iamlarsx Reviews

Memento (2000)

A Good Brain-scramble

[10/10 · 5 May 2001]

I really liked Memento the first time I saw it, but knew that the real test of a movie like this is if it holds up on a second viewing. I'm pleased to say it does. With the attendant hype, most everyone knows enough about the plot to forgo rehashing it here. But I must urge those who have seen it to give it another viewing: so many little lines and situations have such resonance when you know all the movie's secrets (which I won't spoil). It is most interesting on second viewing to pay close attention to the characters of Natalie and Teddy, as they are the most inscrutable; while they still have great mystery and complexity, it's fun--knowing what you know the second time around--to watch their brains click along and get a better grip on their motives. And not trying to sort out the mystery gives one a better opportunity to savor Guy Pierce's subtle, amazing performance; he is strangely pragmatic about his situation, yet infused with sadness. Not only do I HIGHLY recommend Memento, I recommend it even more as a repeat experience.

Series 7: The Contenders (2001)

Easy Target, Direct Hit

[8/10 · 1 April 2001]

Sure, sure, I went for the obvious joke in my summary line--something this movie at first really seems to do. The target is television reality shows: something that just screams to be satirized. But, surprisingly, the movie rises above its own obviousness and really twirls off in unexpected directions. Presented as a "marathon" from the previous season of episodes, "Series 7: The Contenders" gives us a (very-near future?)vision of a world in which reality tv has been taken to the extreme-sport-level of actual murder. These contestants--chosen significantly against their will--stalk each other and fight to the death. Reigning champion Dawn (the always-exciting Brooke Smith) is back to do battle in her hometown; the fact that she is heavily pregnant gives her mission (and the movie) a depth it wouldn't deserve. But, despite some serious moments and some serious violence, this is a comedy. Luckily, it succeeds as such. While often focusing on the conspicuous joke, "Series 7" does so with demented glee; this is blacker-than-black comedy. An ability to laugh at death is certainly a prerequisite to enjoying the film. But writer/director Daniel Minahan is best at finding the humor in our national susceptibility to being manipulated--especially when it comes to television. Some of the most piercingly funny bits are when non-contestant characters react to being part of the drama of the show; I especially love when Dawn's very young niece grabs at her moment in the spotlight (the girl's age also gives the moment a little extra creepiness--this kid knows the tricks already!). Most viewers will see the little "twists" coming well before they happen--though there is a goofy surprise at the end--but the dead-on casting makes this a treat to sit through. Minahan's characters are all distinct, yet all crazed in exactly the same way, so it's fun to see how they react to the demands of the game--and, with the exception of Dawn, patently dig their proverbial 15 minutes of fame.

Cobra Woman (1944)

Camp par excellence!

[10/10 · 20 March 2001]

Oh, kids, this is the one to beat for pure camp ecstasy! (Okay, okay, maybe "The Oscar" is worse, but its pleasures are tawdrier) "Cobra Woman" has every dumb, boneheaded, low-budg, tacky genre cliche all in one swell package. If you haven't seen this, you just aren't as camp-hip as you think. "Gif me tha cob-dah jool!"

Walking and Talking (1996)

Best "chick-flick" ever

[10/10 · 27 February 2001]

I almost hesitate to call "Walking and Talking" a chick-flick, because that would seem to denigrate this wonderful little movie. But, if it is one, at least it is the best chick flick ever made. Everyone has a special best friend, and one can appreciate these women's friendship no matter one's sex, age, persuasion, etc. The best thing in the movie is the ease with which Keener and Heche really seem to be best friends. They have screen chemistry most love stories would be blessed to find. There isn't a moment when you don't feel these women are real-life best friends and not actresses. Pitched at a perfect low-key lope, and splendidly acted by all: everyone seems to have a great connection to their costars. Best moments: Catherine Keener and Liev Schreiber in a hammock, and Keener and Heche's hand-holding laughter in the final shot. Great little movie.

High Tide (1987)

Little-known treasure

[27 February 2001]

This is one film I am always recommending to friends looking for something "different" to see. On paper it sounds like one of those 1940's "women's pictures" but in execution it is something really special and beautiful. Gillian Armstrong adds real texture and symbolic heft to the simple story--those speeding-camera shots of the water are wonderful!--and is aided by a sublime cast. Judy Davis gives what is, for my money, quite possibly the greatest performance ever captured on film. She has two scenes in particular--the initial confrontation with her ex-mother-in-law, and a lengthy conversation in a parked car with her daughter where she tries to explain and make sense of her life--that are just extraordinary. This is acting of the highest order and, like the film itself, rises above its meager melodramatic roots.

They All Laughed (1981)

Great little moments

[8/10 · 12 February 2001]

"They All Laughed" is one of those little movies I am always recommending to friends seeking something out of the ordinary. It is firmly rooted in the screwball romance traditions of the past, but seems more contemporary. Even the decidedly early 80s atmosphere doesn't date it too much. Bogdanovich wisely keeps the whole enterprise so light on its feet, that reality never brings it crashing down to earth. But, that said, this sort of sweet little movie absolutely relies on the actors to keep it going, and "TAL" is blessed with a dream cast who understand the requirements of this sort of tale. It is a movie that wouldn't linger so long in the memory if it weren't for the little moments provided by the excellent cast: Colleen Camp's simultaneously shouting orders at John Ritter and her dog; Blaine Novak unleashing all that hair from under his hat; and especially the moment Dorothy Stratten falls for John Ritter and says, "How...weird." It's such a piece of fluff one doesn't want to lay too much on it for fear of crushing it, but it is certainly does leave one with a light heart and a smile on one's face.

Before Night Falls (2000)

Recommended, with reservations.

[3 February 2001]

Interesting if not wholly successful adaptation of Reinaldo Arenas's memoir operates more on mood and imagery than advancing storyline. This works most of the time--Schnabel seems to be taking us into Arenas's head, letting us view the world through his poetic sensibilities--but equally often it seems like needless flash. Arenas had such a dramatic life, it seems silly to not let the events speak for themselves. Still, one is not bored; at least, not until Arenas finally arrives in New York and the film just...stops...for awhile. But this is worth seeing, don't get me wrong. Aside from the unintentionally funny sight of Sean Penn making like Ricky Ricardo (that accent!)as a Cuban peasant, this is wonderfully acted. Javier Bardem is very moving, especially in the earlier sequences when we see his determination to have a happy life under such oppressive circumstances. And Johnny Depp continues to just astound one. He is his generation's Paul Newman; when Depp is onscreen here (and nearly anywhere) he just wipes everyone else away.

I Saw What You Did (1965)

Surprisingly good little movie

[7/10 · 2 February 2001]

Fun, tight little thriller. Its very low budget hurts a bit, but the plot is so ingenious that it would be hard to screw it up. Dated, sure, but enjoyable on many levels--not the least of which is a visibly drunk Joan Crawford (in the infamous "ge' ou'a here" scene). The climactic scene is still pretty spooky, though it has been copied to death--not that it was all that original to begin with. I'm making the movie sound worse than it is; it's actually very good.