throb-5 Reviews

Patrick (1978)

weird, slow and boring

[6 May 1999]

I saw this when I was 12. All I really remember is that Patrick can use his psychic powers to make a tuna casserole get so hot that it burns someone. I'm not making this up. It sort of warped me.

100 Proof (1997)

worth watching!

[7/10 · 9 April 1999]

Don't expect to be titillated by the violence in 100 Proof. There is no visceral thrill when it erupts, it's just mundane, senseless and painful to watch. This film is by no means perfect, but it really deserves an audience.

Waking Ned Devine (1998)

Contrived and overrated

[6/10 · 23 March 1999]

I guess every year must have it's quirky (and inoffensive) comedy hit and this one was the closest that 1998 had to offer. The acting is very charming. The payoff was better than body of the film which was a bland stew of small Irish village cliches. On the whole, this film is pleasant and competent, but unless you find naked old guys on motorcycles to be intrinsically funny, see Local Hero!

Jackie Brown (1997)

Mature and Elegant

[9/10 · 2 March 1999]

Fresh dialogue and good ensemble acting make this worth seeing. QT could have tried to top Pulp Fiction but instead makes a solid film that stands on its own. Pam Grier provides some much needed estrogen.

The Thin Red Line (1998)

Disappointing

[5/10 · 12 February 1999]

I waited in line to see this film when it was in limited release. I am familiar with Mallick's work and was really excited about this film. I wanted to leave 45 minutes into it. Between the hideous narrative device and painfully long sequences of symbolic imagery involving leaves, I was amazingly dissapointed. The camera work is dazzling, the scenery is beautiful but the story and simplistic message is embarassing. It took me a long time to realize the film had many narrators because the language and intonation was the same for everyone. I wanted to love this film.

The 400 Blows (1959)

I'll never forget this film. Still amazing!

[10/10 · 12 February 1999]

This is one of the best films I have ever seen about children. It's not sentimental, but by the time it's over I really wish I could hug this kid. This is one of the most rewarding and perfect films I have seen period. The child protagonist is so likable and misunderstood, it's heartbreaking to see him get deeper and deeper into trouble. While watching this film I never felt like I was being manipulated or preached to in any way. What an accomplishment! The final images are so sad and beautiful. See it!

Rushmore (1998)

Promising, but ultimately flawed

[7/10 · 10 February 1999]

After a brilliant first 30 minutes this film started to drag. I've heard so much about how unconventional this film is, but the ending in which everyone in the film is paired off with a love interest is so annoying. Flawed but funny and worth seeing.

Funny Games (1997)

Stick a fork in it... it's done

[5/10 · 10 February 1999]

It doesn't take a Rocket Scientist to understand what this film wants to say. It's difficult to make a coherent, original statement about violence in western culture. Having the killers talk to the camera serves to distance the audience rather than disturb and reveals the film to be a pretentious construct. The choices made by the tortured family are puzzling and frustrating. The most disturbing thing about this film is that it is so academic and flat. I'm really tired of this type of film.

Desperate Living (1977)

This one takes the cake.

[10/10 · 10 February 1999]

This is John Waters most original and best film. Gross, offensive, ludicrous and off the hook! It has it all: a deadly professional wrestling match, a sex change at knife point and a plot to innoculate an entire town with rabies. Over twenty years old and still outrageous, this gem of a movie rocks!

Grey Gardens (1975)

Brilliant!

[10/10 · 10 February 1999]

This is one of my all-time faves. It takes patience to watch but I guarantee you won't forget this film. Sad, funny, beautiful and crazy!

The Night of the Hunter (1955)

smart, scary, hokey and beautiful

[10 February 1999]

Sometimes hokey, sometimes strikingly original. I recently saw this film after hearing so much about it over the years. If you like crazy noir you have to see it. I'll never forget the beautiful shot of the body underwater.