (1998)

It's only flaw

[15 February 2003]

it that the film is not long enough. Rarely something to complain about, The Truman Show nonetheless needed two extra scenes to first demonstrate the climax of Jim Carrey's character at his momentous discovery and then the catalyst to transform. Other than this, the film is perfectly delightful - high praise indeed from one of Jim Carrey's biggest non-fans. Something original from Hollywood, and well in advance of the "reality show" craze, is definitely a rarity.

The Green Mile (1999)

Why take 2 mins to make a point when you can take 20?

[26 January 2003]

Very disappointing. Beware: other than the prison setting, this WAY overlong production veers left center from its director's "crisp to perfection" previous effort of Shawshank Redemption. The Green Mile is gasically a live action cartoon from wooden one-dimensional performances. Hank's Goody-Two-Shoes guard and Duncan's wrongly accused Stepnfetch gentle giant were especially excruiating to watch. Then there are the Spielbergesque 'pickups' (let's just count how many times one can bear to watch a mouse scamper across a floor) and plot lines that can be seen from forever ("inoperable tumor bad/must come out"). When o when will filmmakers learn that the brilliant imagingings of Stephen King's mind simply cannot be filmed? Satisfying for the masses I'm sure. However as a staunch death penalty opponent, the only thing good I can say about this film is that the execution scenes were realistic enough to sour anyone to that ideal - except that alas they don't use the chair anymore.

Buffy the Vampire Slayer (1992)

Delightful escapist entertainment

[26 January 2003]

Everyone in this film is like "sooo fabulous dude"! I rank Buffy the Vampire Slayer the Movie in my top 20 best. The tongue-in-cheek performances by all are completely unsurpassed (how many times do actors just "let it go" and have fun with it - despite the money & where the next script is coming from and egads what would the stylist say?) Ridiculous & over the top? ABSOLUTELY! (And the point is ....?)

A wonderful wonderful movie ESPECIALLY for its history in time. Paul Reubens (who came out his corner swinging after the "first" obscene arrest) played his death scene to perfection. Luke Perry swallowed his 'teen idol' moniker like an on-the-knees pro. As for Hauer & Sutherland, they went: "We're old, we've done it all, this will be fun." They were right!

I don't know about any other "Buffy" cause I don't have cable but ... don't miss this one!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Girl, Interrupted (1999)

Great movie

[18 January 2003]

While Winona Ryder is believeable and adequate in her lead role, you simply can't take your eyes off Angelina Jolie while she's onscreen. Her performance is stunning! Supporting performers also excellent, their roles contribute to their purpose. While others thought the casting uneven, I thought it perfect for the plot of the story. Why not the someones "crazier" be given more prominence than the title antagonist who is suppose to be "not so"? Girl Interrupted is entirely satisfying with its ensemble leads.

The Spitfire Grill (1996)

Corny vapid tearjerker

[18 January 2003]

From Burstyn's crusty loveable codger, Elliott's trailer-trash-with- heart-of-gold, and Harden's doormat housewife who grows (sort of) a backbone, wooden one-dimensional performances by all contrive to make this film an elementary exercise in pushing emotional buttons. Huge plot holes contribute to its sappy emptiness. At the end, you left only with a soiled hanky and a vague wonderment as to why you cared.

South of Heaven, West of Hell (2000)

I believe Dwight Yoakam accomplished his debut goal

[11 January 2003]

Is this film a masterpiece or a bomb? Unwatchable or something to rewind over & over? Plotless or full of twists & turns? I don't know and based on all the comments here, I don't think anyone else does either. What I do know is this: The director and his producer managed to get an entire cast of actors who are pretty selective about what they appear in (unlike many of those on the so-called A-List) to act in this movie. The director himself relegated his character to more of a narrator than anything else. Many people were engrossed enough to watch it all the way through (which cannot be said for the truly awful), and even those who couldn't were compelled enough to comment on this website. Whether you liked it or hated it, it's safe to say that "South of Heaven, West of Hell" is unforgettable. What more could a first-time director ask for? I for one will be greatly anticipating Dwight Yoakam's sophomoric effort.

Pulp Fiction (1994)

Brilliant & one-of-a-kind

[11 January 2003]

Come on, how often do the critics & public agree? This film knocks your socks off. Just when you think it's heading for the fast lane, it slows down. When you think it's going to drag, it speeds up. Dread Travolta about to whiz around on the dance floor, relax.(SPOILER: Assuming Bonnie's going to be white? Nope you'd be wrong.) Full of action, irony, intrigue, twists, turns, humor, cynicism, raunchiness, tenderness, lightness, darkness, heaviness, this film has it all. I have watched this movie no less than 20 times and never fail to see something new or "get" another aspect of it (except the friggin time sequence & whatever the hell is in that briefcase!). And look closely, all its "extremely graphic" physical violence is ALL IN YOUR OWN HEAD!!! One of the all-time Best.