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Movie: Basquiat
Director: Julian Schnabel
Cast: Jeffrey Wright, Michael Wincott, Benicio Del Toro, Claire Forlani, David Bowie,
Dennis Hopper, Gary Oldman, Christopher Walken, Willem Dafoe, Parker Posey, and Courtney Love (Yes, THAT Courtney Love).
Story: In 1981 a 19 year old grafitti artist named Basquiat became a hit in the
New York art world. This film takes us from the time he is discovered to his untimely death and in between examines how popularity
and mainstream culture can often taint the purity of the things we love most in life.
Grade: B
Justification: This film is an excellent example of how going mainstream and becoming
popular isn't always a good thing. The story has good flow and gives us a great idea of who Basquiat was and how his life
was affected both positively and negatively once he became the darling of the New York art scene. Although you may not think
his work to be, "art" you can't ignore the fact that he broke barriers both racially and artistically. Despite the fact that
the film is overflowing with A-List talent (and by that I mean TALENTED actors not necessarily popular ones) there is no overblown
performances that distract from the story. Sadly, the film proves yet again that the pressures of fame and living in the celebrity
lime light can be a heavy burden that not everyone is capable of carrying.
Scene Not To Be Missed: There are so many great scenes between the myriad cast of
actors to choose from. Perhaps one of the best, yet fairly subtle, scenes occurs between Basquiat (Wright) and an interviewer
(Walken).
Movie: JFK
Director: Oliver Stone
Cast: Kevin Costner, Tommy Lee Jones, Gary Oldman
Story: In this masterfully directed film a young D.A. attempts to solve the lingering
mysteries that arise from the JFK assassination.
Grade: A
Justification: Oliver Stone tackles an issue that generally comes off sounding like
crazy talk and manages to lend it an air of credibility. The key to the film's success being that it manages to put the audience
in the same position as Costner. We are there with him every step of the way as the first contradictions arise to the discovery
of a larger sinister force at work. The film is of course studded with some heavy star power which can be slightly distracting
at times. Overall though, whether you agree with Stone's claims or not, this is one powerful film that will definitely raise
questions.
Scene Not To Be Missed: The final scene where Kevin Costner finally gets his chance
to prove his case in court.
08/06/04
Movie: Hellboy
Director: Guillermo del Toro
Cast: Ron Perlman, John Hurt, Selma Blair, Rupert Evans
Story: The Bureau of Paranormal Research and Defense (B.P.R.D.) is
an organization dedicated to protecting humanity from the evil creatures and magic that threatens the world. Chief among its
agents is the demon Hellboy. When the evil Rasputin is resurrected by former Nazi's, Hellboy and his team (including the fish
like Abe Sapien, fire generator Liz Sherman, and the new guy John Meyers) must step in to prevent him from launching an ancient
evil upon the earth that will cleanse it of all life.
Grade: B-
Justification: Hellboy is based on the most excellent comic book of
the same name (written by Mike Mignola) and is one of the standout decent books in the market. Which is why I was very concerned
that the producers would tamper with the story and make it absolute crap (Any one of the Batman movies after "Batman Returns"
would be excellent examples). However, I was very pleased to discover that del Toro is a big fan of the comics and has proven
that with this well made film. Although many complained the story did not make much sense, the movie kept intact the origin
of Hellboy during World War II which I found to be a very good move. The actors in the film all do an excellent job of representing
their respective characters. One complaint I do have with the film though is that much like the first X-Men film it feels
like it is kind of light on the action. Other than that I consider this to be one of the rare films that does a great job
of staying true to the comic while being something that the average movie viewer will find entertaining.
Scene Not To Be Missed: The opening sequence where Hellboy makes his
first appearance. He's so cute and little!
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