Welcome to my
Independent Film Reviews.
Welcome! Movies has always been one of my favorite subjects and I've seen a lot of movies that I think you'll be interested in. Here's my reviews of some recent Independent Films. So please take a look around and judge it for yourself. I add new material regularly to keep my site fresh, so check back often!
*Updated on November 25, 1999
Indie Film Reviews
Pi ** (out of 4 stars)
An excellent beginning with a mathmatican who theorized that the world revolves around numbers and he's trying to figured out the patterns to Wall Street. A deep thoughts in the beginning, but vaporized with a chase scene in the end. 1/26/99
Elizabeth **** (out of 4 stars)
It's the year where Elizabeth is a popular film subject, Cate Blanchett gave one of the year's best performance as the suffering and bold Queen Elizabeth I of England. A great supporting cast and an excellent film direction by Indian director Shekhar Kapur. 1/27/99
Waking Ned Devine **** (out of 4 stars)
In the grand tradition of The Full Monty, it's one the year's best from Ireland. Two friends (Ian Bannen and David Kelly) from a village try to claim a winning lottery ticket from a deceased neighbor with some hilarious results. The highlight of the movie that will get some laugh is a naked David Kelly driving a motorcycle all over town and the unfortunated death of their hated neighbor, Mrs. Quinn. Definitely one of the best comedy of the year. 1/29/99
Another Day In Paradise *** (out of 4 stars)
A surprising and heart-gripping drama about a veteran couple (James Woods and Melanie Griffith) introducing a young couple to a life of crime that they will never get out of. A virtouso performance by James Woods. 2/01/99
The Affliction *** (out of 4 stars)
The film based on the novel of Russell Banks (The Sweet Here After) dealt with the story about a family in New England area where the effects of the abuses from a drunken father have on his two sons. This movie is not for the weak-fainted ones, it's very gut-wrenching, and definitely have some tear jerking moments. This movie could be better if they get rid an unneccesary subplot involving an accidental death. Nick Nolte is nominated for his role as the abused son. 2/26/99
Shakesphere In Love **** (out of 4 stars)
A romantic comedy about the greatest playwright falling in love with a unreachable nobility, parrallel to his well-known play "Romeo & Juliet". A well-written story with a wonderful acted ensemble cast. Joseph Fiennes played the title role and also was in Elizabeth. 3/05/99
Life Is Beautiful **** (out of 4 stars)
A tear-jerking, sentimental, and beautiful movie about a father hiding the horrible reality of concentration camp from his 5 year old son. It start out as a romantic comedy, then turn into a well thought out , provactive drama. It's definitely one of the best film of the year. 3/05/99
Playing By Hearts **(out of 4 stars)
Plenty of big names in this ensemble cast can't save this movie from predictability and forgettable film. It dealt with up and down relationships from 4 different couples who could get annoying at times. The most interesting couple is the Sean Connery-Gena Rowland pairing. Could've been better. 7/11/99
Hurly Burly **(out of 4 stars)
Based on the stage play, this ensemble cast of Sean Penn, Kevin Spacey, Chazz Palminteri, and Meg Ryan (cameo) lives the lives of miserable beings of inner circle of Hollywood. Sorry to disappoint, but it's not The Player. 7/11/99
Lovers On The Bridge ***(out of 4 stars)
A gritty look on the homeless with a great performances by the leads (Juliette Binoche and Dennis Leavant) who meet each other on a famous French bridge while under repairs. It dealt with every social issues ranging from welfare to alcholicism. 8/02/99
Blair Witch Project ****(out of 4 stars)
A clever and entertaining rather than scary look -until a creepy finish- "mockumentary" about three student filmmakers who enter a forest wilderness to document a malevolent legend of the supernatural. A tart, amusing commentary and a sincere honest look on the presumptions of wet-behind-the ears documentarians. 8/02/99
Lock, Stock, & Two Smoking Barrels ***(out of 4 stars)
Great Britain's biggest hit since The Full Monty. An entertaining and very smart movie about a group of losers trying to figure out a way to repay a debt to a mob. On the way to figure out the heist of their life, they encountered many hilarious problems. One of the most surprising movie of the year. 9/29/99
Princess Mononoke **** (out of 4 stars)
One of the best animation in the history of all entertainment. A great story with some great drawings by the artist who brought us Kiki's Delivery Service. The story revolves around a prince looking for the origins of the ancient curse that affected him in his right hand. Along the way, he met a wolf princess (voice by Claire Danes). One beef with this movie is that wolf god is miscast o voice talent by Gillian Anderson. Other than that, a masterpiece of an animation. 11/20/99
Dogma ****(out of 4 stars)
A religious satire by Kevin Smith revolves around two fallen angels (Matt Damon & Ben Affleck) trying to get back to heaven through a loophole in the Bible. So the last Zion (Linda Fiorentino) with the aid of the 13th apostle (Chris Rock) and a muse (Selma Hayek). And of course Jay and Silent Bob. There's many hilarious scenes in this movie and some salty, but witty dialougues. Not recommended for the faithfuls, but the serious comedy fans. 11/20/99
Boys Don't Cry ***(out of 4 stars)
A disturbing and complex film about a true story about a woman posing as a man who faces an unforseen dangerous end. It's a compelling performances by Hillary Swanks as the confused young woman facing an identify crisis. One of the more daring movie of the year. 11/25/99
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