Let me preface my comments by saying that I hate it when they replace actors with new ones in sequels. Having said that, I was nervous when I heard that they were making this film without Jodie Foster. Her performance last time was so memorable and perfect that I truly didn't think that this film could succeed without her. Then, I heard that they cast Julianne Moore in her place and was not nearly as nervous. Moore is a gifted actress who could pull something like this off, I thought, and I was right. Moore is excellent in this film, bringing to life a 10 years older Clarice Starling, somewhat more vulnerable, but more experienced. Hopkins is awesome as usual, but really, we have come to expect that from him. The film is beautifully directed and edited by Ridley Scott, and the grand sweeping shots of Florence help to create a visually stunning film. Hans Zimmer's musical score is also excellent combining the fear of the serial killer that is Hannibal Lecter, with the sophisticated beauty of his tastes. Gary Oldman turns in an adequate performance, although the Mason in the book is more scary than cartoonish, and in this film, he is pretty much a villian from a Scooby Doo show. We could use less of him and more Starling-Lecter time. The build up is excellent and the film may not be as excellent as Silence of the Lambs, but it is more fun. Clearly, Scott, and Hopkins are having fun. Quotes like "goody goody" "okey dokey" and his answering of a cell phone to talk to Clarice for the first time are classic Lecter. This film is also not nearly as scary as the first film, mainly due to the fact that you are not afraid of what Hannibal will do to Clarice. You know he doesn't want to kill her, so there really is no suspense there. They even managed to change the ending of the film to reflect the general tone of the book, without the unbelievable result between Starling and Lecter, and yes, it certainly leaves open for another sequel. It is definitely an above average sequel and is truly worth an invitation to dinner.
Reviews
12 Reviews
Cast Away
(2000)
Great performance by Hanks
3 January 2001
Cast Away is a decent film about the survivor of a plane crash. Tom Hanks proves his acting ability once more in a distinguished career, as he has over an hour of screen time by himself, with no actor to play off of and no musical score in the background. Such a feat is nearly impossible to pull off without strong acting abilities. The film is a little long, but the crash scene is very hauntingly real and the performance by Hanks is worth seeing.
The X Files
(1998)
Strong Movie Ties Together TV Show
3 January 2001
This movie will be enjoyable to both fans of the long running show and newcomers to the X-Files world. Gillian Anderson and David Duchovny both turn in strong performances and the story is classic X-Files. Definitely worth a watch. Hopefully Carter will build upon this feature debut to create a film franchise from the hit TV show.
Saving Private Ryan
(1998)
War Epic worth a watch
3 January 2001
Steven Spielberg and Tom Hanks have succeeded in creating an excellent World War II film that vividly depicts the sights of war, while providing a story with a heart. The character driven story of a band of American soldiers sent to rescue Private Ryan is powerful and moving, and the performances by all involved are impressive to say the least. Viewing the beach scene at the beginning of the film moves you to honor and respect the sacrifice made by those brave men in WWII. The music, the camera work and the directing make this epic a successful film worth watching and keeping in your own collection!
Titanic
(1997)
Even Cheesy Dialogue Can't Sink This Ship
3 January 2001
James Cameron's Oscar winning Titanic was a great film that could be even better if given some better dialogue and some more mature acting. Leo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet do well in their roles, but a lot of the dialogue from Cameron is weak at best. Winslet succeeds in her role much better than DiCaprio, although both have their good moments and their weak spots. The supporting cast helps to bring the real life people of the Titanic to life, most notably by Kathy Bates. What Cameron lacks in dialogue writing, he more than makes up for in the accuracy of the re-created ship and it's icy plunge into the frigid North Atlantic. The film is worth viewing for the scenes of the ship's sinking alone. James Horner's musical score is also terrific. Cameron and crew have succeeded in making a grand epic as in days of old. Get past the cheesy lines of the 2 stars and you will be in for one great ride.
Life Is Beautiful
(1997)
Superb Film Benigni
3 January 2001
This film does the impossible. It tells an incredibly funny story that is set during the holocaust in WWII, that also depicts the horrible truth about the holocaust and the suffering of the Jewish people. Roberto Benigni's film is a wonder that it can accomplish both. The playful way his character tries to woo his future wife, and then shields his child from the awful truth of the concentration camp that they find themselves in is amazing. This film is a must see to anyone with a heart. It is a powerful statement and an enjoyable film.
Crimson Tide
(1995)
Great Suspense Thriller
3 January 2001
Crimson Tide is an action packed suspense thriller filled with great intense performances by Gene Hackman and Denzel Washington. Both men's performances are worthy of Oscar gold and are worth seeing this film alone. The build up of tension between the two characters as they disagree about how to act in the face of a nuclear threat from Russia is tremendous. A must see for any suspense film fans!
The Silence of the Lambs
(1991)
Superior Suspense Thriller
3 January 2001
Jonathan Demme's Silence of the Lambs is perhaps the best suspense thriller that I have ever seen. Anthony Hopkins is extraordinary as serial killer Dr. Hannibal Lecter, and he gets to play off of an excellent performance by Jodie Foster as Clarice Starling. Both won Oscars, and both deservedly so. Hopkins is so menacing as Lecter that even behind the bars or the glass you are terrified of him. The direction of the film provides a tight moving suspenseful storyline that moves along at a perfectly timed pace. Demme's film is a landmark film elevated to the level of masterpiece by the performances of its two stars, Hopkins and Foster. A definite must-see for anyone with the courage to do so!
Ghostbusters II
(1989)
Sequel Scares up more fun
3 January 2001
In this 1989 sequel to the original blockbuster, the storyline picks up 5 years later as Dana Barrett (Sigourney Weaver) is trying to move on with her life and her new baby. Soon, ghostly forces are at work to attack her and her baby, and once again she enlists the help of the Ghostbusters. The film is a strong sequel and is almost as fun as the original, but some plot holes and loose ends make this not nearly as good. The romance of Annie Potts' Janine and Rick Moranis' Louis is funny, but there is no explanation of what happened with her romance with Egon from the first one. A lot of the story and humor is recycled from the original, but fans of the first film will definitely enjoy this above-average sequel.
Aliens
(1986)
Sequel better than original
3 January 2001
One of the very few times a sequel is better than the original film, but Aliens succeeds in being a action filled sci-fi story with a brain. Sigourney Weaver provides a tough female hero in her strong performance as Ripley. Her difficulty dealing with the events of Alien and her determination to destroy these aliens make her enjoyable to watch. The film is a must see for anyone who likes sci-fi or action, and will be at least enjoyable to those not familiar with sci-fi as well.
Ghostbusters
(1984)
Who You Gonna Call?
3 January 2001
This is a classic comedy film from Dan Ackroyd, Bill Murray and Harold Ramis. The film is funny, and highly representative of the 80s. Sigourney Weaver used this film to show off her comedic side and plays well alongside Murray. Rick Moranis & TV's Annie Potts turn in fun performances as the nerds associated with the Ghostbusters. Slimer was worthy of an academy award, I personally think he was robbed. The film combines both comedy and suspense to create a fun movie adventure. For fans of Bill Murray or Dan Ackroyd's type of comedy, this is a must see. For fans of Sigourney Weaver, it is a must see simply to see her in a feminine role that is rare for her action career. If you do not enjoy Murray's kind of humor though, you might want to stay away.
Jaws
(1975)
Great Summer Film
3 January 2001
Jaws is the ultimate summer film, although if you are heading to the beach you may not want to view it! Now 25 years later, the special effects are a little dated, but the story and the acting are still superb. The trio of Roy Scheider, Robert Shaw and Richard Dreyfus carry out excellent performances in their roles, bringing the characters from the book to life with style. The build up of the panic at the shore town of Amity and the exceptional musical score by John Williams make this one of Spielberg's most memorable films to date. The sequels never captured the glory and suspense of this first film. This film has had a lasting impact on our culture and on future films of this genre. It kept me out of the ocean for most of my childhood, and still makes me look twice at the surf before entering...
Tell Your Friends