Reviews
Rushmore (1998)
The Team From "Bottle Rocket" Do It Again
I'm always amazed when I see a film and I can say, "I honestly wouldn't have added anything to that movie to perfect it any more." As an amateur filmmaker often guilty of hubris, I'm very critical of most current films by young filmmakers. Wes Anderson and Owen Wilson, however, are two enormous exceptions to this rule. They've made a brilliant film that rises above all my expectations. "Rushmore" is the best movie with an adolescent protagonist since "Ferris Bueller's Day Off." It's not strictly a movie about high school, however; it's more about the vitality of youth and the allure of a man who truly knows what he wants to do. What Max Fischer wants to do is lead a fascinating life, and that's exactly what he does. Neither about "geek chic" nor "teen angst," the theme of the film is "accomplish your dreams."
The wonderful thing about this film (as well as Anderson and Wilson's first film, "Bottle Rocket") is the balance of understated humor and delightful over-the-top action. The humor isn't based on jokes, but on interesting and believable characters who don't fit into the real world's mold of a successful human. Max is a metaphor for the voice inside our heads who gives us these wonderful ideas--ideas that never work in the real world. They don't always work in his world, either--in fact most of the movie consists of him failing miserably at one thing after another--but when they do, it's nothing short of miraculous. Max makes plenty of mistakes, but he tries so many times that his successes far outweigh most people's. A good point there.
Rushmore (1998)
The Team From "Bottle Rocket" Do It Again
I'm always amazed when I see a film and I can say, "I honestly wouldn't have added anything to that movie to perfect it any more." As an amateur filmmaker often guilty of hubris, I'm very critical of most current films by young filmmakers. Wes Anderson and Owen Wilson, however, are two enormous exceptions to this rule. They've made a brilliant film that rises above all my expectations. "Rushmore" is the best movie with an adolescent protagonist since "Ferris Bueller's Day Off." It's not strictly a movie about high school, however; it's more about the vitality of youth and the allure of a man who truly knows what he wants to do. What Max Fischer wants to do is lead a fascinating life, and that's exactly what he does. Neither about "geek chic" nor "teen angst," the theme of the film is "accomplish your dreams."
The wonderful thing about this film (as well as Anderson and Wilson's first film, "Bottle Rocket") is the balance of understated humor and delightful over-the-top action. The humor isn't based on jokes, but on interesting and believable characters who don't fit into the real world's mold of a successful human. Max is a metaphor for the voice inside our heads who gives us these wonderful ideas--ideas that never work in the real world. They don't always work in his world, either--in fact most of the movie consists of him failing miserably at one thing after another--but when they do, it's nothing short of miraculous. Max makes plenty of mistakes, but he tries so many times that his successes far outweigh most people's. A good point there.
Commandments (1997)
Interesting, dark work
There's good work being done here by the principals--I can't decide which of them I like the most, really, although Anthony LaPaglia's noirish everyday scumbag is the best-written of the three. While the story has its weaknesses, it works fine enough for this sort of unassuming film that tells a story in its own meandering way. Courtney Cox finally comes out of her shell, finally playing a likable character, and she proves a worthy receptacle for most of the camera's adoration. All around, a good date rental for those who won't be put off by the sacreligious plotline.
Real Genius (1985)
A smart film
First off: This is an 80s movie. It contains within it certain aspects of the 80s film genre which may cause you to cringe. A youthful, innocent boy gets corrupted by the feckless rebel; a vicious adult has his own agenda; boy gets seduced by teenage girl who may or may not be the current sex symbol. All generalizations aside, the roles in this movie are well-written and well-played. Val Kilmer is at his absolute best, William Atherton is as sly as Jeffrey Jones is oafish in "Ferris Bueller's Day Off." The supporting heroine is annoying and unneeded, but who needs her when you've got Jonathan Gries to laugh at? All-around fun and plenty of one-liners that'll have you wishing you could be so witty.
Out of Sight (1998)
Another stylish take on Elmore Leonard
You can't watch a movie adapted from Elmore Leonard without falling in love with his characters. The much-debated George Clooney is pretty much at home in this part; he says what he feels, a trademark of any Leonard character, and yet, he's caught by factors he can't control in a dangerous and morally questionable situation. I've always liked his work (because I avoided those films he's despised for), and so if you can't see his face without cringing, I would think twice before renting it. If you're willing to risk it, however, I think you'll be pleased. Albert Brooks and Don Cheadle also turn in good performances, and you won't want to miss the closing scene, featuring a cameo by the most charismatic actor in Hollywood. Trust me.
Trees Lounge (1996)
An interesting look at one man's sadness
This offbeat piece intrigued me, not so much for the story itself, but the unflinching way in which Buscemi films his subjects. He's completely brutal in displaying Tommy and his friends as losers. Not slackers, not people with no lives, but actual *losers*, people with sad stories and tragedies hanging about them in tatters. The viewer can't help but empathize with their plight, while also regarding it as pathetic. Don't watch this one with lots of alcohol, or cold and lonely after your wife of seventeen years left you for another woman.
Underground (1995)
Unquestionably beautiful
The film's visuals tie in perfectly with its theme, which is the destroyal of a culture by those uncaring forces we call politics. I loved this film on three or four levels, including the beautiful use of metaphor and political allegory, the brilliant acting, and perhaps most importantly, the photography and the images which cause strong emotional reactions in the mind. I can't begin to describe the opening shots of revelers riding in a carriage and firing pistols into the air as a brass band runs behind them playing triumphant marches, or the bombing of the zoo during feeding time, or the fear on the peasants' faces as the monkey crawls inside the tank and begins to punch controls. I hope this whets your appetite to see this hard-to-find movie, because you will *never* forget it.