Films I Recommend - Showing for the 1st Time in St. Louis in 1997 or late 1996

Below are the films I'd recommend and how I rated 'em when I saw them. They are grouped by rating in the order that I saw them in. **** and ***+ generally means I'd be willing to see it again (not the case with "...Larry Flynt"). A lower rating generally means I'd have to be coerced in to seeing it again (not the case with "Chasing Amy", which I loved). I didn't include pictures that are several years old or that I've seen before. My spin on each film is on the pages that follow:

****

01/17 "Everyone Says I Love You" (1997)

07/06 "Face/Off" (1997)

09/26 "LA Confidential" (1997)

***+

01/12 "The People Versus Larry Flynt" (1996)

2/16 "Sling Blade" (1996)

2/28 "Kolya" (1996)

06/20 "My Best Friend's Wedding" (1997)

07/27 "Ulee's Gold" (1997)

08/02 "Contact" (1997)

10/15 "Washington Square" (1997)

11/15 "Fast, Cheap and Out of Control" (1997)

12/30 "Tomorrow Never Dies" (1997)

***

2/21 "Breathing Room" (1995)

3/15 "Hamlet" (1996)

3/15 "Dead Man" (1996)

03/22 "Liar, Liar" (1997)

04/03 "Gross Pointe Blank" (1997)

04/12 "Chasing Amy" (1997)

04/26 "Love and Other Catastrophes" (1997)

05/23 "Waiting For Guffman" (1997)

05/30 "Addicted to Love" (1997)

05/30 "The Fifth Element" (1997)

08/05 "The Full Monty" (1997)

08/13 "Primal Fear" (1996)

08/19 "The Myth of Fingerprints" (1997)

11/28 "The Ice Storm" (1997)

12/03 "The Rainmaker" (1997)

Worst film I saw this year: "Maborosi", which no one else probably will have heard of. I also was really annoyed by the following as wasted talent:

3/2 "Lost Highway" (1996)

6/14 "Night Falls on Manhattan" (1997)

06/26 "The Van" (1997)

10/10 "The Matchmaker" (1997)

Randy's 8 Best/Favorite Movies released in 1997 in Retrospect (not in any real order after the first one)

"LA Confidential"

"Everyone Says I Love You"

"Face/Off"

"Sling Blade"

"Kolya"

"Ulee's Gold"

"Fast, Cheap and Out of Control"

"Chasing Amy"

01/03 "Mars Attacks" (1996)**+ Fairly mindless but enjoyable Tim Burton film celebrating "B" sci-fi movies of the 1950s/1960s. There are only a few big laughs and the humor runs on the border line of sick and will annoy some tastes. The special effects are terrific (particularly the Martians and some of their experiments on the space ships). The film is filled with lots of cameos though I must admit liking Lisa Marie's bit as the Martian girl the best. I was disappointed that Burton alum Pee-Wee Herman didn't have a part somewhere. ($6.25, Kenrick, Julia)

01/12 "The People Versus Larry Flynt" (1996)

***+ Well done film about the Hustler magazine publisher and his series of legal battles/shenanigans. Courtney Love and Woody Harrelson turn in excellent performances as two people you wouldn't really want as friends or acquaintances, which makes this a difficult move to rate. It's hard to separate feeling of respect for the First Amendment issues so eloquently raised and the less than admirable Flynt. His defense of the Freedom of Speech had less to do with any noble quest, as much as his desire to stay out of jail, make money and disrespect authority (not that I'm against those things). As he says, if the Bill of Rights will protect Larry Flynt, it will protect all of us since he's the sleaziest. Still the film is very funny as Flynt is outrageously thumbs his nose at many rigid and intolerant segments of our society, particularly Jerry Falwell. Definitely worth seeing but the subject matter will dissuade most from seeing it. The lawyer, played by Ed Norton comes out looking very good, "oddly" enough he was credited with helping the script. ($3.00, Kirkwood, Jenn, Julia, Dave)

01/17 "Everyone Says I Love You" (1997)

**** Woody Allen's first musical-comedy is a particularly effective ensemble romantic comedy (though admittedly I'm a sucker for all three genres). Cast of non-musically inclined (Ed Norton, Alan Alda, Tim Roth, Woody Allen, Goldie Hawn, etc.) bring a sincerity to the lyrics that would have been missing with professionals. The film also doesn't take itself too seriously (reference Norton's dancing in "My Baby Just Cares For Me"). Reportedly, Allen cast everyone in the picture before telling them they would have to sing (only Drew Barrymore had her song dubbed). I found it charming, much as Jimmy Stewert's introduction of Cole Porter's classic "Easy To Love". Granted, I doubt any will be asked for a recording contract, particularly Julia Roberts (I probably pick on her too much). The locations of New York, Paris and Venice fall under the loving imagery of Allen's cinematographer's camera, showing them at their best. The script is nearly as good as his best ensemble pieces of the 1980s. ($10, Hi-Pointe, Jenn)

01/25 "Fierce Creatures" (1997)

**+ Some of the bits are exceptionally funny in this story of marketing forces attempting to milk 20% profit from an English zoo. The problem with this cast return of "A Fish Called Wanda" is there isn't enough laughs or zaniness to keep it going floating through the gaps in the plot. The film depends on the film goers previous love of all the actors in other films to hold it together. Jamie Lee Curtis, John Cleese, Michael Palin and Kevin Kline all turn in good but expected performances (Kline particularly shines though). It was obviously written for each performer and highlights their strengths. I liked the new "stadium" seating at the Kenrick. It reminded me of the old Mark Twain theater with its deep pitch. ($6.25, Kenrick, Jenn, Amy, Julia, and Susan)

1/27 "The Joy Luck Club" (1993)

**** Same as I thought in 1993 - A collection of loving, tender stories of 4 immigrant Chinese mothers and their daughters. The film is all told in flashbacks at a going away party for one of the daughters. Each mother's and her daughter's story is told in turn. The pain, sacrifices and most of all hopes that is given by a mother for her daughter are explored in painfully realistic stories from a dark past they are less then proud of. It examines how mother and daughter's lives are both mirrors and opposites for each other (add grandmothers as well) and how each person is a result of the pain and choices and hopes they have lived through. A real tear-jerker. These are wonderful, powerful, honest tales of people. Excellent story telling. ($0.00, TV, Jenn, Amy and Dave)

2/01 "Network" (1976)

? I can't really rate this dark satire on Network television and crass enslavement to ratings since I was drifting off in parts. However, it definitely didn't grab me. Peter Finch and Faye Dunaway both won Oscars for their performances as did the picture but the whole thing left me cold (I was pretty sleepy but I only missed about 5 minutes near the beginning for z-ing out). Perhaps so much of it's come true that this cautionary tale of the demise of TV seems dated much the way old science fiction films do. Beatrice Straight, as Holden's wife, got an Oscar too, which is beyond me for two scenes, only one of which had any depth. It must have been the momentum of the rest of the film at voting time. Don't trust me on this one. ($2.13, video, Jenn and Dave)

2/17 "Star Wars" (1977, restored and added to 1997)

**** It was fun to see the added scenes and newly inserted characters but the rest of the restoration seemed more like polishing the fine piece of film making this is; a pinnacle in fun and enjoyment. Very much deserving of the newly restored honor of being the highest grossing picture of all time. It still selling out at Kenrick 3 weeks after it opened. The Empire Strikes Back comes out next week. ($6.00, Esquire, Jenn, Julia and Dawn)

2/16 "Sling Blade" (1996)

***+ Billy Bob Thornton writes, stars and directs in this tale of a simple Arkansas man, Carl, who committed two violent murders as a youth. The film starts with his release back into the real world after serving his time in the mental hospital. His struggles adjusting to normal life and making new friends comprise the plot, which is mostly a character study of Carl who seems a little bit of a Forrest Gump with a dash of Hannibal Lecter. The supporting cast is terrific and includes John Ritter, Robert Duvall, Dwight Yokum, Patricia Richardson (Tim's wife from Home Improvement) and Trooper Dobbs from F-Troop. The weak point would have to be the unevenness of the script which at times seems very realistic and at other times seems more of a fictionalized romance of events. ($3.00, Hi-Pointe, Dave and Harold)

2/17 "Breaking the Waves" (1996)

***? A really good film with terrific performances but it's exclusive use of the hand held camera makes it not for those suceptable to motion sickness (i.e. me). This was truly the most nauseating film I've ever seen. I sat through the whole thing but it's really not the case that I saw it; having to close my eyes so I didn't hurl. That disclaimer said, the plot surrounds a girl on the Scottish North Sea marring a rough neck from the oil rigs at sea. It begins with some typical clash of cultures stuff between the fun loving, roustabouts and the puritanical church going members of the small village. It switches and becomes more of a character study examining the nature of good and the delusions that may come with it. Somewhat condemning of organized religion, while being exceptionally spiritual. The Oscar nomination for Emily Watson is well deserved. The still, "chapter" images were stunning and a welcome respite from the bouncing camera. Note to the director for his next effort: steady cam. ($4.00, Tivoli, Julia)

2/21 "Breathing Room" (1995)

*** A pleasant, low budget romantic comedy of a couple in New York between Thanksgiving and Christmas. They've been going out for two years but can't decide if they want it to go on forever, so they try a month long break up. The characters are interesting and the plot and dialogue ring very true and realistic. It's a shame that the sound and film quality are a little rough and they aren't bigger stars, which hurts its appeal for a wider audience. Better than average Hollywood fare. (pass #3 & 4, Webster University, Jenn, Julia)

2/28 "Kolya" (1996)

***+ Pleasant and touching Czechoslovokian film set just before the end of the Russian regime in 1989. The story centers around a fairly likeable womanizing, bachelor cellist working the funeral circuit. Things change when he agrees to a bogus marriage to a Russian woman for the money. Won't say more except that it's charming. Up for the best Foreign Film Oscar. ($4.00, Tivoli)

3/2 "Lost Highway" (1996)

*+ Well made but completely self indulgent David Lynch film. There's a plot of sorts but not really. I think he confuses strange, incongruent images and motives as genius. It only makes for a strange film with little to recommend it (think Twin Peaks after the first 6 episodes or so). Patricia Arquette, while not being asked to act much, gets naked a lot. Only for fans of Lynch or Arquette's breasts. ($3.00, Tivoli, Julia)

3/15 "Hamlet" (1996)

*** Kenneth Branaugh's 4 hour retelling of Shakespeare's classic has wonderful acting and terrific production values. The setting in an 1840-ish European castle works wells and the staging is inspired. The problem is the length of the play, which is usually cut for most productions. While this may be the Bard's most read and quoted play, it's probably more a function of it being one of the choicest role for the lead in the English language than the overall strength of the story. The staging of a play within the play really stretches the imagination. Still, this is sure to become the benchmark for which future film productions are measured. Not as approachable as other versions, such as Mel Gibson's 1991 version. ($4.00, Westport, Julia)

3/15 "Dead Man" (1996)

*** Johnny Depp stars in Jim Jarmusch's "western" of an accountant from Cleveland who finds himself planted in a Kafkaesque western town, without a job or a friend. Deflates many of the cleansed imagery of the frontier town that Hollywood used to serve up in this dark, quirky film. There isn't much plot or dialogue but plenty of style to keep you interested. ($3.21, Schnucks video, Julia)

3/20 "Smilla's Sense of Snow" (1997)

**+ Swedish director Bille August has made a terrific film to look at. The mood and cinematography are grand (especially the scenes in Greenland) and Julia Ormond has her best role yet. Unfortunately the script is a bit of a mess and stumbles in the home stretch. This mystery of the death of a young Greenland boy and a neighbor woman who attempts to discover the truth piques your interest but seems to have to leave a whole lot out of the second half to get it all in the "required" 2 hours. I've heard incredible things about the book but the movie doesn't quite measure up, which is a shame. It looks good and I have a lot of respect for August's potential, recalling 1992's "The Best Intentions". Than again he had Ingmar Bergman's last script to work with too. ($0.00-preview film pass, Esquire, Julia)

3/21 "I Vitelloni" (1953-1956 English translation)

***+ Federico Fellini's third film surrounds the empty lives of five listless friends in rural Italy. They have little ambition accept for cigarettes, hanging out and chasing women. No one has a job or is particularly likeable, except for Moralldo. Post-Dispatch critic, Harper Barnes who introduced the film summed it up pretty well calling the film an 1950s Italian "Diner". The carnival ball, with Alphozo's dancing with the paper mache head to Nino Rota's score is one of the most memmorable scenes of the film. The whole bit with the religious statuary shop foreshadows some of Fellini's later work, particularly the opening shot of "La Dolce Vita". Interestingly the name of the small boy who works at the railroad station is named Guido, the same as the protagonist of "8 1/2". This probably has no meaning but as a snobby critic-want-to-be I have to draw meaning from parallels that are merely unintended coincidences. ($4.00, Art Museum, Julia, Dave, Susan)

03/22 "Liar, Liar" (1997)

*** Jim Carey is at his best, as a well meaning divorced parent whose ambitious law career leads him to neglect his 5 year old's needs. The son's birthday wish, which comes true, that Carey not be able to tell a lie for an entire day is the basic plot line. A stupid and predictable plot don't really slow things down in this exceptionally funny film. Well done mindlessness. ($5.75, Esquire, Julia and Jeff)

03/27 "The Mirror Has Two Faces" (1996)

**+ Barbara Striesand's worst enemies are herself and her ego. The story of ugly duckling English professor who marries Jeff Bridges, a math professor and has a entire relationship based on not having sex just never passes the believability test. Barbara without makeup in a frumpy house coat is still pretty darned attractive. A stronger woman would have made herself looked worse. A better director would have given the role to someone more fitting, like Vanessa Redgrave who appears as a friend. Laureen Bacall, as her mother, didn't deserve a best supporting actress nomination. Except for her stunning and sexy performances with Bogart in "To Have and Have Not" and "The Big Sleep", I can't think of much to recommend the rest of her career. I'm glad she didn't win. ($3.50, Lindbergh, Julia and Nancy)

03/28 "Cinema Paradisio" (1993?)

**** Loving semi-biographical tribute to films of post-WWII and a small rural town in southern Italy. Very sentimental but terribly enjoyable, especially for film buffs. ($4.00, Art Museum, Julia, Curt, Laura, Julie)

04/03 "Gross Pointe Blank" (1997)

*** John Cussack stars as a professional killer who goes back to his high school reunion in upper class Detroit and hooks up with his old flame, Minnie Driver. Fairly funny black comedy is buoyed by supporting cast which includes Dan Aykroyd as a fellow hit man and Adam Arkin as his reluctant psychologist and sister Joan Cusack as his quirky secretary. The action moves along with an excellent 80s soundtrack. ($0.00-free pass, Kenrick, Julia)

04/04 "Kama Sutra" (1997)

**+ Beautifully shot and well made love and relationship film set in 16th century India. Unfortunately the story of the conflicting loves of a princess and her slave girl friend from childhood to adult never quite clicks. Maybe because it's not nearly as erotic as you think a movie with this name should be. ($4.00 Pass #1 and #2, Tivoli, Julia)

04/07 "Major League II" (1995?)

** No real surprises in the sequel to a typical Cinderella team story which I feel like I saw, though I didn't. Nothing to really recommend it but it works in a mindless tv in the hotel room while reading USA Today kind of way. ($0.00, ABC-tv)

04/12 "Chasing Amy" (1997)

*** Kevin Smith wrote and directed this tale about two New Jersey comic book writers whose friendship hits the skids when one (Ben Afleck) falls for a girl, who turns out to be more and less than she seems. Very funny and well written with lots of hip jokes, though the language might be a bit too obscene for some (it's pretty graphically nasty but not beyond the realm of the average young American male). The two slacker comic book heros should look vaguely familiar to devotees of Smith's earlier works: "Clerks" and "Mallrats". ($4.00 Pass #3 and #4, Tivoli, Julia)

04/16 "Paradise Road" (1997)

** Bruce Beresford directed and wrote this account of captured women civilians from Shanghai interred in a Japanese prisoner of war camp between 1942 and 1945. It has powerful moments and a few scenes of harsh torture but it remains surprisingly flat. Part of it is the uneven performances. Glen Close stars and is pretty good but Frances McDormand's German refugee is a bit too over the top to believe. It's a shame because the story is an important one that deserves to be heard by a wider audience. ($0.00-free passes, Des Peres, Julia)

04/25 "Maborosi" (1997)

* Contemplative...that's about the nicest thing you can say about this Japanese film that traces a woman's odyssey of life. Not much happens and even less is said. Reminded me of last years' "Secrets and Lies" though with less than 50 lines of dialogue. Supposedly it won the cinematography award at Venice but since the print didn't arrive, we watched it for free on the projection TV, tres grainy. The shots did have a beautiful, erie quality to them. For serious "visual" immagery types only. ($0.00, Webster University, Julia)

04/26 "Love and Other Catastrophes" (1997)

*** Short (less than 85 minutes) film is slightly self indulgent but full of energy. The plot surrounds a group of Melbourne University students, primarily studying film. It's lack of exploitation of the lesbian relationship is note worthy. Hopefully first time writer and director Emma-Kate Croghan (?) can move on to less biographical stuff with the same verve. ($10.00 Pass #5 and $, Tivoli, Julia)

05/06 "Before Sunrise" (1994)

**+ Two young strangers, an American (Ethan Hawke) and a french woman (Julie Delpy) met on the train from Budapest to Vienna and decide to spend the night together exploring Vienna and each other. Very romantic ideal that has moments of realism. I never connected with Hawke character, either because of poor writing or acting. This hurt my enjoyment and appreciation of the story as a whole. Maybe he just struck me too much like myself and I couldn't stand it. ($0.00, Schnucks Video, Julia)

05/11 "8 1/2" (1964)

**** Fellini's autobiographical film remains one of my all time favorites. I still picked up new nuances that had escaped me on the previous two viewings. A little slow in places but this is the best representation of the reality/dream like haze we spend our lives in. ($0.00, video-Budapest, Julia, Steve and Kriszti)

05/20 "The Preacher's Wife" (1996)

** Exactly what you expect from this Whitney Houston vehicle-- lots of singing, sentimental story telling and only a moderate amount of good writing. Denzel Washington sleeps walks through his role as an angel sent to help Houston's preacher husband find the important things in life. The story never makes a strong case for his missing them. The man is a saint who always is helping others but only has so much time and ends up neglecting taking his wife dancing, etc. The seriousness of the problems of the marriage just aren't there but this was meant as a feel good film where everything ends happily (even though it wasn't that bad to begin with). ($0.00, Europe to USA In-flight Movie, Julia)

05/20 "One Fine Day" (1996)

**+ Romantic comedy staring George Clooney and Michelle Pfeiffer as single parents forced together when their children missed the bus for a field trip and they have no back up day care available on a single career "make or break" day. It's what you expect: mildly funny and enjoyable. ($0.00, Europe to USA In-flight Movie, Julia)

05/23 "Waiting For Guffman" (1997)

*** Christopher Guest directs, wrote and stars in this quirky pseudo-documentary look at the people of Blaine, Missouri putting on their 150th Anniversary celebration. Eugene Levy shares writing credit and also stars. It's pretty funny but I think they may have been poking fun at Missourians and DQ workers (Parker Posey) at times. :{ ($20.00, Hi-Pointe pass #1, Julia and Susan)

05/30 "Addicted to Love" (1997)

*** Light and funny, physical comedy starring Matthew Broderick and Meg Ryan as a pair of ditched fiancees who join together as vindictive voyeurs of their paired exs. Predictable plot is elevated by the cast, all four of which turn in good performances. Forgettable title had more to do with marketing the trailer with Robert Palmer's 1980s hit than anything. Not brilliant but enjoyable. ($5.75, Crestwood, Julia)

05/30 "The Fifth Element" (1997)

*** Visually stunning science fiction film set 300 years in the future where evil threatens to engulf the universe unless the fifth element (a perfect warrior) can arise to prevent it. Plot line is suitable but the real show is the moody set design and feel of the film (very Heavy Metal-ish from what I recall of the French illustrated sci-fi mag/comic). The art direction and costume design should be remembered next year at Oscar time (special effects seemed above average but probably not among the best that will be offered this year). The action is nearly non-stop and it makes for a very enjoyable ride at the movies (one that I'm not as embarrassed to say I liked as last year's Independence Day). Bruce Willis turns in his typical performance, which Matt referred to as the Humphrey Bogart of our age. I'm not convinced but after thinking on it some, I won't dismiss it out of hand. ($3.00, Crestwood, Matt)

06/04 "Brassed Off" (1997)

** Cinematic look at the personal costs of closing down the coal mines in Yorkshire during the early 1990s through the eyes of the Gilmore Colliery Brass Band. Gritty and sentimentally biting at times but wooden acting (i.e., overrated/overhyped Ewan McGregor) and overly propagandic screenplay hold back the film. ($0.00-free passes, Olive-16, Julia)

06/07 "Mallrats" (1996)

**+ Kevin Smith's follow-up to "Clerks" is nearly as funny with the hilariously, obscene, real dialogue. The only problem is that the plot which is ridiculous (not that it ever pretends to be otherwise) only serves as a framework for the snippets of dialogue about sex, romance, comics and seeing eye pictures. Jay and Silent Bob have a prominent role and are the only constant characters between all 3 of Smith's films (I'm probably wrong on this one), though most of the main characters here are in "Chasing Amy" including Brodie (?, I wish I had the press notes like real reviewers). I'm a big fan of Smith's writing and dialogue and look forward to his future stuff. Snootchie-boochie! ($0.00, Schnucks rental, Julia)

06/13 "Austin Powers-International Man of Mystery" (1997)

** Mike Meyers stars as a 1960s super spy cryogenically frozen when his arch nemesis, also played by Myers, freezes himself for the future. Awakening in the present day, provides a lot of predictable jokes, mostly centered on the change from the world being a swinging, free sex place to one of a more restrictive nature. Funny at times, especially for the Connery-Bond fans, which it pastiches well. However, the whole thing aims at the humor level of the adolescent male. Like too many Saturday Night Live skits, the scenes go on way past the point when it's funny and it contains too many bits that don't work. Still, I dug that groovy Jaguar E-type with the randy Union Jack paint job, baby. ($0.00-free pass, Crestwood, Julia)

6/14 "Night Falls on Manhattan" (1997)

*+ Andy Garcia stars in this legal/police thriller that becomes so incredibly cliched and hackneyed as to become laughable. Not a desirable trait for what was supposed to be a serious look at corruption, loyalties, right and wrong. ($5.00, Kirkwood, Julia, Raye and Kelly)

06/20 "My Best Friend's Wedding" (1997)

***+ Julia Roberts has her best role in years in this fun romantic comedy. She stars as an insanely jealous friend of a groom to be (Dermot Mulroney), who she decides she loves after all. Roberts decides to break up the wedding and win him back...voila plot line. The films is hindered by the wooden and forgettable Mulroney who is little more than a bim-guy; though Cameron Diaz and Rupert Everett shine as the bride to be and the gay friend. The Hal David and Burt Bacarach numbers weaved throughout the film, make for great fun bordering on a musical comedy at times. ($5.75, Kenrick, Julia)

6/21 "Batman and Robin" (1997)

** Fourth in series has trouble deciding what it wants to be. Like the first installment, this film's Gotham City is gothic, setting a brooding tone. While it worked very well with Burton's original vision of the dark crusader, it seems a little misplaced with a more upbeat George Clooney (who's the most likable Bruce Wayne of the series). The presence of Robin, leads to more comic relief of the TV show variety ("it's the hockey team from hell, Batman") which doesn't fit the mood. Arnold Schwarzenegger as Mr. Freeze, shows the limits of his acting talent (very limited) though the script doesn't give anyone much to work with. Though, Uma Thurman as the seductive eco-terrorist, Poison Ivy is a delight. The whole thing seems aimed at early teen males but doesn't offer enough for the rest of us. ($5.75, Crestwood, Kent)

06/26 "The Van" (1997)

*+ Not a particularly entertaining view of unemployment in Ireland in 1989. It's the third in the Barrytown trilogy from Roddy Doyle, which includes the superior "The Commitments" and "The Snapper". The story surrounds two out of work Irishman who fix up a "chipper van" and sell fish and chips. It lacks the charm of the earlier works though it tries to achieve the same upbeat, "things will be better" tone. Simplistic story telling devices also don't come off well. Larry (the transporter guy from the Next Generation) is particularly annoying and doesn't manage to garner much empathy for his situation. After awhile, you stop caring and start looking at your watch. Afterwards we wondered which would be more: the amount of beer they drank in the film or a shot glass of beer for every time they used the F-word. Either way, it's a lot even by Rolla boy standards. I did like the "Red River" allusion and laughed loudest at the "Paint Your Wagon" reference. Still, I'm beginning to have my doubts about these free movie passes. ($0.00-free screening, Galleria, Julia)

07/06 "Face/Off" (1997)

**** John Woo's best film to date, and the first to show English speaking audiences what all the fuss is about him and his Hong Kong films. Although, not an expert, I'd say this is the peak of Woo's work, taking the standard elements of his bullet riddled, gun blazing "Cop-saki" style and Mexican-face off to new heights. The main plot device is fantastical but once you accept it, it really allows the plot to explore the meaning of loyalty and good and evil (trade-marks of Woo's best work). John Travolta and Nicholas Cage turn in exceptional performances in roles that might have flopped in the hands of lesser actors. Cage is particularly good but an Oscar nomination is out of the question given the genre. No way female voters will ever consider it, though for once in a Woo film there are strong female roles. Joan Van Allen as the FBI agent's wife and the model as the drug load/bomber's girl friend are a welcome maturation to Woo. There was one production flub, noticed by this pseudo-vegetarian. ($4.00, Royal-Polk St.-San Francisco, Jake and Ace)

07/11 "Men In Black" (1997)

**+ Entertaining film about two secret government agents, Tommy Lee Jones and Will Smith, who act as immigration agents for illegal aliens, of the extraterrestrial type. Relies heavily on the charm and presence of the two leads but generally works. Special effects are the usual high quality that is expected of today's films. ($5.75, Crestwood, Julia)

07/27 "Ulee's Gold" (1997)

***+ Peter Fonda turns in a powerful performance as a rural, Florida beekeeper trying to keep his life and family straight in spite of past scars. His quiet, restrained rage at the evil around him, reminds you of John Wayne in "The Seekers" or Clint Eastwood in "The Unforgiven" though it doesn't turn into a festival of bullets and bodies. Fonda looks like his dad throughout, which could potentially help him win a Oscar nomination. Well written with good symbolism and literary overtones (Hint: think about what Ulee is short for). The entire cast is great, including Patricia Richardson, in another fine dramatic role (ref. Sling Blade). ($3.00, Hi-Pointe)

08/02 "Contact" (1997)

***+ Jodie Foster stars in this film adaptation of Carl Sagan's novel about Earth's first contact with other life in the universe. Exceeds other similar stories by a better than average plot, no aliens with blasters and bringing up a few questions about faith and religion. The flashbacks to young Foster's earlier yearswere well done, particularly the shoot of her running to the drug cabinet. The opening sequence is also terrific. As for the controversy, I think they made a mistake by morphing clips of President Clinton into the film. They would have been better off following the standard of using an actor to fill in. And just to make sure you all think I'm smarter than I am, the remote sensing guy in me questioned something else as impossible in the film which will give away a bit of the plot if I described it in full. ($12.50, Creve Couer, Julia)

08/05 "The Full Monty" (1997)

*** Reminiscent of earlier 1997 UK imports "The Van" and "Brassed Off" but far more even and enjoyable then either of those. Story surrounds six laid-off steel workers in Sheffield, England who decide to earn some much needed cash by being male strippers. Nothing brilliant but helped along by the lively 1970's disco soundtrack (I know that sounds like a contradiction in terms). ($0.00-free showing, Union Station parking lot, Julia)

08/08 "The Pillow Book" (1995 released-1997)

?? Peter Greenaway writes and directs, which should pretty much sum it up for those who are familiar with his work. Beautifully shot and excellent editing (if unsettling) highlight this film strong on imagery but really weak on story telling. What makes this ironic, is the plot centers on writing, though not so much with the content as with the calligraphy; the beauty of image, not in the meaning. Which is problem with the whole film, there isn't much effort in character development (you couldn't care less what happens to anyone). The story surrounds a Japanese woman who seeks out men to write on her body, the way her father did. Lots of full frontal nudity, particularly male (more Ewan McGregor) but surprisingly un-erotic. Has the usual sexual perversity, necrophilia and other shocking elements which are the hallmarks of Greenaway's work, as well as books and counting imagery recalling his early works, particularly "Prospero's Books". It's a movie that will have you looking at your watch wandering when it will finally be over but in it's defence the imagery lingers with you long afterwards, particularly the hikus of pleasant things: "water when it's quiet, water when it's loud". ($20.00 Pass #2 & 3, Tivoli, Julia)

08/10 "Picture Perfect" (1997)

** Jennifer Anniston rommantic comedy is OK for most of its length but it really blew it in the last two scenes which violated the respect for the characters. Forgettable. ($8.00, Kenrick, Julia)

08/12 "Down Periscope" (1996)

** Kelsey Grammer stars in a typical submarine comedy with the usual bunch of misfits who gel together as a team to beat the Navy's best. It has the standard annoying, junior NCO and figured out how to get a beautiful woman aboard. Entertaining for what it is. ($0.00, HBO)

08/13 "Primal Fear" (1996)

*** Good, gritty crime mystery of attorney, Richard Gere, who defends an accused killer, Ed Norton. It looks like an open and shut case but things get complicated. Excellent supporting cast helps as does a tight script but I had the ending figured out between two possibilities (too many Agatha Christie novels as a kid I guess). It probably would have moved me more if I hadn't gotten two phone calls while watching it, so I wasn't completely focused. ($0.00, HBO-Washington, D.C.)

08/19 "The Myth of Fingerprints" (1997)

*** Thanksgiving homecoming tale of four adult children returning to Maine to "celebrate" the holidays with the rest of dysfunctional family. Very true to life, in that there's lots of unsettled, left over tensions that are always brewing just below the surface. Likable but probably a little slow paced for most tastes, without the tidy Hollywood resolution at the end. Roy Schieder plays the brooding father and Noah Wylle the youngest son but the whole cast is terrific. ($0.00-free showing, Union Station parking lot, Julia, Laura, Brian)

09/06 "Box of Moonlight" (1996, released 1997)

**+ John Turturro stars as an stiff, electrical engineer who has lost his sense of priorities and reality. Quirky and playful, yet realistic in it's presentation of the characters along the way but unfullfilling. On the other hand, I've thought of the movie many times in the weeks that followed, which is one of the strongest recommendations I can make for a movie in general. ($3.00, Esquire)

09/16 "Air Force One" (1997)

** Typical exciting yet implausible thriller about Russian nationalist hijacking the President's (Harrison Ford) plane. It's sure to be a hit with most audiences, I just wasn't in the mood. Besides the expected implausabilities, it had poor writing and character development (It never even attempted to explain the reason for a traitor to turn against his country). I found myself identifying most with Gary Oldman's highjacking character; well acted and believable. Harrison Ford turned in his expected good performance but he can never lift a mediocre plot line above itself. Disappointing. ($5.75, Rivercenter Mall-San Antonio)

09/19 "Marc and Ann" (1991)

**+ Marc and Ann Savoy are a couple devoted to preserving the culture and particularly the music of the Cajuns. Not as sharp or fresh as Les Blank's other work, probably due to his obvious close friendship with the couple. Director Les Blank along with Marc and Ann, answered questions afterwards. ($0.00-#5 of pass, Webster University, Julia)

09/19 "Yum, Yum, Yum" (1990)

***+ Excellent Les Blank documentary short celebrating Cajun cooking. I was famished afterwards and felt like making a big old pot of ettoufee outside with dirty rice and maybe some fried okra on the side. Note: it made Julia nauseous with it's depiction of the frog legs, crawfish and cow tongue dishes. ($0.00-#5 of pass, Webster University, Julia)

09/20 "The Daytrippers" (1995, released 1997)

**+ Quirky film highlighting a Buick wagon full of Long Islanders (husband, wife, two adult daughters and one intellectually, pretentious boyfriend) who make a trip into NYC in search of the married daughter's husband. Well written vignettes concisely show the relationship between family members and the other characters they meet along the way. The acting is a little uneven with strong performances by Ann Mare and the guy who plays Carl (Liev Schrieber) but an uninspiring ones by the daughters, Hope Davis and Parker Posey. Moments of excellence, but a little unsatisfying. ($5.50, Kirkwood, Julia)

09/26 "LA Confidential" (1997)

**** Excellent crime-cop film that explores a string of homicides, vice and violence in a deeply cynical portrait of Los Angeles in the 1950s. The terrific cast of the near famous (Russell Crowe, Guy Pearce, Kim Bassinger, Danny DeVito and the always splendid Kevin Spacey) make good use of a strong script that doesn't pander to the lowest common denominator of the American public. Curtis Hanson directs and shares the screen writing credit for adapting the James Elroy novel (I haven't read any of his stuff but I think I might now). While overtly a mystery with lots of taut plots twists, the film's strength lies in it's character development. It shows the complexities of humans and exploring their motives, while ultimately examining the question of what justice is. Even the music selected for the scoring strikes a darkly ironic view, while advancing the story line, theme and character development. I particularly liked the Mercer-Arlen tune "Accentuate the Positive" and Rodgers and Hart's "The Lady is a Tramp". Jerry Goldsmith is a pro and knows his craft. I'll guess Oscar nominations for best film, screen adaptation, and possibly a cast member or two though it's tough to pick favorites in this ensemble piece. Although it's only been an hour or so, I would have to rank it up with Polanski's brilliant "Chinatown". ($4.00, Kenrick)

10/10 "The Matchmaker" (1997)

*+ Incredibly mediocre and unbelievable script holds back this romantic comdey. Even incredible fabulous Irish scenery and a charming cast, including the normally delightful Janeane Garafalo can't save it. Attempts at comedy illicit only a smile, as poor character development and definition abound. I really wanted to like this one but couldn't. ($5.00, Galleria, Julia)

10/11 "Empire Strikes Back" (1980, remastered 1997)

***+ Can't say I got as much out of it on a small TV with a roomful of people late at night. Still the Yoda scenes are terrific. I've really grown annoyed at Billly Dee Williams' character and performance though. Lucas hasn't always been the best judge of talent when it comes to casting. ($0.00, Rhonda's Video at Innsbruck, Devil Dogs)

10/15 "Washington Square" (1997)

***+ Excellent acting, script and production values highlight this terrific period adaptation of Henry James' novel of New York society in 1850s. Jennifer Jason Leigh is wonderful as the incredibly shy daughter of a controlling father, Albert Finney. She is wooed by a handsome, traveled educated man, with no money (Ben Chaplin). The plot is no big surprise but like Jane Austen's works, the character's are well done and interesting. Maggie Smith's Shakespeare quoting aunt is a hoot and the film is a very enjoyable way to spend time. Of note, the director, Agnieszka Holland, earlier works includes one of my favorites "Europa, Europa". Also I was pleased to recognize right off that it was filmed in Baltimore near the two Bed and Breakfasts I stayed at this last year. ($0.00-movie pass, Tivoli, Julia)

10/17 "The Tin Drum" (1979)

??? Surreal German film of a boy who decides to stop growing on his third birthday in defiance of the profane adult world. It traces his life over the next 17 years through the end of WWII. Well made with good acting, this film won the Best Foreign film Oscar and the Grand Jury prize at Cannes. However, I didn't get that much out of it. A lot of the symbolism must have passed right by me if it was suppose to mean something (Why 3 years and not 5 or 6? What about the fool in the graveyard? Why was his Polish "uncle" turned down for the WWI draft "for another year"? Was there any real reason for joining the entertainment troupe during the war?). The whole plot sprouted similar questions in my mind. Strange and obscure for no reason is only strange and obscure. Still I'm sure I won't forget the film as the Tin Drum throughout is hard to forget. Other scenes also stay: the grandmother's meeting of the grandfather in the potato field, the cabana scene and particularly the eel scene. ($5.00, Webster University, Julia)

10/23 "The Pride of the Yankee" (1942)

**** A classic of the genre, that never fails to touch and charm me despite the dated and corny script with All American stereotype heros that the Hollywood propaganda machine produced so well during WWII: the son every mother dreams of; the husband that every wife wishes for; and the job every male has fantasized about...pure American pie. I'm sure the plot probably bares only a passing resemblance to reality but who cares? Gary Cooper portrayal of Lou Gehrig is fabulous. Is it possible not to cry during the last scene? ($0.00-AMC tv, Twentynine Palms)

10/26 "The House of Yes" (1997)

**+ Thanksgiving homecoming tale of a young man bringing home his surprise fiancee to meet the family, most notably his twin sister (Parker Posey) who thinks she's Jackie O. It's similar to "The Myth of Fingerprints" in its exploration of dysfunctional families, only funnier and more off center. The psychological baggage of all the characters unfolds through out the plot, which never escapes its play quality on the screen. Good but not brilliant. ($16.00-Pass #1 & 2, Tivoli, Julia)

11/15 "Fast, Cheap and Out of Control" (1997)

***+ Interesting and stimulating film about life, systems, societies and I'm not sure what else. It's sort of a documentary but not really. The films looks at four nerds: a lion tamer, a topiary gardener, a robot builder and a mole rat expert. The director splices and overdubs interviews with these men and artsy-fartsy images of them doing their jobs to show the interconectivity between them, though initially none appears related to the others. Don't let the strangeness of the description scare you off, this is good stuff. ($-4.00-Pass #4 & 5, Tivoli, Julia)

11/28 "The Ice Storm" (1997)

*** Dark drama that won't put you in a better mood, except realizing that your family life wasn't as screwed up (than again maybe it was). Ensemble piece with fine acting all round (Joan Allen, Kevin Kline, Sigourney Weaver) but Christine Ricci (Wednesday in the Adams Family films) really shines as the daughter who has a fixation on Nixon and "experimentation". Also excellent are the special effects of an ice storm, which are completely convincing as are the hip costumes and sets. I made the mistake of reading Ebert's comments after watching it but he sums it up nicely as he describes that the characters are using sex to make up for their lack of communication ($0.00 pass #3 & 4, Tivoli, Julia)

11/29 "Annie Hall" (1977)

**** Woody Allen's masterpiece on relationships, showing the rise and fall of his standard character's romance with Diane Keaton. Non-sequential plot that leaps back and forth in their relationship, as well as his earlier ones, is very effect, as are the many comic uses of the media to help express the wondering minds of the characters. Laughed all through it but than again I have a more than passing resemblance to his character. ($1.07, Schnucks video, Julia)

12/03 "The Rainmaker" (1997)

*** Good, albeit legalistically slanted, adaptation of a John Grisham novel. Matt Damon establishes himself as a star presence as the young idealist attorney fresh out of law school accepting a lawsuit against a big, evil insurance company. Danny Devito, Claire Danes, Mickey Rouke round out the strong cast in this Francis Ford Coppola film. No surprises as to how it ends. The good guys win and a lawyer is always one of the good guys in a Grisham story. ($5.75, Beltway Mall-Washington, DC, Shelia Thomas)

12/06 "The Wings of the Dove" (1997)

**+ Helen Bonham Carter stars in this adaptation of Henry James novel of love and money as it pertains to upper-class/lower classes in 1910 London. Beautifully photographed, costumed and located but the script never captures or brings to full life the characters. It could be an acting/charisma thing as Carter, while beautiful to watch, always leaves me feeling empty. It was fun to see the scenes of Venice, having been there 8 months ago. ($9.00, Kirkwood, Julia)

12/19 "The Unbearable Lightness of Being" (1988)

**+ Beautifully made film about a Czech surgeon (Daniel Day Lewis) who has his way with lots of women particularly an artist (Lena Olin) and his wife (Juliette Binoche) around the time of the USSR invasion in the late 1960s. However, the plot and script left me cold. There's a fair amount of sex scenes with beautiful people but lines like his standard "Take off your clothes" aren't believable and on the whole I never connected with any of the characters. It's also really long at nearly 3 hours. I don't understand what all the fuss was about, though granted some of it has to be related to watching it on the small screen. ($.53, Hollywood Video, Julia)

12/20 "Duck Soup" (1933)

*** Another disappointment. Generally considered one of the best of the Marx Brothers efforts, it is zany and funny but on the whole uneven. Some of it is probably a function of the age of the material, which doesn't hold up all that well. Also, the best parts have fallen in to the Grucho vernacular ("We here to fight for her honor, which is probably more than she ever did") or have been imitated to often since than, particularly the mirror scene which I've seen Lucille Ball, Patty Duke, do as well as others. At the risk of sacrilege, the Zucker-Abrams-Zucker Airplane/Naked Gun films are consistently funnier even though they owe their heritage to films such as this. ($.53, Hollywood Video)

12/25 "Talk of the Town" (1942)

**+ Nominated for numerous Academy Awards but doesn't hold up so well. Ronald Coleman, Jean Arthur and Cary Grant, respectively star as a law professor, summer house landlord and an accused arsonist, supposedly framed, who escaped from jail. The dialogue, particularly the "legal/justice" ones between Grant and Coleman, come off poorly. Enjoyable but not a must see except for Grant and Arthur fans (like me). ($1.06, Hollywood Video)

12/25 "Destry Rides Again" (1942)

**** Enjoyable comic-western with Marlene Dietrich as Frenchie, the saloon gal preying on the somewhat dimwitted locals. The corrupt, wild-west town of Bottleneck becomes tamed by the mild mannered Jimmy Stewert, the new Deputy sheriff, son of the former gun blazing Destry. Set standards and references that echoed through the genre since then. ($1.06, Hollywood Video)

12/30 "Tomorrow Never Dies" (1997)

***+ Excellent, if a bit formulaic Bond with Jonathan Pryce as a media mogul terrorizing the world. The writing is better than average for this genre and the effects, etc match expectations. The emergence of strong female characters (Michelle Yeoh, as a Chinese spy and the appearance of Moneypenny and the new M as real, non-token characters) suit the current times. Closely follows the standard format but does so very competently. Pierce Brosnan is the best Bond since Connery, possibly his equal. ($5.75, Crestwood)

Total Number of Movies Not Seen Before 63

Total Number of Movies Seen again 7

Total Money Spent - $234.97