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Reviews
Skinwalkers (2002)
Hope we see more of Leaphorn and Chee
When you love characters in books, it sometimes makes you cringe to think some Hollywood types might ruin what makes them so interesting in the books. Fortunately, that's not the case here with Lt. Leaphorn and Officer Jim Chee as created so memorably in Tony Hillerman's brilliant mysteries about the Navajo Tribal Police. While much had to be cut from the book to fit into a 90+ minute time slot on PBS, enough character remains and it bodes well if PBS continues to adapt these mysteries. Fans of the books will know what's coming in the character arcs, and the casting for this production, for all characters, is exemplary. Particularly Wes Studi ("Last of the Mohicans" and "Mystery Men") as Leaphorn. Also, nice directorial work from Chris Eyre. Highly recommended.
K-19: The Widowmaker (2002)
Finally, an intelligent and excellent summer movie
Director Kathryn Bigelow succeeds admirably in delivering a tight thriller based on the real life drama of a Soviet submarine crew facing certain death. The K-19, flagship of the Russian fleet, is rushed to sea to make a point to U.S. intelligence at the height of the Cold War and nuclear arms race -- that is that Russia can strike back if the U.S. were to instigate a nuclear strike. Unfortunately for the crew, the K-19 really isn't all that ready for the mission, and while cruising beneath the Arctic ice pack, the nuclear reactor's cooling system springs a leak causing the reactor to heat up to explosive levels and exposing the crew to massive radiation poisoning. This could set off the subs nuclear warheads which could sink a nearby American ship and destroy a NATO base invariably igniting World War III. It's edge of the seat excitement, made even more gripping by rounded characters you care about. Somehow Bigelow has taken us beyond our prejudices, making us see the crew not as "evil" Soviet stereotypes, but as men trapped in a desperate situation deserving our concern. Harrison Ford as the submarine commander breaks away from his "Harrison Ford" persona delivering one of his finest acting performances since "The Mosquito Coast." Kudos to the filmmakers for not talking down to the audience and giving us people to care about.
Saving Private Ryan (1998)
Three, Three, Three Films in One
No doubt about it, the landing on Omaha beach is great stylistic filmmaking. Succeeds in conveying the violence and randomness of war. After that 25 minutes, however, the film quickly falls into an episode of "Combat," alas, without Vic Morrow. Tom Hanks' dead serious expressions bring more to the material than is there. Then for the final hunk, as they attempt to hold a bridge, John Williams' score even changes to be vaguely reminiscent of an Indiana Jones action sequence. Sorry to say it, but in my book this isn't close to Spielberg's World War II masterpiece "Schindler's List." It's three films tacked together and then marketed as if it were our solemn duty to the memories of those who served in the Armed Forces to watch it. Well, I've watched it, and feel it does their memories a disservice.
There's far superior war films - "Patton," "Battleground," "The Longest Day," "Twelve O'Clock High," "The Bridge on the River Kwai" to name a few - to turn to for emotionally gripping accounts.
Also, if you get the chance, watch the pilot episode of "Combat." Saunders (Morrow) first survives landing on Omaha Beach then needs to take his squad to secure a bridge and encounters a German Tiger Tank. Don't watch because the TV show is an accurate portrayal of history - it isn't - watch to see the similarities to the action plot points in "Ryan."
Mikan no taikyoku (1982)
Why Isn't This Movie on DVD?
I saw this movie in the mid-1980's at a small theater in Los Angeles. I agree it's one of the best, and most moving, foreign films I've ever seen. I've been looking for it for years on video tape and have never found it. This is definitely a film that deserves The Criterion Collection treatment. Though it is a foreign film, about a strategy board game and two competitors (one Japanese and one Chinese) and about how World War II interupts their friendship, it's themes and emotions are universal, transcending any language barrier. Beautifully made motion picture.
Finding Forrester (2000)
Miracle in the Bronx
After striking out big time remaking "Psycho," director Gus Van Sant turns to making a TV movie version of his previous hit "Goodwill Hunting" but without one fully developed character. Instead he trusts a predictable, rigged, by-the-numbers script that plumbs no depths whatsoever. Jamal, a brilliant black kid, also happens to be a brilliant basketball player. He is brilliantly sensitive enough to intrigue the brilliant daughter of the most important alumni of the preppy school Jamal wins a scholarship to. All the time, Jamal receives tutoring from Forrester, a brilliant one-time novelist recluse loosely meant to evoke the image of J.D. Salinger. Sean Connery plays Forrester and he is cranky and cute as he frequently is now. Anna Paquin is very good as the brilliant daughter, but her relationship with Jamal is never given any depth so as not to offend anyone. F. Murray Abraham is the one-dimensional villain, an English teacher who can't believe Jamal is all that brilliant. One can find no fault with Abraham if all he's given is what is in Mark Rich's screenplay.