Heavenly Creatures  (1994)  -R- Directed by:  Peter Jackson Written by:  Peter Jackson, Frances Walsh Starring:  Melanie Lynskey, Kate Winslet   June 8, 2000 Sam Raimi meets the Menendez Brothers by Judd Taylor          Ok, imagine if Sam Raimi were to direct a drama...oh wait, I guess he did, For the Love of the Game.  Well, ok, imagine if Sam Raimi were to direct a good drama.  You might get something like Heavenly Creatures.          Peter Jackson, who's best known for his cult comedy/horror flick Dead Alive (aka Braindead) and the ultra forgettable The Frighteners, directs the true story of two girls, who become best friends, who become lovers, who turn into the Menendez brothers...or sisters mind you.  What makes it even better is that Jackson's style of directing is something you'd expect of an Evil Dead  (Sam Raimi) film.  Quick close-ups, POV running shots, and live action clay men make, what could have turned out to be the afternoon Lifetime movie, an inventive, sometimes imaginary, adventure.          Pauline and Juliet (Titanic beauty queen Kate Winslet) quickly become best friends when they meet at school.  Juliet is outspoken, standing up and talking back to teaches, while Pauline backs her up and begins to share her love of music and literature.  Together they create an imaginary world of past English monarchies and spend all their time writing a book about it.          This film probably isn't for everyone.  Fantasy mixed with reality, violence, and certain themes may throw some viewers off.  But Jackson has created a noteworthy vision that deserves to be seen.  Strong performances all around present themselves, especially Melanie Lynskey who plays Pauline.  And don't forget that this is Kate Winslet's breakthrough performance. Recommended Alternatives:  Dead Alive (d: Jackson), Evil Dead 2: Dead by Dawn, Army of Darkness -On Video-

 

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