mmeong Reviews

Notting Hill (1999)

Can it be?!

[8/10 · 20 May 1999]

I may have actually encountered a romantic comedy that I could stand! Yes, Four Weddings* was comparable but lackluster in comparison. Admittedly Julia Roberts' character wasn't much of a stretch but there is some frank insight into the life of anyone ever caught in a British tabloid.

Hugh Grant has this uncanny ability of always looking uncomfortable, like a penitent child. Still charming as ever though.

I must say, that at first glance, Julia Roberts' character was distant, cool, definitively unlikeable--but that just goes with the territory. You don't truly appreciate her until the very end.

Comedy made this film, and for that Rhys Ifans must be commended! It was more comedy than romance...

All in all, a must-see (though for the life of me I don't know why...) Perhaps you will understand if you just see it!

Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace (1999)

Just Wait!

[20 May 1999]

At least that's what I'll have to keep telling myself for the next two years! Upon entering the theatre, my greatest fear was that I would be disappointed. The special effects solved that problem--they were truly amazing, it's now easier for Lucas to give his imagination the reins, he's no longer hampered by impossibilities.

And therein lies the problem--What about the characters? The audience is left hanging...there seemed to be a lack of development with regards to the characters, their relationships, and most importantly their secrets.

But perhaps this is due to the To-Be-Continued nature of this current trilogy. The original series doesn't carry the cliff-hanger mystique (duh, if I want to know what happens I no longer have to wait half a decade) but this one is a different story (so to speak).

I am sorry that there isn't a little bit more mystery about...oh, Darth Maul (who would have thought he'd be such a lackey!) It would have been nice if there had been a little bit more cunning to go with those lovely little horns...

Anakin's Christ-like birth is a real kicker too!--I "pray" that one will be cleared up soon!

We'll just have to wait and see!

Edtv (1999)

Yadda, yadda, yuck!

[1/10 · 19 March 1999]

Upon entering the theatre, my expectations were minimal. I hoped to be entertained, at least. Alas, my fellow movie goers, it was not to be. And this is why: 1)The musical score left something to be desired. It neither reinforced the theme nor was it catchy (many of the songs are CONSTANTLY used).

2)I found myself agreeing with the mock panel of social commentators that the script called for; they deride "EdTV" for the self-glorifying "boobery" that it is. The audience should never find themselves agreeing with the opposing argument.

3)One shot of Clint Howard and everyone knows it's a Ron Howard film (not that it was much of a secret).

4)The many-faceted foibles of the lower classes is celebrated to the tune of Bill Clinton and Jerry Springer. If I want to see how tough it is on the bottom I'll just watch one of the aforementioned people.

5)This film's cup o' cliches overfloweth. Man rockets to stardom on the wings of neither effort nor perseverance and suddenly he discovers, life's not what it's cracked up to be--you can't have your cake and eat it too.

6)Jenna Elfman's ever (more like FOREVER) weepy eyes were irritating. The audience doesn't feel for her, let alone feel sorry for her. It got so bad you simply couldn't stand the sight of her "breaking heart" (and I do use that term loosely). Again, the audience agrees with the supposed "EdTV" fans who don't believe Sheri (Jenna's character) is good enough for Ed.

7)There is no rapport or sympathy for any of the characters, save one, Martin Landau. Perhaps it was indeed experience that allowed him to make us laugh at the right moments, but also pull our heartstrings when it was time.

Only see this movie if you are absolutely desperate (you know, a gun to the head, Friday night and no date) and even then--Don't blame me if you are just as disappointed as I am.

Different for Girls (1996)

Testing the Boundaries successfully

[8/10 · 15 March 1999]

Fantastic says it all! This movie both tests the boundaries sexually and emotionally. I expected this movie to fall in the ranks of prurient shock value but it refused to do so. Instead, the relationship between two friends, destined to be lovers, is questioned. It admits the confusion that follows in the wake of a sex change operation but also dismisses it as irrelevant when it comes to love.

Rupert Graves is to be applauded for his confidence as an actor and as a member of the male sex. It took a big man to fill his part and he pulled it off masterfully.

Steven Mackintosh is also to be applauded for the same reasons. He effected the confusion and uncomfortableness of a recent operative transsexual (definitely evident in his dancing) but enough femininity to make it real.

A must see!