Sun, May 25, 2003

Dogma

Yay for Kevin Smith! The master of twentysomething postmodern dialogue strikes again! I can't really describe how much fun this film was, it just was. It's ridiculous that the release encountered any controversy from religious groups whatsoever, because in my estimation the film was completely respectful to religion and the plight it suffers in today's me-first society. One thing that worried me going in was the large ensemble cast. I liked Mallrats, but even Smith admits it wasn't his best. My favorite, Chasing Amy, centered around a much smaller cast of characters. But, Smith managed to pull it off. All the characters are richly defined and enjoyable to watch. The story is exciting and the message is great. I'm a bigger fan than ever.

Sleepy Hollow

Tim Burton: what a man. I like that he is fearless – he just does what intrigues him and doesn't worry much about the reaction. I found the film to be visually enchanting. Maybe the story suffered some, I don't really know. I was too busy giggling with glee at the images on the screen. I'm sorry if that makes me a bad reviewer, but sometimes I like to be carried away and just forget everything. I found it fun to watch. I was surprised by its humor, but I thought Johnny Depp really pulled it off nicely, integrating it into the dark subject matter without it seeming ridiculous. I liked the performances and the cast of Burton regulars (Depp, Lisa Marie, Jeffrey Jones, Michael Gough, etc). This was not the Best Picture of 1999. I see that. But I still loved it. It was a fun experience; isn't that what movies are for?

The World Is Not Enough

James Bond: what a man. These movies represent for me what Hollywood should be. Slick. Stylized. Punchy. This one is actually only about 90% there, compared with the last installment Tomorrow Never Dies, but the whole Brosnan series has really revitalized the genre in my eyes, and may well be the only thing keeping MGM above the water. (Supernova?? Did people really see that??) Brosnan excels. It's the role he was born to play. NBC knew it and that's why they were so sticky about the Remington Steele contract. With the support of the unequalled Judi Dench, the omnipresent Desmond Llewelyn, and beautiful chiseled Bond Girls like Sophie Marceau and Denise Richards, the film just can't go wrong. I can't help but leave the theater with an urge to buy a BMW and break my teetotaling ways for a martini, shaken not stirred. Every damn time.

Toy Story 2

John Lasseter: what a man. This guy founded Pixar, quite possibly the most creative place in moviedom, and continues to just do great stuff with it. Toy Story 2 secured 1999 as the Year of the Animated Feature. With films # 1, 2, and 3 going to The Iron Giant, South Park: Bigger, Longer, and Uncut, and Toy Story 2. Unequalled creativity, unbridled cuteness, great humor, and a fabulous voice cast. Pixar continues to do tremendous work – thank God (read: Michael Eisner) they're finally getting the credit (and money) they deserve for it. Continually, they put story first, even above the amazing technical developments that continue to make their computer animation look better than anyone else's. It is always a special joy to watch something that Pixar has done.

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