Miscellaneous Film Reviews
Film reviews by Michael John Legeros
Copyright 1995 Michael John Legeros
Contents - ARABIAN KNIGHT - THE BROTHERS MCMULLEN - LIVING IN OBLIVION - THE SHOW - UNZIPPED
ARABIAN KNIGHT
Striking artwork is the reason to see ARABIAN KNIGHT, the elaborate animated feature from director Richard Williams (WHO FRAMED ROGER RABBIT). Though appearing in the guise of a cheap ALADDIN clone--and not helped by a lousy late-summer release date--ARABIAN KNIGHT was actually started *way* before Walt's heirs ever hired a guy names Williams to do voice-overs. Now, decades later, the finished product makes for an eye-popping bauble of modest value. The story could be stronger--and there's only one good song--but the visuals have a wit all their own.
This is no ordinary cartoon!!
Grade: B-
THE BROTHERS MCMULLEN
Writer/director Edward Burns also stars in this raunchy compendium of male commitment fears, as seen through the lives of three Irish-American brothers. Burns plays Barry, the middle one, and the least Catholic of the three. They live under the same roof on Long Island, thanks to the oldest, Jack, who's married and has an attic room to spare. Though, uh, "technically challenged"--the handmade film is blown up from 16mm--the acting is relaxed, and the dialogue is natural. Very natural. The plot is harder to take. I don't buy any of the story situations that are presented here.
Grade: B+
LIVING IN OBLIVION
Writer/director Tom DiCillo's behind-the-scenes comedy-of-errors is good for a few laughs, especially whenever James LeGros (no relation) is on screen. He plays a preening, blonde up-and-comer who bears no small resemblance to Brad Pitt (who starred in DiCillo's 1992 film "Johnny Suede"). The rest of the appealing cast includes Steve Buscemi, Catherine Keener, and Dermon Mulroney. They do well in this extended inside-joke that's perpetually undermined by a shaggy-dog story structure.
Grade: C+
THE SHOW
Hip-hop gets an honest rap in this intriguing documentary from director Brian Robbins. No judgments are passed on the popular music form, as Robbins examines the genre from *both* sides of the fence, or prison fence, if you will. THE SHOW opens with a visit to Ryker's Island prison, to meet convicted rapper Slick Rick. The short film feels longer, thanks to an overabundance of mush-mouthed jive from the rap stars themselves. A better balance would include footage related to the "experiences" that all the musicians claim are reflected in their works.
Grade: B-
UNZIPPED
Fashion-photograph-turned-documentary-directory Douglas Keeve does in 76 minutes what Robert Altman (READY TO WEAR) couldn't do in 132. This hip, enjoyable Sundance Film Festival award-winner presents a year in the life of New York fashion designer Isaac Mizrahi. From concept to presentation, with all the fears, fervor, and free-associating in between. Mizrahi narrates with a playful perspective of how pop culture fuels his inspiration. He even sings the "Mary Tyler Moore" theme.
Grade: B+
Michael J. Legeros legeros@nando.net (h) ___ legeros@unx.sas.com (w) Raleigh, NC "Orange whip? Orange whip? Three orange whips!"
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