Reviews
Unforgiven (1992)
This was really a good western movie.
This was really a good western movie. That is, the first 30 or 40 times it was made. So, I think you ought to have a really good reason to make it yet another time. However, if Mr. Eastwood had one (beyond making a pot of money), it isn't evident on the screen. We have seen every single element, idea, and dialog - almost scene by scene - done before and done better. So, how does one account for the good reviews, the good box office, the Oscar? Ever hear of another movie called Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon? Mass hypnosis maybe?
Monte Walsh (2003)
Wonderful scenery, no story.
Tom Selleck looks like he was born to play Monte Walsh, but he still talks like Magnum, P.I. Keith Carradine would have been a better choice for the lead role, but then I suppose he doesn't have the audience drawing power of Mr. Selleck. The story is just after the turn of the 20th century and there just isn't much of a role for real cowboys any more, but there are still a lot of them about. Telling this story provides plenty of work for stunt riders and fighters. Amazing scenery that goes on for miles. Pretty horses. Great costumes. The problem is, the story can be told in a half hour! So, they put a little subplot that really doesn't go anywhere, but offers an excuse for a gun fight. William Devane finally puts in a performance I like and Isabella Rossellini does a nice job as the whore with a heart of gold. Since this is such an all-around downer movie, there are a few moments of comic relief to keep you from turning it off. That worked for me, and now I regret two hours of my life that I can never get back again.
K-19: The Widowmaker (2002)
A (mostly) true, gripping cliff hanger
This story is `inspired' by true events that happened at the height of the cold war. Even so, you have already seen all of the basic elements of this film, in other (and arguably better) films.
Harrison Ford is one of the best journeyman actors in American films. But he has a non-threatening quality about him that makes him unsuited to play the autocratic captain assigned to carry out the mission at any cost. Unfortunately, Liam Neeson shares this softer quality with Mr. Ford, so even a role switch wouldn't have worked well.
For me, the breakout scene-stealer of this movie was Peter Sarsgaard. Playing a nuclear reactor officer fresh out of school, he fairly sparkles every time he's on camera. He gets to really chew the scenery in one of the tensest moments in the film, and I predict that someone besides me is going to notice his special qualities. If they sold stock in this guy I'd be loading up!
For students of these sorts of things, you are going to see some amazing cinematography (just what kind of camera booms do they have nowadays?), some very mediocre special effects (think Hunt For Red October), some really, really great costumes (do I smell an Oscar?), and submarine interior sets that you would never believe are sets. The other Oscar that this movie is going to be in the running for is makeup. You're also going to like the music a lot.
There just isn't enough story, characters, or action to fill the two hours, so you're going to have to sit through a lot of sweeping shots of Mr. Ford atop the sub's conning tower as the boat cuts through the water.
Bottom line: If you're a Harrison Ford and Liam Neeson fan (like me), or if you're a submarine movie fan (again, guilty), or if you remember what the world was like when America and the USSR were constantly teetering on the brink of war (I'm 3 for 3), then you should see this movie. Everyone does good jobs of acting, and the movie is generally easy on the eyes.
The Bourne Identity (2002)
Good Old Fashioned Spy Thriller
Matt Damon is not a great actor in the same way that Harrison Ford is not. But he knows the technical aspects of his craft well enough to seamlessly blend into almost any role he chooses. I would have liked to have cared a bit more about his character in this movie, it someone must have decided that his situation has made the character somewhat aloof.
The plot is a bit dated. The bad old CIA has a rogue unit that is out of control and will do anything and everything necessary to clean up after a mistake is made. Chris Cooper does his usual fine job here, in spite of being a little miscast as the leader of this unit. He is a salt of the earth character and just not the wizbang bad guy type.
Casting Franka Potente caused her character to be German. Fine. I want to see a lot more of her. She has an honesty in looks and mannerisms that almost (I said almost) stole a few scenes from Mr. Damon. Poor Julia Stiles was wasted here, but I'm sure her turn will come. Somebody had to play this minor but pivotal role, and I'm glad she was the one.
The location cinematography was very easy on the eyes. I would like to know how they shot in some of the more cramped but colorful spots. It should at least make you want to see Paris, and that alone is a public service.
You will have to suspend reality several times to stay in the moment, but if you can do this, you will be rewarded with lots of good action.
The Girl Most Likely to... (1973)
An Emotional Roller Coaster Ride
Stockard Channing seemingly came out of nowhere and gave us a preview of the quirky, oblique roles that would make her famous. Over the years, there have been many movies that start out funny and turn dark. In this movie, we have a very dark beginning, where a handsome boy, as part of a sick bet, seduces a very homely girl. As she flees the humiliating scene, she is involved in a horrendous auto accident (dark enough for you yet?). Because she is so damaged in the accident, doctors take the opportunity to remake her as a beautiful woman. Inside, however, she is still devastated by her prior treatment, so she uses her new beauty to exact horrible revenge on those who had tormented her when she was ugly. Now here's the kicker: she does this in a darkly funny way. See this movie if you ever get the chance. Stockard benefited from a stellar supporting cast, but she herself was magnificent!