Change Your Image
jjordan
Reviews
Kissing Jessica Stein (2001)
A bright, thoughtful pleasure
As I watched this film, I kept thinking of all the people I needed to
recommend it to. It's that rare romantic comedy where everyone
involved in the romantic elements actually seems to behave like
rational adults. Throughout the film, comparisons to Annie Hall
kept flashing through my mind, and the final scene could have
been lifted directly from that classic. But as the maxim goes, if
you're gonna steal, steal from the best.
I ended up truly liking and caring about virtually all of the key
characters, although I must admit that Helen showed greater
patience with Jessica when they first met than I would have been
able to (which, perhaps, is why Jessica finds more happiness at
that point in her life dating a woman that she had dating men).
The fact is, Jessica could be downright shrill at times, but that only
served to humanize the character. After all, real people aren't
always at their best.
I could also see where some gay viewers might find the "hey, let's
experiment with a same-sex relationship" plot somewhat
offensive. And apparently so did the writers/stars, for they include
a scene where Helen's gay friend condemns her for same. But he
does so in such harsh terms, it makes the point far too easy to
dismiss. I know you can't delve into every issue in 96 minutes, but
I thought this was one area where the film was just a bit shallow.
Overall, however, I thought "Kissing Jessica Stein" was a gem that
will hold up over repeated viewings. The performances were well
nuanced and reflected excellent casting and directing decisions. If
you haven't seen it yet, rent it tonight. If you have seen it, rent it
again. 8 out of 10
The Devil's Advocate (1997)
You've gotta be kidding
I recently rented The Devil's Advocate, remembering that it had be
recommended by a family member who's taste I now have to
question. I've read several of the other comments posted here
and I simply can't believe the praise being lavished on this
remarkably mediocre film. Where to begin. Well, let's start with
Keanu Reeves trying on a Southern (?) drawl and succeeding only
in proving he can be a lousy actor in more than one dialect. Then
you've got Al Pacino chewing the scenery shamelessly. I'm
tempted to read the novel this movie was based on, if only to see if
the reasonably interesting premise was handled with any more
subtlety in print. Because the movie is like a 2.5 hour Western
Union commercial, with every plot twist telegraphed an hour ahead
of its arrival. Was there really anyone who didn't recognize that
Pacino was supposed to be Satan the moment they learned his
character was named John Milton? Could the endless succession of demons and specters have been a clue? And all the while, Keanu and Charlize Theron just keep drawlin'
and Al keeps shoutin' and it all leads up to what, exactly? The
flying mallet to the head moral that a scuzzy lawyer that stops at
nothing to win will eventually pay a price for his amorality? Who
would have guessed? Who would have cared? But, hey, the
music was good. But what was the deal with the voodoo guy and
the goat? Awww, nevermind.
High Fidelity (2000)
Great movie, better book
When this movie was first released, I avoided seeing it because, having read and LOVED the book, I was sure they wouldn't do it justice. My brother-in-law convinced me to rent it and I'm glad I did.
It really is a great movie, however I still think I would have liked it better had I not already read the book. The problem I had with it is that throughout the book, you get a running stream of conciousness of what's going on in Rob's head. While they tried to recreate this to a point, it was only possible TO A POINT.
Otherwise you would have had Cusak standing in front of the camera talking to the audience for 85% of the film. What brought this home to me was that I watched the movie with my wife who hadn't read the book and she was finding it hard to fully relate to Rob. Eventually I realized, that was because the book does a much better job of letting him provide justification for his actions and attitudes without minimizing his flaws. In the movie, many of his flaws appear to be those of a self-absorbed boor without giving the other side of his character. Having said all that, the movie really is entertaining and the cast is tremendous from top to bottom. And as a record collector myself, I found the soundtrack and discussion of obscure records (even those I've never heard of) very authentic and enjoyable. And as several others have written here, if you have a choice, rent the DVD for the extra scenes and the interviews. Many of the scenes stand alone. My particular favorite is the scene where Rob and Beverly D'Angelo (as Too Tan woman) "reverse-haggle" over her spite sale of her errant husband's record collection. Overall, a solid 4+ out of 5.
Sugar Town (1999)
A pleasant surprise
I must admit that I'd never heard of this movie before I came across it at Blockbuster. I decided to pick it up for the cast, not being a particularly big Anders fan. I was rewarded with a low-key, funny and enjoyable 90 minutes. Perhaps it was the short filming period (and I suspect a fair amount of ad libbing by the cast), but the thing I liked best about this movie was that everyone seemed so relaxed and natural. In many cases, I'm sure the performers were less acting and more riffing on their own lives and those of people they've encountered over the years. With the exception of the two "blond ambition" wannabes, everyone in the movie exhibited at least some redeaming characteristics. While I won't say I was particularly drawn to any of the characters, neither was I repulsed by any of them. They all seemed more or less products of their past lives, with the inevitably warped perspective living the "star" lifestyle brings. All in all, a fun way to spend an hour and a half.
Drop Dead Gorgeous (1999)
Offensive? You betcha. Also hilarious.
To say I was pleasantly surprised is a massive understatement. I found myself frequently laughing out loud, and the few sections I could have done without passed quickly. It was worth the price of a rental just to hear Kirsten Dunst explain her acceptance of her father's disappearance. To those who feel the movie was an attack on Christianity, think again. In my mind, the movie was making fun of those who would cynically claim to be religious in order to get ahead, while all the time, their actions clearly demonstrate their lack of sincerity. These characters were NOT meant to portray religious people, but rather pretenders using religion for their own purposes. All in all, Drop Dead Gorgeous is a fun way to spend an hour and half.