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mike-661
Reviews
Sweethearts (1997)
Brilliant character study
This film was not what I expected at all but I enjoyed it immensely. For those who may have been misled by the previews, please take note that this film, although funny at times, is not a romantic comedy. It is a study of people, most of whom are at their most vulnerable points in life. The film is also quite real in its portrayal of Jasmine -- a bi polar manic depressive planning to commit suicide -- and Arliss -- a man who only wants to find his Miss Right. His encounter with Jasmine truly changes his life as their story will change yours.
This film showcases the brilliant skill of Janeane Garofalo. This actress/comedian continues to delight me in every film she does (She was the only thing good about 'Clay Pigeons'). I was also quite impressed by the performance of Mitch Rouse, who I have only seen opposite Janeane Garofalo in 'The Truth About Cats and Dogs'. He was the man so smitten with Uma Thurman that he courageously battles a bee in a coffeeshop. His portrayal of Arliss was so touching and realistic that you got angry at him every time he displayed a loathsome male characteristic and wept for him when he expressed his feelings for Jasmine.
If you feel like a moving character study about people who could be real and at the table right next to you in your local coffee house, rent this film. You will not regret it.
Fall (1997)
A true masterpiece
As I sat through this film with one of my best friends, I was moved, shocked and inspired. Eric Schaeffer wrote an extraordinary script which he fashioned into a powerful portrayal of friendship and love.
The movie is not for those who are prudish as it is quite sexually explicit. This movie is for those who truly believe that love can overcome boundaries even when those boundaries seem insurmountable.
If you do see this film, try to watch it on a TV with closed captioning. That is the only way to truly appreciate the words written by Eric Schaeffer.
Also, anyone who does not relate to the scenes before and after the arrival of hoards of takeout has not truly lived.
The Mod Squad (1999)
Realistic performances make up for a slow-moving convoluted plot.
This film focuses on three young criminals forced into police undercover work to avoid jail-time for their offenses. The makers of this film could have made each character martial arts experts, weapons experts, or stunt drivers. Instead they chose to make the characters tough and realistic. Julie (Claire Danes) is tough and knows how to fight -- hey, she was convicted for assault. Pete (Giovanni Ribisi) is cocky and goofy but, even when provided with a gun, doesn't really know how to use it. Linc (Omar Epps) is cool and refined -- you know he hates what he has to do. You do not see these characters setting complex explosions, staging elaborate gun fights, or taking out three people at once using only hand-to-hand combat. This subdued atmosphere was realistic and I appreciated it. Also, as a fan of the three main actors, I enjoyed their performances. My problem came with the plot -- not the storyline but the execution of the plot. If edited correctly, the film would have flowed more smoothly and I wouldn't have been bored during the first half of the film. Once the plot came together, it was much easier to enjoy the performances. If you are a fan of the actors go see this film in a matinee show --- it will be worth the money.
My score ------ 7.5/10