- Wild Wild West
Not nearly as bad as the trailers made it look. A reasonable comedy/action thing if you ignore any pretence of it being related to a Western. Some of the references in the film (ET, HMV) were quite fun but I’m sure it could have been much better given the talent available.
- A Touch of Evil
“He was a great detective but a lousy cop” with a great Mancini Score. Orson Welles never read the book on which the screenplay (originally intended for someone else, but shelved) was based, but why worry when Orson Welles is in charge? Dark and well worth seeing in this definitive version, incorporating as many of the changes suggested in Orson’s memo as possible.
- The Thomas Crown Affair
Pierce Brosnan, and a soundtrack with Nina Simone’s “Sinnerman” and Wasis Diop - for what more could you ask? Enjoyable remake which dispenses with the annoying split-screen things and removes most traces of “Windmills in your Mind” - these two factors alone make it worth seeing. I prefer some parts of the original (the ending, certainly - he doesn’t need the girl), and some parts of this (OK, maybe the remake is more “clever”)
- Rushmore
A film to come out smiling from, even if you’re not quite sure why. Funny if not flawless. Bill Murray is very good.
- Another Day in Paradise
From Larry Clark, the director of “Kids,” but rather better than Kids apparently was. This one is more about drugs, robbery and guns and rather less amenable to a toy-based spoof. I enjoyed it. James Woods and Melanie Griffith worked well together as Mel and Sid with Vincent Kartheiser and Natasha Gregson Wagner as the younger pair, Bobbie and Rosie.
- South Park: Bigger, Longer, & Uncut
Definitely the best musical I’ve seen for a very long time (certainly on film). Wickedly funny and provides an insight into what seem to be current views on censorship. It’s fun, though also fairly offensive - should you laugh or despair that some of it seems to ring so true? (aka “Last night a V-chip saved my life”).
- Strangers on a Train
Wonderful Hitchcock and well worth seeing the reissue.
- Mickey Blue Eyes
Fun film, except for the usual problem of trying to figure out whether Hugh Grant is actually acting at all or just playing himself. Clichéd too but that’s probably part of its charm.
- Never Been Kissed
A girl (Drew Barrymore) who never got on very well at High School finally gets her break as a reporter rather than a copywriter when she gets sent back to high school as an undercover reporter. Features “Don’t Worry Baby” by the Beach Boys at the end, which probably helps you forget some of the typical High School movie clichés of the film (There’s a prom? Shock Horror!).
- Go
Enjoyable film, directed by Doug Liman, that offers you three passes to get the whole story of a botched drug deal. (Nod to Pulp Fiction, a trip to Las Vegas and a telepathic cat). They’re almost three completely separate strands but contain plenty of surprises. Surprisingly close to a “happy ever after” ending too...
- Cookie’s Fortune
Or how one woman’s pride leads to a complete mess together with her downfall and where a family finds each other and becomes closer. Great ensemble piece by Robert Altman.
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