mwpressley Reviews

Face/Off (1997)

Superior action film with talented cast. (Some spoilers)

[8/10 · 7 November 2000]

Face/Off is an enthralling action film with a lot of talent. Cage does a wonderful job of playing the deliciously evil Caster Troy and then playing the good guy. To this date, I don't think Cage has had a character quite as vibrant or sexy. Travolta is passable in this film and although he is not really the best actor, he is supported by all the talent surrounding him. Travolta turns in one of his better performances. The special effects in this movie are wonderful and the action sequences are adrenaline fueled. I wish they used someone different from Travolta but Cage makes up for his weaknesses. All in all I gave this film a nine and recommend it if you haven't seen it.

Con Air (1997)

A lot of bang for your buck

[7/10 · 7 November 2000]

Con Air is a typical action flick which has been elevated by a superior cast of not so typical actors. Nicolas Cage plays Cameron Poe, a military man sent to prison for defending himself, who is on his way home to see his family for the first time in seven years. He boards a plane filled with an assortment of psycho criminals and when they overtake the plane his military programming sets in. He decides to save the day. Malkovich does a wonderful job playing the memorable villain Cyrus "The Virus". Buscemi, John Cusack and Ving Rhames all support this film with their talent. This movie is entertaining. The only two flaws I can see is Cage's inconsistent southern accent and the fact that anyone who knows Vegas has to wonder how they hit the guitar on the Hard Rock cafe (which isn't really that far off the ground) and ended up crashing by the Fremont Street Experience??? They would have taken out half the casinos on the strip! But who cares, its the movies!!

Summer School (1987)

80's teen comedy at its very best.

[10/10 · 7 November 2000]

Summer School is one of my undeniable favorites of the 80's. I saw this movie when I was in seventh grade and I really can't think of a movie that has made me laugh more. Mark Harmon was adorable as the drifting P.E. teacher who is roped into teaching remedial English for a summer. His class consist of a variety of personalities who probably all could be diagnosed with ADD. Chainsaw, played by a very under appreciated Dean Cameron, and Dave steal the show with their over the top dedication to being class clowns and slackers. The best thing about this movie is over ten years later I still find it a riot. If you haven't given this little comedy a chance you have to run to blockbuster and rent it.

St. Elmo's Fire (1985)

Love, loss and yuppiedom in the 80's

[8/10 · 26 October 2000]

St. Elmos Fire is a look at life of several friends who have just graduated college and are making the transition from frat parties and college football to real world decisions and backing up their degree. Although in hindsight this movie really isn't the best movie, I gave it a ten because at one time I could really relate to the characters sense of trying to redefine who they are. Demi Moore was definitely one of the weaker performances and you want to reach into the screen and smack her around for being such a half-wit snob. The rest of the cast did a really good job. The music from this movie is phenomenal. I think the reason I love this movie despite all its flaws is it makes me put my life in perspective and think about the friends and decisions I have made. Everytime I hear the love theme I can't help but feel sentimental. So all in all I gave it a hesitant 10 not for the performances, script or direction. I gave it a 10 because it hits home.

Poltergeist (1982)

Fantastic Scare for the whole family.

[10/10 · 26 October 2000]

Poltergiest is a wonderful ghost story with amazing special effects, great characterization and a musical score that brings out all the elements of the movie. I saw this movie when I was about seven years old and it is one of the first horror movies I ever saw. The scene that scared me the most at the time was the tree coming into the window and that pink form coming out of the closet door. What is so exceptional is it is scary from every point of view. Now I find it a terrifying concept to have your little girl disappear into a place you can't protect her. From a child's eye to an adults this film is an exceptional piece of work and I gave it a 10.

The Haunting (1999)

If you crave a haunted house flick, go with House on Haunted Hill

[5/10 · 25 October 2000]

The Haunting was a special effect spectacular starring a very life-like house. The house had some amazing tricks up its sleeve and put in a wonderful performance. Unfortunately the human counterparts didn't have as developed of roles. All of the stars in this movie seemed to be taking a hiatus in their acting career to do a freebie for a beginning screenwriter. Catherine Zeta-Jones is a stunning vision but her character has no depth or decent lines to work with. Lili Taylor makes the best of it and her character is definitely the most interesting in the film. Liam Neeson seems bored and Owen (can't remember his last name as of now) seems to be transplanted in from a different movie. Lots of talent, lots of promise but no deliver. See House on Haunted Hill. Though its not a masterpiece at least it has some balance between effects and character.

8MM (1999)

Disturbing, effective film

[8/10 · 25 October 2000]

8MM is a very dark, disturbing film that isn't for everyone. Nicolas Cage puts in an excellent performance as a private detective named Tom Welles who is hired to investigate whether a snuff film is real or acted. His journey takes him farther and farther into the realm of pornography. Every minute of this film is suspenseful and riveting. I also found Joaquin Phoenix's performance to be outstanding as well. This movie does a wonderful job of creating a dark mood and exploring the motives and drives behind its characters. One of Cage's best, and a severely under-rated film.

The Mask of Zorro (1998)

Romantic adventure with a charismatic cast.

[9/10 · 25 October 2000]

This was a highly entertaining, adventurous movie with a wonderful balance of elements. Banderas is appealing as the roguish Zorro and Jones is captivating as the heroine, Elena. Anthony Hopkins rounds out this fine cast. The movie is a modernization of the classic story of Zorro and the update is enjoyable. A lot of chemistry flowed between Banderas and Jones and, although a PG-13 movie, the sword fighting scene is sensual and playful. This is a wonderful movie and features a beautiful duet between latin sensation Marc Anthony and Tina Arena. One of the few movies that continue to give to the audience when the credits start to roll.

Armageddon (1998)

Astounding on first viewing but doesn't hold up over time.

[6/10 · 25 October 2000]

The first time I saw Armageddon I enjoyed the wonderful effects and the harrowing situation the characters were in. It had a great cast including talents such as Bruce Willis, Liv Tyler, Steven Buscemi and Michael Duncan Clark, a sweet love story, a strained father-daughter relationship and adrenaline filled action. A lot of the dialogue was hilarious and the serious moments were touching. After seeing this movie several times it becomes boring in some parts and seems kind of long. It was a movie that was an experience but not something you could lose yourself in repeatedly.

Can't Buy Me Love (1987)

Wonderful 80's fare

[9/10 · 25 October 2000]

This is one of my favorite films that came out of the glamorized, over the top decade of the 80's. Patrick Dempsey is believable and likeable as the nerd Ronald Miller. Ronald Miller is tired of sitting on the visitors side of the football game, not being able to walk down the "cool" hall and having his social engagements consist of a night of poker and "chips, dips and dorks". Mowing yard after yard he finally saves enough money for his dream telescope when he sees the damsel of his dreams in distress. The darling little valley girl has spilled red wine on her mom's obscenely expensive suede outfit and is desperate. Our loveable geek makes a business deal that his him walking the cool hall the next day. This film shows a lot of the pitfalls of being a teenager and how being popular really isn't all its cracked up to be. The dialogue is often funny and at other times touching. Patrick Dempsey turns his character into a warm, vibrant person who in the end you can forgive for being so shallow. Don't miss the "anteater ritual".

Fried Green Tomatoes (1991)

A tale of friendship in the South

[10/10 · 18 October 2000]

Fried Green Tomatoes is one of my all time favorite movies. Beautifully filmed, this movie shares with its audience the tale of two women who become best friends and share loss, joy and adventures together. The movie starts in the present where Bates' character becomes friends with an older lady in the nursing home played by Jessica Tandy. Through this older lady, Bates begins to heart the story of two women who grew up in the early 1900's named Idgie Thresgood (played by the fabulous Mary Stuart-Masterson) and Ruth (Mary Louise-Parker). Idgie is a hellion wild child and Ruth is a straight-laced reserved woman. The two become close friends and the story follows the different difficulties and triumphs these two women face. The story manages to keep a delicate balance between the drama, comedy and different times this story takes place well. A beautiful Southern locale, excellent actresses and a wonderful script make this movie a classic. I give it a rating of ten because this movie is a moving, smile-provoking piece of work. Also has one of the best parking lot rage scenes of all times.

When Harry Met Sally... (1989)

The Ultimate Romantic Comedy.

[10/10 · 18 October 2000]

When Harry Met Sally in undeniably one of the best romantic comedies I have ever seen. I gave this movie a ten because no movie after it has managed to captivate its audience with its humor and honesty since. Meg Ryan is unforgettable as the high maintenace Sally and Billy Crystal (although not very handsome) manages to bring an attractive, insightful character to the screen. This film has a highly talented supporting cast, great music and excellent writing. I saw this movie when I was in seventh grade and loved it. As I have matured through the years the more I realize how true to life this movie is. A definite must see.

Dark Angel (2000–2002)

Wonderful way to spend a Tuesday night.

[17 October 2000]

I actually was able to catch this show the very first night and instantly became a fan of this intriguing new series. The lead character Max is a beautiful, genetically engineered youth who encounters danger around every turn. A likeable cast of characters and episodes with some suspense make this new Fox show a welcomed addition.

I'm very excited to see what direction the show is going in and how the relationships between the characters will develop. In one of the previous reviews the reviewer stated that Max would end up rescuing Logan Cale, but I think it is developing more into a partnership. The chemistry between the two characters is sizzling and in the third episode we are getting to see more interaction between Max and her female friends.

My only criticism of Dark Angel is some of the dialogue. Max seems to have quite a fashionable vocabulary for a genetically engineered loner and occasionally gives a great impression of Silverstone in Clueless.

I feel the show is getting better and better with each episode. I will definitely be tuning in next week.

The Faculty (1998)

One of the better Post-Scream teen horror/comedies.

[6/10 · 17 October 2000]

The Faculty was one of the better movies to come along featuring a teen cast after Scream. The movie features some proven actors and talented fresh faces. Clea Duvall would later turn in an effective, polished performance in the outstanding movie Girl, Interrupted and Josh Hartnett has a lot of potential. I loved seeing Famke Jenssen as one of the teachers. I think she is a great actress in need of a good role. Kind of a gothic Julia Roberts. The plot basically consists of the clique leaders of a typical American high school going against aliens invading members of the faculty. This sounds like a pretty tired plot,and in all honesty it is, but it works because of the fact talent actually exists in this cast. This is definitely a watchable film and it has some fun moments.

I Know What You Did Last Summer (1997)

Better acting might have helped this mediocre film.

[3/10 · 17 October 2000]

This movie obviously was hoping to ride the coat tails of Scream to box office success. This movie might have been better if they had the actors read lines instead of sending in modeling portfolios. Sarah Michelle Gellar is a beautiful face but her acting definitely needs to stay on TV. Same with Hewitt. The male side of the cast isn't much better. Out of all the horror movies that came out hoping to cash in on the success of Scream this was the worst.

First of all, I never really cared what happened to the kids in this. In fact they reminded me of those clique-minded, air head snobs I knew back in high school. I was pulling for the man with the hook. The murders were not all that interesting and the relationships between the characters were not that strong. I didn't care if the lead characters stayed together, I didn't care if Gellar and Hewitt stayed friends and I definitely did not care if they stayed alive.

This just was not a good horror movie. It wasn't even a good bad horror movie. If I am going to watched a bunch of mindless teens get hacked, Night of The Demons did it better.

Scream (1996)

Riveting, original and engrossing.

[10/10 · 17 October 2000]

I loved the first Scream. I didn't know what to expect and I saw it at one of those cheap seat theatres. It was the most satisfying $1.50 I have ever spent on a movie. I've been watching horror movies since I was very young and the first scene of this movie had me on the edge of my seat and legitimately scared. The self aware feeling of the movie and the many references to past horror films was a double treat for any horror movie buff. Wes Craven attempted this with the last Nightmare on Elm Street (new Nightmare) and suceeded mildly. For Scream, he honed this wicked sense of comedy and made a ground breaking, unpredictable film.

All the acting performances in this film were leagues above all the movies it is paying homage to. Campbell was convincingly tortured and confused as Sidney. Ulrich was excellent and subtly creepy as Billy. Courtney Cox makes the best PMS affected, over achieving, self centered reporter I have ever seen. For once, a movie combined suspense, gore, and humor in a way that leaves the audience satisfied.

Freddy's Dead: The Final Nightmare (1991)

Only I wouldn't buy

[4/10 · 28 September 2000]

I am a fan of the Nightmare series but this one is horrible. The deaths are so trendy. If you were to watch this 20 years later the whole nintendo scene is outdated. I did like the flashbacks. I think they should have just made a prequel about when he was still alive. That would have been more interesting. This is a movie you can take or leave. Depends on how much spare time you have.

A Nightmare on Elm Street: The Dream Child (1989)

Not bad, not good, not much

[6/10 · 28 September 2000]

This is a film that digresses in cinematic value as you get older. When I first saw it I loved it and thought the scenes with Amanda were a great way of expanding the Krueger story. The death scenes were at times creative and others really cheesy. I like the visuals in this movie but the characters were underdeveloped and the acting (with the exception of Alice and the black girl from Summer School who can't drive) was definitely not Oscar worthy. I liked the opening scene where she is in the shower and found that creepy but the rest is definitely not a Krueger classic.

A Nightmare on Elm Street 4: The Dream Master (1988)

I liked it but I'm also a fan. Possible spoilers

[7/10 · 28 September 2000]

This was a decent sequel. There were a lot of interesting effects and some memorable one liners. Quite a high body count and not nearly as menacing as the first three. Some of the effects were unneccesary and were just eye candy such as the special order pizza. I do like Lisa Wilcox as Alice and thought she made an intelligent heroine. Thankfully she replaced Kristen whose character was ruined by the replacement in this one. My favorite scene in this one was the grotesque cockroach transformation scene with the great line "YOu can check in, but you can never check out". A lot of people hate the comical Freddy but he does actually say some funny things.

A Nightmare on Elm Street 3: Dream Warriors (1987)

Freddy done with a little ambition

[8/10 · 28 September 2000]

This is definitely one of the best in the series. I like how it took place in a mental hospital and how the use of dreams came back into the storyline. Although the dream power theme is something more reminiscent of Spiderman or other cartoon teams, I enjoyed it just the same. Some of the lines in this from Freddy were great and appropriate for the scene and then other lines from other characters definitely needed some polishing. I love the tv scene, the faucet fixtures from hell and the puppet scene. This is definitely one of the best nightmare on Elm Streets.