Slut

This movie was OK, but certainly not worth the rising ticket prices. It was poorly pieced together and was barely salvaged by so-so acting. The first half was the worst, because the film tried too hard to be funny and sexy AND dramatic. Selma Blair was insistently annoying, and I don't why Mr. Kumble wrote her character that way. Being a ditz or a klutz is one thing, but come on! The second half was redeeming in a sense, but the movie could've been a lot better. There were only two performances to speak of: Sarah Michelle Gellar and Reese Witherspoon. Ms. Gellar truly updated the classic character of the Marquise De Merteuil in such a way that it salvaged most of the scenes she was in. Ms. Witherspoon was truly believable and enjoyable to watch. My advice would be to rent Dangerous Liaisons-for better acting and writing that is. However, if your goal is to stare at Ryan Philippe's butt, then this movie is for you. All joking aside, if you HAVE to see this movie, wait until it comes out on video. I wish I did.

"Boogie Nights" is an exhilarating, intriguing, well written and beautifully acted piece of cinema. It gets my vote for the best movie of '97 (right behind "Afterglow"). Mr. Anderson is obviously the best new director/writer to emerge in recent years, and I am very anxious to see his upcoming films. This film was robbed of Oscars for its acting, writing and directing but it just goes to show how political and narrow-minded the Oscars and its voters are. The best performance of the film was Julianne Moore's Amber Waves (at least she was nominated). Her performance was funny, touching and particularly heart-wrenching at moments. I can't believe Kim Basinger got the Oscar, when her performance showed no range or versatility. But anyway, don't listen to the Academy. Listen to the critics. Please see this wonderful film.

I could see how some people could not appreciate this slice of life film, but to those who do, good for them. This movie deserved much recognition than it received. Not even an Oscar nomination? One lousy Golden Globe nod? Come on! I think people who didn't get it or thought it too depressing believed it to be bad. Yeah, it was depressing, but it was designed to be. That's what makes the film very enjoyable and enables the cast to shine. Aside from all that, the film was beautifully put together and marvelously acted-especially Joan Allen as Elena Hood. What a tour-de-force performance in a role that is really very quiet and subtle, she projected Elena's emotions perfectly. Not to be missed. Along with "Boogie Nights' definitely the best film of 1997