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The Matrix (1999)
How DOES Morpheus keep his sunglasses on?
Strange as it seems, I went to his movie wanting desperately to NOT like it because I knew it would be wildly popular and occasionally, I like to swim downstream when everyone else chooses upstream. Or is it the opposite of that, and where did that saying come from anyway? Was it just programmed into our psyche at birth? Strange. This movie was incredible, not only was it visually a treat but it also explains, to my satisfaction, some mysteries of life, such as that whole "deja vu" thing.
I liked the fact that I wasn't really sure who the good guys and the bad guys were for about the first 40 minutes.
The humor was subtle and very dry. There was one cliched line of humor but it was placed so well that I didn't mind it and, in fact, found it to slightly relieve some tension-watch for the line, "the door on your left, no your other left."
Keanu was great. His facial expressions made me believe. He can speak volumes with just his expressions and two simple words like "whoa" and "okie dokie." His progressive attitude change, as he learns more and more about the Matrix and his role in it, is exquisitely believable, and then when he finally sees the Matrix for what it is, you just know that you would follow him anywhere.
As far as fashion goes, check out the footwear. Everybody has just great footwear. Don't put away your black clothes for summer, especially those long black coats, they look great when you're doing those anti-gravity cartwheels. Those sunglasses will also be a "must have" item for all of you swimming with the crowd.
One final question, "How DOES Morpheus keep those sunglasses on?"
I highly recommend this film for a complete escape from your cares. It is also a repeater. I saw it twice, and am planning to go at least once more so be sure to hit the matinee, they're cheaper, and you WILL want to see this movie again. Also, I don't know if there are plans for a sequel, but I would go, and go and go...
True Crime (1999)
It's why I go to movies.
I was beginning to think that a great storytelling drama had gone the way of the typewriter. This film tells a great story with not a lot of pomp and circumstance. I feel the character development was just enough to make you care, and not enough to get too involved in the characters' lives which would have distracted from the overall story the movie was trying to tell. It was like reading a very good "Reader's Digest" version of an enthralling book. I was glad to see James Woods and Clint Eastwood together, and they play well off of each other. It's a pleasure to see two veteran actors with a good script. I very much enjoyed the emotional scenes in the prison with the family. The film did not go for the "cheap" tear, but instead opted for some real and true emotion which brought with it the response from my emotional inner-self. The film was not, like so many police-type dramas, too complex for the average once-a-month movie person to grasp. It was straight forward and proved to be a lesson in reality. The dialogue did not get "preachy" when it came to death penalty issues and I'm grateful for the director allowing the audience to make up their own minds concerning a subject that has been talked to death-no puns intended. It was a great story with great actors. It's why I go to movies.
Cruel Intentions (1999)
The intentions may be cruel, but with a new look to an old subject, it works.
Forget the comparisons. This is the definitive story of dangerous liaisons. It works on all levels. A deliciously wicked storyline, witty dialogues when called for and that, "tear your heart out" dialogue when the time is right. I was even surprised by a couple of plot twists, naturally some of the plot was obvious but it was so well acted, that I didn't care.
The ensemble cast brings life to these characters and I felt that the character development was just enough, not too much, not too little. The three main characters gave incredibly strong performances. They acted like veterans, and I believed the characters. Along with the principle cast members, there's a strong support group of very intriguing characters that just have to make you smile. The director may have gone a little overboard in setting up the "diary" payoff. I mean one lingering camera shot of the diary during the opening scene was enough, and we knew there would be a payoff down the line, but he gave us several more of those camera shots throughout the film to make sure we got it. OK, already, we got it. In defense of the director the opening sequence and the closing sequence were so symbolic that I do hope everyone "gets" it. I had a few problems with Phillippe's accent, and I'm not sure where he was trying to go with that, but it didn't distract me enough to not enjoy it.
Be very prepared for strong sexual dialogue and not very guarded sexual situations. I suppose, given the subject matter, it had to be there, but it will turn off a lot of people. If I start talking about individual performances, this could go on for hours, suffice it to say that these young actors/actresses have a fertile future in films, even if their looks don't hold out.
8MM (1999)
The film asks the question you may not want to answer, "How far would you go?"
This film shows the gritty side of the porno film industry. If you thought "Boogie Nights" showed the seamier side of the industry, this goes far beyond that. It goes to the underbelly where, I'm sure, most "legitimate" pornographers would not care to let you know their industry goes. However, that is not where the real story lies. The story attempts to make you ask yourself the question, "How far would you go?" The film gives constant contrasts to the light and dark side of our behavior, not only through the dialogue, but also the film itself goes from a very dark hue, to very bright several times, showing the dichotomy in all of our lives, or at least our thinking process. I recommend the film for those viewers who want to think about the questions it raises. Also, visually, it did not delve as deeply into the violent nature of porno as it could have, and I applaud the director for that decision. It did more with good editing (credit the editor for that) than with actual visual exploitation. The ending was pretty much what you would expect, but it couldn't have ended otherwise and been a film based in reality. Go see it, but be prepared to do some "self-introspection."