Viewed in
2000
Premise
A neurotic ant does not like being part of the colony.
Who should watch
Kids who like animation with some morale fiber?
Thoughts
Some good stuff here. I liked the Woody Allen comedy and adult comedy. I also liked the angular animation and the moral about being yourself instead of conforming.
My only problem was that these two do not mix well. Little kids would not understand the Woody Allen. Adults would wish for a more adult story.
What I would change
Made it either a G-rated morale tale or a PG-13 Woody Allen satire.
Showing posts with label 1998. Show all posts
Showing posts with label 1998. Show all posts
Babe: Pig in the City
Viewed in
1999
Formats
VHS
Premise
Babe, fresh from his victory in the sheepherding contest, returns to Farmer Hoggett's farm, but after Farmer Hoggett is injured and unable to work, Babe has to go to the big city to save the farm.
Liked
Pretty much everything.
Thoughts
It's been a while, but I recall it being surprisingly good for a sequel.
The animal characters were naturally adorable, but also not caricatures. This time, Mrs. Hoggett got to shine in some amusing comedy bits.
Unfortunately, the stakes just never felt as high as the original. Also, I was bummed there wasn't much James Cromwell in it.
1999
Formats
VHS
Premise
Babe, fresh from his victory in the sheepherding contest, returns to Farmer Hoggett's farm, but after Farmer Hoggett is injured and unable to work, Babe has to go to the big city to save the farm.
Liked
Pretty much everything.
Thoughts
It's been a while, but I recall it being surprisingly good for a sequel.
The animal characters were naturally adorable, but also not caricatures. This time, Mrs. Hoggett got to shine in some amusing comedy bits.
Unfortunately, the stakes just never felt as high as the original. Also, I was bummed there wasn't much James Cromwell in it.
The Batman Superman Movie: World's Finest
Viewed in
1998, 2000
Formats
Network TV, DVD
Premise
The Joker and Lex Luther swap arch-rivals to kill.
Thoughts
It's been awhile, but I recall enjoying the cool juxtapositions from the rival swap, and there were some badass moments and fun chemistry between Superman and Batman, as well as Luthor and Joker.
What I would change
Nothing.
1998, 2000
Formats
Network TV, DVD
Premise
The Joker and Lex Luther swap arch-rivals to kill.
Thoughts
It's been awhile, but I recall enjoying the cool juxtapositions from the rival swap, and there were some badass moments and fun chemistry between Superman and Batman, as well as Luthor and Joker.
What I would change
Nothing.
The Big Lebowski
Viewed in
1998, 1999, 2002
Formats
VHS, DVD
Premise
Jeff Bridges stars in the Coen brothers classic about a stoner mistaken for another Lebowski.
Thoughts
It's been a while, but I recall greatly enjoying this film, thanks to colorful characters and dialogue. There were tons of memorable moments, from John Turturro's entrance, John Goodman fighting nihilists, and my fav, the three-masterpiece when Steve Buscemi's character dies of a heart attack. Infinitely re-watchable.
What I would change
Nothing.
1998, 1999, 2002
Formats
VHS, DVD
Premise
Jeff Bridges stars in the Coen brothers classic about a stoner mistaken for another Lebowski.
Thoughts
It's been a while, but I recall greatly enjoying this film, thanks to colorful characters and dialogue. There were tons of memorable moments, from John Turturro's entrance, John Goodman fighting nihilists, and my fav, the three-masterpiece when Steve Buscemi's character dies of a heart attack. Infinitely re-watchable.
What I would change
Nothing.
Bug's Life, A
Viewed in
1998 (2), 1999, 2008
Premise
An ant colony, threatened by evil grasshoppers, asks for help from a rag tag group of circus bugs.
Who should watch
Those who like Pixar-quality films.
Thoughts
While I no longer consider this as one of Pixar's greatest, it was still a cute and enjoyable film, with some messages about believing in yourself and family.
I liked the funny bug-related gags. I loved the morbidly obese (and cute) caterpillar Heimlich, and the goofy rollie-pollie twins. Last but not least, I had a kick out of the first ever Pixar 'bloopers'. I was glad that Pixar quit while they were ahead and stopped doing them for every film.
Back when this just came out, I was stunned by the computer graphics. Ten years later, everything looked so barren and obviously computer generated. How quickly technology changes.
What I would change
A better premise might have created a more memorable story.
1998 (2), 1999, 2008
Premise
An ant colony, threatened by evil grasshoppers, asks for help from a rag tag group of circus bugs.
Who should watch
Those who like Pixar-quality films.
Thoughts
While I no longer consider this as one of Pixar's greatest, it was still a cute and enjoyable film, with some messages about believing in yourself and family.
I liked the funny bug-related gags. I loved the morbidly obese (and cute) caterpillar Heimlich, and the goofy rollie-pollie twins. Last but not least, I had a kick out of the first ever Pixar 'bloopers'. I was glad that Pixar quit while they were ahead and stopped doing them for every film.
Back when this just came out, I was stunned by the computer graphics. Ten years later, everything looked so barren and obviously computer generated. How quickly technology changes.
What I would change
A better premise might have created a more memorable story.
Can't Hardly Wait
Viewed in
2012
Formats
HDTV
Premise
A graduating high schooler decides to declare his love for Jennifer Love Hewitt at the graduation party.
Liked
Seth Green!
Disliked
Pretty much everything else.
Thoughts
Meh. Pretty much a forgettable John Hughes knockoff.
The only redeeming aspects of Can't Hardly Wait was a lovely Hewitt, an amusing Seth Green (the first onscreen "wigga" in history?), the 1990's nostalgia, and the interesting cast (Donald Faison, Jaime Pressly, Jenna Elfman, Jerry O'Connell, Melissa Joan Hart, and Sean Patrick Thomas).
The lesson is, of course, do not watch a movie just because they shot their opening sequence at your high school.
2012
Formats
HDTV
Premise
A graduating high schooler decides to declare his love for Jennifer Love Hewitt at the graduation party.
Liked
Seth Green!
Disliked
Pretty much everything else.
Thoughts
Meh. Pretty much a forgettable John Hughes knockoff.
The only redeeming aspects of Can't Hardly Wait was a lovely Hewitt, an amusing Seth Green (the first onscreen "wigga" in history?), the 1990's nostalgia, and the interesting cast (Donald Faison, Jaime Pressly, Jenna Elfman, Jerry O'Connell, Melissa Joan Hart, and Sean Patrick Thomas).
The lesson is, of course, do not watch a movie just because they shot their opening sequence at your high school.
Dark City
Viewed in
1999, 2000, 2001 (2), 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009 (2) [Director's Cut], 2013
Formats
DVD, Blu-Ray (Director's Cut), DVD (Director's Cut)
Premise
A man wakes up in a hotel room without any memories, but with clues of being a serial killer.
Loved
The gorgeous noir style, the degree of difficulty, the score.
Liked
The interesting ideas presented in plot and dialogue.
Thoughts
Since seeing it the first or second time, this has been my favorite film of all time.
What stood out the most was director Alex Proyas' mastery in creating a visually eye-popping universe, full of noir and surreal landscapes, on a very small budget. The style was memorable and haunting, giving the city a character of its own. Assisting in creating this mood was Trevor Jones' oppressive score and the cinematographer's wonderful use of shades and shadows.
I liked how the writing took its time to reveal the truth about the city, while moving the story briskly. At the same time, it explored themes about the dehumanizing nature of big city life, our memories, and soul.
The cast was excellent, from solid Rufus Sewell, to the vulnerable Jennifer Connelly, to the stuttering Keifer Sutherland. William Hurt put in fantastic work as the driven detective thrown into the madness.
I would be a liar if I claimed Dark City was perfect. The computer graphics definitely look outdated, no matter how much leniency you give due to budget. There were some physics-related issues that one could question afterward. Some of my friends have fallen asleep because the cinematography was so dark to the point of monotony. Most glaring was the unintentional comedy during the climactic battle, especially if you have seen enough anime. For me, the greatness of the entire film made these moments forgivable.
The biggest difference between the Theatrical Release and the Director's Cut was that some subplot scenes were added for a villain, and the opening narration was remove. I really liked the Director's Cut opening, because it added to the shroud mystery. The additional scenes brought little to the table, and ruined my favorite aspect of the score, in which it played non-stop, enhancing the claustrophobic character of the city.
If I had my way, I would replace the Theatrical opening with the Director's Cut opening, and let the rest be.
1999, 2000, 2001 (2), 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009 (2) [Director's Cut], 2013
Formats
DVD, Blu-Ray (Director's Cut), DVD (Director's Cut)
Premise
A man wakes up in a hotel room without any memories, but with clues of being a serial killer.
Loved
The gorgeous noir style, the degree of difficulty, the score.
Liked
The interesting ideas presented in plot and dialogue.
Thoughts
Since seeing it the first or second time, this has been my favorite film of all time.
What stood out the most was director Alex Proyas' mastery in creating a visually eye-popping universe, full of noir and surreal landscapes, on a very small budget. The style was memorable and haunting, giving the city a character of its own. Assisting in creating this mood was Trevor Jones' oppressive score and the cinematographer's wonderful use of shades and shadows.
I liked how the writing took its time to reveal the truth about the city, while moving the story briskly. At the same time, it explored themes about the dehumanizing nature of big city life, our memories, and soul.
The cast was excellent, from solid Rufus Sewell, to the vulnerable Jennifer Connelly, to the stuttering Keifer Sutherland. William Hurt put in fantastic work as the driven detective thrown into the madness.
I would be a liar if I claimed Dark City was perfect. The computer graphics definitely look outdated, no matter how much leniency you give due to budget. There were some physics-related issues that one could question afterward. Some of my friends have fallen asleep because the cinematography was so dark to the point of monotony. Most glaring was the unintentional comedy during the climactic battle, especially if you have seen enough anime. For me, the greatness of the entire film made these moments forgivable.
The biggest difference between the Theatrical Release and the Director's Cut was that some subplot scenes were added for a villain, and the opening narration was remove. I really liked the Director's Cut opening, because it added to the shroud mystery. The additional scenes brought little to the table, and ruined my favorite aspect of the score, in which it played non-stop, enhancing the claustrophobic character of the city.
If I had my way, I would replace the Theatrical opening with the Director's Cut opening, and let the rest be.
Dirty Work
Viewed in
2010
Formats
HD TV
Premise
Norm MacDonald stars as a down-and-out guy who finds his calling in the revenge business.
Loved
The non-stop parade of silly jokes.
Liked
Norm MacDonald and Jack Warden's performances. The cameos.
Thoughts
Totally underrated comedy. If you're a Norm MacDonald fan like me.
I thought the premise was interesting, and it lent to many funny situations and scene. While the characters were doing mean things to each other, it was never in a creepy, mean-spirited way. This made the comedy enjoyable.
The goal of comedy is to make the audience laugh, and this rarely ran out of anything silly/hyperbolic/naughty/cheap for me to laugh at per minute. Director Bob Saget did a good job of letting the comedians have their space to do their thang, and kept the story and momentum from slowing down.
The cast was full of funny, recognizable people. MacDonald was extremely fun to watch, simply by playing himself (I know he is an acquired taste). A svelte and not unkempt Artie Lange did fine as the sidekick. Rest of the cast included Taylor Howard (second assistant/sidekick from Monk series), Adam Sandler, the great Don Rickles, the late Gary Coleman and the late great Chris Farley. Lastly, the late Jack Warden was quite hilarious as the cranky old dad.
The plot was simple, characters were one-dimensional, and scenes were implausible. But those flaws did not matter, because it was a lean, mean laughing machine. Its only goal was to make me laugh, and it did it very well.
What I would change
Nothing.
2010
Formats
HD TV
Premise
Norm MacDonald stars as a down-and-out guy who finds his calling in the revenge business.
Loved
The non-stop parade of silly jokes.
Liked
Norm MacDonald and Jack Warden's performances. The cameos.
Thoughts
Totally underrated comedy. If you're a Norm MacDonald fan like me.
I thought the premise was interesting, and it lent to many funny situations and scene. While the characters were doing mean things to each other, it was never in a creepy, mean-spirited way. This made the comedy enjoyable.
The goal of comedy is to make the audience laugh, and this rarely ran out of anything silly/hyperbolic/naughty/cheap for me to laugh at per minute. Director Bob Saget did a good job of letting the comedians have their space to do their thang, and kept the story and momentum from slowing down.
The cast was full of funny, recognizable people. MacDonald was extremely fun to watch, simply by playing himself (I know he is an acquired taste). A svelte and not unkempt Artie Lange did fine as the sidekick. Rest of the cast included Taylor Howard (second assistant/sidekick from Monk series), Adam Sandler, the great Don Rickles, the late Gary Coleman and the late great Chris Farley. Lastly, the late Jack Warden was quite hilarious as the cranky old dad.
The plot was simple, characters were one-dimensional, and scenes were implausible. But those flaws did not matter, because it was a lean, mean laughing machine. Its only goal was to make me laugh, and it did it very well.
What I would change
Nothing.
Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas
Viewed in
1999, 2002
Formats
VHS, DVD
Premise
Johnny Depp stars in Hunter S. Thompson's novel about a journalist and his lawyer friend's psychedelic trip through Las Vegas.
Thoughts
It's been a while, but I remember it being very trippy yet entertaining. Terry Gilliam was the perfect director to helm the meandering, visually dizzying style. I enjoyed Depp's performance, as well as Benicio del Toro and Christina Ricci. As fun as the acid trip was, I never could figure out what the purpose of the story was. Seemed more like an excuse for drugged-out visuals and wacky performances than anything deeper.
What I would change
No idea.
1999, 2002
Formats
VHS, DVD
Premise
Johnny Depp stars in Hunter S. Thompson's novel about a journalist and his lawyer friend's psychedelic trip through Las Vegas.
Thoughts
It's been a while, but I remember it being very trippy yet entertaining. Terry Gilliam was the perfect director to helm the meandering, visually dizzying style. I enjoyed Depp's performance, as well as Benicio del Toro and Christina Ricci. As fun as the acid trip was, I never could figure out what the purpose of the story was. Seemed more like an excuse for drugged-out visuals and wacky performances than anything deeper.
What I would change
No idea.
Godzilla
Viewed in
1998
Formats
Movie theater
Premise
An American studio's attempt at creating a Godzilla movie, as he stomps through New York.
Thoughts
Don't remember much, except the Siskel and Ebert parodies, Puff Daddy's "Come With Me" song, a "Jurassic Park" ripoff, strong computer graphics (at the time), and that Hank Azaria was in it. Overall, it sucked, except I thought it was cool when Godzilla was able to hide from helicopters amongst the skyscrapers in the fog.
What I would change
No idea.
1998
Formats
Movie theater
Premise
An American studio's attempt at creating a Godzilla movie, as he stomps through New York.
Thoughts
Don't remember much, except the Siskel and Ebert parodies, Puff Daddy's "Come With Me" song, a "Jurassic Park" ripoff, strong computer graphics (at the time), and that Hank Azaria was in it. Overall, it sucked, except I thought it was cool when Godzilla was able to hide from helicopters amongst the skyscrapers in the fog.
What I would change
No idea.
He Got Game
Viewed in
2006
Premise
While deciding which college to go to, a high school basketball player is confronted by his estranged convict-father.
Who should watch
Spike Lee fans. Basketball fans. Those who like a non-cliched family story.
Thoughts
It’s good, but weird and slow. I liked how Spike Lee made sure it wasn’t cliched, but he took too many subplots that just dragged the film.
Denzel Washington may have the title role, but Ray Allen’s was more interesting. Being a high school phenom with college choices should be exciting. However, we see dealing with the charade and mindgames college recruiters play. Ray Allen does a believeable job portaying this experience.
It was a lot of fun seeing all sorts of basketball stars (college and pro) in the film, such as Rick Fox. What is amazing is seeing just how much the basketball landscape has changed since 1998.
What I would change
Cut down the subplots.
2006
Premise
While deciding which college to go to, a high school basketball player is confronted by his estranged convict-father.
Who should watch
Spike Lee fans. Basketball fans. Those who like a non-cliched family story.
Thoughts
It’s good, but weird and slow. I liked how Spike Lee made sure it wasn’t cliched, but he took too many subplots that just dragged the film.
Denzel Washington may have the title role, but Ray Allen’s was more interesting. Being a high school phenom with college choices should be exciting. However, we see dealing with the charade and mindgames college recruiters play. Ray Allen does a believeable job portaying this experience.
It was a lot of fun seeing all sorts of basketball stars (college and pro) in the film, such as Rick Fox. What is amazing is seeing just how much the basketball landscape has changed since 1998.
What I would change
Cut down the subplots.
Lethal Weapon 4
Viewed in
1998
Formats
Movie theater
Premise
The gang's all back, this time they fight Jet Li.
Thoughts
Don't remember much, except that it had some silly comedic moments and laughably over-the-top action sequences. It might have helped if I had seen the previous three movies.
What I would change
Not idea.
1998
Formats
Movie theater
Premise
The gang's all back, this time they fight Jet Li.
Thoughts
Don't remember much, except that it had some silly comedic moments and laughably over-the-top action sequences. It might have helped if I had seen the previous three movies.
What I would change
Not idea.
Life Is Beautiful
Viewed in
1998
Formats
Movie theater (subtitled)
Premise
Roberto Benigni stars as a Jewish man who uses humor to protect his son in a Nazi death camp.
Thoughts
My memory is foggy, but it was super cheesy and mushy, and I sobbed uncontrollably. I was so glad I found a subtitled version of it.
What I would change
No idea.
1998
Formats
Movie theater (subtitled)
Premise
Roberto Benigni stars as a Jewish man who uses humor to protect his son in a Nazi death camp.
Thoughts
My memory is foggy, but it was super cheesy and mushy, and I sobbed uncontrollably. I was so glad I found a subtitled version of it.
What I would change
No idea.
Out of Sight
Viewed in
2000
Premise
An escaped convict kidnaps the pursuing U.S. Marshall, they become attracted to each other.
Who should watch
Fans of Stephen Soderbergh, and the awesome cast.
Thoughts
The pace was a bit slow, but I found it entertaining. No memorable scenes but I really liked the chemistry between the actors, especially George Clooney and Jennifer Lopez. Steve Zahn had some funny one-liners.
What I would change
Quickened the pace.
2000
Premise
An escaped convict kidnaps the pursuing U.S. Marshall, they become attracted to each other.
Who should watch
Fans of Stephen Soderbergh, and the awesome cast.
Thoughts
The pace was a bit slow, but I found it entertaining. No memorable scenes but I really liked the chemistry between the actors, especially George Clooney and Jennifer Lopez. Steve Zahn had some funny one-liners.
What I would change
Quickened the pace.
Pecker
Viewed in
2007
Premise
A promising young photographer from Baltimore is discovered, but as he becomes famous, all the people he took pictures of has their lives turned upside down.
Who should watch
Those in the mood for something small and edgy.
Thoughts
It was a nice quirky film. It was interesting to see how something as innocent as taking pictures of other people in your town could affect their lives when the pictures were put to public viewing. I liked the examination of having your private life exposed to public scrutiny, but it more could have been done.
There was nothing great about it, but it was entertaining enough. As usual, the biggest laughs came from the sexual jokes involving pubic hair and tea-bagging.
What I would change
Nothing.
2007
Premise
A promising young photographer from Baltimore is discovered, but as he becomes famous, all the people he took pictures of has their lives turned upside down.
Who should watch
Those in the mood for something small and edgy.
Thoughts
It was a nice quirky film. It was interesting to see how something as innocent as taking pictures of other people in your town could affect their lives when the pictures were put to public viewing. I liked the examination of having your private life exposed to public scrutiny, but it more could have been done.
There was nothing great about it, but it was entertaining enough. As usual, the biggest laughs came from the sexual jokes involving pubic hair and tea-bagging.
What I would change
Nothing.
Perfect Blue
Viewed in
1999, 2000
Formats
DVD
Premise
A pop singer turned actress is stalked by an obsessed fan, or is it her imagination?
Thoughts
What I remembered most was how it effed with my mind with psychologically and graphically disturbing themes. Words cannot describe the mind-blowing fake rape scene. The film was dark, suspenseful, but made me feel a bit icky afterward.
What I would change
Nothing.
1999, 2000
Formats
DVD
Premise
A pop singer turned actress is stalked by an obsessed fan, or is it her imagination?
Thoughts
What I remembered most was how it effed with my mind with psychologically and graphically disturbing themes. Words cannot describe the mind-blowing fake rape scene. The film was dark, suspenseful, but made me feel a bit icky afterward.
What I would change
Nothing.
Pi
Viewed in
1999
Formats
DVD
Premise
In Darren Aronofsky's directorial debut, a mathematician obsessed to find a mathematical equation that will unlock the universe finds himself chased by mysterious people.
Loved
The music.
Liked
The cool math-based themes.
Thoughts
Don't remember much, except that it had a kick-ass soundtrack from Clint Mansell and assorted electronic artists. The story was intriguing with conspiracy and nerdy theme explorations. I recall enjoying the thought-provoking ideas about numbers. Math in cinema had never been so exciting since it was taught in Better Off Dead.
What I would change
Nothing.
1999
Formats
DVD
Premise
In Darren Aronofsky's directorial debut, a mathematician obsessed to find a mathematical equation that will unlock the universe finds himself chased by mysterious people.
Loved
The music.
Liked
The cool math-based themes.
Thoughts
Don't remember much, except that it had a kick-ass soundtrack from Clint Mansell and assorted electronic artists. The story was intriguing with conspiracy and nerdy theme explorations. I recall enjoying the thought-provoking ideas about numbers. Math in cinema had never been so exciting since it was taught in Better Off Dead.
What I would change
Nothing.
Pleasantville
Viewed in
1998 (3)
Formats
Movie theater
Premise
Two 1990's teenagers find themselves in a 1950's sitcom where their influence begins to profoundly change that complacent world.
Thoughts
It's been while, but I recall loving the premise, especially when it became allegory for racism and tolerance. The cast was extremely deep and talented. I thought the writing was extremely creative and intelligent. The only disappointing part was the too neat-and-tidy resolution to the climactic courtroom scene.
What I would change
Not sure.
1998 (3)
Formats
Movie theater
Premise
Two 1990's teenagers find themselves in a 1950's sitcom where their influence begins to profoundly change that complacent world.
Thoughts
It's been while, but I recall loving the premise, especially when it became allegory for racism and tolerance. The cast was extremely deep and talented. I thought the writing was extremely creative and intelligent. The only disappointing part was the too neat-and-tidy resolution to the climactic courtroom scene.
What I would change
Not sure.
Red Violin, The
Viewed in
2006
Premise
Chronicles the adventures of a famous violin.
Who should watch
Fans of artsy movies. Classical music lovers.
Thoughts
Aside from the boring premise, everything else about the movie was pretty good. Naturally, the best part of the movie was the beautiful score of classical and violin music. It contained five spoken languages and was filmed on three continents. The best storyline was a 1950's Chinese woman who must decide between preserving the violin or her well-being.
What I would change
Nothing.
2006
Premise
Chronicles the adventures of a famous violin.
Who should watch
Fans of artsy movies. Classical music lovers.
Thoughts
Aside from the boring premise, everything else about the movie was pretty good. Naturally, the best part of the movie was the beautiful score of classical and violin music. It contained five spoken languages and was filmed on three continents. The best storyline was a 1950's Chinese woman who must decide between preserving the violin or her well-being.
What I would change
Nothing.
Replacement Killers
Viewed in
2000
Formats
DVD
Premise
Chow Yun-Fat and Miro Sorvino star in a movie about a hit-man with a conscience.
Thoughts
All I remember was that it was more about mood than action, and there was a pretty slick gunfight in a car wash. I was hoping for more fights.
What I would change
No idea.
2000
Formats
DVD
Premise
Chow Yun-Fat and Miro Sorvino star in a movie about a hit-man with a conscience.
Thoughts
All I remember was that it was more about mood than action, and there was a pretty slick gunfight in a car wash. I was hoping for more fights.
What I would change
No idea.
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