News
Box Office Results
- Posted by
- José Ruiloba a.k.a. Morris
- News date
- Monday, October 30, 2000
It was a plot twist worthy of any movie of the kind: “Meet The
Parents” continued to rule the box office for the 4th consecutive
week. Not since last year’s “The Sixth Sense” had a movie achieved
this kind of staying power. Besides, it has now become the 14th movie
to reach the 100 million mark this year. Not bad. “Book of Shadows:
Blair Witch 2” had to settle in the second place with a disappointing
13.1 million. It seems that the audience didn’t embrace it as well as
they did with the original, which made 29 million in its first
weekend last year. Too bad. The other two new releases did average
business. “The Little Vampire” earned 5.5 million for the 6th slot,
while “Lucky Numbers” managed to do just about 4.6 million, to end up
in 7th place. Travolta is loosing it, no doubt about it. The rest of
the list stayed quite as last weekend, being “Pay It Forward” the one
with the least decrease among last week’s new releases.
Here’s the complete list:
1. Meet the Parents, $15.1 million (100 m. total)
2. Book of Shadows: Blair Witch 2, $13.1 million (13.1 m.)
3. Remember the Titans, $8 million (87.7 m.)
4. Bedazzled, $7.7 million (24 m.)
5. Pay It Forward, $6.9 million (19.1 m.)
6. The Little Vampire, $5.5 million (5.5 m.)
7. Lucky Numbers, $4.6 million (4.6 m.)
8. The Contender, $2.5 million (14 m.)
9. The Legend of Drunken Master, $2.3 million (7.3 m.)
10. Best in Show, $1.8 million (9.2 m.)
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Review
The Princess and the Warrior
- Director
- Tom Tykwer
- Year
- 2000
- Rating
- Reviewed by
- a.k.a. Jacinda
- Review date
- Sunday, October 29, 2000
The only German contemporary movie I ever loved was Lola Rennt (
Run Lola Run). Tom Tykwer's visual style, his bright innovative ideas and the great cast fascinated me. It was definitely one of the most imaginative movies I saw back in 1998. Therefore I was looking forward to the new movie directed by Tom Tykwer:
Der Krieger und die Kaiserin (
The Princess and the Warrior) and I wasn't disappointed. Although the movie is very different in its rhythm and style it was an amazing experience to watch.
Franka Potente (she also played Lola) stars as Sissi, a woman who is living inside a psychiatry as one of the caretakers. Benno Fürmann portrays Bodo, a man who lives in his own secluded world since the death of his girlfriend. The two characters meet under weird circumstances when Bodo saves Sissi's life. She decides to search for Bodo in order to rescue him and to find true love. The two characters have to go through a lot before they can find themselves individually as well as each other.
While Sissi seems outerworldly, Bodo is portrayed in a very sensitive but also masculine way. Potente´s and Fürmann´s performances can only be called outstanding. The movie also features an amazing supporting cast (especially Joachim Król).
Besides this the visuals of the movie are stunning. I was totally overwhelmed by some scenes and the way they were filmed. Some pictures will remain unforgettable. I can't really tell why this movie touched me so deeply. With some movies I can't really explain it. It deals with essential feelings: the process of finding yourself, love and humanity. I can only say it was an overwhelming experience to watch these amazing shots combined with the great score by Pale 3.
I would even go as far as to say it has been the best movie I've watched this year. I wonder why this movie wasn't in competition at the Venice Film Festival. It should have won all awards for being a masterpiece.
If you ever have the chance to see this one, go for it Grouch!
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Review
Dr. Strangelove or How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb
- Director
- Stanley Kubrick
- Year
- 1964
- Rating
- Reviewed by
- Gon Curiel a.k.a. Groucho
- Review date
- Friday, October 27, 2000
Hello my friends!!! How are you today?? I'm great, about to write a new review. This time, I have chosen a movie that has made me laugh so hard, I felt like exploding. It's not a stupid, riotous or hilarious film in general terms, it's more an intelligent, deep and thoughtful film:
Dr. Strangelove or How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb.
Stanley Kubrick scored with this immortal film about the cold war and the American fear to the Russians. Right when the world situation was most tense, he mocked the government and the military men with their quite ridiculous actions and reactions towards the Russian's own.
Crazed General Ripper (Sterling Hayden) decides that Russia has declared war to the US and orders a huge bombing against the enemy. He also locks his own base so no one can change the orders. Only a three-letter code can change the orders, but Ripper is the only person who knows it, and he's not willing to tell it to anyone.
Peter Sellers, brilliant to the top, has a triple role: Group Capt. Lionel Mandrake, President Merkin Muffley and Dr. Strangelove. The first, a British Captain who's unfortunate enough to be stuck in a room with Ripper, and to be unable to convince him that there is no war. The second, an all-American President, insecure but also quite calm to deal with the situation. And the third, a half-Nazi, half-American Mad Scientist, inventor of the bomb, who knows what the Russians have planned for their self-defense. The three characters provide some of the funniest moments, especially Strangelove with his spasms of double personality.
George C. Scott masterfully plays General "Buck" Turgidson, a Russian-hater who's convinced that the "Russkies" are not as innocent as they seem. He constantly fights with Russian Ambassador de Sadesky (Peter Bull).
Mandrake tries to convince Ripper; Muffley discuses with his men in the War Room; Dr. Strangelove tells the awful truth. Meanwhile, in one of the attacking airplanes, patriotic Major T.J. Kong (Slim Pickens) decides there's no stopping him until he has bombed Russia.
All these sequences interlined create a crazed, tense, and extremely funny atmosphere. All packed with sexual-oriented but surprisingly elegant jokes (all the names of the characters have something to do with sex).
How they get out of this mess, if ever they do, is something you cannot miss.
The President's conversation with Soviet Premier Dmitri is classic, but my personal favorite is Mandrake's effort to reach the president through a public telephone. The final scene is beautiful, and shocking. The whole film, in captivating black and white, is a marvel.
One of the best films ever made. Certainly one of the funniest.
"You can't fight in here, this is the War Room!"
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News
Hard to get lucky, or scared, this time around
- Posted by
- José Ruiloba a.k.a. Morris
- News date
- Friday, October 27, 2000
Hi Groucho! How are you? Hope you’re doing great. Read your “Alan
Smithee” article the other day. It’s great.
So anyway, today three movies are opening in wide release.
Unfortunately, the bottom line seems to be that they all suck. Too
bad, but you can still get to see some of the old ones which are
still there waiting for you. Here’s the rundown:
“Blair Witch 2: The book of Shadows” – This much anticipated movie is
finally opening, very accurately, days before Halloween, but if what
you want is to be scared, this might not actually be what you expect.
Critics are giving it a cold reception, due to the fact that this is
one of those movies where you don’t really want to see a sequel. The
success of the first one had a lot to do with the fact that it was a
surprise no one expected, that it was totally unpretentious and
improvised. Well, take all those ingredients out and you pretty much
have what is shown here. With a plot which isn’t that scary or even
revealing, the movie falls flat.
“Lucky Numbers” – Nora Ephron has shown she’s got it before. This is
what makes us wonder what has happened to her lately. This dumb movie
starring John Travolta and Lisa Kudrow is getting terrible reviews.
For years, I have wondered why Travolta is considered to be such a
high profile star. He is not that talented, and his choices after
“Pulp Fiction” are nothing but terrible. In fact, I can just recall
one really good movie where he has been after his supposed
resurrection: "Pulp Fiction." Anyway, this movie is being blamed for
not deciding itself whether it is a screwball comedy or a dark comedy
or something else. Travolta plays a weatherman who is having an
affair with Kudrow, a lotto girl. Together they plan how to make a
fraud and win the lottery, which results in many unexpected
situations. Anyway, none of this characters are likable, the movie
isn’t funny at all, and you’ll just be wasting your time.
“Little Vampire” – Jonathan Lipnicki, the young kid from “Jerry
Maguire,” stars in this movie which critics are not liking either. It
seems to be too dark for kids and too light for adults, which will
definitely hurt its possible potential.
Anyway, expect “Blair Witch 2” to come up at the box office, but as
it comes down, it is just a lackluster weekend.
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Review
O Brother, Where Art Thou?
- Director
- Joel Coen
- Year
- 2000
- Rating
- Reviewed by
- a.k.a. Jacinda
- Review date
- Tuesday, October 24, 2000
Being a fan of all of the Coen brother's movies I had to see this one - besides Clooney is in it. =)
I had expected a lot of surreal scenes as usual and indeed the movie had lots of odd moments but it was different from all the other Coen films I had seen so far. The movie is a modern version of Homer's Odyssey set in the Depression era in America's deep South.
Three prisoners (George Clooney, John Torturro and Tim Blake Nelson) escape from a Mississippi chain gang and try to find their way home. Actually it's difficult to describe the journey as it has not a normal storyline. They meet odd people and rather uncommon things happen. Before I went to see the movie I thought I had good knowledge of The Odyssey but I could only find a few similarities to the original by Homer. Either I was wrong and I didn't know that much or the Coens interpreted the original in a liberal way. I suppose it´s the second. Mainly I could make out the cyclops (brilliantly played by John Goodman), the sirens and a possible Homer (blind man). It was a weird experience to actually watch the movie as the story is so bizarre but I enjoyed it a lot.
The movie lives through its rich green and yellow colors and the Southern music. There are some great, hilarious scenes (watch out for the Ku Klux clan) and characters (I loved "The Practice"'s Michael Badalucci as gangster Babyface). Clooney reminded me of Clark Gable - with a hair net though.
The film deals ironically with the agenda of the Southern states and adds some absurd elements to the scenario. My final statement would be that the Coen brothers have managed to create an original piece of art once again.
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Review
Scary Movie
- Director
- Keenen Ivory Wayans
- Year
- 2000
- Rating
- Reviewed by
- Gon Curiel a.k.a. Groucho
- Review date
- Monday, October 23, 2000
Hello my friends!!
Today, I'll write my review of a very recent movie:
Scary Movie. I'm not exactly used to review very modern films, but sometimes I just have to. The reason why I want to talk about this movie, is because I want to give my point of view, which is different from the point of view of most critics. I loved the film.
I didn't like
There's Something About Mary (1998), maybe because it was too gross or too stupid. But when a film parodies other films, and even itself, it's irresistible for me. And when the jokes work, and the laughs emerge, even though someone might be throwing up in the middle of the theater, I'm having fun. That's why I've always liked "The Simpsons," for instance. I love well-done parodies.
This time, we have a perfect mix of some of the most famous slasher movies of the newer generation, plus free jokes involving movies of all kinds. Sometimes, there are jokes inside the jokes. But mostly, there is not a dull moment.
The Wayans brothers, responsible for the film, laugh at society, and even at themselves. They don't care about the people's opinion. They even seem to be having fun.
Maybe some jokes don't work, but don't despair: seconds later, here comes another one. If that doesn't work either, the next one is already here anyway.
With a plot that parallels the first
Scream (1996) mixed mostly with "I know what you did last summer," the film presents a bunch of funny characters. Newcomer Anna Faris plays Cindy, and surprises with physical resistance, comedic abilities and loveliness to spare. Two of the Wayans (Shawn and Marlon) provide some of the funniest moments. Special mention goes to Dave Sheridan, who mocks David Arquette and his "Dewey" character from the "Scream" trilogy.
The parodies also include "Dawson's Creek,"
American Beauty (1999),
The Blair Witch Project,
Titanic (1997),
Amistad,
The Usual Suspects (my personal favorite) and many more.
A couple of cameos, some scares (believe it or not) and unlimited fun, make this a winner, at least for me. If someone is able to be serious throughout the whole film, heck, does that person know how to laugh?
See you later!
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News
Box Office Results
- Posted by
- José Ruiloba a.k.a. Morris
- News date
- Monday, October 23, 2000
As expected, “Meet The Parents” continued to amaze audiences and kept
its number one place for the third consecutive week. It’s cume is now
of 81 million, heading for 130 million at least, which will make it
one of the most successful movies of the year. No wonder people are
talking sequel. In second place came “Bedazzled” with 13.7 million.
Brendan Fraser proves once again that he is loved by the audience.
And don’t count out those sexy outfits worn by Elizabeth Hurley. In
third place, “Pay It Forward” made a surprisingly strong 10.2
million. Critics didn’t like it, but audiences seem to embrace it, so
we’ll have to wait and see how well it holds and how much
probabilities it’s got at Oscar gold. The other new release, Jackie
Chan’s “The Legend of Drunken Master” ended up in fifth place with a
so so 3.7 million. The rest of the list stayed practically the same,
with the exceptions of “Lost Souls” loosing most of it's audience and
the Stallone turkey “Get Carter” leaving the top10. Next week should
see things shaken up a bit by the much anticipated "Blair Witch
Project 2."
1. Meet the Parents, $16.3 million (81 m. total)
2. Bedazzled, $13.7 million (13.7 m.)
3. Pay It Forward, $10.2 million (10.2 m.)
4. Remember the Titans, $10 million (77.4 m.)
5. The Legend of Drunken Master, $3.7 million (3.7 m.)
6. The Contender, $3.6 million (10.6 m.)
7. Lost Souls, $3.3 million (12.9 m.)
8. The Ladies Man, $2.9 million (9.7 m.)
8. The Exorcist, $2.9 million (34.8 m.)
10. Dr. T and the Women, $2.5 million (9.1 m.)
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Review
Fight Club
- Director
- David Fincher
- Year
- 1999
- Rating
- Reviewed by
- José Ruiloba a.k.a. Morris
- Review date
- Sunday, October 22, 2000
Controversial. This movie has that word written all over it. Whether it was pointed by some as fascist, by others as pro-violence, there’s just one word I have for all of you: bullshit! This is a movie that has ideas, a movie that is intelligent. In fact, it might be so intelligent that it becomes scary. It is also very realistic, immensely accurate. So why bother trying to put trash on its way? Who knows?
The way I see it, this movie tells the story of a man (Edward Norton), our narrator, who is so tired of living under such a materialist, puppeteer of a world, that he just wants to know how to be a human being all over again. Of course, the way he starts doing that is not common at all. He starts going to reunions where people with sicknesses or addictions meet and by this, he tries to uncover that mask which we all wear all the time. There, he meets Marla (Helena Bonham Carter), a strange woman who suffers just as he does but faces it with quite a different kind of courage. Then, and by coincidence, he meets Tyler Durden (Brad Pitt) a man that changes everything in his life. A man so willing to be different and out-spoken that he kind of becomes his mentor, his example. They move together and before any of both can even notice it, they’ve already founded a sort of underground movement called “Fight Club”, where many men go and just bit the hell out of each other.
Of course, the story doesn’t end there, because people are not always what they seem, and many unsuspected things happen along the way. A strange love triangle takes place which defines the entire path of the story. But this movie has a lot more to offer. What it tries to do, and if I may say so, achieves it perfectly, is to satirize a society and a complete race which day by day is leading itself to its own destruction. It doesn’t respect the boundaries, but instead, breaks them all. This guys are not trying to be rebels, they are not trying to promote violence as a way to have fun. In fact, by such a metaphorical way, they try to come out, to be themselves, to say something, to give a message. By the end of the movie, all sorts of crazy and unexpected things have already happened, but still the point is clear.
The movie is not pro-violence, but on the contrary, it condemns it. It isn’t dangerous, but has a point. So anyway, all of this couldn’t have been done as good if it wasn’t for the director, David Fincher, who brings this movie an outstanding kinetic style and a fast pace that is exactly what the story needs.
The performances are, as well, some of the finest of the year. Edward Norton is, as always, excellent and brilliant as a really tormented guy trying to get out of his claustrophobic cell of a life. Helena Bonham Carter is cast here against type and succeeds in bringing to life such a unique character. And finally, Brad Pitt is just unbelievable as Tyler Durden, a character so charismatic that it’ll be difficult to forget him at all.
Full of original shots and with a great soundtrack, this movie emerges itself as a complete winner. It is funny as well as it is thoughtful. With one of the coolest plot twists ever that isn’t merely there for the fun of it, but which has a strong connection to the whole point of the movie. At the end, this picture is as brave as it could be and as brilliant as it can get.
"The first rule of Fight Club is... you do not talk about Fight Club. The second rule of Fight Club is... you do not talk about Fight Club....."
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News
A better place? Not to the devil....
- Posted by
- José Ruiloba a.k.a. Morris
- News date
- Friday, October 20, 2000
Hi buddy. How are you? Everything’s all right here. And I’m hoping to
see you soon. Hope we can arrange something. Anyway, here’s my weekly
report:
Three movies are opening today in wide release. Others are expanding.
And even thou no one is set to break box office records, at least,
from the sound of things, you could very well have a great time.
“Bedazzled” - Forget about all the trouble Liz Hurley is facing
right now, she seems to be devilishly good in this movie. A remake of
a certain Dudley Moore movie, the story is about a guy who decides to
sell his soul to the devil in exchange for seven wishes. As you can
imagine, everything goes wrong and comic situations start pouring up.
The movie is not receiving enthusiastic reviews from critics. It is
being given a mixed response. The overall verdict seems to be that
Fraser and Hurley are good. But on the other hand, the movie has a
one-joke premise that doesn’t live up to its running time. It seems
to be only occasionally funny and consistently dull. I guess if you
liked Fraser in “The Mummy” or “George of the Jungle” this might just
be your cup of tea. The others should stay away and go and see...
“Pay It Forward” - Mimi Leder directs his first character-driven
movie which seems to be of the love it or hate it type. The story is
about a boy who comes up with a campaign about doing three favors to
someone without getting anything in return and thus starting a big
chain of events to make the world a better place. He himself has a
lot of problems. His mom is alcoholic and with the help of his
wounded teacher he sets up all of this plans. The movie stars three
excellent actors who are receiving a lot of praise. Kevin Spacey
gives a subdued performance which ranks as some of the best of his
career. Helen Hunt is said to be even better than in “As Good As It
Gets” and Haley Joel Osment is proving that he has indeed a lot of
talent. Any of this people could get recognized with nominations come
Oscar time, although none seem to be as strong as to win. The problem
with the movie is that, although it has great intentions, critics are
complaining about its manipulative quotient. The movie seems to force
some of the reactions from the audience, and the ending seems to be a
tear jerker which some are calling out of place. What I think is that
you shouldn’t listen to this stuff. Just try to get into the movie,
and if it gets to your heart then it means that it worked. Don’t be
afraid. Sometimes being manipulated is the right way to give away a
good message. In fact, Hollywood should come out with more movies
like this.
“The Legend of Drunken Master” – A Jackie Chan movie all the way. You
can expect the usual, although in a good doses, because it seems to
be a good one.
“The Yards” – Opening in just a few theaters, “The Yards” is a story
about the mafia world directed by James Gray. The movie is being
compared with some of the best stuff of Coppola, although in a minor
grade. The cast is terrific thou. James Caan, Mark Wahlberg, Joaquin
Phoenix, and Charlize Theron. Their performances are said to be the
best of the movie. With an intelligent script, the movie ends up as
an ok result. We’ll see how it does.
So that’s it buddy. Hope you have a great time this weekend. Until
Monday then.
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Review
Coyote Ugly
- Director
- David McNally
- Year
- 2000
- Rating
- Reviewed by
- José Ruiloba a.k.a. Morris
- Review date
- Tuesday, October 17, 2000
I know, I know, any serious movie fan, after seeing the trailer and the ads, couldn’t possibly care less about this movie. Put me on that list. But then, suddenly, I ended up being in a situation where there was no other choice but to see it. “It can’t be that bad”, I told myself over and over again. Besides, going to the movies isn’t precisely something I put resistance to, so there I was. The shocking fact about this is how much I ended up liking the movie. Call it a guilty pleasure. What we are sold is the idea that this movie is about chicks dancing in some bar called “Coyote Ugly”. I mean, they look great, but that’s not something that makes a good movie on its own. Or, is it?
What this movie really is consists of a great old fashioned Cinderella-like romantic story and the eternal message of not giving up to our dreams, ever. Violet (Piper Perabo) is an innocent girl from New Jersey. She is determined to go to New York and become a famous songwriter. And so she does. Of course, it ain’t that easy, so soon Violet starts to realize she has to find something else to do. By a series of events, she ends up being a “coyote” at this bar. This happens as she has just met Kevin (Adam Garcia), an Australian guy with whom she soon starts a relationship. Lots of things happen. Violet hates to be on stage, but she has to. Kevin tries to help her and the way the story unfolds seems like magic.
I’m not calling this a classic. It has its quibbles. But it accomplishes what it wants to, and for that we should give it some credit. The love story seemed specially great to me. He is willing to do anything for her, but is she up to it? How can people manage to leave their lives behind and go for true love? A story that elevates our feelings and sets the right tune.
None of this could have been accomplished if it wasn’t for the amazing songs that play along the movie. They are simply great. Besides, the performances by the two stars of this movie are really something to look at. Piper Perabo and Adam Garcia are both real finds. They both seem talented and exude the kind of charisma that many spend their whole lives trying to accomplish. We’ll have to keep an eye on them, cause they seem to be here to stay. So anyway, John Goodman, Maria Bello, Tyra Banks and the rest of the cast all have their moments and they all bring something extra to t he movie. An enjoyable, highly entertaining ride.
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News
Box Office Results
- Posted by
- José Ruiloba a.k.a. Morris
- News date
- Monday, October 16, 2000
As expected, “Meet The Parents” reigned at the box office for the
second consecutive weekend. If it hadn’t broken the October record
last week it would be doing so now, as it managed to put in about
21.3 million for a total of almost 60 million in just 10 days.
“Remember the Titans” came in second with 13.5 million, a very good
tally. Both movies are now sure to pass the 100 million mark at the
end of their runs. Of all the new releases, “Lost Souls” faired the
better. It did an ok 8.4 million. “The Ladies Man” finished fourth
with a low 5.7 million. And rounding out the top5 “The Contender”
finished up with 5.5 million. Not so good numbers, although “Dr. T
and the Women”, with 5.2 million, performed the with 5.2 million and
the number 7 slot. On other interesting notes, “What Lies Beneath”
finally left the top10...
Here’s the complete list:
1. Meet The Parents - 21.3 million (59 m. total)
2. Remember the Titans - 13.5 million (64.7 m.)
3. Lost Souls - 8.4 million (8.4 m.)
4. The Ladies Man - 5.7 million (5.7 m.)
5. The Contender - 5.5 million (5.5 m.)
6. The Exorcist - 5.4 million (30.2 m.)
7. Dr. T and the Women - 5.2 million (5.2m.)
8. Get Carter - 2.7 million (11.7m.)
9. (tie) Almost Famous - 2.3 million (26.7 m.)
9. (tie) Best in Show - 2.3 million (3.9 m.)
10. Digimon: The Movie - 1.8 million (5.4 m.)
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News
Lots of stuff lead by a big contender
- Posted by
- José Ruiloba a.k.a. Morris
- News date
- Friday, October 13, 2000
Hi buddy, what’s up? Here’s this week’s report:
Five movies get their releases today. It is quite a mixed bag, so
there’s something for everyone. Whether studios are taking out their
prestigious movies or they are just cleaning their piles, here is the
rundown on what you can see at theaters this weekend...
“The Contender” – This movie has been having Oscar buzz since the day
people started to see it. It has grown faster and faster until this
day, where expectations are starting to lower up a bit. Why? Well,
yes, the movie is getting high praise. Everyone, and I mean,
everyone, is talking about how good this movie is, how strong the
performances are and how surprising does Rod Lurie succeed at telling
his story. There only seems to be one problem: the movie is democrat
friendly. This means that, at this point when the elections are just
around the corner, people who don’t sympathize with this kind of
ideas are going to find it difficult to really embrace this movie as
a whole. Even Gary Oldman, one of its stars, is complaining about how
the end cut ended up being, since, as he puts it, there was pressure
from Dreamworks to favor this idealism. I really don’t care how much
they complain about it or if the ending is too nicely patched up, I
think this movie will stand for its own. Joan Allen, Gary Oldman and
Jeff Bridges give award-worthy performances, which I’m very glad to
hear. They are all great performers and nothing would make me
happier than seeing them recognized at the end of the year. As for
the movie, I recommend you to judge it by yourselves and try to
appreciate it as the great work it really is. I mean, people are even
giving it perfect scores.... it should be good.
“Dr. T and the Women” – Look at this cast: Richard Gere, Helen Hunt,
Liv Tyler, Laura Dern, Farah Fawcett, Kate Hudson, Tara Reid. Need I
say more? Well, Altman is at the helm. More? Bad news, it isn’t that
great. WHAT? It seems that Altman hasn’t yet had the great comeback
everyone is rooting for. This movie is receiving just mixed reviews,
not great, not bad. People are calling its story to be really dull
(it’s about Gere’s gynecologist character and the women in his life)
and just not that interesting. Since its a large cast, not one of the
performances stands out, although they are all ok. Anyway, just for
fans.
“Billy Elliot” – This little British film which has been garnering A
LOT of attention from different festivals around the world is finally
coming to the US. From what I hear, you can’t miss it. It is
receiving some of the best reviews of the year so far. No wonder its
Oscar buzz is growing farther as each day goes by. Could it be this
year’s “Full Monty”? It pretty much look like it. The movie is placed
in a coal mining environment, where a young boy challenges his father
when he decides to study ballet. While the movie is very funny, very
touching and full of sentimentality, it also manages to bring up a
social statement, so it contains the right dose of everything. On the
other hand, Jamie Bell’s performance is also garnering a lot of
attention. Look close on this one.
“Lost Souls” – Finally, after more than one year of being in the can,
“Lost Souls” is arriving. Winona Ryder and Ben Chaplin star in this
movie which has one of those creepy Satan plots, although it isn’t
scary nor interesting. In fact, it is really bad. That’s what I hear
and that’s what everyone is saying. A total waste of time. Too bad,
because I like the stars. Anyway, forget about it.
“Ladies Man” – Another movie coming from SNL skit. It is said to be
one of the worst, so avoid it. Starring Tim Meadows, Will Ferrel and
Tiffani-Amber Thiessen.
And that's it buddy. Take care. Until Monday...
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News
Box Office Results
- Posted by
- José Ruiloba a.k.a. Morris
- News date
- Monday, October 09, 2000
Lots of stuff to talk about today! "Meet The Parents" exceeded
expectations and made a jaw-dropping amount of 29.1 million. It not
only secured the first place in the market, but actually became the
highest October grosser EVER. De Niro and Stiller should be really
glad. Both have been in a great strike recently, and I personally
couldn't be happier. "Remember the Titans" came in second place,
adding about 836 more theaters, it did a very healthy 19.6 million,
bringing its total haul to less than 50 million in just two weeks.
The return of Stallone, meanwhile, didn't fare so well. It had to
settle with the third place and a not so encouraging 6.7 million. On
the other hand, bad news for "Almost Famous". It seems that
Dreamworks rushed its number of theaters too fast and continued
adding more and more each weekend, which is proving not quite
successful this time around. It did 3.8 million and has only grossed
a disappointing 23.3 million. It cost 60. I hope it doesn't affect
its probabilities to earn some awards come the end of the year.
Finally, worthy of mention is "What Lies Beneath", which hits its
12th week in the top10 with another 1.2 million to add to its total
haul of 152.2 million. Good for it!
The numbers go like this:
1. Meet the Parents - 29.1 million (29.1 total)
2. Remember the Titans - 19.6 million (46.2)
3. Get Carter - 6.7 million (6.7)
4. The Exorcist - 4.6 million (24.1)
5. Digimon: The Movie - 4.1 million (4.1)
6. Almost Famous - 3.8 million (23.3)
7. Urban Legends: Final Cut - 2.6 million (18.2)
8. Bring It On - 2.2 million (62.4)
9. What Lies Beneath - 1.2 million (152.2)
10. (tie) The Watcher - 1.1 million (27.8)
10. (tie) Nurse Betty - 1.1 million (22.7)
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Review
Horse Feathers
- Director
- Norman Z. McLeod
- Year
- 1932
- Rating
- Reviewed by
- Gon Curiel a.k.a. Groucho
- Review date
- Saturday, October 07, 2000
Hey there my friends!!
Here goes my review of one of the Marx Brothers' most memorable pieces of nonsense.
As you may have probably guessed, I'm a huge fan of the Marx Brothers. They were a complete team, a perfect match for one another. In this film, they score again, giving the world more free laughs and uncanny entertainment.
The plot? Professor Quincey Adams Wagstaff (Groucho) is named principal of a school. His first action is quite simple: insulting the trustees with the song "I'm against it." Ha, such a funny song, which also features Wagstaff's son, Frank (Zeppo), in what probably was the funniest Zeppo song ever. Then the song becomes "I always get my man," in which Groucho explains how nobody treats him bad without getting something in return. He insults again but he is praised by everyone.
After that, the lunacy begins as Groucho runs the school through madness. Heck, it's so fun. Professors are insulted, students have some fun. The dialogue is delicious. Harpo's silent action is one of the funniest things throughout.
The speakeasy scene, in which the password is "Swordfish," presents Chico and Harpo, whom are confused by Groucho with two professional football players he wants to hire to beat the rival school. The real players are then hired by the other school, and there is true confusion. The slapstick is inimitable. The comedy is a gem.
The rivalry among the brothers comes when they all fall in love with the same girl, and dedicate "Everyone says I love you" to her in a different way, and with different lyrics. Chico's version is definitely my favorite, especially for the piano solo he plays after that, which not only is great itself, but is in one of the funniest scenes all in all. Later, Harpo plays the song with a harp.
After all the confusion, the film ends with the climatic football game. I don't like football, but I love this scene.
And the very final shot is hilarious.
Try not to miss this film. It's one of their gems, even though it's not remembered as one of their best.
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News
Richard Farnsworth dies at 80
- Posted by
- Gon Curiel a.k.a. Groucho
- News date
- Saturday, October 07, 2000
Hello everyone.
How are you guys doing?? I haven't been great this day. This morning,
while I was working extra hours at my office, I received a terrifying
message in my beeper from my eternal pal, Morris. It said: "Sorry to
ruin your day so early in the morning, Grouch, but you gotta know
that Richard Farnsworth is dead. Suicide." For unusual reasons, there
was no internet in my office today, so I couldn't check the news
immediately. My sadness was absorbing my existence. Fellow workers
noticed it, and asked me what was wrong. When I explained the
situation to them, they agreed with me that it was pretty sad news.
Boy, am I sad!!
Later on, I read that Farnsworth killed himself because of the pain
his cancer was giving him. That was pretty reasonable. Yet, something
bothered me: Last year, he became one of my heroes, because he taught
me a lesson I will never forget playing Alvin Straight in David
Lynch's "The Straight Story": life is worth living it, no matter
what. Now, he contradicts himself with this action. All I do now is
hope that he be better now. Today, one of the best actors ever born
leaves the world, and a buncha grateful fans. Me included.
Richard Farnsworth began his career as a stuntman. The first film in
which he worked was "A day at the races," of the Marx Brothers.
Later, he became an actor, and a great one, but usually
underestimated. He worked in such films as "Tom Horn," "The Natural"
and "Misery." For "Comes a Horseman," (1978) he received a Supporting
Actor Oscar nomination.
This year, for his breathtaking performance in "The Straight Story,"
David Lynch's most quiet, loving film, he received a Best Actor Oscar
nomination, becoming the oldest nominated actor in history. Kevin
Spacey took the Oscar away from him for his amazing performance
in "American Beauty," but Farnsworth conquered our hearts.
His death is a terrible loss, especially because he was at the
highest point of his career, after years of fighting. He was 80 years
old. Richard, we will never forget you. Thanks for everything.
Rest in peace, Richard Farnsworth.
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News
The return of many, the absence of few
- Posted by
- José Ruiloba a.k.a. Morris
- News date
- Friday, October 06, 2000
Hey buddy, what’s up? I’m very happy right here because there are a
lot of movies to preview this weekend. The more we get to the end of
the year the more interesting this business gets, so this weekend
isn’t the exception:
“Meet the Parents” – Maybe the biggest release this weekend and
without any doubt the sure winner of the crown at the box office,
“Meet the Parents” comes to prove that you can still make simple
comedies, with simple premises, that can become hilarious material.
Robert De Niro stars as the ex military father in law to Stiller’s
common guy who wants to make a good impression in this comedy which
is directed by Jay Roach. By getting more laughs than, apparently,
most of what has come out this year, the movie is receiving
universally good reviews. I personally can’t wait to see it. De Niro
and Stiller are great actors with a lot to give, so this movie should
please everyone and hopefully become a hit.
“Get Carter” – Stallone is back!!! Although his many detractors
aren’t. This movie, a remake of the Michael Caine better known
starrer, is not being screened for critics, which speaks for itself
how bad it might be. And although the cast includes Rachel Leigh
Cook, Miranda Richardson, Michael Rourke and Caine himself, it is a
pity that it is all bang instead of a good script. We’ll se what
audiences think, but it sure look bad.
“Bamboozled” – The new movie by Spike Lee, it is getting the usual
mixed bag of reviews where people love it or hate it. In this case,
it is more of the hate it type. A story that seems more like a two
hour speech about racism and themes like that, has a promising
premise, but quickly wears out. Lee should try to do something
different, although his statements have a lot of resonance.
“Tigerland” – Joel Schumacher, after being hated by nearly everyone
on Hollywood for his latest projects, finally comes back with an
independent movie filmed with digital cameras which is based in World
War II. I’m very happy to announce that he is getting absolutely
great reviews, so might this be his redemption? The performances of
the unknown leads are also being praised and it seems like a very
good and poignant movie after all. Don’t miss it.
“Requiem for a Dream” – The creator of “Pi” returns with this
controversial movie about drugs which is being lauded as one of the
most terrifying looks at the subject, while also being one of the
best. Jared Leto, Ellen Burstyn, Jennifer Connely and Marlon Wayans
all star in this movie which isn’t for everyone, but which is
shocking audiences all over the world. The final 15 minutes are said
to be one of the most gut-wrenching sequences ever that leaves you
not wanting to know anything about drugs in your whole life. With
adjectives such as "brilliant" and "a masterpiece", besides the
strong word that Ellen Burstyn's performance will make her a strong
awards contender, you bet I'm there.
So that’s the panorama this weekend, whether this movies are being
released wider or just in a limited scale, it doesn’t matter. It
seems that all of them, except one, are worth the look. See you on
Monday...
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Review
Erin Brockovich
- Director
- Steven Soderbergh
- Year
- 2000
- Rating
- Reviewed by
- Gon Curiel a.k.a. Groucho
- Review date
- Tuesday, October 03, 2000
I'm in love with Julia Roberts. Hard to believe, as I didn't like her
at all a couple of years ago, but I think the fact that her career has been renewed with a whole new image for her, helps. When I saw her in
Notting Hill about six months ago, playing a role that was so much like herself in real life and which carried the whole drama of being a successful Hollywood actress with it, I understood that Julia was a great actress, capable of making anyone fall in love with her with only a smile (and a big one, I must say). She had charm, and class. She was the kind of woman I could fall in love with.
I heard that her performance in
Erin Brockovich was simply the best of her career. That would be, of course, a hard-earned qualification considering she was even nominated for an Oscar for her performance in
Pretty Woman. Well, no doubt about it, and now that I saw the movie I can tell you: her performance IS a knockout. It is SO good, that it's enough to carry the whole movie, which in some aspects is not so good itself.
The [based on a true] story is about a woman who had nothing but her own charm and with it managed to win a battle against a damn big company which was harming people through toxic chemicals and a bunch of lies. She was also very intelligent and self-assured, so since the beginning she had the battle practically won. This was also thanks to the support of Ed Masry (Albert Finney), her boss in the law firm, and George (Aaron Eckhart), her lover, who happened to be a Harley Davidson lover more than anything else.
The movie is good, real good, but not the best. It reminded me a lot of
The Insider, only this was not as complicated, and had more heart; the fact that the personal dramas of Erin (the situation with her family) and the harmed people (who are dying from different diseases) give the story just the right touch doesn't necessarily mean that the movie is better because of that.
A great entertainer,
Erin Brockovich is sure to please the crowds. I liked it a lot.
Real-life Erin appears briefly as a waitress.
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Review
What Lies Beneath
- Director
- Robert Zemeckis
- Year
- 2000
- Rating
- Reviewed by
- José Ruiloba a.k.a. Morris
- Review date
- Monday, October 02, 2000
In the vein of such movies as
The Sixth Sense and
Stir of Echoes, another movie with supernatural tones has just arrived. Ford? Pfeiffer? Zemeckis? Together? Let me tell you, I couldn’t have missed it for a million bucks. When the trailer came out, I heard a lot of people complaining about how much it revealed about certain plot points, so given that it was a mystery I decided not to see it at all. It was difficult, but I made it. And finally, I was regarded. I loved this movie. I don’t have problems when some directors are influenced by others and show it. If it’s done correctly, I’m on for it. This time, it’s none other than Hitchcock himself who is present all the time. There’s no way Zemeckis could have equaled a Hitchcock experience, but he tried, and he basically succeeded.
What this movie has to offer is a plot full of mystery where we never now what’ll happen next. The first half of the movie is kind of a
Rear Window rip-off, where our leading lady (Michelle Pfeiffer) suspects strange stuff, maybe even a murder, are happening next door. His loving husband (Harrison Ford) can’t understand what’s going on with her. Stranger things start to happen that suggest things are not as simple as they seem to be.
The action is set at a beautiful but isolated house where photography is highly important for the effect it should take. When shown in a sunny day, the house seems like the perfect place, but when shown with shadows and a darker tone, the house seems terrifying. A lot of stuff goes on which leads to a last half hour where something quite unexpected happens and changes the tone of the movie. Even if at times it gets heavy handed and requires forced plot devices, the movie keeps our attention all the time and never lets go. Besides, by using different techniques, Zemeckis and his writer keep scaring the shit out of us. I really don’t care if sometimes the methods are too common. Again, if they work, perfect.
Michelle Pfeiffer is great in her role. Have I mentioned that she is one of the most beautiful women in the world? Add to this that she is also talented, so it’s a pleasure to watch her go through all these emotions and confusion. Ford is good in his standard role, but actually surprises a bit. The music adds the right touch, and the photography is excellent. Don’t be fooled by other critics, this movie works in many levels and you’ll have a lot of fun. Scary fun.
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Box Office Results
- Posted by
- José Ruiloba a.k.a. Morris
- News date
- Monday, October 02, 2000
Finally a movie that put some heat at the box office. Finishing up a
disastrous trend, “Remember the Titans” arrived and won. It made
about 20.9 million dollars, which is a great figure. Denzel’s still
got it, and the movie should prove really profitable. In second place
came “The Exorcist”, which is surprisingly doing great business and
ended up with 7.2 million. Third place was for “Almost Famous”, which
keeps climbing steps, now with 5.7 million. The turkey of the week,
thou, finished in 10th place with 1.4 million. Laughable. The rest of
the list stayed considerably the same, while “Woman on Top” left the
top10 after just one week of being released. Here’s how they did:
1. “Remember the Titans” 20.9 million (20.9 total)
2. “The Exorcist” 7.2 million (17.6)
3. “Almost Famous” 5.7 million (17.8)
4. “Urban Legends: Final Cut” 4.4 million (14.6)
5. “Bring It On” 3 million (59.6)
6. “The Watcher” 2.2 million (26)
7. “Nurse Betty” 2 million (21)
8. “Bait” 1.7 million (13.2)
9. “What Lies Beneath” 1.6 million (150.5)
10. “Beautiful” 1.4 million (1.4)
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Morris wrote at 6/22/2002:
Morris wrote at 6/22/2002:
I just have to agree with everything Jacinda says about this movie. It certainly is a work of art. I was totally shocked to find a movie by the same director but that couldn't be more different. This one is more profound, deep and it definitely is slower (if at times a little too slow for my taste).I just loved the whole concept of this unusal love story. I love rare and unique stuff and this movie did it for me. It was as unpredictable as anything I've seen this year and it certainly is one of the most visually stunning as well. It's amazing how Tom, the director, manages to impress even in the most simple situations. After all this is a movie about people and yet he finds the right place to do the most extraordinary of things. An example of this might be the brilliant way he presents his central characters for the first time to us.
I also liked the way the movie played with concepts such as hope, destiny, fate, madness, pain and, of course, love. For Twyker life is kind of a cicle and both Sissi and Bodo find themselved in situations that prove this theory to be right.
Also, Franka is extraordinary. I love this actress. She's so good and charismatic and talented. Special mention should also go to Benno Fürmann, an actor who reminded me a lot of Gael García (of "Amores Perros" fame), because of the way they both have such expressive eyes. His character is somewhat more difficult because he can be an animal at times yet you like him because of the tenderness he shows underneath. Brilliant.
All in all, a must-see.