FlickJunkie Reviews

Titanic (1997)

An epic in every sense of the word.

[10/10 · 2 August 2001]

"Titanic" has a large number of fans that will cheerfully proclaim that it is the best movie ever made, and a large number of detractors who will cheerfully proclaim that is nothing but overrated garbage. I just feel it is a great film. "Titanic" definitely deserved the Best Picture Oscar in 1997 and to describe "Titanic" as overrated garbage and the worst movie ever made says something about that person, that they are ignorant about films or just ignorant and only hate it because it's the highest grossing movie of all time. I admit that when it was becoming that I hated it before even seeing it because I didn't want it to be. Now I have seen it three times (not once in theaters) since it was released, and it still manages to keep me glued to the screen for all three hours.

James Cameron's recreation of the 1912 sinking of the "unsinkable" liner is one of the most magnificent pieces of serious popular entertainment ever to emanate from Hollywood. The gargantuan production cost--estimated at about $200 million--has been spent on sumptuous, stunningly believable sets and visual effects, giving the viewer the feeling of being a passenger on the ill-fated voyage. But the three-hours-plus "Titanic" ultimately succeeds so powerfully in retelling this familiar story because it is an intimate epic with a moving and resonant love story at its core.

The performances by all the cast are outstanding, even the hundreds, possibly thousands of extras. Once again Kate Winslet proves that she is one of the most talented actress of her generation. Her small steps from repressed, snobbish rich girl, to passionate, joyful and full of life, are very subtle, yet we always know that she is changing -- we can feel what she feels. Any actor or actress who can do that is very special indeed. She also manages to pull off a mostly convincing American accent. Leonardo DiCaprio is very good as well, as Jack, the steerage passenger-artist who wins tickets for Titanic at a poker game. His character is always alive, and is the catalyst for Rose's transformation. The chemistry between the two of them is great; their scenes together are special to watch. This all coming from someone who really can't stand Leonardo DiCaprio.

The film does a remarkable job of contrasting the stiff haughtiness of the upper class with the joyful energy of the steerage class. One scene in particular stands out, as Cameron cuts between 1st-class men talking politics in the dining room and 3rd-class passengers having the time of their lives below decks, dancing up a storm. The film's technical aspects are amazing. The sets and costumes look so much like the real thing that the viewer gets a sense of deja-vu (at least those who study the Titanic). The special effects are totally believable. The effects are so good that people might think they are seeing reality, and not effects. They're that good.

The music by James Horner is perfect in all the right places. The script by Cameron is very good, haunting and quite witty. There are dozens of details written into the script, either about the characters or about the ship. All of them point to something down the line. Cameron's script is filled with the most subtle foreshadowing. The only thing that I caught which struck a false note was the fact that Jack always seemed to be on the 1st-class deck, when in fact steerage was not allowed to mingle with the 1st-class. However that is a minor complaint, for the rest of the film is very accurate. Even though the film is three hours long, it seems much shorter; I didn't look at the clock even once during all three viewings. The last hour is a dazzler, both visually and emotionally. I felt myself clinging to the seat hoping the ship would miss that iceberg and choking up about once or twice during the film. And finally, what surprises me about the user ratings is that compared to any other film in the IMDb top 250 this film compares in the number of twos through tens, it just has so many unfair ones (almost as many as the number of nines) that it is kept from being in the IMDb top 250 and really makes you wonder.

Rating: 10/10

Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon (2000)

Fighting interspersed with an actual plot line!

[7/10 · 1 August 2001]

An epic in every sense of the word, this film combines some of the coolest fight sequences ever put to the big screen with majestic cinematography and an all-encompassing tale of love, honor and fantasy. And by fantasy, I mean people literally flying across rooftops and fighting against one another while standing on skinny tree branches. That's right, you can pretty much forget about the concept of gravity in this movie! People fly while running, walk across water and run up walls in this film. Real cool stuff if you get "into it", but definitely unbelievable if you're, well, not "into it". Which brings me to the actual story of the film. A hundred times better than most Hong Kong martial arts flicks, I can't say that I was mesmerized by this sorted tale. In fact, I thought some of the scenes were a little boring, especially the middle ones in the desert, which went on too long. I also didn't really get emotionally attached to any of the characters, or feel much for them by the end of the film. The story wasn't a bad one, it's just that some of the plot points nagged at me somewhat. Here are these great warriors searching for the evil Jade Fox, and even though she's the governess of the girl they're quite familiar with, they don't recognize her? And what about their relationship to the girl? Every time they see her, they either fight or embrace her. A little too ambiguous for my taste. But maybe that's just me.

I did however enjoy the overall story which effectively combined dramatic elements with humor, action and even a touch of romance. For me, the best parts of the movie were obviously the battle scenes, which just blew my friggin' eyes away! In fact, I suspect that most people who see this movie will love it just for the battle scenes alone since pretty much everything else is so-so. People will also find themselves staring at the screen and wondering how the hell they managed to put together all of those cool moves. But again, if wire-fu stunts don't do it for you, and fast-motion fight scenes ain't your cup of tea, don't go into this movie expecting "Gone with the Wind". It's a wonderfully photographed picture, with beautiful details in the settings, its authenticity and the obvious language spoken (the film is in Mandarin with English subtitles), but its wonder resonates most with its fight sequences, and if that sort of thing doesn't impress you, this film likely isn't for you. And for once, all of the actual fight scenes were filmed flawlessly. Really believable. For me, those were the elements which worked best in this film. Awesome, awesome battles, beautifully shot and an okay story.

Rating: 7/10

Unbreakable (2000)

M. Night Shyamalan continues to impress.

[9/10 · 30 July 2001]

Here's yet another original creation of his that manages to successfully slap together a unique mystery, interesting characters, real life situations to which we could all relate and a touch of the paranormal. I love this guy! I hope he keeps it up because more movies like this is what we need. Of course, much like any other great film, this one is not for everybody. The film does have quite the slow pace, might come off as repetitive to some people and also manages to parallel "The Sixth Sense" in various ways. But for me, I was hooked from its first two scenes, which much like the film's teaser trailer, just made me sit up and say, "What's up with that? Intriguing...now tell me more." The sequences in question basically set up the foundation of the two main characters in this film, and let me tell you, they grabbed me and that was that. I couldn't wait to find out why they were the way that they were, and what it all meant. But Shyamalan draws the film out slowly. He already seems to have developed a great eye for the camera, setting up angles just right, enough to give us a taste of the scene, but not the whole bite. There are also little hints dropped here and there, red herrings and a Hitchcockian score providing just enough background to allow for a gradual development of the richer points in the script. Like Hitchcock, Shyamalan also seems to be finding himself a small part in his own films. Here, he shows up as a suspicious "drug dealer" at a sports stadium.

But don't expect a horror with this film. That's not what it is. It's not a thriller either. No major "thrill" scenes in this movie. In fact, it isn't until the last twenty minutes that the film's leisurely pace is disturbed by some invigorating energy. I would consider this picture to be more like a good ol' fashioned mystery a la "The Twilight Zone." Set in an ordinary environment with believable characters, this film manages to creep us out with elements which just don't seem to make sense in our reality. Of course, much like any other good story, this film would not be a complete success unless we connected to the characters on the screen, and in this movie, I did. In fact, we could all relate to what Bruce's character is essentially going through. He doesn't understand his place in the world. He is confused. He is not sure why he is what he is. What is his destiny? We've all felt like him at some point or another in our lives and you learn to recognize that in his character early on.

Bruce downplayed his character as much as he did the one in "The Sixth Sense" (almost seemed like the same guy but in a different circumstance), while Sam Jackson was surprisingly restrained as the bizarre dude with the love of comic books. And as for the ending...don't worry I won't be giving anything away here, but suffice it to say that unlike "The Sixth Sense," a movie which I believed was taken to another level with that slap-in-your-face conclusion, this film's finish felt much more like a "Hmm, yeah okay, that makes sense" kind of thing. Of course, some might scoff at the ending, but that all depends on whether or not you were "into" the film as it moved along. It certainly didn't make or break the movie for me, and I doubt it will blow anyone else away either. This film is not about the ending necessarily. It is about the journey, a journey that is deliberately unhurried, melancholic and intriguing. My guess is that anyone who was greatly interested in this film by its teaser, will more than likely be impressed with this film's brilliant manner of storytelling. It looks like Shyamalan is here to stay. Of course, once the movie is over, and this seems to be developing into a very cool Shyamalan tradition, you will undoubtedly feel the need to discuss the film with others. It's engaging, it's mysterious, perhaps even unbelievable to the more cynical in our society, but ultimately the film is an excellent demonstration of what a great director, a solid script, a deeper, meaningful message and well crafted characters can bring to a theatrical presentation as such. For me, the film worked on various levels and I hope that many others like it just as much. That's it and I hope I didn't spoil anything for you...that's half the fun!

Rating: 9/10

The Sixth Sense (1999)

The creepiest film in many years.

[10/10 · 29 July 2001]

Wow! What an ending. I don't think I've been this moved by a film's conclusion since the frighteningly shocking end of David Fincher's "Seven." Don't worry because I will obviously not ruin this film for anyone, but suffice it to say that the end of this film allows you to see the entire picture from an entirely different point of view the second time around, and that is simply a unique achievement. In fact, I was more than willing to see this film many more times, just so that I could see it unravel within that other realm. Another thing that stood out for me with this picture was the fact that unlike its trailer, which sells this film as a chilling thriller, this movie is actually more of a supernatural drama with plenty of tear-jerking scenes to boot. And yes, I crumbled under the emotional drainage of the film's players, especially with Toni Collette in a few choice scenes. I would rather compare it to elements of "The Omen" and "Ghost," rather than any thrill-seekers ride, though it has it's share of creepy, terrifying moments.

In fact, the film is deliberately paced very slowly, with plenty of time given to the performers to grapple with the powerful material at hand. Haley Joel Osment does an excellent job as the confused young child who is going through things that no child should ever go through, and even Bruce Willis pulls off an impressive steady performance, without a single "yipee-kaya" in the whole script. But once again, allow me reiterate how much the twist ending of this film allowed it to catapult onto another level. Even after the film's credits had long been done rolling, I could not help but discuss the many different parts of the plot that were altered through this amazing ending, and could not help but further my appreciation for this film. Great acting, great style, great score, an instant classic ending, and certainly worthy of being called one of my favorite films. And despite it not being an all-out thriller, believe me when I say that you will be startled in a few scenes, and certainly touched in others. Giant kudos go out to the writer/director of this film, M. Night Shyamalan, for pulling off a very impressive film presentation.

By the way, if this film interests you in the least, make sure that you see it before someone ruins the ending for you, because it truly is one to digest firsthand.

Rating: 10/10

American Beauty (1999)

A beautiful, commercial art-house dramedy.

[10/10 · 25 July 2001]

If you are the type of person who appreciates every minute of your life, then you may just enjoy this film to its fullest potential. If you are the type of person who doesn't appreciate every minute of your life or the people around you, then you may just need to see this film, and learn to appreciate its full potential.

This film is original and clever in story, interesting in premise, acted sharply by its well-rounded cast, directed in a manner made all the more absorbing, and edgy and humorous enough to keep me going. Before I go on any further, let it be said that an actor by the name of Kevin Spacey rocks! Okay, now that I got that off my chest, let's go on.

How about Thomas Newman's score? Usually I never really care about the score, let alone notice it in films. But, when there wasn't any dialogue in certain scenes and just the music, it also helped make the movie more absorbing. From the hauntingly eerie music that's in the background when we first meet Ricky when he's filming Lester and Jane in the kitchen to the music we hear when Lester dreams about Angela in the bed of roses on the ceiling.

With that said, I feel as though Alan Ball may just be becoming my favorite screenwriter these days, he's very smart and funny and with this film and the series "Six Feet Under" to his credit, makes me want to see more films he plans to write in the future.

And whenever Spacey took center stage, man stand back, cause that guy will suck you back into the thick of things, like he did to me! Having said that, this film is definitely a film to be savored by people who are in touch with themselves and appreciate a frank, sometimes brutally honest, look at their pathetic and drab existence. I personally enjoyed the strong performances by the cast, especially Spacey and the friend of his daughter, played by Mena Suvari, the finale, which seemed like it was going one way but then kept curving back every now and again, and the dark humor, which filled many of the scenes. Certainly an overly valiant effort from first time director Sam Mendes, who seems to have a solid grasp on the pulse of characters going through varied difficulties in their lives. So check this film out for yourself and see how you feel. It may just help you appreciate certain aspects of your life much better. Just look closer... (Sorry, but I had to!).

Rating: 10/10

The Shining (1980)

Amazing achievement in filmmaking and the art of terror.

[9/10 · 24 July 2001]

Chilling, majestic piece of cinematic fright, this film combines all the great elements of an intellectual thriller, with the grand vision of a director who has the instinctual capacity to pace a moody horror flick within the realm of his filmmaking genius that includes an eye for the original shot, an ice-cold soundtrack and an overall sense of dehumanization. This movie cuts through all the typical horror movies like a red-poker through a human eye, as it allows the viewer to not only feel the violence and psychosis of its protagonist, but appreciate the seed from which the derangement stems. One of the scariest things for people to face is the unknown and this film presents its plotting with just that thought in mind. The setting is perfect, in a desolate winter hideaway. The quietness of the moment is a character in itself, as the fermenting aggressor in Jack Torrance's mind wallows in this idle time, and breeds the devil's new playground. I always felt like the presence of evil was dormant in all of our minds, with only the circumstances of the moment, and the reasons given therein, needed to wake its violent ass and pounce over its unsuspecting victims. This film is a perfect example of this very thought.

And it is within this film's subtle touches of the canvas, the clackity-clacks of the young boy's big wheel riding along the empty hallways of the hotel, the labyrinthian garden representing the mind's fine line between sane and insane, Kubrick's purposely transfixed editing inconsistencies, continuity errors and set mis-arrangements, that we discover a world guided by the righteous and tangible, but coaxed away by the powerful and unknown. I have never read the book upon which the film is based, but without that as a comparison point, I am proud to say that this is one of the most terrifying films that I have ever seen. I thought that the runtime of the film could've been cut by a little bit, but then again, I am not one of the most acclaimed directors in the history of film, so maybe I should keep my two-cent criticisms over a superb film, to myself. All in all, this movie captures your attention with its grand form and vision, ropes you in with some terror and eccentric direction, and ties you down and stabs you in the heart with its cold-eyed view of the man's mind gone overboard, creepy atmosphere and the loss of humanity.

Rating: 9/10