Vlad W. Reviews

The Insider (1999)

Perfect?

[5 June 2000]

Michael Mann's 'The Insider' is an almost perfect film.

It displays wonderful characters who speak and act like real human beings. This realism is heightened by the lack of prominent music which gives the film the feeling of a live program. The acting is truely top notch. After watching this film I had to re-evaluate my feelings on Kevin Spacey's winning of the best actor academy award. Russel Crowe proves to be an exceptional actor in a very difficult role. Crowe has a brilliant, subtle, style which is reminiscent of DeNiro's early work.

Cinematography: I think I comment on cinematography in almost every movie I see, and perhaps I'm a bit too generous with the praise I give but the camera work and lighting of 'The Insider' are magnificent. Martin Scorsese once said that "Cinema is a matter of what's in the frame and what's out." This is no more apparent than in 'The Insider'. The extreme close-ups, the unsteady hand held shots, the unsettling shadows...Spinotti is a genius.

Lastly I must mention that the film achieves more than artistic brilliance. It gives a clear message about a subject too often ignored. It critiscizes the tobacco companies for lying to America and it also critiscizes the media for being more interested in money than journalistic integrity. Worst of all this whole story is true. This film needs to be seen

Do the Right Thing (1989)

An underappreciated masterpiece

[20 April 2000]

I find it a tremendous oversight that this film gets so little recognition. The American film institute couldn't find one place in one hundered American films for this cinematic masterpiece that pulls no punches . It got no academy award and most importantly I could not find one friend who had heard of it. I call this a tremendous oversight because the film is wonderful. I know that Spike Lee is a rather eccentric personality and is not well liked by everyone, but his films are brilliant and this is no exception.

For about the first two thirds of the movie the plot meanders around a section of New York City as the characters awaken and start their days. For this first two thirds we have a comedy that is funny because of the eccentric and wonderfully developed characters. The audience is pulled into the story by the rich dialogue and inventive cinematography. There is just some quality about this film that makes it seem so real. This all sets up for the imminent tragedy to be all the worse as a result of the connection the audience has with the movie.

Then the film explodes. Those who have seen it know what I mean and those who have not should see it. This last third of the film should not be explained, it must be experianced. In fact this whole film should be experianced. I can't say enough.

The World Is Not Enough (1999)

Brosnan in his element

[19 April 2000]

In my opinion The World is Not Enough is easily Pierce Brosnan's finest outing as James Bond. I would even be tempted to call this the greatest Bond since say The Spy Who Loved Me if not for The Living Daylights.

To begin with we (the audience) get more action packed into the first 15 minutes than most full length movies provide. Some have complained of the boat chase's length but I found every minute of it pulse pounding.

The story is too involved to explain here and I find this another good point. The plot is intricate and believeable and the film is populated with wonderful actors, with the sad exception of Denise Richards. All the same Sophie Marceau, both beautiful and talented, more than makes up for Ms. Richards. Robert Carlyle is chilling without going over the top. Judy Dench's increased screen time is quite interesting despite my misgivings about bringing M into the fray. And Brosnan shines. He is both cruel and unforgiving as well as witty and nonchalant, something that only Connery had achieved before this.

But for all this it is also a great 007 adventure. There are plenty of explosions, fast vehichles, beautiful women, gambling, vodka martinis, skiing, guns, Q gadgets(sadly the last from Q), and the world's most style consious secret agent in the middle of it all. Above all else this film is exciting entertainment, and for that there is only one name...Bond, James Bond.

The Guns of Navarone (1961)

superb adventure

[19 April 2000]

The Guns of Navarone is an action film but it has elements that are lost in the modern action film. The Guns... has superb actors, a believable plot line and truly spectacular visuals. True the special effects leave a bit to be desired but this is to be expected from an older movie. Guns makes up for this shortcoming by a long shot. Nothing earth shaking but good entertainment.

The Ninth Gate (1999)

One of the best "horror" films I've seen in a long time

[11 March 2000]

As far as horror films go this one ranks pretty high on my list. I enjoyed it the same way I enjoyed 'The Omen'(1976). It was first and foremost a mystery but as the protagonist travels about and learns more and more it becomes clear that the "case" he's solving is not exactly of this earth. Another more obvious comparison is the book that causes many interesting deaths, like Damien did in 'Omen'. Polanski is a master of the subtle horror film. As with 'Rosemary's Baby' this film starts out very reserved and as the story progresses everything comes together with disturbing results. Which leads to another aspect of this film that I enjoyed, the ending. Although it leaves many questions unanswered and also leaves our "hero" in alleigence with Lucifer it fits well with the overall dark and mysterious mood of the film. The acting, on all counts, is fantastic. Johnny Depp plays a the flawed "hero" very well and it was good to see Frank Langella as the evil but ultimately incompetant Balkan. Emmanuelle Seigner plays an interesting female lead that keeps the audience guessing. The cinematography, music and imagery are all perfect and add well to the creepy feeling. If I have one complaint about 'The Ninth Gate' it would be the laughable fight scene by the river. Completely unneccessary. Otherwise great.

Dr. Strangelove or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb (1964)

One of the funniest movies ever made

[16 February 2000]

This is not only one of Stanley Kubrick's best films but is also one of the best comedies ever made. The performances are brilliant (especially Peter Sellers, George C. Scott and Sterling Hayden). The script is scathingly hilarious and Kubrick begins to show some of his skill in the art of cinematography. SEE THIS MOVIE!

Goldfinger (1964)

Flawless, Quintessential 007

[13 February 2000]

Goldfinger, the third Bond film made by MGM/UA is a perfect Bond film. Sean Connery is at his best, the music is great, the villains are evil, the girls are beautiful, the action is non-stop and the wittiscims (though they may be his last) are clever. If you have never seen a Bond film or never liked a Bond film see this one. I think Bond fans will agree, it gets better every time you watch it.

The Doors (1991)

Worth watching but a bit of a disappointment

[12 February 2000]

"The Doors" is a fine movie. However I found myself disappointed at its finish. Not because it takes liberties with the facts of Jim Morrison's life but because it is some interesting subject matter spread over too long a film. There are certainly moments of greatness (the last scene of Morrison's tomb being a perfect example) but there are also scenes that go on too long and lose much of their effect as a result(the numerous concert scenes). I think another shortcoming was the fact that through too much of the film Oliver Stone generates very little sympathy for Morrison and makes him out to be an uncaring villain. He also fails to establish any interest in the rest of the band or any feeling that they have a personal connection/relationship with Jim. On the other hand the cinematography is great and Stone puts in plenty of Doors music. Also, Val Kilmer turns in a brilliant performance.

* To any Doors fans who saw this movie but want to know more about Morrison and the Doors read Light My Fire by Ray Manzarek

JFK (1991)

Perhaps Oliver Stone's best work

[31 January 2000]

I have been a fan of Oliver Stone's ever since I saw Platoon. However I don't think Stone has ever been quite as brilliant as with JFK. It combines a great screenplay, cinematography and perfect performances from all the actors. I think Oliver Stone works best when he has a point to make (perhaps the shortcoming of the rather disappointing "The Doors" of '91)and here he has quite a point to make. Though you don't have to accept the movie's explanation of the assassination you must at least respect Stone in his search for the truth.