Wild Wild West
A disappointing star vehicle for Will Smith about a U.S. Army officer being sent to New Orleans with a US Marshall (Kevin Kline) to investigate on disappearances of famous scientists being kidnapped by the evil Dr. Loveless (Kenneth Branaugh). It had some breathtaking special effects, but the story and the acting fell way short. Stick to the old TV shows. It is directed by Smith's Men In Black's director Barry Sonnefeld. *(out of 4 stars) 7/10/99
South Park:Bigger, Longer, & Uncut
A warning!!! Do not watch this if you are not a fan of South Park and are politically correct. This will offend almost anyone. A raunchy comedy about a group of young boys in Utah (Cartman, Stan, Kyle, and Kenny) who sawed a Candian film of Terrence and Phillips who encouraged the young boys to curse at all will. The film dealt with our current issues of whether or not is apporporiate for kids to see a mature audience films and the situations afterwards when parents get into the act of solving this hot topic. Satan guess stars. ****(out of 4 stars) 7/10/99
American Pie
One of the year's best comedy. It's reminicent of Fast Times At Ridemont High meets Porky's. A group young teenage boys made a pact to lose virginity by end of senior year. It is the moments of trying their best to figure out on how to score is getting the big laughs, but don't be fooled. The movie ends on a softie note with the fact that these boys learning about life and the meaning of love. A must see. ****(out of 4 stars) 7/10/99
The General's Daughter
Based on the best selling novel, a rape-murder have taken place on a army base. An army investigator (John Travolta) and a rape counselor (Madeline Stowe) heads the investigagtion. The deeper the probe, the more the obstacles is thrown in front of them. An excellent supporting cast that feature James Woods, James Cromwell, and Timothy Hutton. ***(out of 4 stars) 7/10/99
Eyes Wide Shut
A psychological drama about a NY doctor (Tom Cruise) who had a jealousy rage after his beloved wife (Nicole Kidman) made a lustful confession to him. In a nightmarish walk, the doctor finds himself in an unpredictable situation. The final film by the great director Stanley Kubrick. A must see for all his fans. **** (out of 4 stars) 7/25/99
Lake Placid
Boring. Enough said. Bad acting with a very predictable script about a giant man-eating crocodile on a rampage. It's up to Game & Fishing agent (Bill Pullman), a museum researcher (Bridgette Fonda...very annoying role), and a croc enthuist? (Oliver Platt) to rescue everyone. Oh boy!!! No Stars (out of 4 stars) 7/25/99
Inspector Gadget
An update version of the popular cartoon had the title character (Matthew Broderick) versus Claw (Ruppert Everett). Nice cute gadgets, but too cartoonish for the good of this live action film. A good family film, but not recommended for adults. **(out of 2 stars) 7/25/99
The Haunting
Based on the classic novel by Shirley Jackson has these group of insomniac (Lili Talyor, Catherine Zeta Jones, & Owen Wilson) led by a scientist (Liam Neeson) into a mysterious "CF Kane-esque" like mansion. A scary film with wonderful special effects and sounds. ***(out of 4 stars) 7/25/99
Blast From The Past (Video)
A romantic comedy about a family who lives in a nuclear bomb shelter after a false alert, the young Adam (Brendan Fraiser) met his dream girl Eve (Alicia Silverstone) afer 30 years of self-containment. A contrite performances by the two leads, but a wonderful performances by the parents (Christopher Walken & Sissy Spacek). Entertaining, but predictable and too rountine for a romantic comedy. **(out of 4 stars) 8/06/99
October Sky (Video)
Based on this true story, a young boy with the ambitions to become a rocket scientist met with encouragements from his teacher (Laura Dern) and disenchantments from his father (Chris Cooper). A sweet and sentimental movie that is very uplifting. ***(out of 4 stars) 8/06/99
Deep Blue Sea
A very high charge action flim that have the "experiments gone wrong" thriller. Shark with the brains and the intelliegence of a reasonable human. Reminisance of Spieces rather than Jaws. Good supporting cast performances including Thomas Jane, Michael Rapaport, LL Cool J, and Samuel L. Jackson. ***(out of 4 stars) 8/06/99
Runaway Bride
A gimmick with the idea of reuniting the team of Pretty Woman (Richard Gere, Julia Roberts, director Garry Marshall, and Hector Elizando). A reporter (Gere) is send to a small country town to investigate a bride to be (Roberts) about her antsy cold feet in the altar. Of course, you know what is going to happen, but there's some surprises in the movie. **(out of 4 stars) 8/22/99
The Sixth Sense
A compelling thriller about a young boy who can see the supernaturals who's being haunting him. A psychologist (Bruce Willis) is there to help the young boy cope with his special gift. Check out the great suspenseful ending, it's one of the most original ending. ***(out of 4 stars) 8/22/99
Bowfinger
A funny comedy about a struggling producer (Steve Martin) who is making a film of his career, who got the famous action star (Eddie Murphy) in his movie, except he dosen't know he's in it. A wonderful supporting cast (Christine Baranski, Heather Graham, and Murphy again) helped this movie to be so enjoyable. ***(out of 4 stars) 8/22/99
Virus (Video)
A Scientific thriller about a mysterious mishap on a Russian Ship being taken over by an unknown alien source. So it's up to Jamie Lee Curtis to the rescue with a helping hand by Stephen Baldwin. Ok, it's way too predictable and it's too cheesy of a production. Oh, did I mentioned that it was produced by the same person who did Terminator and True Lies? A huge disappointment. *(out of 4 stars) 9/03/99
She's All That (Video)
A romantic comedy about a nerdy recluse and a popular school prince meeting and falling in love that reminds you of Pretty Woman. It's well done by the filmmaker with some cute performances by the leads (Freddie Prinze Jr. and Rachel Leigh Cook). It's a recommended video viewing. ***(out of 4 stars) 9/03/99
Wing Commander (Video)
Speaking of Freddie Prinze Jr., his second film of year is based on a popular computer aviation game. Unfortunately, this film lacks any sense of a serious tone for a movie. Very Weak effort. No Stars (out of 4 stars) 9/04/99
Simpily Irresistible (Video)
Sarah Michelle Gellar's movie star vehicle looked weak in her first effort. The corny dialouge and the unreal magic seemed to be a major turn off. The romance between Gellar and Sean Patrick Flannery seemed so fake also. Disappointing in every way. No Stars (out of 4 stars) 9/04/99
Message In A Bottle (Video)
Based on a best selling novel, a reporter (Robin Wright-Penn) found a message in a bottle send by a griefing widower (Kevin Costner) to his deceasing wife. A weeper from this movie with some decent supports from Paul Newman. Worth watching. **(out of 4 stars) 9/04/99
In Dreams (Video)
A distorted and unbelievable suspense thriller about a woman (Annette Bennings) who is connected through her dreams with a mysterious killer (Robert Downey Jr.). It left too many holes and too many unexplained details to this puzzled thriler. *(out of 4 stars) 9/17/99
Just The Ticket (Video)
A predictable romantic comedy about a super scalper (Andy Garcia) who is trying to figure out what to do with his life and on how to win his love (Andie McDowell) who is leaving him to become a chef in Paris. The chemistry between the leads is solid, but the story didn't do them justice. *(out of 4 stars) 9/17/99
Cruel Intentions (Video)
Another adaptations of Dangerous Liasions about a conieving stepsister (Sarah Michelle Gellar) who dares her sibbling (Ryan Phillipe) to seduce a virgin (Reese Weatherspoon). The premise is set up for young audiences, but the dialougue and the story might be too hard for youngsters. For adults, torture. **(out of 4 stars) 9/17/99
Deep End Of The Ocean (Video)
A gut-wrenching story on a nightmare situations for all parents. A young mother (Michelle Pheiffer) lost her son during a high school reunion, it dealt not only her, but on how all her love ones in dealing with this devastating loss. A solid support from Whoopi Goldberg as the missing child detective. **(out of 4 stars) 9/17/99
Baby Genuises (Video)
A top secret experiement have the babies improving their intelligence. Gee, why the babies and not the adults? A low maintence comedy with no real big laughs with supporting cast of Kathleen Turner, Christopher Lloyd, and Kim Catrall. No Stars (Out of 4 stars) 9/17/99
Forces Of Nature (Video)
Star Vehicle of Sandra Bullock and Ben Affleck on a star crossed cross-country adventure about the mismatched couple looking to find themselves inside. A very predictable romantic comedy with some good sense of humor. *(out of 4 stars) 9/29/99
Out Of Towners (Video)
A boring remake of a funny Neil Simon Stage play about a married couple (Steve Martin and Goldie Hawn) whose adventures in a big strange city. A not so humorous situations that occurred to them in New York. Avoid it at all cost. No Stars (out of 4 stars) 9/29/99
My Favorite Martian (Video)
Another boring adptation of a popular TV show. An alien (Christopher Lloyd) from Mars came to Earth by crashing his space craft. He needs help from his earthlings friends Jeff Daniels, Daryl Hannah, and Ray Walton. Too childish , aiming for younger audiences. No Stars (out of 4 stars) 9/29/99
Black Mask
Jet Li's first feature in a U.S. theater that resemble Universal Soldier about a soldier being maniupated by the underground evil soldier programmer. Too much of a violent situations and a similar to the original. **(out of 4 stars) 9/29/99
Thomas Crown Affairs
A remake of a sophisticated drama about a world class thief (Pierce Brosnan) and an insurance investigator (Renee Russo) whose scorching romance iginited passion and conflict of interest. A well made film with a little dash of intrigue, made for adults. ***(out of 4 stars) 9/29/99
Mickey Blue Eyes
Another comedy involving the mob, not as good as Analyze This. A situation involving a respectable man (Hugh Grant) proposing a marriage to a mobster's daughter (Jeanne Tripplehorn). All sorts of hilarious things happen when the groom to be meet the "family". **(out of 4 stars) 9/29/99
Universal Soldier: The Return
Boring, stupid, and dumb. No need to waste words on this review. No stars (out of 4 stars) 9/29/99
Stigmata
This year is filled with horrors/suspense movies and this is just another one that didn't stand out. In reminiscent of Exorcist, a priest (Gabriel Bryne) is dispatched to Pittsburgh to respond to a horror/religious experiences by a woman (Patricia Araquette). A good special effects to a rivelting story. ***(out of 4 stars) 9/29/99
Blue Streaks
A comedy starring Martin Lawrence about a jewel thief who have to disguise as a police detective to retrieve a diamond hidden in an air-vent in the police station. Entertaining, but a predictable action comedy . **(out of 4 stars) 9/29/99
Random Hearts
A very unconvincing romance/thriller about a cop (Harrison Ford) overcoming a griefing loss of the death of his wife who's cheating on him with a congresswoman (Kristin Scott Thomas)'s husband. So the posssible solution would be to start a romance with the congresswoman. Not very compelling and not a usual movie for Ford. *(out of 4 stars) 9/29/99
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Welcome to my
Movie Reviews
Welcome! Movie has always been one of my favorite subjects and I've seen a lot of movies that I think you'll be interested in. So, please take a look around and enjoy yourself. Here's my review of some recent movies this year. I add new material regularly to keep my site fresh, so check back often!
Updated: November 20, 1999
Movie Reviews
The Thin Red Line
"You just send them in" growls Nick Nolte. It's just that kind of a movie, an intense and mind boggling movie that sucks you in into the action of the battle field. The only big complain would be underdevlopement of most of the characters in the movie. But well crafted masterpiece that rivals Apocalyse Now and Platoon of recent war classics. Definitely **** (out of 4 stars) 1/26/99
A Civil Action
In one of the better of the recent legal thriller, A Civil Action is about a lawyer (John Travolta) who wants to score a big settlement by susing two large Food Corporation for pollutions that kills 9 children in a small Massachusetts town. Excellent performance by Robert Duvall as his advasary. *** (out of 4 stars) 1/26/99
Patch Adams
A movie that chronicled a life of a mental disturbed patient (Robin Williams) who discovered his callings to become a doctor. It tries too hard to get a laugh, but recommended as a tearjerker for the holidays. **(out of 4 stars) 1/27/99
A Simple Plan
A dilema set in a Fargo background where two brother (Bill Paxton and Billy Bob Thornton) decides on how to keep a stolen loot from a crashed plane with a help from Bridget Fonda. The situation turned nasty when a "supposed" FBI agent show up to track down the loot. In reminiscent of Blood Simple and Red Rock West, with an excellent performance by all three stars. ***(out of 4 stars) 1/29/99
Payback
A dark humorous revenge action flick starring Mel Gibson who wants to collect $70,000 that was due to him. It has its moments, but the movie ultimately falls short. The script needs some improvement, other than that, the movie is very entertaining. **(out of 4 stars) 2/12/99
8 MM
A pyschotic and a very gruesome movie about a private detective hired by a wealthy widow to investigate the makers of a snuff film. It's a reminiscent of Seven or Silent of the Lamb. But the movie ultimately falls short because of it's quick-fix ending. Neverthless it's worth watching. ** (out of 4 stars) 2/26/99
The Corruptor
A mindless action flick that again deals with bad cops with heart of gold trying to clean up and survive in a world run by the underworld mob. Haven't we seen this before? A star vehicle for Chow Yun-Fat, who is a legend in the Asian action cinema, teaming with the up-and-comer Mark Wahlberg. The film has its moments, but it's really another ordinary action flix. ** (out of 4 stars) 3/12/99
True Crime
A star vehicle by Clint Eastwood about an over-the-hill reporter who crusades a lost cause for a death row inmate. A slow paced direction by Eastwood, who is notorious for the same thing in Absolute Power and Bridges of Madison County. If there is some reminisance to The Last Dance, don't be surprise. *** (out of 4 stars) 3/19/99
Analyze This
A mob comedy starring Robert DeNiro as the crime boss who suffers a panic attack and seek the advise from "family" practice shrink (Billy Crystal). This comedy work effectly at most times and tried to keep it reasonable as much as possible. This could have turn to a farce if Crystal and DeNiro decides to act goofy, but they restraint themselves. *** (out of 4 stars) 3/21/99
EDtv
Deja Vu from the Truman Show? Well, not exactly. That's too bad because they could have extend it into a more compelling film if they would have gone into the realms and emotions of the TV world. It gotten to a promising start before it evaporates at the end, Woody Harrelson gave the best performance as the scheming brother, but disappears after 30 minutes. Movie stars Matthew McCongahey, Jenna Elfman, Ellen DeGeneras, and Rob Reiner. **(out of 4 stars) 3/27/99
The Mod Squad
What a disappointing film. Another bad idea to remake a film from the old nostalgic TV show. It has a good cast, but no real story in sight. Some ideas are meant to be left on TV and this is one of them. The movie stars Claire Danes, Omar Epps, and Giovanni Ribialsi. * (out of 4 stars) 3/28/99
The Matrix
What is the Matrix? That is the question. A dazzling special effects film that conjures up the same idea from Dark City and Blade Runner. Without revealing too much plot, it dealt with a wanted man (Keanu Reeves) who's the key to the "Matrix". A must see sci-fi action film where the stunts are coordinated by Jet Li's teacher. *** (out of 4 stars) 3/31/99
Pushing Tin
A reminicent of M*A*S*H with a great ensemble cast of John Cusak, Billy Bob Thornton, Angelina Jolie, and Cate Blanchett. It gave good details about the everyday life of an air traffic controller, but unfortunately it falls short on story and left us in every direction. Maybe we need an air traffic controller to guide us through this movie. **(out of 2 stars) 4/23/99
Go
It's another invasion of teen comedy, but this one has some great materials. The movie involves a young lady (Sarah Polley) who has an extraordinary evening with her pal (Katie Holmes). Somehow, Scott Wolf and Jay Mohr is caught up in this hilarious dark comedy. It's directed by the man who brought us Swingers. ***(out of 4 stars) 4/25/99
Never Been Kissed
A sweet romantic comedy about an undercover reporter (Drew Barrymore) who went back to High School to cover a story on the trends of hippness in High School. Along the way she relived the embarassments of earlier years. It's a bitter-sweet moments for this once heart-broken girl, but the tearjerker was effective when it hits its target. ***(out of 4 stars) 7/1/99
Life
A farfetched, overacted, and non-humorous comedy by the guy who brought us Beautiful Girl (director Ted Demme) and the comic team of Eddie Murphy and Martin Lawrence. A story about mismatched pair of misfits who was framed for murder they did not commit. An absolute waste of time. *(out of 4 stars) 7/01/99
The Entrapment
An entertaining crime-caper that stars a real mismatched pairs (Sean Connery & Catherine Zeta-Jones) who tries to pull of a big heist for the last time while learning to trust each other. The premise is not bad, but the pairing could've been better. Worth watching. ***(out of 4 stars) 7/01/99
The Mummy
A stupid remake of the 1930's original with no real horror with a updated state of the art special effects. The movie had the reminiscent of Indiana Jones and Stargate. Should have gone seen those on tapes instead of this junk. Starring Brendan Fraiser and Rachel Weisz. *(out of 4 stars) 7/01/99
Election
One of the best movie of the year with great plot lines and an all-star cast performances (especially Matthew Broderick and Reese Witherspoon) about an ambitious girl who do anything to win a school election. Unfortortunately for her in unforseen reasons, her school counselor is preventing her from winning. An unforgettable hilarious comedy. ****(out of 4 stars) 7/01/99
Phantom Menace
The first installment of the long awaited trillogy of pre-New Hope era. It does not disappoint in the special effects department, but the left a huge gap in the hole. It was assuming that this story is a setup for the next installment. The planet of Naboo is undersiege by the Imperial Trade Federation, so Queen Amidala (Natalie Portman) send a distress signal to the Jedi, who send in two Jedi (Liam Neeson & Ewan McGreggor) to solve this Trade dispute. On a way there, they had encountered a young boy (Jake Lloyd in an unsettling performance) who might bring the balance to the force. Could this be the boy the prophecy had predicted? ***(out of 4 stars) 7/02/99
Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me
One of the raunchest comedy in a long while with non-stop funny gags and over the top antics by Mike Meyers. Like the slogan says, "if there's only one summer movie, go see Phantom Menace. If there's two, go see Austin Powers also." Mike Meyers played 3 roles in this movie (Austin Powers, Dr. Evil, and Fat Bastard) with great zest. The movie involves Dr. Evil trying to thwart Austin by going back in time and steal Austin's mojo. Along the way, he got assistance in comic relief from his midget, Mini-Me. (who stole every scences he is in.) Heather Graham also starred as Felicity Shagwell. ***(out of 4 stars) 7/09/99
Varsity Blues (Video)
A growing up drama taking place in an unknown southwestern town about a group of young adolescent boys learning that there's more to football after high school. A lifelong backup quarterback (James Van Der Beek) was suddenly thrust to the starting quarterback where he clashes with his coach (Jon Voight) about the ideas and strategies regarding "football". It's predictable, but an enjoyable yarn. **(out of 2 stars) 7/10/99
Notting Hill
A sweet romantic comedy with stars like Julia Roberts and Hugh Grant about relationship between well-known movie star and a likeable, but charming travel books store clerk. It is very likeable piece with some great hilarious cast, but unfortunately, I mentioned the word "likeable" way too much. It could have been great. ***(out of 4 stars) 7/10/99
Big Daddy
A comedy starring Adam Sandler being a misfit who gets a chance to be a dad. When his girlfriend pressed him to get a direction in his life, in an unforseen incident he get a chance to show her the way by adopting a kid. It's a mash of Sandler's character from Waterboy and The Wedding Singer, sweet and sentimental Adam meeting the loud mouth Adam. A must for Sandler's fans. ***(out of 4 stars) 7/10/99
Tarzan
An animated Disney film with some memorable songs that is satisfying for the whole family. A young baby raised by group of apes after his parents were killed by a vicious man-eating cougar, he grew up to be a vine-swinging apeman (voiced by Tony Goldwin). A romance encounter with Jane (voiced by Minnie Driver) have our hero deciding whether he should be true to his ape family or his man-kind. ***(out of 4 stars) 7/10/99
The King And I (Video)
A boring animated musical on the remake of the hit stage play Anna and The King of Siam. We could only hope that Anna And The King starring Jodie Foster will be better than this amateurish piece of production. no stars(out of 4 stars) 7/10/99
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