bridgecross Reviews

Executive Decision (1996)

Not the best actioner, but it works.

[7/10 · 14 August 2002]

Any movie in which Steven Seagal dies before the action even gets started is all right by me. And Oliver Platt is just cool. Good tension is created with the 'sleeper' terrorist plot device. I like an ensemble cast in an action movie better than the 'one man against the world' style of Die Hard. 7/10

The 73rd Annual Academy Awards (2001 TV Special)

Chortle

[9/10 · 21 August 2001]

Please, banish Billy Crystal forever! Steve Martin's sly, understated wit, and his willingness to anger the humorless talent in the audience, was brilliant and refreshing. He was gracious without pandering or being silly. The bad; once again the Best Picture award went to a film nobody will remember five years from now.

The Blair Witch Project (1999)

A movie on crutches.

[3/10 · 11 September 1999]

A few comments down some genius explains how to make this movie more enjoyable. It seems that if we just go to the official "Blair Witch" web site and read up on the mythology, we understand the movie better and it becomes more interesting and scary.

If that's what movies have come to, then we should just stop going to the theater! A movie that doesn't stand on its own without a multimedia blitz? I'm supposed to do research before seeing it? Maybe I should be in the theater with my laptop and a wireless modem absorbing the hype and ignoring the movie.

I think of the $120 million this crud has earned and I want to cry. The only bright spot is that it's going to bomb internationally.

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

High expectations.

[6/10 · 20 May 1999]

Loved it! Hated it! Loved it! Hated it! For anyone who is a true Star Wars fan, but also a discriminating moviegoer, this film will pull you in several directions at once. You'll wince whenever Anakin opens his mouth, but when the good ole Tusken raiders start sniping at the pod race you'll grin from ear to ear. The pulse quickens during scenes like the R2 units crawling about a spaceship exterior during a battle, but such moments are placed between ponderous dialogue sequences with Neeson and McGregor (not their fault). Natalie Portman has some true sparks and her talent shows through her undeveloped character. When she professes to feel a connection with Anakin you can believe it, which set the stage for the next film wonderfully. Too bad Jake Lloyd can't emote; she may as well be talking to a wooden doll. The whole thing is of course visually seamless, and sets a new standard for all movies, not just sci-fi. But there's a quote attributed to Harrison Ford on the set during the original movies; "You can type this sh*! George, but you sure can't say it."