MrNews-2 Reviews

Pushing Tin (1999)

A film that could have been better

[30 December 1999]

John Cusack, Billy Bob Thornton, Cate Blanchett and Angelina Jolie are cast in `Pushing Tin,' a film that is supposed to be a comedy, but ends up missing the punchline at the end with me. Nick `the zone' Falzone (Cusack) has a beautiful wife Connie (Blanchett) two young children and a job he is good at. He seems to have it all until a new transfer, Russell Bell (Thornton), comes to work with Falzone. Added to the mix is Mary Bell (Jolie), Russell's beautiful and attractive wife. Despite the talent assembled by Director Mike Newell, `Pushing Tin' was a movie that did not quite make any of my top ten lists. The plot of this film was a little confusing to follow. Bell is the new air traffic controller at Falzone's place of business and jealousy immediately shows its green eye as Cusack becomes jealous of Thornton's popularity at work and soon in his private life. Thornton's entrance on the screen was one that went well with the character he There were only a few things that I found amusing with the plot of `Pushing Tin.' There was only one joke that was truly funny and it didn't come from any of the major cast members. The other thing I enjoyed was how Cusack and Thornton's character played off each other.

Cusack and Thornton meet face to face for the fist time in a bar for a dare to see who could hold a match the longest while it is still lit. `Pushing Tin' was a film that could have been a lot better if the audience saw more humor from Cusack and Thornton; therefore based upon the end result I give this movie a (C+) for its attempt at humor.

Bringing Out the Dead (1999)

Pronounced dead at the box office

[1/10 · 27 October 1999]

"Bringing Out The Dead" is the worst film of the year that I have seen. I can't believe that the theatres allowed this film to be showed. I didn't see any type of plot or point to making the film.

The only thing I enjoyed about this film was Ving Rhames. Rhames exploded on the screen with comedy that revived the audience for a short while; however, when he left so did my attention.

I wasn't really sure what the film was about because the plot was so confusing. I thought it was pretty poorly put together. It seemed Cage and a partner that he was given at the beginning of each shift would collect people from the streets and bring them to a hospital and do it again when they were done. I did not see the point in a film that would have a plot like this.

The Out-of-Towners (1999)

An inconsistent comedy with okay jokes

[10 October 1999]

I have always enjoyed Steve Martin and Goldie Hawn; however, I'm not to sure they work to well as a comedy duo. In one of Martin's previous roles he had played a dramatic role in "The Spanish Prisoner", which seemed to fit him better than play a comedic part. The jokes in this movie seemed to be old and unoriginal. I can't deny that this film was all bad; I did enjoyed bits and pieces of it; however, it seemed like it had been done before under the guise of a different movie title. It just did not have originality for me to keep my attention. It is a light hearted film that is worth seeeing at home for rent. I am just happy I didn't spend money to see at the theatres.

Titanic (1997)

Three hours of pure magic

[8 October 1999]

How does one describe the perfect film? In order to answer this question, one must watch the perfect film. In this case "Titanic" is the perfect film.

It owned all the qualities that make a film #1: action, drama, suspense, romance and action. "Titanic" is the personification of excellence and perfection.

It contained brilliant performances by Kate Winslet, Leonardo DiCaprio, Billy Zane and Kathy Bates.

I was truly impressed by the performance of Billy Zane's Cal who was the jealous fiance to Kate Winslet's Rose. The casting director knew what he was doing when he chose Zane because the role role was played with such ease.

The set design and costumes that overseen by Director James Cameron was done with careful attention to detail. The accuracy of the set and costumes was superb it was not easy to tell the difference whether or not it was made or real.

I have seen "Titanic" seven times and will continue to see as long as I own the movie because it was that well done.

This continues to be one of the best films I have seen; everyone should SEE IT again.

Mystery, Alaska (1999)

An excellent film; the best of 1999

[10/10 · 7 October 1999]

In a place where the sheriff is captain, the grocer is the marquee player, a high school senior who is the rising star of the team, and the town judge is the coach comes a hockey team from a small town on the outskirts of greatness. Russell Crowe leads all-star cast that included Hank Azaria, Mary McCormack, Lolita Davidovich, Ron Eldard, Colm Meaney, Maury Chaykin and Burt Reynolds in "Mystery, Alaska." Full of hope, pride and determination, "Mystery, Alaska" will capture the hearts of the audience. A 13 year tradition in Mystery where everybody comes together to participate in the Saturday game, a hockey game played every Saturday, draws the interest of the National Hockey League and the New York Rangers.

Charles Danner (Azaria) comes to propose this challenge to the townspeople of Mystery. After some debate at a town meeting, the mayor (Meaney) accepts the challenge to play the Rangers; the players must put their personal feelings aside to win the game. This game between the team from Mystery and the Rangers becomes a David and Goliath match-up, which ultimately comes down to which team can outduel the other first. Can the team from Mystery rise to the challenge given by the New York Rangers? Russell Crowe is an actor that has brought integrity to his roles such as Officer Bud White in "L.A. Confidential." Crowe, who received critical praise as Bud White, brought the same amount of integrity to "Mystery, Alaska," as soft-spoken Sheriff John Biebe. Burt Reynolds, who has starred in Boogie Nights and received an Oscar nomination for his role as Jack Horner, portrayed hard-nosed Judge Walter Burns in "Mystery Alaska." Reynolds role as Judge Burns turned out to be very impressive since it seemed that he took his time and enjoyed portraying the small town judge/coach from Mystery. Co-writers David E. Kelley and Sean O'Byrne as well as director Jay Roach work in conjunction to make one of the best films in 1999. Kelley, who has enjoyed success as producer of "The Practice," Ally McBeal", "Chicago Hope," "L.A. Law" and "Picket Fences," has brought originality to the film. This film allows the audience to sit back, relax and focus on putting themselves in the movie. "Mystery, Alaska" is a highly recommended film that should be seen by everybody because it was performed by a talented cast, well-put together by the writers and director, has a great plot, and noteworthy performances by the actors. Rated "R" for language and a scene of sexuality, "Mystery, Alaska" has a running length of 120 minutes.

Double Jeopardy (1999)

The Fugitive all over again

[5 October 1999]

Tommy Lee Jones, Ashley Judd, Bruce Greenwood, Annabeth Gish and newcomer Spencer Treat Clark round out a talented cast in "Double Jeopardy." Libby Parsons (Judd) has led a good life; she is married to Nick (Greenwood) she loves, a son named Matty (Clark) she adores and her best friend Angie (Gish) that she can rely on. However, the good life will become a nightmare as Libby is soon thrust into the spotlight and stands accused of her husband's murder while on a romantic weekend of sailing. Libby is convicted of Nick's murder and is sent to prison. Rather than have Matty become a ward of the state, Libby asked Angie to adopt Matty. After only one meeting between mother and son, Matty is taken to San Francisco where this film takes a surprising twist. This twist, which is the re-emergence of Nick Parsons takes Libby through emotions that give her a reason to get out of prison and find Matty. 10 years in prison and Libby is paroled to begin her mission to find Matty. One person stands in the way and his name is Travis Lehman (Jones). Filmed in Vancouver British Columbia, the first part of "Double Jeopardy" was enjoyable; however, it faltered in the latter half when it became apparent that it would be just like "The Fugitive." Also, Judd's performance as the betrayed mother was overplayed and should have focused equally if not more about taking revenge on Nick. Director Bruce Beresford deserves credit when he changes the stereotypical combination of male cop versus male villain to having a vileness for a fugitive. As good as this film was, Jones needs to move on to pursue roles other than a federal marshal in pursuit of a fugitive. "Double Jeopardy" is worth the price of admission if for nothing else the reaction of Nick when Libby finally locates her dead husband. "Double Jeopardy" is rated "R" for language, a scene of sexuality and some violence.