ANelson Reviews

A Pure Formality (1994)

Best film of the decade

[10/10 · 12 December 1999]

Anyone who hasn't seen this brilliant thought provoking peice is missing one of the finest films ever recorded (in my opinion it the third greatest movie ever, clocking in just behind Casablanca and M) Wonderfully directed by Roman Polanski and gut wrenchingly acted by Gerard Depardieu, this film is gripping from begginning till end. It follows the story of a man arrested for a crime he cannot quite remember, and as we follow the story the mystery unfolds slowly. It may take more than one viewing to unravel the complexities and symbolism of this movie, but when it becomes clear it hits you with stunning force. Anyone who thinks of Gerard Depardieu as the bufoon of english language movies need only see 5 minutes of his hulking, wounded performance here to understand he is an actor of enormous stature. This film is magic.

Palmetto (1998)

Royally, remarkably awful

[4/10 · 24 January 1999]

Good lord, this is bad. The film starts with a very interesting premise, and a pretty good plot, and proceeds to smash it in to the ground over and over again by virtue of one of the worst hack job scripts of the past century. Elizabeth Shue also gives one of the worst acting performances ever. She seems to have been instructed by the director "Stick out your chest and breathe a lot. We'll get it done quick and you can go home." Woody Harrelson, as the lead, gives a decent Woody Harrelson performance. Although he can act, he chooses not to, getting by on his solid Woody-ness.

Space Truckers (1996)

Star Wars meets Billy Ray Cyrus

[5/10 · 24 January 1999]

What would happen if Star Wars was rewritten to focus only on Han, Luke, and a girl, only Han was older and Luke was snottier, and the director was a crazed cowboy redneck? It would suck, that's what. But it would also be damn entertaining.

Shakespeare in Love (1998)

a perfect love story

[10/10 · 3 January 1999]

This truly extraordinary film is the best thing I've seen in the theatres since Good Will Hunting. The screenplay by Marc Norman and wonderful playwright Tom Stoppard is nothing short of brilliant, it's funny, literate and poignant all at the same time. If any one could dare to put words into the mouth of the Bard and get away with it, it's Tom Stoppard. The film is full of wonderful performances, Joseph Fiennes is passionate and glib tongued as Shakespeare, Gywneth Paltrow does an extroardinary job as Viola, his love interest. Ben Affleck, Judi Dench, and Geoffrey Rush all give excellent supporting turns. A first class film that everyone should see.

Big Night (1996)

A sweet, perfectly acted, perfectly made film

[10/10 · 30 December 1998]

This film is an absolute delight, filled with fabulous performances by Stanley Tucci, Tony Shalhoub, Ian Holm, and Minnie Driver, I don't know how it managed to escape Oscar nominations. The sweet, poignant story of a restaurant proprietor and his brother, the cook's, attempts to keep their struggling franchise afloat is perfect fare not just for families, but for anyone who enjoys a truly well made film. Every aspect of this film sparkles, and provides a true cure to today's big bang, big money, flashtacular Hollywood films.