pharalinga Reviews

Mystery, Alaska (1999)

It didn't make my favorite movies but...

[24 June 2000]

This wasn't a bad film. Not a really good film either but it made for an enjoyable afternoon. The kind of movie you can watch with a friend and talk all the way through and still know where the movie is going.

It seemed to me that no one cast member stepped up and gave it their best shot. The direction seemed weak and the performances kind of meandered. Russell Crowe, not my favorite actor, was just OK. He didn't get my sympathy. Even Maury Chakin didn't get my sympathy and he is by far the finest actor in the piece.

The scenery was nice. Cold and bright. Skating was good to a point. Plot was weak. Overall rating 4+ out of 10.

Stuart Little (1999)

Very sweet, although not up to Classic Disney standards.

[6/10 · 4 June 2000]

Columbia / TriStar are going to have to go some to create childrens / Family theater. The language keeps my four and five year olds from seeing this. Too bad. It was a cute little film and a bit too young for children ten and older. The cast was very good and worked well together. Fox and Lane are always a treat.

Grade B

The Messenger: The Story of Joan of Arc (1999)

PU

[2/10 · 25 May 2000]

The armor, scenery and especially the men in this film are fine and worthy of note. Mila however, I found to be simply terrible as Joan. Overlooking the fact that she is far too old, it seemed to me that she portrayed the fanatical Joan just as she was the fifth element. She is a poor actress at best. I was also sorely disappointed in John Malchovich's performance. A first for me that he has not shone. Faye Dunnaway was her marvelous self, however, and perhaps worth the price of a PPV. I watched this movie with several people varying in age from 22 through 52 and no one liked this film. I was the only one who saw it through to the bitter end. Nuf said.

Dogma (1999)

Wonderfully funny and very well acted by all! Hats off to Kevin Smith!

[8/10 · 25 May 2000]

Grade: A- This movie rocks. The Whole gang loved it and we laughed hard. I particularly like it when a cast commits itself to a concept and this cast did a fine job. Everyone was completely believable. Kevin Smith is a force to be reconned with. I sincerely hope we see much more from him soon. Thank you Kevin for another job well done!

The Matrix (1999)

Considered by some to be a near religious experience

[9/10 · 29 April 2000]

I almost did not see this film because of the preview with Keanu Reeves saying 'Woah'. I am thankful that I watched it anyway. Andy and Larry Wachowski did a superb job both writing and directing this sci-fi (or is it?) actioner. The cast was terrific, including Keanu Reeves. They brought the story bleakly, almost painfully to life. My hack and slash buddies were impressed with the hardware and fire power. I thought the costumes were outstanding. The editing was slick and seamless and the special effects were the star of the show. Grade A (9)

Soldier (I) (1998)

exciting yet thought provoking

[10/10 · 28 April 2000]

I was intrigued by the idea that there might be something scarier than cloning in the future of the military. Fine script, strong characters, well acted, nice special effects. I do appreciate ethical dilemmas and this posed a good one. Well worth watching, and watch carefully, the water is deeper than at first it appears.

End of Days (1999)

Arnold still looks good

[5/10 · 23 April 2000]

As you would expect, there is plenty of great action in this film. Arnold doing what he does so well. I found plenty of humor in End of Days as well and that was great. Just a little too sappy for my taste. It seemed to be trying to be all things to all people. The special effects were pretty good and the suppporting cast, especially Gabriel Byrne were believable. But the story line is weak and I felt the writers took the easy way out. I wanted to know, for instance, where all the other religions of the world were while the catholics were trying to save us all from the devil. Weak. I found lots of other weaknesses in the story but to comment on them might be considered spoiling.

I rated this film 5 - for Arnold, Kevin Pollach, Gabriel Byrne and the special effects crew. It's an actioner and the action was great! Most Arnold fans will like it. Just dont expect it to answer any of you questions about.... Well, you'll see.

The 13th Warrior (1999)

I loved this movie!

[19 April 2000]

Action! Adventure! Incredible scenery and cinematography! But best of all a wonderfully powerful cast! As the deep and thoughtful chieftain Buliwyf, Vladimir Kulich was splendid. He played his part with dignity, power and intelligence. Another stand-out performance was that of Dennis Storhoi who played Herger the Joyous. Perfect timing and temperament. Really fun to watch. Antonio Banderas as the narrator of the piece and, incidentally, the 13th warrior was also fun to watch. He has a knack for humor and uses it well. The whole ensemble cast was a joy to watch as they moved through-out the film as a team of men who valued each others strengths and talents.

The camera work in this film is dangerous and thrilling. Our perspective is intimate and that lends a great deal of excitement to the movie experience. Thank you Mr. Menzes!

The 13th Warrior is for anyone who believes in honor, valor and courage. Also, for anyone who likes Vikings, horses, battles, blood and gore or men. Women who like men will like this movie!