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DiverBen
Reviews
The World Is Not Enough (1999)
A Low Point in Bond History
"TWINE" was definitely a disappointment. Yes, it has great effects, great action, and great gadgets, but certain elements of the movie were just off. The normally sharp and wry Bond quips are too-cute and a bit more over the line than the norm, and there were so many one-liners that by the end the audience that I was a part of were groaning (note the final line of the movie). The "good" Bond girl was overly one-dimensioned (but very much "3D"). It was very much a Bond movie, even innovative in the villain department (who was the worst bad "guy" in the film?), but the parts they messed with made this a disappointment, with GoldenEye and TND being super movies. Go see it, but keep your expectations low and you'll enjoy the blank-minded laughs and cool action/effects.
Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace (1999)
Not the greatest, but still amazing
After seeing it I could understand why some critics didn't like it. The first half of the movie is rather jumbled, and you never really get a feel for some of the characters. The Gungan accents are usually irritating and indecipherable (though the Trade Federation aliens and Watto's accents are cool and entertaining). Worse, Anakin Skywalker is a really annoying kid (except when he's hitting on Natalie Portman).
But on the whole, this is ONE amazing movie. The scenes will constantly leave your jaw hanging, and some of the action will just make you go "woah". Should be the definition of "computer effects" for a while. And luckily, all the pieces finally come together in the final half of the movie, and the finale is spectacular. There are also many hilarious/ironic details and moments.
Overall, this is a fantastic movie; not great, but certainly NOT shabby. Maybe one notch beneath Return of the Jedi, which is probably the least greatest of The Three. Episode I also bears a lot of similarity to A New Hope in many ways, except it doesn't have as strong a "soul" as that movie did. But anyway, go see this movie a few times! You won't be able to resist not doing so, and plus the second time around it's much better.
The Living Sea (1995)
Journey through the seas via IMAX
This IMAX film is a breathtaking look at the workings of the world's oceans and its inhabitants. Magnificent cinematography makes this film an awesome sight on the giant screen. The magic is lost on video, however. But it is nevertheless an informative and beautifully filmed documentary. Also check out the great soft jazz/new age/pop soundtrack by Sting.