Starring: Rupert Everett, Cate Blanchett, Minnie Driver, Julianne Moore
The plot relies on Northam, a member of Parliament with a secret who is blackmailed into a shady business deal by a lady of mystery, who turns out to be a detested acquaintance of the parliamentarian's wife. All is resolved happily, but after some tricky twists of fate, several mistaken identities, lots of witty joking, and many social mishaps. Wilde (writer of the play) has a sharp eye for hypocrisy and the false poses ordered by society--but political remarks never get in the way of a smart laugh. Artistically lavish and quickly paced, this movie will please anyone in search of a societal satire or romantic comedy.
My grade: A
Anywhere but Here:
Starring: Susan Surandon, Natalie Portman, Hart Bochner
This film is about Ann and Adele August. They move to California from Wisconsin because Adele thinks California will bring her the exciting life she so desires. Ann wants to stay in Wisconsin because she knows it is stable there and is familiar with her surroundings. Even though these two are frustrated with each other, they have an undeclared union. Natalie Portman fails horribly in her role as the quiet and reserved Ann. Though she is only 14, her character must be the mother of the household and voice of reason. Adele is flashy and unreasonable. Portman and Surandon do not act well together and should never have been paired. The plotline is pretty much based on their relationship and flops for that very reason. Even though at times they hate one another, Ann and Adele need each other. This story is about the two learning to live in harmony. Though the two actresses are superb on their own, they fail as a team.
My grade: C
Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery, The Spy Who Shagged Me, Goldmember:
Starring: Mike Myers, Liz Hurley, Heather Graham, Beyonce Knowles, Verne Troyer
The plot line of this film may be funny to adolescent boys, but was far from entertaining for me. The plot revolves around a spy, Austin Powers, who is continuously trying to foil his archenemy, Dr. Evil, in his plans for world domination. Along the way, he is looking for potential love including Vanessa Kensington, Felicity Shagwell, and Foxxy Cleopatra. Verne Troyer stars as the loveable Minime, a 3 foot high clone of Dr. Evil who infuriates his real son, Scott Evil (Seth Green). Throughout all three movies the is crude humor, and disgusting jokes. With stupid references to other forms of crude humor, which, by the way, is supposedly funny, the plot line moves along with strange, unexpected twists. Myers plays most of the characters (Powers, Dr. Evil, Goldmember, etc.), which takes away from the talent of some of the other actors/resses (Hurley, Seth Green, etc.). In my opinion, don't waste your time. See the first one, if you want to get references your friends are making but this is not actually a quality film.
My grade: C
Bad Boys:
Starring: Will Smith, Martin Lawrence, Tea Leoni
Smith and Lawrence star as two Miami narcotics cop partners in this amusing action film. Mike (Smith) is a smooth talking, bachelor, ladies man, and Marcus (Lawrence) is the opposite, a happily married man. Both are happy in their jobs and working well. Until two pallets of previously seized heroin are stolen, from the police station, no less. One of Mike's girlfriends and her roommate are swept into the middle of the case, therefore making the roommate, Julie, a material witness. When she calls the police station to talk to Mike and he isn't there, Marcus must become Mike to get the information they need. This of course compromises everything, including matters with Marcus' wife. The acting is actually quality and the special effects are spectacular. All around, it was pretty good.
My grade: B+
Bad Girls:
Starring: Madeline Stowe, Mary Stuart Masterson, Andie MacDowell, Drew Barrymoore
This movie follows four close friends, Cody Zamora (Stowe), Anita Crown (Masterson), Eileen Spenser (MacDowell), and Lily Laronette (Barrymore). The girls are running away from a town where Cody shot a man trying to abuse Anita. They are, however, followed by two investigators, hired by the widow of the dead man. Cody attempts to withdraw her savings so the four can start a new life on a mill in Oregon, but her plan is foiled when an old partner, Kid Jarrett, interferes by robbing the bank while she is withdrawing. He tells her to follow him to his ranch to retrieve her money, which she does. It does, however, lead to more of an adventure than she bargained for. This is one of my personal favorite movies, with out-of-this-world acting, am enticing storyline, and a cliffhanger plot. One can relate to the characters and feel as they feel. It is a gem of a movie, and shows the real meaning of "girl power".
My grade: A
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