The Reviews . . .

Mars Attacks . . rating: $5

Another case of "wrong expectations" for me. The plot meanders along aimlessly (an effort to include all of Topps concepts), with lots of big-name actors but no real focus. Things improve about half way through when the writers just gave up and let the Martians have fun, creatively destroying everything in sight. Mindless, with pretty novel special effects.
Fun tip: Look for Billy Jean King as a White House reporter.

Evita . . rating: $7

The lavish production and fabulous score (Tim Rice with Andrew Lloyd Webber) provide the foundation, but it is Madonna's well-balanced performance that makes this a winner. She convincingly plays the strong title character without overwhelming the rest of the fine cast. Even Antonio Banderas was pleasantly surprising. For avid theatre goers: I must remind you that no film can match a live performance.
Trivia question: How old was Eva Perron when she died?

First Strike . . rating: $3

Jackie Chan has a screen presence and style that you just won't find in American movies - too bad the novelty wears off. There's lots of action in unique settings, but the script and dubbing are especially weak. You would be better off renting Rumble in the Bronx.
Fun tip: As with any Jackie Chan movie, wait for the out-takes at the end.

The Star Wars Trilogy

What can I say that hasn't been said before? All of these are classics, and I was just the right age when they first came out. This re-release has been preceded by a lot of hype, which could disappoint some folks who haven't seen Star Wars before. You'll have to wait until 1999 for the fourth film in the series.

Star Wars . . rating: $7

Refreshed since its 1977 debut, new scenes extend the running time beyond 2 hours - but it's always fun to see Star Wars presented on the big screen. The ground-breaking special effects have lost a bit of their edge, but a whole new generation of movie goers will now be hooked.
Trivia question: What is the subtitle for Star Wars?

The Empire Strikes Back . . rating: $7

The best of the three, in my opinion. Director George Lucas spends time developing the characters, defining their relationships, and dropping a few hints for the next film. And Yoda practically redefines the role of supporting actor.
Fun tip: When Chewie carries C-3PO onto the Falcon, watch the light near his head.

Return of the Jedi . . rating: $6

Now that you're sucked into the story, you have to see the final chapter. The soap opera plots are all wrapped up, Yoda is back for a cameo appearance, and we finally meet the dreaded Emperor face to face. The only down notes are the fuzzy Ewoks and the poor condition of the original film stock.
Fun tip: The final two minutes have been replaced - and it's a vast improvement.

Absolute Power . . rating: $3

Clint Eastwood starts with an interesting concept, sprinkles in a cast of well-known talent, then drags it out at a pace that makes even 2001 seem like an action film. And because the commercials give away the plot, there aren't any surprises for the audience. Nice idea, poor execution.
Fun tip: Try to read the text of the "Jewel Thief" newspaper article.

Private Parts . . rating: $5

Howard Stern's semi-autobiography is entertaining for the moment but didn't leave me with a lasting impression. The self-promotion is endless, with the script alternately trying to show Howard as brilliant comedian, caring husband and steadfast friend. True Howard fans will probably put this film in their "1997 Top Ten" lists, foul language and all.
Fun tip: Stuttering John's monologue practically had me in tears.

Liar Liar . . rating: $5

Jim Carrey is the perfect actor for this high-energy slapstick film, and the first 2/3rds is very entertaining. The climax, however, is mushy and predictable, a big letdown after the hectic pace set earlier in the movie. I almost think the director included the out-takes at the end to apologize for the inconsistent tempo.
Fun tip: Watch the wall move when Jim Carrey takes the stairs from the 21st floor.

Sling Blade . . rating: $7

A fascinating study of Karl Childress, returned to society from a mental institution after serving 20 years for murder. The thought-provoking script challenges our sense of right and wrong, suggesting that there may be more than one correct answer. I'll watch it again when it hits video.
Trivia question: What is the final word in each dialog at the end of the movie?

The English Patient . . rating: $5

I'm sure I've missed some deep meaning or interpretation, but the overly long and complicated plot just couldn't hold my interest. The film seems formulaic, aimed at winning awards rather than entertaining audiences. And the stunning impact of the scenery will be lost on video.
Trivia question: Why did this movie win so many awards?

Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery . . rating: $5

In this loving parody of sixty's era spy flicks, Mike Myers's reminds us all just how cheesy Roger Moore and Sean Connery were. The fashions are frightening, the bathroom humor is endless, the teeth are nasty, and the PG naked scenes are reminiscent of Benny Hill's best.
Trivia question: Who was the fourth name on Austin's list of friends?

The Devil's Own . . rating: $3

Any movie with Brad Pitt and Harrison Ford can't be all bad, right? Wrong. The plot is slow and predictable, except when non-value-added scenes are included in a vain effort to explain the character's motivation. And the stereotypes and unintelligible accents only make things worse.
Trivia question: What's wrong with the neon "Killian's Red" sign in the bar window?

The Fifth Element . . rating: $5

Detailed sets, wonderful costumes, neat-o effects and a long cast list give this fast-paced futuristic adventure a comic book feel. Much of it looks familiar (Die Hard, Blade Runner, Heavy Metal, etc.) but it's mostly out of respect, not lack of originality. Mostly good fun, but I hated the last 60 seconds.
Fun tip: Look for the Statue of Liberty when the space-plane takes off.

The Lost World - Jurassic Park . . rating: $5

I've come to expect so much of Steven Spielberg that the first-rate effects are undermined by weakness in the story line and "now you see it, now you don't" violence. This sequel is less entertaining and less believable than the first one, but I'm thankful there was no unnecessary hysterical screaming.
Trivia question: How much should a baby T.rex weigh?

Chasing Amy . . rating: $7

Writer/director Kevin Smith (Clerks, Mallrats) deserves a lot of credit for this fresh, honest look at how hard people work at screwing up their relationships. I could have done without the "coincidence" of Silent Bob's story, and Banky's overly enthusiastic performance, but the wonderfully realistic script more than made up for that.
Fun tip: Watch the parallel between the dialog and the hockey game.
Guest trivia question (WHTG): What were the names of the comic book characters?

Pink Flamingos - 25th Anniversary Director's Cut . . rating: $7

John Waters' classic starts out slowly but quickly escalates to levels of discomfort I haven't experienced for some time. There's not much plot and some of the acting is bad, but the purpose of this film is to challenge the viewer's limits and to make you think about your own definition of "socially acceptable behavior."
Warning: This disturbing film is NOT for everyone. The NC-17 rating is well deserved.
Fun tip: Experience this in a group, preferably including some who have seen it before.

Batman & Robin . . rating: $4

Director Joel Schumacher relies on lots of digital effects, flying wire, and questionable flashbacks to hide the weak story line, but it doesn't work. The whole production is overdone, and the previously wonderful scenery has grown absurd. Plus Arnold Schwarzenegger needs an intervention w.r.t. his "cute" one-liners. The only good news: Batgirl's introduction is well-handled by the writers.
Fun tip: Watch the photograph when Barbara tries to guess the password.

Men In Black . . rating: $7

Nearly perfect. The film's simple premise is well-executed, and Will Smith and Tommy Lee Jones play off each other nicely in this action comedy. There's no clutter or slow spots, and even the gratuitous scenes are smart (e.g. the super ball). Lots of background action adds to the depth, much like the best Abrams, Zucker & Zucker films.
Trivia question: Who does Will Smith shoot during the test?

Contact . . rating: $6

The PR folks dropped the ball on this one, selling me a science fiction action film that turned out to be a thoughtful inspection of our values. The beginning is too slow, the Bill Clinton scenes look fake, and the film is more about the decision to visit than the trip itself. However - Jodie Foster is strong and believable, and Carl Sagan's story seems absolutely possible.
Trivia question: What do the aliens look like?

Spawn . . rating: $4

I understand that exposition is important, but Spawn had the worst opening ten minutes I've seen in a long time. And Martin Sheen was either mis-cast or mis-directed, forced to make his voice gravelly most of the time. Special effects and Clowny's dark sense of humor kept this from being a total loss.
Trivia question: Name the "good guy" in the alley.

Event Horizon . . rating: $2

Pointless. The producers spent a lot of money on intricate sets but forgot to include a story. Sure, I jumped when things popped onto the screen, but the blatant foreshadowing and talking-head plot points ("God help us all") were pathetic. There's two hours I'll never have back.
A better choice: Siskel & Ebert suggest the 1972 Russian film Solaris, which uses a similar premise.

Cop Land . . rating: $3

Sylvester Stallone plays the suburban town sheriff well, but there's just too much story to squeeze into 105 minutes. And the middle of the film was slowed by introducing a bunch of interesting characters who never got to contribute to the plot. This would have made a better mini-series.
Fun tip: Watch the dent on Figgsie's Camaro (driver-side front fender).

The Game . . rating: $6

If you buy into the premise, this is a clever concept backed up by precise writing and a well-rounded cast. And this is the way exposition should be - providing the audience with essential character development to help us understand Michael Douglas's motivation later in the film. Not quite The Usual Suspects, but it's at least in the ballpark.
Friendly tip: Don't worry too much about "How did they know that?"

In & Out . . rating: $3

Despite some nice casting (Bob Newhart, for instance) and some occasional moments of insightful dialog, the bland writing leaves the topic of homosexuality unexplored. Only the Oscar Awards scene is memorable.
Trivia question: Name the other actors and films nominated for Best Actor.

The Full Monty . . rating: $6

Six unemployed steel workers decide to raise a little cash, but each has their own family problems, and each has good reason to back out. The dialog and conflicts are mature and realistic, and the refreshing script doesn't rely on stunts, explosions, or big-name stars. Proof again that the story makes a film work, not the budget.
Trivia question: What does "the full monty" mean?

Kiss the Girls . . rating: $5

Morgan Freeman's character is pretty smart - he's a forensic psychologist, well-known author, trained in obscure drug interactions and even a reasonable shot. That was too much for me to swallow, as well as the overly emotional "repressed memory" scene. Smarter than most, but not quite Silence of the Lambs.
Trivia question: How quickly did the young doctor's facial scars heal?

L.A. Confidential . . rating: $6

This film has a great look, and the script is intelligent, but I found too many characters to keep straight in the early disjointed scenes. When it is finally exposed, the underlying conspiracy has enough depth to stay interesting. I'm sure the book is much better.
Trivia question: What was the point of Lt. Exley losing his glasses?

Gattaca . . rating: $6

As research continues, genetic discrimination can't be too far away. Based only on a DNA screen, the lead character is dismissed as a non-contributing member of society, doomed to a life of menial jobs. The pace is bit slow, and I found one part at the end confusing, but it's a good story that is well told.
Trivia question: What does the film's title mean?

Starship Troopers . . rating: $5

Robert Heinlein's political commentary has been turned into this year's Independence Day. Lots of great effects, driven by the story of four friends who all sign up to fight the bugs. Unfortunately the director had to rush past the character development and many details that determine their fates.
Trivia question: What branch of the military is TV's Doogie Howser assigned to?

Alien 4: Resurrection . . rating: $4

Director Jean-Pierre Jeunet (City of Lost Children) has created yet another great-looking film. The characters are smart, and there are no whiners or children like Alien 2 and 3. Unfortunately, the plot is simply recycled from Alien 1, so there are few new angles here.
Trivia question: Name the computers and androids from the Alien series

The Rainmaker . . rating: $6

If you root for underdogs, then this is a movie for you. Grisham's novel and Copola's screenplay are well written, never boring you with legal discussions unless it contributes to the plot. Little-known Matt Damon is well chosen as the lead, portraying the dignity of a man who has earned things the hard way.
Trivia question: Name some of Matt Damon's other movies.

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