Summer Film Reviews
A film review by Stephen J. Truog
Copyright 1994 Stephen J. Truog
Well, since I see everyone else writing their reviews, I guess I'll add my Midwestern perspective to the list since I saw an awful lot of movies this summer (for me--at least). So here are the summer reviews (in more or less descending order) according to SJT:
SPEED (****+) ============= This movie surprised and awed me. It surprised me because I am far from Keanu Reaves's biggest fan and I usually detest the intellectual level of action films. However, it awed me because it was able to overcome all of my preliminary judgements and thoroughly entertain me. This was a movie that I was strapped into my seat to and could not move or breathe until it was over. It brilliantly strung together three tense and gripping action sequences along with a decent story. Dennis Hopper plays one of the most memorable villains in the movies this year with a roll full of hilarious one-liners and maniacal laughter. The humor is also spread throughout with Sandra Bullock and Reaves. The action scenes are magnified by tense and enthralling music as well. All in all, one of the best action movies ever made and the year's best entertainment.
THE LION KING (****+) ===================== Another Disney classic--far better than ALADDIN and even BEAUTY AND THE BEAST. The animation is incredible and the music is spellbinding--but that's to be expected from Disney. What makes this movie better is that, unlike ALADDIN where one character's voice made the movie, The Lion King provides a wide array of memorable and captivating characters. Kids can name at least seven or eight characters in this flick where as in ALADDIN or BEAUTY AND THE BEAST, there were fewer. The second thing is that this isn't a classic story like the other Disney movies. This is a relatively new tale and educates about the circle of life--i.e., it is more realistic than the fairy tales and is still every bit as entertaining. A true classic.
THE CLIENT (****) ================= This is, by far, the closest and best adaptation of Grisham's books. The three main characters in this story are spectacular. Susan Sarandon should (but probably won't) receive an Oscar nomination for a role that she played with passion and heart. Tommy Lee was every bit as entertaining as in the Fugitive, but the true star of this flick is young Brad Renfro. He is absolutely amazing as Mark Sway and it is unbelievable that this is his acting debut. The acting truly makes this movie special. The story is pretty good until the end, where (like most Grisham books) the story wears thin because it simply can not keep pace with the breakneck beginnings), but the characters save it. This is a rich adaptation with perfect casting. Grisham beats Clancy this year.
FORREST GUMP (****) =================== An outstanding movie with one flaw--it wears on a bit at the end. The running sequence could have been cut by 5 minutes and still been effective (when it got to the smiley face "Have a Nice Day" part, it went too far--I gagged). But overall, it is a wonderful recap of America's transition from the idealistic 50's into the "me first" 90's. Tom Hanks is good, but is overshadowed by Sinese as his lieutenant--who should win an Oscar for supporting actor. Again, great music and a wonderful job of weaving in America's main events in the declining road of history with the simple and innocent life of Forrest Gump. An original and brilliant movie.
THE MASK (****) =============== This was the second surprise of the summer (after SPEED) because, while I admired Carrey's work from the early "In Living Color" days, I found ACE VENTURA, PET DETECTIVE atrocious. THE MASK, however, had a much better story, music and supporting cast. No, it will not win any Oscars for acting or writing (but maybe for special effects), but it will make you laugh. The summer's funniest film.
IT COULD HAPPEN TO YOU (*** 1/2) ================================ A sorta-true fairy tale comes to life in this magical and sweet film. It's not as mushy as SLEEPLESS IN SEATTLE and makes more important points--such as you can simply enjoy a person's company as a companion. Nicholas Cage and Bridget Fonda are enchanting and match up perfectly. Rosie Perez is hilarious and wicked at the same time. It's too bad this film didn't do so well because it was a great one.
TRUE LIES (*** 1/2) =================== Another shock because I don't like Aaahnold much either. He had too many lines in this movie (i.e., more than one) and it took a major detour for the middle third of the film, yet it still came out well. The main reason: Tom Arnold. He was the jester in this film but was perfect as it--a true entertainer. Roseanne who? Jamie Lee Curtis also provides Aaahnold with his toughest female counterpart--although she doesn't hit full stride until the end. Oh yes, the part where the gun fell down the stairs and kills all hundred bad guys in the vicinity made me gag--but I still liked this film.
CLEAR AND PRESENT DANGER (***) ============================== A disappointment. This movie gets long, rambly and loses its focus. The ending is also a bit far fetched (I'm sure every top CIA desk man goes right into the danger zone and slugs it out with the bad guy). The action pales in comparison to PATRIOT GAMES and, unfortunately, so does the directing. Tom Clancy's core is there, and that along with Harrison Ford save most of this film, but the director tore this apart and added long-winded and pointless dribble between the basic skeleton of a story by Clancy. Some fine moments, but there is far too much in between.
I LOVE TROUBLE (*** or *--depending on end)
THE FLINTSTONES (** 1/2) ======================== This film has remarkable scenery and it's cute how they fit our modern contraptions (like a garbage disposal or airplane) into dino times--but it lacks acting and plot. Goodman is acceptable as Fred, but midway through the movie, I wanted to take Bam Bam's club and whack Barney (Rick Moranis) on the head and wipe that stupid looking grin or smirk off his face! Kyle McLaughlin is the sole exception, turning in a devilish performance as the villain, but overall it was overhyped.
BLOWN AWAY (**) =============== This one was a dud. So much potential wasted. This movie started out well, with a good storyline and some fine actors. However, they soon became lost in a series of explosions that continued to decrease in point and effect. By the end, it is just a hollow action flick with a very letdown ending (he rips the head off the toy and the bomb just goes silent??? Puhleeze!) and leaves the audience wondering--where did this great start of a movie go???
OTHER QUICK BYTES:
CITY SLICKERS II (***)--Not as funny or well written as the original, but Billy Crystal can still draw a laugh (unlike Eddie Murphy)
WHEN A MAN LOVES A WOMAN (*** 1/2)--A great movie and a superb acting job by Meg Ryan. If she doesn't get an Oscar nomination, then life's not fair.
FOUR WEDDINGS AND A FUNERAL (****)--A delightful and original movie that will have you in stitches and crying as well. A treat!
Now for the first Fall classic:
QUIZ SHOW (****)--This movie started a bit slow for me, but when it caught on, it was captivating. Ralph Fiennes should have another Oscar nomination coming his way and the film will also get nominated. John Turturro is humorous as the former champ who takes the dive and once you get by the annoying accent, Rob Morrow does a fine job as the investigator. Both may have supporting Oscar nominations. Maybe it's just that I'm a sucker for true stories on the screen, but I was thoroughly enthralled by this film. I did not carry as big of a "America loses its innocence" or "WASPs are evil" theme out of it as a sound message that TV is entertainment and business--all that matters is money and pleasing people. The last few lines of the movie are haunting and leave you thinking with a chilling sense of skepticism. Overall, a spectacular film. Richly presented with an outstanding cast and an important message.
- Stephen J. Truog Northwestern University
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