QueenMag Reviews

CSI: Miami (2002–2012)

This Show Insults My Intelligence

[5/10 · 15 December 2006]

This is my least favorite of the CSIs. The writing is poor, the cases really predictable or just inane. Caine thinks he knows everything, and doesn't bother to explain himself or cooperate with others. He is also actually rude to people. Worse than anything is how terrible the acting is. David Caruso's Caine is wooden (passing as "impenetrable"), and his secondaries (with the exception of Khandi Alexander, who is unusual, but interesting) are dull. The woman who plays Khallie does NOT know how to deliver her lines, and she and the other woman on the team are often improbably dressed. (I know it's Miami but come on; they're wearing evening gown makeup in the middle of the day while working).

The thing that's really annoying is that even when they are only solving one case, there is not as much focus on the evidence as on the other CSIs. CSI Miami is preoccupied with showing the team capturing suspects.

The thing I like about CSI is following along with the team as they try to figure out how the crime happened and who did it. When it comes to CSI: Miami, the puzzles are ridiculously easy to solve, so how can I be impressed? I'll take Las Vegas, the "thinking woman's" CSI any day.

Mission: Impossible (1996)

My Memory Fails Me ...

[5/10 · 24 December 2001]

I remember enjoying the film as I was watching it, but within days I had forgotten what it was about (perhaps I never truly understood), and even how it ended. Six years later I still have no clue. All I remember is the scene with Cruise suspended in a white room - and that's probably because it's been replayed and parodied countless times. It was probably a good film, but definitely forgettable. The sequel, while a total Cruise love-fest, is better looking and more memorable. I rate this one a 5 out of 10.

Supernova (I) (2000)

Bad, not even distinctively so, just Bad.

[1/10 · 12 July 2001]

What a lousy movie. I rented it on DVD expecting some mindless entertainment. But there is better mindless entertainment out there. I would not watch this if it came on basic cable. It's full of cliches; there was NO suspense whatsoever. How could there be when everything in it is ripped off of another deep space action movie? You know who is going to die and who is going to live from the very beginning. Hello? Come on. James Spader is suddenly buff, Angela Bassett has a body double, Peter Facinelli shows off his booty, Robin Tunney can't keep her shirt on (why, Robin, why?), and there is a laughable scene of Wilson Cruz (yes, from My So Called Life) suddenly acting tough. What is this? Please! I rated this a one; it's not even hilariously bad (like Showgirls or Omega Code). It's just ... lousy. When it was over, I felt a deep sense of mourning for all the talented young writers and directors who get turned down in Hollywood in favor of nonsense like this.

Unbreakable (2000)

Fable about Self-Realization

[7/10 · 16 May 2001]

Unbreakable is quiet and moody. The style is very still and almost claustrophobic, as though the world the characters live in is very small. I liked this, but more than that I loved the story, which is about discovery... self-realization. It was something I could relate to my own life and experience. The director picked a risky subject for a big-budget film. I like the way he depicts husbands and wives; the relationship between David (Willis) and Audrey (Wright Penn) is very beautiful. I could feel their awkwardness, their sorrows, their hopes. The director is very special in that he has the ability to create a plot so grand that it bears hard on the imagination, yet he keeps his characters subtle and ordinary. This is a good balance. The result is drama, not melodrama. Due to its pacing (compare a vinyl record to a compact disc), lack of special effects, and melancholy tone (without horror or gore as a "reason"), this film will not appeal to a lot of people. Personally, it was one of my top five films of 2000.

Southie (1998)

Realistic Depiction of Some Families' Lives

[8/10 · 7 November 1999]

Donnie Wahlberg gives a wonderful, quiet performance as Danny Quinn, a young man returning home after taking time away to get himself together. What he finds is that his sister (Rose McGowan) has become an alcoholic, one of his brothers owes money to a mafia boss, and his mother's health is deteriorating.

Danny is a protagonist you'll find yourself rooting for because his dilemma is classic: how to avoid the problems of his neighborhood without insulting his family and old friends? How to be respected by the people he loves without repeating their mistakes? I know this movie is supposed to be about a particular neighborhood, but I found that the values and problems depicted in it could be found in many lower middle class areas.

The only distraction was John Shea as the cop friend of Danny, who helped him get out of "Southie" (before the movie begins.) Shea did a great job directing, but he ought to have cast someone else in this role because he comes across as frantic and almost annoying.

But nevermind that; his role is small. Rent "Southie." This is a great alternative to Hollywood's usual version of blue collar life. Real clothes, real cars, real houses, real life.

The Omega Code (1999)

Should be Shown in Film Schools as Example of What Not To Do

[2/10 · 5 November 1999]

Quite honestly, The Omega Code is the worst movie I have seen in a very long time. During the first 30 minutes I sat stunned in my seat, trying to decide if I should demand a refund. But since I hadn't paid to see it in the first place (passes), I figured I might as well stay. And I didn't think it could possibly get any worse.

It did. I will quickly run through the low points (includes some spoilers): The horrible miscasting of Casper Van Dien as Gillen Lane, a motivational speaker with two PhDs. The characterization was inconsistent; for example, Lane, despite his credentials, is a complete nitwit. Then there's the lame-o depiction of the fulfillment of the Biblical prophecies; we see a bunch of sensational news soundbites accompanied by ridiculous computer print outs of the translated Biblical Code. Also, terrible "action" sequences: Lane escapes from tough situations without explanation, and the one time Lane actually does seem to be in danger, it turns out to be a dream sequence! That's cute for grammar school writing assignments, but it's an inexcusable plot device in a motion picture. The pacing was bad: after a long opener, the first third of the movie changes scenes every 90 seconds. Later, the pacing improves, but there is still far too much unnecessary jumping around. And as someone else mentioned, years pass yet no one (not even Lane's young daughter) ages. That was disconcerting.

There are a few good things, though. The quality of the film (e.g. lack of graininess) is high and very attractive. The outdoor shots were well done and the location shooting added a touch of realism. Also, there are a few moments in the last part of the film when Lane calls on God (finally) to help him - this proved to be quite exhilarating - even to me, someone who does not accept Jesus as a personal savior. But I liked this because it struck me as being the only genuine scene in the movie. Unfortunately, it was followed by major incomprehensibility.

The characters, dialogue, direction and acting were ALL poorly done. Michael Ironside had nothing to do, and Michael York was just weird. I think the producers wanted to do too much; if the plot had been tighter and more focused, and the characterization more fleshed out, the film would have been far better.

In a nutshell, The Omega Code disappoints. Definitely do not pay to see this. I give it ** out of ten stars.

Silent Tongue (1993)

Strange and Not Pretty

[5/10 · 5 November 1999]

Silent Tongue is a western about a disturbed young man (River Phoenix) who grows increasingly distraught over the death of his white/Amer. Indian wife. His father (Richard Harris) attempts to purchase the dead woman's sister, with the hope that she will be a consolation to his son.

What a peculiar movie! I can't say I liked it because there was nothing enjoyable about it ... on the other hand, I didn't hate it because it had some redeeming qualities. For example, Richard Harris (whom you may, perhaps, remember as English Bob in 'Unforgiven') was quite excellent, and director Shepard certainly had some vision for this picture; however, I can't say with any certainty what that vision was.

The film struck me as being about the desperation of grief and rage, and how both manifest themselves when they are not addressed or dealt with. The main characters all want to reverse something that has happened, yet the past cannot be changed. The wrongs they perceive were done against them can never be righted. What can they do with their pain except suffer it? They communicate not so much in words as in hurtful behaviors.

The film is not pretty to look at: the landscape is dry and yellow; the characters are begrimed and weary. The things they do and ultimately say are just ... ugly. It's an ugly, disheartening picture in which boorish people are motivated by the simplest of emotions to do base things because they cannot cope with reality.

Titanic (1997)

Well-made Film About a Ship That Wasn't

[7/10 · 5 January 1999]

A truly beautiful film ... though the dialogue was meaningless. It would be just as emotional with the sound off but for the score. Nice performances, but nothing special (again: terrible lines). I cared about the characters, but as usual, had no idea why our two protagonists fell in love. Hormones, perhaps? Had there not been a tragedy, I don't think Rose and Jack would have lasted more than a year.

Lovely ending (not the ship sinking; the final scene) ... with a cheery sentiment (I'll never forget you). For sure, it's sappy, but it's also very well put together. The costumes, set designs, special effects ... all superbly done.

Oscar and Lucinda (1997)

Unusual Love Tale

[8/10 · 5 January 1999]

I am not one for love stories, but this one truly moved me. It is wonderfully strange! It's nothing like anything I've seen before. I loved the awkwardness of Oscar and Lucinda, and the way that we had a chance to see (at length} who they were before they ever met each other. It made their attraction to one another make sense (something so rare in cinematic romances).

I think this is Ralph Fiennes' best performance of his career, and he's proved his versatility. Compare his Oscar to his Count in The English Patient - completely different people, not even carrying themselves in the same way! This was a very good role for him. Cate Blanchett was really the standout for me; I took notice of her right away, and determined to keep an eye out for her future performances (she did a terrific job in the flawed "Elizabeth").

Of course, the film is beautifully made (I wouldn't expect anything less from Gillian Armstrong) and imaginative ... the way it depicts reality as almost surreal, and the surreal as quite real ... it's lovely.

On the one hand, this is a sad film, in that it's about two people who are just ... odd. They don't really fit in anywhere, and people don't understand them. Neither Oscar nor Lucinda are even anticipating (or aspiring) to be understood, and yet they find, and take comfort in, one another. Here is where the film turns from sad to joyful ... it is thrilling to see the surprise and delight they express as they discover that they have found their soulmates. I have to say that I found, in their story, a true (and hopeful) portrayal of love.

Character (1997)

Stunning

[9/10 · 5 January 1999]

Karakter is quite stunning on several levels. The cinematography is gorgeous - without the use of any noticeable special effects or surrealistic dream sequences. The quality of the filming surpasses that of most movies.

One of the best things for me (as an American) about watching foreign films is not knowing who most of the actors are, and this makes it easier to completely accept them as the characters they play. The two leads were outstanding, and the supporting characters (particularly Betty Schuurman as Joba, and Nans Kesting as Jan Maan) were very effective.

I found the story to be engrossing and - more than anything, the pacing amazed me. A person accustomed to reading classic novels would probably appreciate the way this film unfolded. There is a desire to reach the end, but no hurry.

For sure, this film wouldn't interest everyone, but I rank it among my favorite films. It deserved to win the Academy Award for Best Picture last year: for the story, for the performances, for the direction ... it's rare that one finds a movie so well-put together.

How to Make an American Quilt (1995)

Never quite adds up ...

[5/10 · 5 January 1999]

This is the sort of movie that you see, and after you've seen it, you realize you ought to have read the book instead. The characters were just too much, I think, for the director (or screenwriters) to handle. None of the characters were boring, but they were predictable.

This is the story of a young woman named Finn, who is working on her third attempt at a Master's thesis and has just been proposed to by her boyfriend. She decides to spend the summer with her grandmother and aunt in a very small, California town so she can figure things out. Her grandmother, aunt and their quilting circle get together to make Finn's wedding quilt, and share stories of their past (and current) loves.

Some of the acting is quite good; I especially liked Gena Rowlands and Anne Bancroft. Ryder is, as usual, kind of drippy. A little too cute to be your average Jo; it's hard for me to take her seriously. In any case, the women's stories are usually interesting, but lack depth. I'm sure the movie didn't do the original story justice.

On the positive side, there is the nice use of flashbacks into different times and places; and I think this movie was just as much about how men relate to women as it was about women trying to deal with their men.

This film also features Winona (once again) narrating herself; a technique that is beginning to wear on my nerves. All in all, I was disappointed by the overall product; it was rather like a few intriguing patches being wasted in a pretty, but unimaginative quilt.

The Faculty (1998)

Pretty Good Sci-Fi Horror Flick

[6/10 · 29 December 1998]

I liked this movie; I thought it was much better than Urban Legends and I Know What You Did Last Summer, but not as good as Scream.

Actually, The Faculty isn't really in the same genre; it's science fiction, not slasher. The film was surprisingly gory at times, and there were some very well-done special effects. The camera work was above average (especially for this genre). One really good scene involved the students sniffing a powdered caffeine concentrate; Rodriguez handled the camera in such a way that I got a very strong sense of how "tweaked" the kids were feeling.

Also, there were a good number of suspenseful moments that made me jump. I also liked that I couldn't tell how it was going to end.

The acting was fairly good; Robert Patrick was great. I've always liked Elijah Wood and he didn't disappoint me here. But I have to be honest and say Josh Hartnett is c*o*o*l. I hope to see him again soon in something else.

Switchback (1997)

Unusual Thriller

[5/10 · 27 November 1998]

"Switchback" is a worth-while rental. Dennis Quaid reminded me of Harrison Ford; his character was strong and silent on the outside, but definitely hurting (and possibly screaming) inside. Danny Glover also breaks his acting mold and does something different. He is likable but a little creepy. Jared Leto once again plays a quiet, introverted young man with a mysterious background. Needless to say, he is (as always) easy on the eyes.

R L Ermey (sp?) is admirable as Sheriff Buck Olmstead. I will remember this guy for a while. He often plays politicians or policemen in his movies.

The movie is about a Sheriff (Ermey) who is running for re-election against a younger, somewhat slimy, opponent. There is a strange double murder in his jurisdiction, and he is soon joined by a lone FBI agent (Quaid), who is intent on catching the killer and unconcerned with local politics or Bureau policy. Meanwhile, a young hitchhiker (Leto) catches a ride with a cheerful traveler (Glover).

The film does a nice job of having two separate storylines and then bringing them together ... well-paced film. Unique characters. Solid acting. I recommend it.

Elizabeth (1998)

Some Good Acting, Weak Script and Lovely Visuals

[6/10 · 25 November 1998]

The main reason I wanted to see this film was for Cate Blanchett, who blew me away with her performance in "Oscar & Lucinda." She acted well in this movie, depicting a vulnerable Queen who doesn't (at first) fully realize the dangers of her position, but Christopher Eccleston and Geoffrey Rush impressed me the most.

Eccleston is extremely versatile; he is like a creature unrelated to his "Jude" from a few years ago. Geoffrey Rush was strong and enigmatic as Walsingham, Elizabeth's "protector." I half wish the movie had been more about HIM. I am not familiar with the actual history; did either of these men exist? I would have liked to have seen more about them; I liked the glimpses we were given into their dealings with others. Fascinating characters.

In any case, these were the major stand out performances. John Gielgud (as the Pope) was not memorable because he was on screen for no more than a few minutes and his lines were hardly quotable. Eric Cantona as the French Ambassador had an amazing sort of presence; I remember him quite clearly ... and I had no idea he was a soccer player til I read it here on IMDb. Also, the woman who played Elizabeth's first handmaiden (or whatever they are called) was very expressive and is worth mentioning.

Joseph Fiennes' character was irritating beyond belief. I consider myself to be a person of reasonable intelligence, but I could not figure out whose side he was on or why by the time the end credits appeared. The writers (or editors) really screwed up with this character; a lot of his behavior was not clarified. I believed him when he told Elizabeth that he loved her, but then ... why was he having sex with one of her maids? What did he have to do with the poison dress? Why did he seem shocked to see her writhing in agony if he knew nothing of the poisoned dress? Why would he want to see Elizabeth assassinated if he loved her? He made no sense to me. Not to mention I could not understand why she adored him so much; he struck me as being a fop. Leonardo DiCaprio would have been just as suitable for this role (probably more so, since he's played the type before) ... this character was listless, lolling, lazy, and a priss. It lowered Elizabeth to even be attracted to this man. I found myself wondering, "Where is that fiercely handsome Duke of Norfolk?" every time "Lord Roberts" showed up on screen with his puppydog eyes.

On the positive side, the film is quite lush and colorful. Visually, it's stunning and deserves some sort of award for that. But, as others have mentioned, the use of music was atrocious. The music didn't always match the mood of the scene, and sometimes it would actually detract from the scene.

I think this movie is supposed to be about how a woman sacrifices her own happiness and personal convictions for the good of her people and the stability of her position. Nice attempt, but it doesn't quite pan out. In the end, Elizabeth comes off as a freak of nature - how exactly does caking your face with white powder make you like the Virgin Mary? That was never explained.

In any case, the music in the final scene was so obnoxious that I couldn't even reflect on the poor Queen's hideous transformation. I just wanted to cut out of the auditorium as quickly as possible.

I think I'll be checking out that "Elizabeth R" series that everyone keeps talking about.

La haine (1995)

Check It Out

[7/10 · 25 November 1998]

This is an interesting, low-budget French film that depicts a Paris most Americans have not seen. I never even knew there were housing "projects" in France until I rented this video. Definitely check it out. The acting is excellent and the ending is profound.

American Heart (1992)

Good performances; intelligent story.

[7/10 · 25 November 1998]

This movie features another great performance from Jeff Bridges, as a convicted felon whose son wants to have a relationship with him. It's a rare cinematic look at the strained father-teenage son relationship. Edward Furlong is sympathetic as Bridges' persistent son. The ending bothered me a bit - almost too anti-Hollywood, but this film is not driven by plot. The characters are the meat of this story. Makes a worthwhile rental.

A Little Princess (1995)

Absorbing family entertainment

[9/10 · 13 November 1998]

I love this film; it's one of my favorites. I'm not even a child. I've read the book and seen three cinematic adaptations of it. This is the most beautiful one. Liesel Matthews is charming and believable. She isn't directed to be "cute" but to be strong-willed.

I also like the variety of the adult characters. Too often in children's films, there are two kinds of adults: Oblivious parents and Mean Old Authority Figures. This movie has an attentive father, a wistful pushover, a kindly mystery man, a milkman lover ... even the "evil schoolmistress" has a human side that she denies.

This is really an intelligent movie that doesn't talk down to the audience. I was absorbed into Sara's world. Every time I watch it I cry, and I feel very good about life.

Beyond Rangoon (1995)

Inspiring

[7/10 · 13 November 1998]

Patricia Arquette plays American doctor Laura Bowman, who takes a holiday to Burma in an attempt to heal her spirit after the murders of her husband and young son. She is left behind in Rangoon during a military crackdown and leaves the city with an aging man who works as a "tour guide." But he is no simple tour guide; he is a professor who introduces her to the life outside of the tourist traps ... the two of them get caught up in the political upheaval and Laura sees with her own eyes how the government betrays and oppresses its own people.

This movie is one of my favorites because of its themes. First, it's informational (describing some of the injustices that are occurring in Burma). Secondly, it's about a woman's struggle to find meaning in life after an incredible loss. Thirdly, it's about compassion and sacrifice, and people coming together - without even knowing each other - to endure pain and fear.

Just about every beautiful scene in this movie is important; nothing is wasted here. It's an earnest and moving film. There is also a very emotional score composed by Hans Zimmer which complements scenes nicely.

A definite recommend, especially to people concerned with human rights ... and people who want to know, "What purpose can I serve?"

Little Women (1994)

Gorgeous Production, Excellent Adaptation

[8/10 · 13 November 1998]

This film is, without a doubt, gorgeous. Gillian Armstrong does an amazing job. Everything is so detailed and bright and colorful. There are wonderful moments when the camera does a close-up shot of a pair of hands shaking sugar powder over a cake ... or of red rose petals being spread over a row of worn dolls. These are very little, but memorable moments.

I've read the Little Women series several times - before and after seeing this movie. I've also seen two other film versions; this one is really a superb adaptation of Little Women and Good Wives. It's also modernized (and pretty much de-Christianized) but in keeping with the original sentiment of the novels.

This is one of those movies that I watch and ... as the minutes pass I dread arriving at the conclusion. I just want it to go on and on.

Kirsten Dunst, Susan Sarandon and Christian Bale are really the stand outs in this picture. Christian Bale is the absolute best Laurie imaginable. His proposal scene to Jo ("I'll let you win every argument") is great. Kirsten Dunst is perfect as the spoiled, self-absorbed (but still sweet and lovable) youngest March sister. Every time I see this movie I want Susan Sarandon to be MY mother. She is just like Marmee in the book.

Winona Ryder as Jo is, of course, the central character - and she plays her well, but I found it a little hard to accept her because she is nothing like the Jo in the book. I mean, Jo wasn't really supposed to be so pretty and petite as Winona Ryder. One of the reasons Jo is such an enduring and beloved character is the very fact that she WAS an ordinary-looking girl - but she had an extraordinary spirit. Thousands upon thousands of girls could relate to her.

By casting Winona Ryder it felt silly to hear her say things like "I'm ugly." If she was supposed to be ugly, what about the rest of us? Well, in any case, I can forgive that because Ryder really does do a good job and the rest of the casting (except for the somewhat distant Samantha Mathis) was right-on.

All in all, the movie is great family entertainment. It's a nice portrayal of old-fashioned feminism, and the bonds of family (especially sisterhood). Maybe it won't strike such a strong chord with the male sector but I haven't met a woman yet who didn't love it.