Archive for September, 1999

Baseketball

First things first. I’m a big fan of “South Park.” Have been since the beginning. Some of my friends think I’m immature and childish for watching the show, much less liking it. Tough cookies. I like irreverent humor. I like edgy humor. I like politically incorrect humor. I used to do stand up comedy, and the material that always got everyone’s attention was the off-the-wall stuff. The slightly askew stuff. Humor that seemed comfortably familiar, yet with a wicked twist. One of my favorite jokes? Read the rest of this entry »

Celebrity

Woody Allen’s latest is a black and white expose on the effects of celebrity, yet the film is never as interesting as its subject matter or stellar cast. Allen’s angst is usually good for a couple of laughs or insights, yet in “Celebrity” its annoying and tired. Too bad, because Allen has rounded up an interesting cast in which to tell his story, including Kenneth Branagh, Charlize Theron, Melanie Griffith, Winona Ryder, Judy Davis, and briefly, Leonardo DiCaprio. Read the rest of this entry »

Films Review September

DESERT HEAT (R)

Action hero Jean-Claude Van Damme’s star fades a little more with this direct-to-video revenge flick, more than a step down for the former lead of “Universal Soldier.” Directed with little flair by Danny Mulroon and featuring a paint-by-numbers screenplay by Tim O’Rourke, “Desert Heat” is no more than a ninety-minute programmer that would be happy on the bottom half of a drive-in feature. Read the rest of this entry »

Films Review September

ATOMIC TRAIN (PG-13)The two-part television mini-series gets whittled down to theatrical film length, and the trims make the film and even tighter experience. Featuring a suspenseful script by D. Brent Mote, Phil Penningroth and Rob Fresco, and a slam bang performance from Rob Lowe, “Atomic Train” presents its case with conviction. Read the rest of this entry »

The Best of Times

It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, especially for high school football player Jack Dundee, who dropped the game-winning pass. That was over ten years ago, and yet Jack is still known around town as the man who dropped the ball. Instead of leaving the small oil town of Taft, California, Jack decided to tough it out. Now he’s the manager of one of his father-in-law’s banks, and is just trying to get on with his life. He still takes a ribbing, especially from his best friend Reno Hightower, the star quarterback who threw that fateful pass. Read the rest of this entry »

The Ugly

Could you imagine how bummed out I was when I realized “The Ugly” wasn’t one of those Fox specials about Linda Tripp? Once I got past my disappointment, it was easy to sit down and appreciate the ferocity of writer-director Scott Reynolds debut. The New Zealand native has constructed a horrifying nightmare of tension and psychological mind trips. Read the rest of this entry »

Pleasantville

“Pleasantville” begins pleasantly enough with a commercial for one of those retro-cable channels like “T.V. Land.” Ah, the good old days. “Father Knows Best,” “Leave it to Beaver,” I Married Joan,” and everyone’s perennial favorite, “Pleasantville.” Read the rest of this entry »

Films Review September

CHILDREN OF HEAVEN (PG)

Director Majid Majidi’s powerful and engaging film was nominated for a Best Foreign Film Academy Award this year, and once you’ve experienced the film it’s easy to understand the accolades. Read the rest of this entry »