gallenm1 Reviews

Austin Powers in Goldmember (2002)

Abysmal

[1/10 · 8 July 2003]

This is one of the worst movies I have ever seen. The film is often annoying, has very little in the way of truly funny jokes, and is unoriginal. Many of the jokes have been recycled from the previous Austin Powers movies, something that the film itself acknowledges. The film brags about its lack of originality! Beyonce Knowles is unamusing as Cleopatra, and often just stands around watching while Mike Myers mugs. She is not as effective as Elizabeth Hurley or Heather Graham. The character of Goldmember is ill-conceived and less than amusing. As my father, who watched it with me, noted, "The character wasn't even one dimensional; he's half-dimensional." The only jokes associated with him either fail to bring even a chuckle, or grow old very quickly. Finally, the film is laden with annoying celebrity cameos that distract from the action. The celebrities in question should fire whoever talked them into appearing in this garbage.

Sophie's Choice (1982)

A Great, Literate Movie

[8/10 · 8 July 2003]

This is one of the best films I have ever seen. It is a thought-provoking, literate movie with great performances from Streep, Kline, and MacNicol. The use of poetry and eloquent narration by MacNicol's Stingo give the film an added beauty. The plot is well-crafted, and will keep you guessing until the end. The film is not entirely without flaws; for instance, there was at least one scene that could have been completely removed, and the depiction of the concentration camp was soft-pedalled. Nevertheless, this is a film that everyone should see.

Gorillas in the Mist (1988)

Interesting character study

[7/10 · 3 July 2003]

This film documents the life of Dian Fossey, from the beginning of her work with the mountain gorillas to her decline into obsession and psychotic behavior. The film has wonderful special effects and great scenery. Furthermore, Weaver gives a marvelous performance as Fossey, making her descent into madness all too believable. The film does have some flaws, though. Julie Harris actually only appears for five minutes in the film (which disappointed me, since she received an honorary degree from my school.) Furthermore, the African actor who plays Fossey's guide has a larger role than either Harris or Bryan Brown, yet is listed further down in the credits. Finally, the film tries to put a happy spin on what is actually a tragic story, and tries to justify Fossey's actions.

The Hours (2002)

One of the Strangest Major Studio Movies in Years

[8/10 · 27 June 2003]

This is one of the strangest movies put out by a major studio in a while. It does not have a linear format; instead, the film unfolds like a novel, which is appropriate since it revolves around literature. The focus shifts between several different stories at various points in time. Events are connected to one another by association rather than simple coming one after another.

This film is truly excellent. The cast is great; they must have taken pay cuts to appear in this film, otherwise it would have cost close to $100 million. Julianne Moore is particularly good in her role; she should have won the Oscar. It was also good to see Claire Danes again, because she has not acted in a while. (I think she was in college.) The make up in the film is also superb.

Little Men (1940)

Way Too Cute

[3/10 · 27 June 2003]

This film is cute to the point of being saccharine sweet. It tells the story of a too good to be true school mistress and her pupils, and of a rough and tumble young boy whose life they touch. The treatment of the youngsters is improbable given the time period the film takes place in, and the film has a trite ending that ignores the realities of the situation the boy is in. Finally, the film features the original Bessie the Cow; that fact alone makes it too cute.

The Fly (1986)

Cronenberg at his best

[9/10 · 25 June 2003]

This is one of the best horror movies ever made. It combines some truly gut-wrenching violence with a touching story of lost love. Jeff Goldblum gives an excellent performance, moving from amusing to bizarre to out-right terrifying. Geena Davis is also good as his lover; the two display great chemistry with each other, possibly because they were getting married at the time. It's a pity they broke up; they worked well together. John Getz is good as Davis's ex-boyfriend; unfortunately, few directors have ever made use of him.

This is one of David Cronenberg's best films. It combines his excellent use of special effects with his talent for extremely odd, engrossing stories. It apparently took him three years to make this film after completing Videodrome. It was well-worth the effort. It illustrates his transition from a producer of gory horror movies to a director of intellectually challenging freak shows such as Dead Ringers and Naked Lunch.

M*A*S*H (1970)

A Great War Comedy

[8/10 · 25 June 2003]

This is truly the best military comedy ever made. It is funny, yet it realistically depicts the savagery of war and the non-chalance it gradually inspires in its victims. For example, some of the funniest, yet also most disturbing, moments in the film come when the doctors are operating on wounded soldiers, complete with gruesome sound effects, yet are discussing extremely trivial matters.

The film also benefits from some great performances. Donald Sutherland and Elliot Gould were excellent as Hawkeye and Trapper John. They both had a streak of good movies during the 70s. Robert Duvall is amusing as a pious major whose fanaticism drives our heroes to extreme measures. Sally Kellerman and Tom Skerrit also put in good performances in their roles; it is a pity that these two actors are not better utilized nowadays.

The Matrix Reloaded (2003)

An Excellent Sequel

[8/10 · 20 June 2003]

This movie more that lives up to the original. It retains the violent action of "The Matrix" while increasing the complexity and philosophical depth of the original. The cast gives great performances, especially Fishburne as Morpheus and Hugo Weaving as Agent Smith. You will never be able to predict the ending, which will leave you highly anticipating the final installment.

The Matrix (1999)

Thoughtful yet action packed science fiction

[7/10 · 20 June 2003]

This is one of the most interesting movies to come out in the past decade. It examines philosophical questions involving reality and fate, just like "2001: A Space Odyssey" and other similar movies, yet it also provides brutal violence and excellent special effects in the tradition of "Aliens." Furthermore, it has some of the best costumes in recent memory, at least in my opinion. The only drawback to this film is that it is so complicated you will need to watch it again if you hope to understand any of the sequels.

Wag the Dog (1997)

One of the Most Prescient Political Movies Ever

[8/10 · 20 June 2003]

This is easily the most accurate political satire ever committed to film. It shows the potential for government to manipulate media during times of crisis, whether political scandal or war. This film has repeatedly come true since it came out, first during the Monica Lewinsky scandal, and now in the War on Terrorism and Iraq. Furthermore, the film is extremely funny, with great performances from Willie Nelson and Woody Harrelson. Everyone should see it.

About Schmidt (2002)

One of the Most Depressing Comedies I Have Ever Seen

[8/10 · 6 June 2003]

About Schmidt is one of the most depressing comedies I have ever seen. While the film is laced with hilarious moments, it has an extremely bleak tone, as Jack Nicholson's character struggles with his wretched wife, an ungrateful daughter, her crass, idiotic spouse, and the coming of old age and death. This film is unlike anything that Alexander Payne has previously done, as it has no obvious political overtones to it, as "Citizen Ruth" and "Election" did. Furthermore, signifigant portions of the film are set in Denver rather than Omaha, as in his previous films. Overall, it is a highly recommendable film. Jack Nicholson gives his best performance in recent memory, playing someone other than himself for once. Hope Davis is great as his daughter, and Kathy Bates has a small but amusing role as Davis's soon to be mother in law.

On the Beach (1959)

Good End of the World Movie

[7/10 · 6 June 2003]

This 1959 nuclear war film has a lot going for it. It does not rely on nuclear devastation such as burned out buildings and charred corpses for effect. Instead, it focuses on the struggles of the people who were outside the zone of immediate destruction, those who have to wait for the arrival of the fallout cloud. The performances in this film are excellent. Fred Astaire is good as a scientist who predicts the impending calamity and is haunted by his guilt as a scientist for the creation of nuclear weaponry. Anthony Perkins is convincing as a naval officer in one of his final roles before his performance in Psycho caused him to be type cast. Finally, Donna Anderson is good as Perkins's nervous wife who is in denial about the tragedy. It is a pity that she did not appear in more movies. The film has some flaws. Towards the end, there is a scene where it resorts to implausible tearjerking, and the tone tends to be overly propagandistic. Furthermore, the time table for the coming of the fallout cloud is scientifically implausible. Nevertheless, this is a classic film that should be on everyone's to watch list.

Glory (1989)

Excellent Telling of a Little-Known Story

[8/10 · 4 June 2003]

This movie examines some of the exploits of the 54th Massachusetts, a black regiment during the Civil War, and the struggles of its commander, Robert Gould Shaw, to get them a combat assignment. This film features fine performances from Denzel Washington, Morgan Freeman, and Andre Braugher, along with fine combat footage that rivals the gritty realism of Saving Private Ryan. Although, as James McPherson notes in his book "Drawn with the Sword," features some inaccuracies, (the 54th was mainly composed of Freedmen, not former slaves; Col. Shaw had to be bullied by his father, a prominent abolitionist, into accepting the commission as officer of the African-American unit) its flaws are far outweighed by its quality. It is one of the best Hollywood treatments of the war, surpassing Gone with the Wind and Birth of a Nation.

Poltergeist III (1988)

One of the Worst Movies I have ever seen

[2/10 · 2 June 2003]

Poltergeist III is truly one of the worst movies I have ever seen. The plot is illogical in terms of the rest of the series, as the poltergeists have developed different powers and methods than they used in the rest of the series. Furthermore, the main actors, Skerrit and Allen, are given virtually nothing to do except run around and look vaguely spooked. They cannot show the attachment to Carol Anne that was demonstrated by JoBeth Williams and Craig T. Nelson in the first two movies. Lara Flynn Boyle, making her major film debut, is virtually unrecognizable with a fluffy 80s hairstyle. Finally, one supporting character, a doctor, remains skeptical of the poltergeists far too long to be credible.

Bonnie and Clyde (1967)

A Groundbreaking Film

[8/10 · 2 June 2003]

This is one of the truly revolutionary films of the 1960s. The brutal violence and bloodshed, along with the amoral approach towards its characters, helped set the stage for later films such as Sam Peckinpah's "The Wild Bunch." The acting is superb, with Michael J. Pollard and Estelle Parsons turning in Oscar worthy performances. It's a pity that we haven't seen more of these two actors.

The Green Berets (1968)

Truly Awful

[1/10 · 28 May 2003]

This is one of the worst movies I have ever seen. The combat sequences are badly filmed so that you cannot easily tell who is killing who unless you get a close up shot of someone's face. Furthermore, although I do not want to be taken for ageist, John Wayne and Aldo Ray are far too old and fat for their roles as Green Berets commanders. It's hard to imagine them going into combat, as they are depicted as doing in the film. While the motive behind this film, to garner support for our troops in Vietnam, was commendable, this film simply seems silly. The only good point about it is that it recognizes the brutality of the Viet Cong, a point which is often ignored by liberal commentators on the war.

The Strange Love of Martha Ivers (1946)

Little Known Classic

[8/10 · 28 May 2003]

This little known work of film noir is extremely good. Kirk Douglas is excellent in his debut role as Barbara Stanwyck's husband, while Stanwyck herself is attractive yet tragic in the title role. Lizabeth Scott is extremely attractive in her role as Van Helfin's girlfriend with a past; it is unfortunate that she did not appear in more films. As for the story itself, it is at certain points rather predictable, yet this does not diminish the overall goodness of the story.

The Banger Sisters (2002)

Not bad, but not great

[5/10 · 27 May 2003]

This is a mildly entertaining movie. It does have some funny moments, but not enough to make it a laugh-out loud crowd pleaser. The plot is often rather predictable, especially in regard to Geoffrey Rush's character. Furthermore, one would expect better from such talents as as Goldie Hawn, Susan Sarandon, and Rush. Sarandon, for instance, gets outshown by her daughter, Eva Amurri, who has a supporting role. (This is partially because of the script, which gives her role some of the best scenes) Still, it is a good movie.

P.S. Be forewarned. Some of the sex scenes are rather graphic for the comedy label.

The Big Sleep (1946)

A Truly Great Movie

[9/10 · 27 May 2003]

The Big Sleep is one of the greatest movies of all time. Its dialogue, written by none other than William Faulkner, is witty and biting. The plot will keep you guessing until the end, and the performances, especially those by Bogart and Bacall, are excellent. This mystery should be appreciated by all fans of film noir.

Gods and Generals (2003)

Not as bad as its reputation suggests

[8/10 · 22 May 2003]

This film has received some horrible reviews in the newspapers comparing it to Waterworld and Heaven's Gate, yet I believe it has received a bad rap. It is well-acted, and has a riveting story. Furthermore, it is not as pro-Confederacy as some people have claimed it is. In fact, the filmmakers seem to have gone out of their way to present the slaves' viewpoint on the Confederacy. Some might point to a scene in which a slave protects her master's house as evidence that I am wrong, but it should be noted that the slave in question was a house slave, and they historically tended to be more loyal to their masters.

On the whole, it was a good movie. It is not as good as its predecessor, Gettysburg, because it lacks the focus of that movie. The scenes with Joshua Chamberlain seem to have been thrown in to create some level of continuity with Gettysburg. Nevertheless, I highly recommend this film.

Diary of a City Priest (2001)

An Awful Adaption of a Great Book

[2/10 · 22 May 2003]

This short film is an awful adaption of Father John MacNamee's excellent non-fiction book, Diary of a City Priest. In the film, Father MacNamee is shown conversing with various saints who appear to him in visions, making him seem like a schizophrenic, which he is not. Furthermore, the film ignores Father MacNamee's struggles with the Catholic Church, including his refusal to serve as a strike breaker during a Catholic School teachers' strike, a decision which resulted in his being exiled from the Cathedral where he worked to an inner city parish. Do yourself a favor, read the book, ignore the movie.

Gettysburg (1993)

My Favorite Film

[9/10 · 22 May 2003]

This is one of the greatest films ever made. It is a riveting account of the most famous battle of the Civil War, and actually serves as a fairly accurate historical account of the battle. First, it shifts the blame from General Longstreet, where it has been traditionally directed, to General Lee, whom modern scholars such as Alan T. Nolan blame for the loss. The performances, particularly Martin Sheen, as Robert E. Lee, are tremendous. Sheen should have been nominated for an Oscar for recreating this tragic figure. The battle recreations are very convincing, yet bloodless enough so that a parent could show the film to his or her child without any worry. Everyone should see this movie.

The Little Drummer Girl (1984)

Relatively Good Spy Movie

[6/10 · 22 May 2003]

This movie offers a good mixture of action and international intrigue. It is a refreshing departure from the sex and violence offered by other spy movies, particularly the James Bond films. There are no amazing gadgets or blond bomb shells in this film. In their place, we are offered an intriguing plot with interesting moral questions, and an examination of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict from both sides of the fence. In this film, the lines between good guys and bad guys blur, just as they often do in real life. Furthermore, the performances, especially those of Klaus Kinski (appearing in a good movie for once) and Diane Keaton are good.

Peeping Tom (1960)

Ahead of Its Time

[8/10 · 22 May 2003]

This psychothriller was way ahead of its time in its study of psychological horror and degeneration. It was virtually banned at its time of release, and it destroyed the reputation of its director. The British people were never great fans of the horror film, and this film's focus on creepy psychosexual themes was too hot for them to handle.

The film itself is excellent. It has a shock twist at the end that you will never figure out. Most of the performances in the film are great, too. Anna Massey is compellingly innocent as the girl downstairs who gets caught in the killer's web. The only disappointment regarding this film is that Moira Shearer, who also worked with the film's director on The Red Shoes, only has a brief appearance as a dancer, despite being presented as a star of the film. (Her dancing is excellent, though.)

Sands of Iwo Jima (1949)

One of Wayne's Better Efforts

[6/10 · 22 May 2003]

One of John Wayne's better films, Sands of Iwo Jima provides him with one of his most well-rounded roles. His drill sergeant is not just a stereotypical patriotic tough guy. He also has deep character flaws regarding alcoholism and his relationship with his family. If you are a fan of John Wayne, this is a must see.