Films I Recommend - Showing for the 1st Time in St. Louis in 1995 or late 1994

Below is my spin on films for 1995. This is how I rated'em when I saw'em. They are grouped by rating in the order that I saw them in. The year is the release date. It should be noted that I only saw 2 of the top ten grossing films of the year.

****

"Braveheart" (1995)

"Burnt By the Sun" (1994)

"The Legend of Fong Sai Yuk" (1993)

***+

"Safe Passage" (1994)

"Clerks" (1994)

"Rob Roy" (1995)

"While You Were Sleeping" (1995)

"Forget Paris" (1995)

"The Priest" (1995)

"The Postman" (1994?)

"The Brothers McMullen" (1994)

"Seven" (1995)

"The American President" (1995)

"Persuasion" (1995)

"Sense and Sensibility" (1995)

"Toy Story" (1995)

"Othello" (1995)

***

"Nobody's Fool" (1994)

"Hoop Dreams" (1994)

"Mrs. Parker and the Vicious Circle" (1994)

"The Madness of King George" (1994)

"Dolores Claiborne" (1995)

"The Secret of Roan Inish" (1993-released in 1995)

"The Englishman Who Went Up a Hill and Came Down a Mountain" (1995)

"Funnybones" (1995)

"Apollo 13" (1995)

"Smoke" (1995)

"Harrison Bergerone" (1994) - SHOWTIME

"The Usual Suspects" (1995)

"Jeffrey" (1994)

"Unstrung Heros" (1995)

"To Die For" (1995)

"Get Shorty" (1995)

"How To Make an American Quilt" (1995)

"Home for the Holidays" (1995)

"Nick of Time" (1995)

"Goldeneye" (1995)

"Carrington" (1995)

"Sabrina" (1995)

Randy's 8 Best/Favorite Movies released in 1995 in Retrospect - (not in order of excellence)

"Braveheart" (1995) - (EPIC film making that should have found an audience)

"Burnt By the Sun" (1994) - (Terrific story, won 1994 Best Foreign Language Film)

"The Legend of Fong Sai Yuk" (1993) - (Most Fun at the movies this year)

"The Brothers McMullen" (1994) - (Best first feature & Best movie for money spent $25,000)

"Forget Paris" (1995) - (I'm a sucker for romantic comedies and Billy Crystal)

"The Priest" (1995) - (great film, too controversial for Oscars)

"Persuasion" (1995)

"Sense and Sensibility" (1995)

Randy's 1995 Oscar Predictions - (Note: some of the heavy hitters of 1995, such as "Leaving Las Vegas" and "Heat" were released late or haven't been released outside of LA and NY. I can't make any decent prediction without seeing them. Also these are predictions and not necessarily what I think was the best. See previous lists.)

Best Picture

"Braveheart"

"Sense and Sensibility"

"Apollo 13"

"The American President"

Best Actor

Jonathan Pryce "Carrington"

Michael Douglas "The American President"

Morgan Freeman "Seven"

Kenneth Branuagh "Othello"

Best Actress

Nicole Kidman "To Die For"

Sandra Bullock "While You Were Sleeping"

Amanda Root "Persuasion"

Emma Thompson "Sense and Sensibility"

Best Director

Rob Reiner "The American President"

Mel Gibson "Braveheart"

Ron Howard "Apollo 13"

Ang Lee "Sense and Sensibility"

Best Supporting-Actor - the category with the strongest field

Nicholas Cage "Kiss of Death" (great role in mediocre film)

Tim Roth "Rob Roy"

Ed Harris "Apollo 13"

Kevin Spacey "The Usual Suspects"

Best Supporting-Actress

Anne Bancroft "How to Make an American Quilt"

Moria Sorvino "Mighty Aphrodite"

Original Screenpla y

Edward Burns "The Brothers McMullen"

"While You Were Sleeping"

Screenplay Adaptation

"Sense and Sensibility" (1995) - Emma Thompson

"Apollo 13"

Editing

"Apollo 13"

Art Decoration/Set design

"Apollo 13"

Costumes

"Apollo 13"

"Braveheart"

Best Foreign Language Film - "The Postman" (1994? if eligible)

01/02 "The Land Before Time" (1988)

**+ Animated dinosaur movie is ok. It touches on racial basis, faith If Rachel's reaction is typical, small children will love it, while I couldn't find anything annoying about it. ($0.00, video, Pete & Rachel Burton)

01/06 "Harold and Maude" (1971)

**** Offbeat and dark (?) comedy about Ruth Gordon as an 80 year old, minus a week, free spirit who shows the gloomy Harold how to celebrate the entire circle of life. Kind of hippie in places and the anti-military scenes date the picture but on the whole an excellent film that inspires and fills you long after seeing it with it's simple message about experiencing life to the fullest of your abilities. The songs by Cat Stevens are terrific. It's a real shame there has never been a soundtrack released for this film. I must admit that if I ever got a Jaguar XKE I would be sorely tempted to make the modifications that Harold does to his. On a film preservetionist note, it was a terrible print of the film that they used to video tape. It was washed out and the soundtrack was flat. ($3.17, Blockbuster Video, Kathy)

01/07 "The More the Merrier" (1943)

*** Made during WWII, much of this film's topicality and applicability is tied to the times. The story is set in Wash. DC. which is in the midst of a critical housing shortage. With a sense of patriotic duty, Jean Arthur decides to sublet a portion of her apartment, only to end up with two men, an older gentleman and the young Joel McCrea. It is light and humorous but not terribly funny any more. It was nominated for ÷6 Academy Awards and won for Best-Supporting Actor Charles Coburn, but I'm not sure I could see why. Jean Arthur is a delight, as always. I wish I knew what happened to her career. ($2.13, Schnucks video)

01/08 "Safe Passage" (1994)

***+ This is a complex story of a family in crisis. When one of 7 sons is missing during an explosion over seas, the rest of the family comes together to try and coop with their fears. Most of the action takes place as flashbacks of the family's history while they watch and wait for the news on CNN. The terrific dialogue is marred by the script's simplistic solutions to most of the other family problems brought up during the film. When will screenwriter's get the drift that everything doesn't have to be solved by the end of the picture, especially if you are going for realism. On the whole the acting and the dialogue is good and lets you forget the imperfections. Susan Sarandon is terrific and she takes the lead for my pick for Best Actress for 1994 (she did get one for her role in "The Client"). It's not enough fun for a lot of people to go see it which is a shame since the picture it paints of the pains and joys of family life are real and beautiful. The shame is that with no strong images, this film will fade into memory very quickly ($3.75, Des Peres, Raye & Kelly) Follow-up: It did fade from memory quickly but while I watched I was really moved.

01/14 "Nobody's Fool" (1994)

*** Paul Newman is likable as a 60 year old underachieving construction worker. A good performance by Newman, makes the film, which might have completely failed in lesser hands. Melanie Griffith and Bruce Willis have supporting roles and while not outstanding at least they're not annoying (which is usually the case for me, especially Griffith). The simplistic plot ties at the end, especially in dealing with Newman's son and grandson were annoying. I also had trouble believing the characters and their lack of rage and anger as they steal and cheat each other throughout the whole story. It's particularly hard to believe in these gun crazy times. Jessica Tandy's last film and she turns in an expected good performance. (12.00, Shady Oak, Kathy)

01/21 "Immortal Beloved" (1994)

**+ Gary Oldman plays Beethoven in this mystery/love story about the great love of the maestro's life. The look of the film is terrific (i.e. sets, costumes, locations, etc.). The film really forces you to try and understand the irony and difficulties that befell Beethoven as he was stone deaf, yet still composing music. The whole thing left me cool and I'm not sure why. Perhaps it's Oldman, who doesn't leave an impression on me at all. Isabella Roselleni is looking more like her mother, Ingrid Bergman, all the time. ($6.00, Des Peres, Raye & Kelly)

02/12 "Hoop Dreams" (1994)

*** Documentary focusing on the two 13 year old boys who are the hottest basketball prospects in Chicago during the late 1980s. The film watches their triumphs and hardships as they pursue their dream of playing in the NBA through high school. The "plot" twists of the boys real lives keep you riveted to the story as do the characters. Very powerful, real stuff but the graininess of the first few scenes didn't work to well on the big screen (it was conceived of as a half hour TV documentary). Enjoyment of the film is hampered by the realness of the characters who aren't idealizations as Hollywood gives us. They're here with all the rough edges. ($3.00, Kenrick)

02/18 "Mrs. Parker and the Vicious Circle" (1994)

*** Jennifer Jason Leigh turns in a great performance as the sardonic and unhappy Dorothy Parker. While it's a good film, it is a hard film to enjoy due to Mrs. Parker bitter and caustic view of the world (which says a lot coming from me). It's mostly for the literary types/Algonquian Round Tables/Dorothy Parker fans. Her plutonic relationship with her good friend, Robert Benchly reminded me of the Woody Allen quip "..I prefer unrequited love. It's the only kind that lasts". Her terrier reminded me of Darcy. :( ($3.75, Westport)

03/05 "Vanya on 42nd Street" (1994)

**+ Louis Malle directs this David Mammet adaptation of the Chekhov play "Uncle Vanya". The film is a un-costumed run through of the play by the actors and is quite moving in many respects. It is a depressing story of family and unacknowledged sacrifices and unrealized dreams. ($3.00, Kirkwood)

03/08 "Sleepless in Seattle" (1993)

*** My opinion stays the same as when I first saw it: just a step above mediocre, depending way to much on cheap sentimentality from previous movies and the whole fate angle bothers the heck out of me. ($0.00, cable in Toccoa, GA)

03/10 "Star Wars" (1977)

**** Excellent as always. (video, Kathy and a large group of Washington University Biomed. Graduate Students)

03/11 "The Madness of King George" (1994)

*** Nigel Hawthorne and Helen Mirren are terrific and deserving of their Oscar nominations. Hawthorne's George III is compassionate in this historical drama in 1788 when the King of England was not quite himself. The state of the art of medicine at the time was quite horrible and sent chills up my spine. Their performance shows a deep and loving affection for each other as the King and Queen of England. ($5..00, Hi-Pointe)

03/25 "Clerks" (1994)

***+ Very funny, low budget movie about to slackers who mange a convince store/video rental store in the suburban wastelands of New Jersey. Some of the acting is uneven but it remains very fresh throughout none the less. The dialogue is sharp and rings true to the characters depicted, although people who are offended by censorable words won't enjoy or get this film at all. The more outrageous scenes are memorable, if totally unbelievable (the hockey game and the bit with the ex-girlfriend in the bathroom). The film hits closest to the truth when it's more honest about the characters. The discussion about the merits of the various "Star Wars" films and the ethics in them has to be lifted from life. ($8.00, Kirkwood, Kathy)

03/26 "Exotica" (1995)

**+ Canadian film that keeps you guessing as to what are all the character's real motives. The back drop is a titty bar and the relationship between a "school girl" dancer and an accountant. There's hints of murder, smuggling, jealousy, sexual perversity of different sorts and other items of intrigue. Not as racy as I expected and it's impression is already fading from my memory after only a few hours. It was interesting to watch though. ($3.75, Kenrick, Raye & Kelly)

04/14 "Searching For Bobby Fisher" (1993)

*** Enjoyable story of 8 year old chess prodigy who may be the next Bobby Fisher. Takes place in New York City amongst the highest echelons of the chess world as well as the speed chess players in Washington Square park. It probably lost something on video for me. ($1.06, Schnucks Video, Kathy)

04/16 "Priscilla, Queen of the Desert" (1994)

*** Story of three drag queens who travel across the Australian desert in a old tour buss to the tunes of disco. Funny and free spirited but once again I think it lost something while watching it on video. ($0.00, Pat Sharp's video, Kathy, Traci & Pat)

04/21 "Kiss of Death" (1994-released 1995)

**+ Engaging crime thriller staring David Caruso as the protagonist who is stuck between his past an the prospects for a happy future. The most memorable characters are Nicholas Cage as the B.A.D. guy (balls attitude and direction) and Samuel L. Jackson (I missed the gerry curls though). Helen Hunt has a forgettable role as his wife. Violent but fairly well done for this type of film. ($6.00, Kenrick, Kathy)

04/22 "Dolores Claiborne" (1995)

*** Slow paced, moody thriller based on a Stephen King story is fairly enjoyable. Kathy Bates is good as usual as a cantankerous murder suspect on a small island in Maine. Jennifer Jason Leigh is also good as her daughter her left home and a troubled past long ago. The Maine accents and locations were terrific and made me long for an nice set of 1 1/2 pound lobster twins and beer. ($5.75, Crestwood, Raye)

04/30 "The Secret of Roan Inish" (1993-released in 1995)

*** Fanciful tale of traditions legends and the sea set in post-WWII Ireland on the west coast. A young girl returns to the coast to live with her grandparents and longs to return the ancestral home of the island of Inish. There is magic, mystery and a mythical creature, the Selkie. Aimed at youths but it may move a little slow. I liked it but then again I'm a sucker for movies set on the Emerald Isle and I've a thing for John Sayle's films (he directed, edited and wrote it for the screen). ($3.00, Kirkwood)

05/07 "Rob Roy" (1995)

***+ Good "western" set in 1713 Scotland. I call it a western because that is the tradition it owes it basic plot lines to. Honor and integrity, fighting for what you believe in. It is fairly adult in it's depiction of the crimes committed so it may be a bit much for children even if the morals are in the right place. Liam Nieson and Jessica Lange are the hero leads but the film is belongs to Tim Roth as foppish evil guy. ($3.25, Kenrick)

05/13 "While You Were Sleeping" (1995)

***+ Sandra Bullock turns in a truly excellent performance as a shy, self-effacing, "L" token taker who saves the life of a beautiful man she has never spoken to, who ends up in a comma. Through a series of misunderstandings, that work surprisingly well, the man's family believe she is his fiance. Over the course of the comma, she and the brother fall in love. The film is cute and but misses greatness by a the supporting cast of second stringers which never manage totally to click and a script that misses a beat every now and then again. However, this will definitely establish Sandra Bullock as an A- list commodity and deservedly so. ($3.25, Kenrick, Rhonda)

05/14 "My Favorite Wife" (1940)

**+ Feel the same as I did last year. Cary Grant and Irene Dune star in this screwball comedy about man who is getting remarried only to discover on his wedding day that his presumed drowned wife of 7 years is actually alive. The film is slow at the beginning and the end. It only perks up when Randolph Scott enters the plot line (though admittedly I may be biased for my name sake). Supposedly Jean Arthur was the first choice but Irene Dune won out. It would have been a different picture. Probably better but then I like Jean Arthur. ($0.00, AMC cable)

05/14 "Speed" (1994)

***+ This film is defiantly a thrill ride, and even though it requires a few leaps of faith along the way, I really liked it (despite it being completely ridiculous). Keaneu Reeve is pretty good and Sandra Bullock is cute as hell and makes my heart flutter. ($0.00, HBO cable)

05/15 "Fiddler on the Roof" ()

**** This is truly one of the best musicals of all time. Full of love, wisdom, humor and humanity. I gain more understanding each time I see it or hear the soundtrack. ($0.00, HBO cable)

05/19 "The Englishman Who Went Up a Hill and Came Down a Mountain" (1995)

*** Leisurely, comedy about a small Welsh town that has "the first mountain in Wales", that runs into crisis when two Englishman from the Ordnance Survey discover that their mountain comes up short. It seems to have been based on a true story and is a fairly predictable yet pleasant film. Lots of fine character roles, like a 1940's Capra or Ford film, but since they are British, only Hugh Grant and "O'Brian" from the Next Generation are familiar. A little slow paced and dry humor for some tastes. ($6.00, Galleria, Mike Mall)

05/26 "Funnybones" (1995)

*** Quirky and funny film that leaves you off balance because you're not exactly sure where's it going. Brilliant cast of characters, especially the supporting ones (including Jerry Lewis and Leslie Caron), really make this tale of comedians and entertainers in Las Vegas and Blackpool, England (think Coney Island) work. The film plays with you senses a few times but it works. Fans of the offbeat will enjoy. Oh by the way the remodeled Tivoli is fantastic. ($6.00, Tivoli, Kent Lynn)

06/02 "Forget Paris" (1995)

***+ Billy Crystal wrote, direct, produced and stars in this very funny romantic comedy. The film is bittersweet as it traces the ups and downs of Crystal's and Winger's romance but it is very realistic in its portrayal of the highs and lows of love. The supporting cast is top notch and the Gershwin/Porter soundtrack was a definite plus (though it had the obligatory new syrupy duet over the credits, that was utterly forgettable). The only bad parts were the blatant commercial endorsements that bother the hell out of me and an occasional scene that should have had another take (i.e. acting was off). I will mention that you have to like Billy Crystal because it is totally his picture. This is the true follow-up to "When Harry Met Sally". ($6.00, Crestwood, Raye and Kelly)

06/04 "Braveheart" (1995)

**** Mel Gibson stars and directs in this epic story of a Scotsman leading the fight against English tyranny in the 1200-1300s. Grim, brutal view of the warfare and civilization at the time is harsh but realistic. The cinematography, sets and feel of the film are terrific. A little long and slow in places for all tastes but I really admired it. I think the script was written by a member of the hero's clan. ($3.25, Kenrick)

06/08 "The Third Man" (1948)

**** Joseph Cotton and Orson Welles team up again for another superb film. Set in occupied post-WWII Vienna (the Brits, US, French and Russians have joint control), corruption is rampant, an American arrives to visit a friend who is being buried just as he arrives. There's lots of suspicious characters and going ons to make it a typical film noire of the time but the film's real strength is excellent use of lighting and locations. The sets and shots around the city are marvelous, especially the scenes in the sewers at the end. The dialogue is terrific, right from the beginning of the opening narration by director Carol Reed (though there are some plot gaps apparent on further examination). The acting is only good but there are moments when it dazzles. Orson Welles first appearance is one of the most memorable images in film that I can recall. This is not a mainstream Hollywood film of then or today. Major amounts of the dialogue are in German, Russian, or French without subtitles, which add considerably to the confusion and dislocation of the audience watching. The zither theme music was haunting and particularly reminded me of Nina Roto's work for Fellini's "8 1/2". The film noire look and feel has obviously been imitated by more recently films such as "Kafka" and Woody Allen's "Shadows and Fog", which were obviously were paying homage to this classic. The print being shown had been spliced many times so it tended to jump a bit, which was annoying but the movie filled me with joy that there are still fantastic films out there I've never seen. Joe Pollack introduced and annotated the film. He's really a good public speaker. ($5.00, Webster University)

06/11 "The Picture Bride" (1995)

**+ Japanese man in the early 20th century sent back to the homeland for brides while working in the sugar cane fields of Hawaii. Not much of a story line but a good, warm depiction of the time and the circumstance. Obviously a film many thought was important to make based on all the credits, individually, corporate and government and institutional at the end (they even listed the state senators and congressman). Probably more of a chick flick. ($3.00, Kirkwood)

06/15 "The Legend of Fong Sai Yuk" (1993)

**** I had no clue as to what this was about before I went and I'm glad I didn't because if I wouldn't have gone, which would have been awful as I would have missed seeing the best Kung Fu movie in the world. That may seem like a contradiction in terms but this is a terrific, high energy and fun film. Set in 18th century China, a youth and his mother go around creating mischief and saving their pop/husband from the bad guys. Nothing in the film is serious but it never really makes fun of the genre either. The special effects and cinematography are great, especially the kung fu fight on the spectator's head. Go see this if you can, you won't regret it I guarantee. ($5.00, Webster University)

06/15 "The Legend of Fong Sai Yuk II" (1993)

*** Not as sharp, original or as funny as the first but still very good. ($5.00, Webster University)

06/25 "Burnt By the Sun" (1994)

**** An excellent film set in Stalinist Russia of 1936. The story takes place at a dachu of a former Colonel/hero of the revolution. He lives there with his lovely wife, 6 year old daughter and their extended family. Their lives are very nice and contented but an old acquaintance arrives and things change. The young girl is incredibly cute and is enough to make me want to have children, almost. Deserving of the Cannes Grand Jury Prize and Academy Award for foreign films it got. ($5.00, Hi-Pointe, Jake)

06/30 "K2" (1992)

** Actioneer about two friends who climb the second tallest mountain in the world. Generally mediocre acting and predictable plot but scenery is good. OK to watch if you like rock climbing but I would suggest watching "The Eiger Sanction" instead. ($0.00, video borrowed from Mark Broome)

07/10 "The Priest" (1995)

***+ I really liked this movie and think it tells a story of great compassion and humanity. It deals with a young Irish priest who must confront "sins" within his parish and himself. Events makes him question his faith in God and his religion. I thought it was an exceptionally Christian film in it's message (I mean that as a compliment) though not very kind to the Catholic religion. Some may be offended by the frank nature. It deals with many taboo subjects, but I was touched by the compassion. One shortcoming from achieving true greatness, is it covers relatively easy compassion and not the really difficult one. ($5.00, Kirkwood)

07/15 "French Kiss" (1995)

**+ Romantic comedy about a women who gets dumped by her fiance, while he's in France. She decides to chase him and gets help from a rogue Frenchmen. Enjoyable and generally humorous but somewhat forgettable. The film gets most of it's charm from its always likable stars: Meg Ryan and Kevin Kline. It reminded me of a standard Cary Grant comedy of the 40's with only an okay plot but was moved along by the strength of its star audience appeal. The growth of Ryan's character over the course of the story, while predictable, is enjoyable. ($2.00, Kingsland, Debbie Pfaff)

07/18 "Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade" (1989)

**** What a fun an enjoyable adventure film. Was it really made six years ago? This three-equal is as good as any follow-up picture can get (well almost, lest we forget Godfather II). Granted it would take some effort to make an unenjoyable film with Harrison Ford and Sean Connery at the helm, but all the rest of the elements are right on the money in this one too. George Lucas and Steven Speilberg are simply fabulous at this type of film. ($0.00, TV)

07/21 "Apollo 13" (1995)

*** Good film about the successful failure of the moon mission. Everything is well done, especially the visual effects (they will be remembered at Oscar nomination time). All the acting by the ensemble cast is competent but all have been better (Tom Hanks, Kevin Bacon, Gary Sinse and Ed Harris (whose is maybe the most noteworthy performance). So why am I not ecstatic about this film? The only thing I could point to as a mistake was the casting of Bill Paxton as astronaut Fred Haise. He's totally overshadowed by all the rest. My best guess is that you know the ending before hand and you even know what some of the scenes are going to be. It's well done story but predictable. That can't be it either, since good drama is gripping even after you have seen it once. I think the whole thing brings up some questions about fiction versus non-fiction and what makes for good drama. ($6.00, Kenrick, Todd)

07/23 "Disclosure" (1995)

**+ Michael Douglas stars in his latest version of the office water cooler chat topic/Newsweek article movies (remember Wall Street, Fatal Attraction and Falling Down). This time the topic is sexual harassment by a female, Demi Moore to her subordinate, Douglas. Brings up a lot of issues and points but doesn't do so too convincingly. Call me misunderstanding and politically incorrect but the film doesn't prove much of a point about sexual harassment being only about power. If this was the case, they would have cast Kathy Bates in the Demi role, which would not have been nearly as interesting to watch or have made any money. The crux of the story is a corporate espionage mystery that is ok but it takes a definite back seat to Demi in short dress and stiletto heels and virtual reality gimmicks. Dennis Miller has a supporting role of which he gets to utter 3-4 lines of his humorous dialogue but the rest is brainless stuff. ($?.??, video, Debbie)

07/29 "Nine Months" (1995)

** Exactly the sort of "Oh my gosh, we're pregnant" film you would expect from Christopher Columbus (of numerous John Hughes films such as "Home Alone"). Hugh Grant plays the expecting father of the surprise. He spends most of his time mugging for the camera or running into things with great comic aplomb. His wife was forgettable. Joan Cusack and Tom Arnold are the couple on their fourth child for further comic relief. The result is sort of funny while its happening but leaves you with nothing to take with you when your leave. ($12.00, Ronnie's, Debbie)

07/30 "When a Man Loves a Woman" (1994)

**+ Meg Ryan plays an acholic mother and Alec Baldwin is her dutiful but suffering husband. This is a serious and definitely down beat portrayal of alcoholism, like "The Lost Weekend" or "The Days of Wine and Roses", though not in the same league. It's not a bad movie but not a great one either (admittedly my opinion is probably lower due to the watching it on video factor). The acting is good but without any laughs Meg Ryan just isn't as fun and perky. ($3.20, Schnucks, Debbie)

08/06 "Smoke" (1995)

*** Pleasant ensemble piece of 5 (?) intertwined lives in NYC in 1990 is well written and acted. Centers around a tobacco shop owner, Augie (Harvey Kietal) and writer who frequents his store (William Hurt). It's nice to see Kietal in a role as something other then a cold bolded killer. Augie's Christmas story at the end was terrific. Not really a straight story line, which some might find challenging. ($3.00, Kirkwood)

08/13 "Belle de Jour" (1967)

**** Martin Scorsese has re-released this French film, whose relatively, explicit depiction of unconventional sexuality must have caused quite a steer at the time. At it's simplest level it is a story of a sexual distant wife of an attractive, young physician who finds a release for her passions in a brothel in the afternoons (Catherine Deneuve stars as the wife). However this is not a simple or easy film. There are levels of meaning to everything. Little in the film is presented without reason though much is unclear. The director/writer Luis Bunuel pays a lot of attention to detail. The line between reality and fantasy is often fuzzy and Deneuve's fantasy are filled with psychological meaning and red herrings. I'm not sure I understood everything but I have had much to think about. ($5.00, Hi-Pointe, Kent Lynn)

08/20 "I Don't Want To Talk About It" (1993)

*** Marcello Mastrianni stars in this Argentina/Italian about a man of means and a mysterious past in rural Argentina circa late 1930s. He falls in love and things change. Actually the story centers on a mother and her daughter and something that the mother doesn't want anyone to talk about. To say more would diminish the impact of the story line. It makes you think and question some beliefs. ($5.00, Webster University)

08/21 "Harrison Bergerone" (1994)

*** Kurt Vonnegut tale of 60 years in the future where following the 2nd American Revolution, society glorifies the average and disrespect intelligence and the talented. Excellent story that seems all too plausible, slows a bit in the 2nd half but is good science fiction. Nice cameos by SCTV alumnus and supporting role by Christopher Plummer. ($0.00, Showtime cable)

08/24 "Full Metal Jacket" (1990?)

***+ Stanley Kubrick's spin on the Vietnam War focuses on Matthew Modine as an intelligent Marine recruit who ends up as a journalist during the Tet offensive. The film is really two stories. The first half is his training on Paris Island which contains a stunning (and disturbing) performance by a retired drill sergeant. This part ends rather dramatically and the second half never quite recovers the same pace. Gritty and earthy portrayal of war and the men fighting it. ($0.00, cable)

09/01 "The Usual Suspects" (1995)

*** Good crime thriller about 5 crooks specializing in smuggling who are brought together by a circumstantial line up or are they? The plot will keep you going, to say more would be an injustice. Good acting by a group of relative unknowns, including Kevin Spacey who I really beginning to like. ($3.25, Kenrick, Kent & Mark)

09/03 "Reservoir Dogs" (1993)

***+ Just a simple, wholesome tale where everyone lives happily every after-NOT!! A very violent look at a group of men in the aftermath of a jewel robbery gone bad. Quentin Tarrantino's first film is similar in many respects to "Pulp Fiction" (the language, witty dialogue, cast of characters, such as Tim Roth and Harvey Kietel, soundtrack laden with 70' funk/rock and roll) thought there is little of the humor. Mr. Blonde is called Vincent Vega which is the same name as John Travolta's character in "Pulp Fiction" I think. Low budget really only shows itself in the one setting of the film. Also you'll never be able to hear the Stealer's Wheel song "Stuck in the Middle with You" without thinking of a particular scene in this film. ($4.00, Tivoli)

09/04 "The Postman" (1994?)

***+ Poetic and lyrical Italian film of a simple man who learns to love poetry and a bit about life by delivering the mail to an exiled Chilean poet, Paublo Neruda. Fine acting, beautiful locals and pleasant characters make this a pleasure to watch. ($4.00, Tivoli, Jeff)

09/09 "The Brothers McMullen" (1994)

***+ Funny and warm look at 3 brothers of Irish decent, living on Long Island, dealing with issues of love and women. The plot, the characters and performances also seemed very real and true, probably somewhat autobiographical. Edward Burns wrote, produced, directed and stars and does a terrific job. It's a pretty low budget but it really only shows in the graininess of the film at times and the opening scene. ($10.00, Hi-Pointe, Wendy Rodrique)

09/30 "Jeffrey" (1994)

*** Funny and poignant look at a gay man, Steven Weber of "Wings", in NYC who decides to give up sex out of fear of catching aids. Patrick Stewart plays one of his good friends in a bit of a switch from TNG's Captain Picard. The asides to the audience were humorous and fresh. Very frank look at homosexual culture in the 90's. I enjoyed it quite a bit. ($6.50, Shady Oak, Raye, Kelly & Wendy)

10/09 "Seven" (1995)

***+ Dark and disturbing murder mystery about a serial killer using the 7 deadly sins as a theme. Morgan Freeman and Brad Pitt are the homicide detectives investigating it. Freeman is excellent, as usual, as the world weary cop about to retire. Pitt seems slightly miscast or rather cast from a marketing perspective and is overshadowed but the greater talent. Either way the film works exceptionally well at setting a unnerving and encompassing tone of evil. Somewhat hackneyed elements in the script and (on reflection) some plot holes slightly mare an excellent movie and prevent it from being exceptional. ($3.75, Crestwood)

10/10 "Unstrung Heros" (1995)

*** A pleasant, quirky tale set in the late 1950's of a 7th grade boy trying to deal with his mothers illness. Andie McDowell is actually pretty good as the mother, dying of cervical cancer (I generally think she's the weak link in otherwise great films, such as "Ground Hog Day" or "Four Weddings and a Funeral"). John Tuttorro is the brilliant, yet distant father in a role that seems well suited to him. Michael Richards (i.e. Sienfeld's Kramer) is also well cast as one of the eccentric uncles. Diane Keaton directed. I liked it. ($7.00, The Tower-Sacramento)

10/12 "To Die For" (1995)

*** Nicole Kidman is excellent in Gus Vant Zant's look at a woman possessed of the desire to become a television star, who starts as a local weather gal on a cable station. She determines that her husband, Matt Dillon, presents an obstacle to her future progress and decides to handle it. The docu-drama style of the film works very well, especially the solos of Nicole. It loses something in the script since the reasoning isn't for all the action isn't there. It's not over the top enough. ($7.00, Emeryville, CA, Jake)

10/17 "Red Rock West" (1992)

***+ Good thriller with lots of nice plot twists. Nicholas Cage plays a good hearted guy down on his luck who gets caught up with a man who wants him to murder his wife (sexy Laura Flynn Boyle). Cage always does the right thing but he can't seem to escape the whirlpool of corruption and evil he's fallen into. He's got a strange luck about him. Dennis Hopper comes on the scene as his somewhat typical nut case. Directed and written by John Dahl, the same guy who did last year's fantastic "The Last Seduction". ($0.00, video borrowed from Larry Baker)

10/21 "Get Shorty" (1995)

*** John Travolta stars as a likable Shylock from Miami that arrives in Hollywood and wants to start making pictures. Gene Hackman, Renee Russo and Danny DeVito also star. It has nice plotting and a few predictable twists, a kind of a 90's Damon Runyon story. Some of the humor is somewhat for films nerds but I especially liked lines about "A Touch of Evil" and "Rio Bravo". Good but not an essential see. ($3.00, Esquire, Rhonda & Reggie)

10/24 "Top Hat" (1935)

***+ Generally considered the pinnacle of the Astaire and Rodgers film, though it's not my favorite. The dancing is excellent (big surprise) and the supporting cast of Edward Everett Horton, Eric Blore and Eric Rhodes are terrific doing their scene stealing character parts. The plot is weaker then usual and the script is uneven (sometimes the lines are incredibly clever, other times they are flat). My guess is the fame is in no small part to the presence of the Berlin standards "Check to Check", "No Strings" and "Isn't It a Lovely Day" and the unforgettable Astaire tune "Top Hat, White Tie and Tails". Let's not forget it also has the truly annoying "Piccolino". I prefer the Gershwin ones "Shall We Dance" or "Swing Time". ($3.00, Tivoli)

10/25 "La Femme Nikita" (1991)

*** French film of heroin addict turned trained government is a well done thriller, with a fair amount of violence. Anne Parillard as the lead is tough and sexy. Hard to judge fairly having already saw the American version remade, almost scene for scene, in 1993 as "Point of No Return" starring Bridgette Fonda (and Harvey Keitel as "Victor the cleaner"). The French version is a darker film and Parillard is tougher but I watched it on the small screen, which always hurts my enjoyment of the story (it was a nice letter box version of the film though
). If I were to have to pick one to watch again, it would probably be the American version. I'm a sucker for Fonda and Keitel's cleaner is terrific and definitely inspired his character in "Pulp Fiction". ($0.00, video borrowed from Larry Baker)

11/03 "The Wild Bunch" (1969)

*** Sam Pekinpah's "classic" western about aging band of robbers has lost a lot of its edge over the years, I'm guessing. It's ballet of bloodletting and frank depiction of prostitution (at least among the westerns I've seen) is tame by today's standards. It still a pretty good story and William Holden is great as the weathered leader of the gang. It's a little slow in place and some of the dialogue and flashbacks seem corny. ($6.00, Tivoli, Todd)

11/05 "How To Make an American Quilt" (1995)

*** Ensemble piece uses the metaphor of the quilt to patch together different stories of love as told by the quilters. Winnona Ryder is the target of their life lessons learned. Tries to be more meaningful than it is but it works occasionally. Perhaps more so for women. It did put me in a lyrical, romantic mood even though most of the tales weren't all that happy. It doesn't present love in an glitzy star crossed manner but as one that is full of questions and confusion. It ebbs and flows. The poem that describes that a young lover seeks perfection and the old lover takes pleasures in the assorted patches. seems closet as to the point of the film. I think I would like to make a quilt someday. ($3.25, Kenrick))

11/09 "Home for the Holidays" (1995)

*** Jodie Foster directs an excellent cast in this Thanksgiving day with the family nightmare. Holly Hunter, stars as the eldest daughter returning home to Baltimore after a really bad day to the sanctuary of her highly dysfunctional family. There's enough bittersweet humor with truth to make it nearly excellent. The scenes and action are perhaps a little to over the top to be completely believable lessening the overall effect. Reminded me all too much of the big family gatherings I used to attend while I was married. I don't miss them. ($4.00, Kenrick)

11/18 "The American President" (1995)

***+ Rob Reiner directs this good but not excellent look at a widower President who decides to date. The characters bears more than just a passing resemblance to the current White House. The acting is excellent overall. Michael Douglas seems presidential from the beginning (possible Oscar nomination depending on what the competition is for the rest of the year). Annette Benning and the supporting cast are also terrific especially Martin Sheen and Michael J. Fox, as a George Stephanopolis character. It falls short in the script. The writer's are aiming for the Capra-esque quality, as it helpfully tells us. It misses this mark by promoting more liberal issues (the ACLU, gun control and fossil fuel emissions) and not concentrating on the common ideals that touch both sides of the political spectrum (honesty, integrity, anti-corruption, in particular helping the common man). I didn't disagree with their politics but it came off slightly preachy. Still the film gives an excellent look at the life under the microscope in today's politics and the harsh realities of politics. ($7.25, Kenrick, Britt & Tina)

11/22 "Casino" (1995)

**+ If it were done by others I wouldn't be so critical but this was a very disappointing Scorsese, DeNiro and Pesci flick. The film is based on a true story about organized crime links to Las Vegas gambling. You've seen the characters, plot, and scenes all before and much better in other Scorsese films. None of the characters, including Sharon Stone, who was forgettable, was likable or sympathetic. You really didn't care who got whacked, and towards the middle of the nearly 3 hour film I was hoping to see them all get it. Pesci was particularly annoying as his stereotypical crazed, psychotic, WOP muscle for the mafia. I'm sorry, having Pesci yelling "You Fuck" over and over again as he stabs and kicks somebody to death losses a bit of it's impact after awhile. It also seems to be a cheap visual plot device to make up for a film that really doesn't have much to say. The rest of the production values were well done though. Do yourself a favor and rent "Goodfellas" again and skip losing respect for those involved. ($6.00, Esquire, Jake)

11/22 "Blue Velvet" (1986)

**+ David Lynch's look at evil under the veneer of white picket fences in small town America. Kyle McCaughlan and Laura Dern star as two youths investigating mysterious goings on after finding a human ear in a field. The plot gets really bizarre, perverse and dark fairly quickly. It's kind of quirky and fun but I can't say that I was all that impressed by it (some critics have called it one of the best if not the best film of the 1980s). Being weird and violent should not be mistaken for good story telling. Perhaps it was seeing "Casino" with Pesci the night before, but Dennis Hopper as the crazed psychotic yelling "You Fuck" over and over again as he beats people up, left me cold. Very similar to the TV show "Twin Peaks" except not quite the self indulgent mess that became by episode 10 or so. Also this film has a much lower budget and production. ($6.00, Tivoli, Jake)

11/24 "Mighty Aphrodite" (1995)

**+ Uncharacteristically upbeat Woody Allen movie is not among his best works. It isn't offensive or annoying but it is fairly forgettable. Woody plays a adoptive parent who becomes obsessed with finding the mother of his child. Moria Sorvino as the naive and frank prostitute is a standout among the uninspired characters (probably a best supporting actress nomination). The use of the Greek chorus to move the plot along was a nice gimmick. It seemed short. ($5.75, Galleria, Jake & Todd)

11/26 "Ground Hog Day" (1993)

**** Bill Murray is perfect in the role of a self, centered, smart aleck that lives an eternity of the same day over and over again. It so much more than the charming romantic comedy that it appears. It's a story about growth and redemption with reincarnation overtones. When I first saw it I was a bit embarrassed to have liked it so much but it is one of the few films that has stayed with me. If I were to name the comedies of the first half a decade that I admired the most this would be at or near the top of the list. I really love this movie. I've also decided to change my opinion of Andie McDonald. She's terrific. Harold Ramis wrote, produced and directed and I look forward to seeing it again sometime. ($0.00, TV)

12/04 "The Cool Surfaces" (199?)

* Really awful thriller about a struggling novelist in LA whose life and story get mixed up. Bad acting, directing and a horrible script. You know you are in trouble from the opening scene of a naked guy furiously typing on a manual typewriter, but obviously only hitting two keys. The only redeeming quality, and the reason a bunch of us guys at worked chipped in to buy it, is that you can see Teri Hatcher of TV's "New Adventures of Lois and Clark" in some very steamy sex scenes. ($2.00, video)

12/07 "Nick of Time" (1995)

*** Johnny Depp stars as the "every man" who is coerced in to murdering someone by the kidnapping of his daughter. He is selected at random in LA's Union Station and must complete the hit within the next hour and a half. The film takes place in real time, which is very effective in building tension. Generally, it's a good story line, though it has some flaws in it to allow it to be told on screen and neatly tied up at the end. Generally the imperfections are forgivable. This is the sort of film Alfred Hitchcock would have made but isn't the rip off most Hitchcockian thrillers of recent years have been. Charles Dutton and Marsha Mason are good in supporting roles but Christopher Watkin is too stereotypical as a bad guy. Against the type casting would have been more effective. ($3.75, Esquire)

12/09 "The Crossing Guard" (1995)

**+ A serious and compassionate look at how the death of a young girl by a drunk driver tragically effects the lives of her father and the driver. Jack Nicholson and David Morse are terrific as the two whose lives are completely obsessed by anger and guilt. Angelica Huston as the ex-wife, mother is also good but in a much smaller role. I appreciate the film more for what it was trying to say than its overall execution. As Raye so aptly expressed, it had too much filler. I liked that it had a slow pace but the final chase scene got to be silly. Cutting about 20-30 minutes off it's nearly 2 hour running time would drastically improve most people's appreciation of this picture. It was like watching one of those hour long "Twilight Zone" episodes that should have only been a 30 minutes long. A worthy effort but definitely flawed work written and directed by Sean Penn ($20.00, Tivoli, Raye, Kelly and Jennifer ?)

12/17 "Carrington" (1995)

*** Set in the English countryside, of the early 1900's, this is very modern look at a series of sexually frustrated relationships. It is a true story of artist of the title, played by Emma Thompson, and an pacifist writer, played brilliantly by Jonathan Pryce. She loves him but can not have him completely due to his homosexuality. The film does a good job comparing the needs of physical lust with the emotional and mental needs of the characters. It is a difficult film to enjoy due to ambiguity of the sexuality and relationship of all the characters. Pryce got Best Actor cudos from Cannes deservedly so. Controversial subject will severely limit the accolades (i.e. Oscars) it receives in the US. ($5.00, Hi-Pointe, Kent)

12/19 "Goldeneye" (1995)

*** Pierce Brosdon is a good Bond in this fairly good actioneer. Only the scene before the opening credits was a bit too over the top for me (that doesn't mean that the rest of the film is believable). The film has a generally good plot, with some needed updating of the roles. I was less forgiving of making all the CIA and ex-KGB characters look like clowns. I must be maturing a bit but the glamorization of espionage just doesn't sit as well with me anymore. It seems cartoonish and ridiculously naive in it's presentation of national affairs. Nice fantasy stuff but no reality. I like fantasies when they have a point or something to say but this one doesn't. For the first time I recall thinking just how offensive these films have got to be to the Soviet people, woman and most of the world. ($3.00, Crestwood)

12/21 "Persuasion" (1995) & 12/23 "Sense and Sensibility" (1995)

***+ & ***+ Two very similar films that are difficult to write about separately. Both are first rate screen adaptations of Jane Austen novels. The stories both surround upper class ladies of the early 1800s England who have been left nearly penniless. The leads are strong and capable women who by fortune of birth are sentenced to a life of dependence on men. The action takes place in the countryside, with terrific locations and costumes. The plot is predictable and the pacing slow, with the obligatory happy resolution of everything in the end. Emma Thompson wrote the screen play and stars in "Sense and Sensibility" and will surely be remembered at Oscar time for both, due in a large part to the dearth of competition. Of the two I think I preferred "Persuasion" which is a little more distant due to the actors not being readily identifiable to American audiences. However, Amanda Root does a terrific job of the dependable, practicable Mary who passed on her true love but gets a second chance. Thompson plays essentially the same character with competent supporting help from Hugh Grant and Alan Rickman ($2.50, Kirkwood) & ($6.25, Des Peres, Britt & Tina)

12/24 "It's A Wonderful Life" (1946)

**** My favorite film of all time. I never grow tired of watching it and it makes me cry throughout. ($0.00, video)

12/25 "Sabrina" (1995)

*** Nice romantic comedy about two fabulously rich brothers (Harrison Ford, Greg Kinnear) and the rather plain chauffeur's daughter (Julia Ormond). She returns from a year in Paris, a blossomed wall flower who catches the playboy brother's eye endangering an engagement/merger. The serious brother woos her to save the merger with rather predictable results. Ford is as agreeable as ever and Ormond captures and holds the camera well. Competent film making. Having never seen the original I am not suffering from comparisons to the original Bogart, Holden, Audrey Hepburn original. ($3.00, Creve Coeur, Mom)

12/25 "Benny & Joon" (1993)

*** Decidedly offbeat and whimsical, romantic-comedy about of a mentally ill person, her caretaker brother and falling love (both of them). The characters make it (the plot is pretty standard boy meets girl stuff) and it left me with a good feeling. Mary Stuart Masterson is engaging and does a good job as the mentally ill Joon. When I first saw it in 1993, my biggest reservation with the film was with Johnny Depp's character. His portrayal of Chaplin's and Keaton's moves bothered me but I'm more forgiving this time around. It doesn't stand up to the masters or even Robert Downey's "Chaplin" but it works well enough. ($0.00, NBC)

12/27 "Toy Story" (1995)

***+ Excellent kids film with plenty of "adult" jokes and nostalgic toys for the boomers to make it enjoyable for all ages. Since it is the first feature length computer animated film it might be dismissed as a gimmick movie but it really is good. The voices are terrific (Tom Hanks, Tim Allen) and transcend their television characters. ($14.00, Antioch-KC, Pooky, Ellen & David)

12/28 "The Crow" (1994)

*+ (or *** the first time) I saw this last summer and thought it was a fairly good depiction of a dark urban decay comic book, if you like that sort of thing. It lost most of it's appeal with the second viewing. There just isn't a lot of depth to it. ($0.00, laser disc, Pooky, Ellen, David, Jeff Rigg, Laura, Mike Mall, Steve & ?)

12/29 "The Lion King" (1994)

***+ Good Disney film about a lion cub who learns he must face up to his past and responsibilities. The animation and voices are excellent as is to be expected from a Disney feature length picture. The music was ok but mostly forgettable to me. I know the music won Oscars and is played on the radio frequently but I can't remember any of the tunes. The only complaint I had with the story line was with the autocracy of the animal kingdom depicted. As a strong proponent of democracy, the paternal nature of the story didn't make feel great. The complaint in the media over the hyenas and the villain Scar having racist and homosexual overtones respectively, I thought were a bit nit picky. ($0.00, video-Justice, Dan & Whitney)

12/29 "Othello" (1995)

***+ Lawrence Fishburne stars as the Venetian Moor whose tragic downfall begins with passing over of his assistant Iago (Kenneth Branaugh) for promotion. Both are terrific, as usual, but Branaugh shines in the role as the embittered villain Iago. The frank depiction of racism sparked by Othello marrying a nobleman's daughter makes me wonder why this film wasn't made with a black actor in the lead years ago. Supposedly a third of the dialogue was clipped out of the Bard's play but since I've never read it, I didn't miss it. ($5.75, Westport-KC, Jeff Stitt)

Total Number of Movies Not Seen Before 66

Total Number of Movies Seen again 13

Total Money Spent - Randy $291.21

Total Money Spent - Others $16.25