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Reviews
The Opposite of Sex (1998)
A showcase of Christina Ricci
Anyone who is into Christina Ricci should not miss this film. She is a gem, and the supporting cast helps to showcase her exquisite talent. This movie seems like it was written especially for her. Lisa Kudrow also does a great job spreading her wings as uptight Lucia.
Buffalo '66 (1998)
Dark but somehow charming.
Buffalo 66 is about what you would expect if you know anything about Vincent Gallo. His entire personality is completely dark and self-absorbed, and he thinks he is a misunderstood artistic genius. I do dig the heck out of him, but he is pretty full of himself. Christina Ricci is really the only actress strong enough to act opposite Gallo. She pulls this role off amazingly well. Her character is both accommodating and self-confident at the same time. I love this movie, if for no other reason, it is a showcase of Gallo and Ricci.
Mars Attacks! (1996)
Holding fast to comic-book traditions.
Mars Attacks does a great job balancing the new special-effects craze with old-fashioned, comic-book style science fiction. Many new sci-fi movies have tried so hard to be believable, some might say they're barely science fiction at all. Mars Attacks reminds us that the sci-fi genre was built upon fantastical, 'space invaders' type stories.
Le grand bleu (1988)
Beautiful and heart-wrenching
I have notices that this particular Luc Besson film often gets forgotten, overshadowed by bigger exploits like La Femme Nikita, The Professional and Fifth Element. But I have loved this movie since the first time I saw it. It is physically gorgeous, and is very easy to watch. Jean Reno is great as Enzo.
Drugstore Cowboy (1989)
Solid cast and a great story.
Drugstore Cowboy is a very mature look at the complexities of living with addictions. The cast is amazing, especially Heather Graham as young Nadine. The situations are more realistic than many portrayals of drug use.
License to Drive (1988)
Predictable but entertaining.
This is very typical of lightweight 80's comedies. Not too exciting, but it will entertain you for the two hours you commit to it. It is worth watching to see Heather Graham, if for no other reason.
Sleep with Me (1994)
Mature take on the complexities of relationships
What I was most impressed with was the mature way that this film handled the fact that relationships are not always black and white. The truth of the matter is that people do stupid stuff. We get drunk and flirt with people, we try to make our mates jealous, and yes sometimes we cheat. I get so tired of movies that treat these acts as absolute cause for a break-up, rather than the normal ups and downs of any healthy sexual relationship.