This is a great, great movie that I think epitomizes everything that could possibly go wrong on an independent film shoot and much of which often does. Steve Buscemi stars as director Nick who must deal with a short schedule, a low budget, finicky actors, a stubborn cinematographer, and a motley crew. The cast is top notch and the view of the scenes through the on set camera really add to the reality of the whole situation. Dermot Mulroney turns in one of his best performances as the arrogant cameraman Wolf and James LeGros gives a thoroughly over the top performance of an actor who thinks that he is God's gift to everything. I really enjoyed this movie and its well captured stereotypes of film industry people and I think that it is a must see for anyone who is interested in capturing a glimpse (if sometimes exaggerated) of independent filmmaking. Director Tom DiCillo went on to make "The Real Blonde" last year. This is the Spinal Tap of film.
The Night Of The Hunter (1955)
Robert Mitchum stars in this creepy tale of a preacher/killer who is stalking two children because he wants to try and find out where their thieving father has stashed his cash. The image of a nice, honest man with tattoos of "love" and "hate" on his wrists complete with a story about the battle between the two emotions casts a very dark shadow over Mitchum's character as you know that there is something very sinister about this chap from the first time you see him. We are also treated to extremely stylish direction from actor Charles Laughton in his first (and last I believe) attempt at directing. His use of framing, lighting, and various homages to films such as "Frankenstein" and even some hints of influence by the antics of the Three Stooges or Harold Lloyd make for an interesting and stylish movie experience. The thought of this man of God relentlessly pursuing these children was very frightening when you considered what was actually happening. Co-stars include Shelley Winters (in a very disturbing underwater scene) and screen legend Lillian Gish as the woman who provides refuge for the kids.
Sometimes I forget about the wonderment of my teenage years until I see a movie like "St. Elmos Fire" again. This was one of the definitive eighties "brat pack" movies with most of the major players except for poor Molly Ringwald. The ensemble cast includes Judd Nelson as a politically involved guy who is trying to convince artist girlfriend Ally Sheedy to marry him, Emilio Estevez as a struggling lawyer wannabe who is trying to convince doctor Andie MacDowell to go out with him, Rob Lowe as a sax playing miss-the-old-days ex-frat guy who is trying to convince virgin Mare Winningham to sleep with him, and Demi Moore as a coked out I-wish-I was-a-trendsetter trying to convince wimpy I-don't-know-what-I-am-really-doing-here Andrew McCarthy that he is gay. Please do not take my character descriptions to mean that I did not like the movie as I enjoyed it immensely. When I first saw it as a teenager, I did not really like it because it was aimed more at twentysomethings. Now that I am indeed a twentysomething myself, the movie is quite an entertaining way to reminisce about the old days in a new way. Although it is slightly dated by hair, clothes, and forgotten pop culture references, this was pretty fun. Directed by Joel Schumacher ("Flatliners", "Batman and Robin").
I did not think that I could really go wrong with this one as it has such an awesome cast. Amanda Plummer ("Freeway", "Pulp Fiction") stars as Sandra who is traveling to hook up with her sister and meet up with mom. Along the way, her car breaks down and she meets up with a mysterious coin flipping stranger named Jake (Robert Forster) who makes all decisions with the flip of a coin. They hang out and we are also introduced to a crazy-type magician named Santini who is played by David Thewlis ("The Island of Doctor Moreau", "Naked"). Death happens and then we meet Sandra's sister who is played by one of my favorite actresses, Fairuza Balk. That's all I'm going to tell you but if you want to see a good mystery/road movie, check this out. I have been a fan of Robert Forster since the days of "The Black Hole" and "Alligator" and it is good to see him finally getting the recognition and opportunities such as this and "Jackie Brown" to showcase his talent and coolness. Co-starring Paul Sorvino and Chris Sarandon.
I never thought that I would be reviewing a Woody Allen movie much less giving it a positive review. I guess that is what happens when you make judgments without actually experiencing things. I was checking out the DVD selection at the old video store and I rented this on a whim. No reason, I was just in a strange mood. (Note: I have never in my life had the desire to rent a Woody Allen movie nor have I seen one before this.) Well, kids, if you are like me and disliked the man for whatever strange reason that possesses many to not give his films a chance, stop reading this now and go and rent this movie. This was a totally enjoyable experience and is the movie I can relate to more than anything else in recent memory. Allen takes all of the experiences and thoughts that we take for granted and puts them right in our faces. I could see that Jerry Seinfeld was probably very influenced by his work. If you have ever been in a relationship, watch this movie and don't judge Woody Allen until you have seen this. I recommend this to everyone. Also stars Diane Keaton, Paul Simon, Carol Kane, and Christopher Walken in another crazy role.
I have been eagerly awaiting the new film by director Whit Stillman entitled "The Last Days Of Disco" so I decided to check out some of his past work. This is Stillman's second film and it is an entertaining piece of dialogue driven filmmaking. The basic plot involves workaholic salesman Ted and his Navy cousin Fred and their experiences in Barcelona. They have relationships with a number of women (including a Spanish-accented Mira Sorvino) and get in trouble with the local revolutionaries when their comments get them affiliated with the CIA. Some may find this slow but I am a big fan of "talkie" movies when they are well written and this one is. I was interested from start to finish especially with the lead character of Ted (played by Taylor Nichols) and his neurotic type observations. I am looking forward to Stillman's new film and hope that his previous one entitled "Metropolitan" is as good as this one. I also felt really bad for these guys when they were trying to limbo.
A veritable who's who of the horror genre were involved in the making of this one and I am having a difficult time trying to figure out why it got panned upon its release. It had incredible effects, a decent story, and was a blast for fans of the genre due to all the cameos. Perhaps I just answered my own questions in that many critics are not fans of the horror genre. Well, I am and if you are too, you will love this movie. Andrew Divoff stars as Djinn, a genie creature that lives on wishes as granting wishes gives him power. He is attached somehow to our heroine Alexandra and the movie builds to a spectacular finale complete with statues that come to life and mucho gore. KNB effects wizard Robert Kurtzman directed this with the grace of a true genre director who is obviously a major fan (and the fact that he is a partner in the best effects company in the business doesn't hurt either). His supporting cast of cameos includes Robert Englund ("Freddy Krueger") as an art dealer, Ted Raimi (Sam's brother) as his assistant, Joe Pilato ("Day of the Dead") as a drunk crane operator, Reggie Banister ("Phantasm") as a pharmacist, Kane Hodder ("Jason") as a security guard, Tony Todd ("Candyman") as another security guard, Angus Scrimm ("The Tall Man from Phantasm") as the narrator, and Buck Flower as a drunk. If you are a fan of horror films, this one delivers.
In my interview with Gunnar Hansen last year, he informed me that this was his favorite movie. It took me until now to watch it and now I can see why he loves it so much. "Chinatown" is an engaging mystery set in the days of the old style private eyes and keeps you guessing until the very end. I am quickly becoming a big Jack Nicholson fan and I am appreciating his acting talent more with each film I see him in. This is my second Polanski film and I am gathering a growing appreciation towards his work as well. Other stars include the always excellent Faye Dunaway, John Huston, Diane Ladd, John Hillerman ("Magnum P.I.) and Polanski himself as a creepy little gangster. I love this movie and am again wondering why I always seem to avoid these classics when perusing the video store shelves. I guess I am too busy searching for the diamonds in the rough to notice the ones that are sitting on top.
Nick Corri ("A Nightmare On Elm Street") stars in this post-apocalyptic action flick about a dude named Falco who is trying to reunite with his beautiful wife and start their forbidden marriage. Hot on his trail is a bad ass bounty hunter named Road Kill (Leon) who is intent on doing away with poor Falco and returning the girl to her corporate goof dad. On his travels, Falco meets up with a rambling salesman played by Xander Berkeley ("Gattaca") with whom he trades life saving favours. This was a decent little flick for watching when there is little else to see. In other words, if you are trying to beef up your video collection and you see this in the $5 sale bin like I did, it is not a total waste of money.
People will probably think that I am insane for giving this a good review but for what it is, it is really well done. I watched this during the day (something I never do) and quite enjoyed the simple tale of a warrior turned king who is faced with opposition from evil power hungry "heirs" who believe that it is their birthright to rule and that Kull should be eradicated. There is also a witch who wants to gain power and unleash the forces of evil on earth but Kull keeps getting in the way. Cool effects, heavy metal fight scenes, cheesy acting, and a well paced plot make this for a fun view on that rainy Sunday afternoon. Check it out if you miss movies like "The Sword and the Sorcerer" and you like "Hercules" better than Schwarzenegger's Conan.
Back to: