Romy and Michele’s High School Reunion (1997)
Posts tagged 90s.
Gwyneth Paltrow in “Shakespeare in Love” (1998)
Happiness (1998)
What an ironic title. If theres one movie that will make you depressed, it’s “Happiness”. A movie by Todd Solondz, who is known for making heartbreaking films, such as “Welcome to the Dollhouse” and “Storytelling”. This one gets so intense at times I could barely look, it literally took my breath away!
There are 10 different characters (and more) connected to each other, some very weird and some very lonely, but all in all, they try to find happiness. All the actors did a great job, from young to old, but Dylan Baker as the therapist/father/psychopath/pedophile, was the most convincing character for me. Loneliness, rage, sexual repression/obsession, disintegrating marriages, sadly sophisticated children, relationships built upon artifice, this film has it all. Got 134 minutes and a desire to see something darkly different? Watch “Happiness”.
Trailer:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FkQ_JxoWUP8
Edward Norton, David Fincher and Brad Pitt behind the scenes of “Fight Club” (1999)
The Addams Family (1991)
The Addams Family was a funny/quirky TV show from the 60s, almost 30 years later this film came out and was big success (bigger than the show). Directed by Barry Sonnenfeld starring Anjelica Huston, Raul Julia, Christopher Lloyd, Jimmy Workman and young Christina Ricci, who started her career with this movie.
The Addams step out of Charles Addams’ cartoons. They live with all of the trappings of the macabre (including a detached hand for a servant) in a big house and are quite wealthy. Added to this mix is a crooked accountant and his loan shark, who try to get money from the Addams, so they slip in the shark’s son into the family as their long lost Uncle Fester. Raul Julia is great as Gomez and the love story between him and his wife are my favorite scenes. Even though it’s a little “dark” the whole family can enjoy Sonnenfeld’s “Addams Family”.
Trailer:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4t2tdKD9tPs
Jerry Maguire (1996)
A film by the great Cameron Crowe, starring Tom Cruise, Cuba Gooding Jr. (who won an Oscar for his performance, and gave one of the funniest speeches of all time), Renée Zellweger - and Jonathan Lipnicki, who plays the adorable kid :) I love this movie for several reasons; one, it doesn’t take it self to serious, two, it’s hilarious and authentic at the same time, three, “You complete me”, the beautiful love story between Jerry and Dorothy, but mostly this film works so well because of the dynamism of Tom Cruise and Cuba Gooding Jr.
Jerry Maguire (Tom Cruise) is a successful sports agent. The biggest clients, the respect, a beautiful fiancée, he has it all. Until one night he questions his purpose. His place in the world, and finally comes to terms with what’s wrong with his career and life. Recording all his thoughts in a mission statement Jerry feels he has a new lease on life. Unfortunately his opinions aren’t met with enthusiasm from his superiors and he gets fired from the agency. Jerry steps out into the sports business armed with only one volatile client (Cuba Gooding Jr.) and the only person with belief in his abilities (Renée Zellweger) with the impossible task of rebuilding what he once had. Along the way he faces the harsh truths which he’d ignored in the past and a host of hardships that he’d never faced before. A rare story produced by the materialistic studios about the dangers of losing oneself for the sake of materialism. An interesting statistic has emerged of late regarding a high number of American businessmen on their deathbeds who begin regretting the direction and purpose of their lives. “Jerry Maguire” offers an alternative, although probably few in his position would find the wisdom to change course.
Trailer:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rJpKKrGXOJw
The Player (1992)
Directed by Robert Altman, based on Michael Tolkin’s novel. A studio executive, played by Tim Robbins, is being blackmailed by a writer whose script he rejected - but which one? This plot is written on a backdrop of sleazy Hollywood deals and several subplots involving the politics of the industry, loaded with Hollywood insider jokes.
I find it one of the best movies ever made about movies. We start with an incredible long “one-shot” showing us all the different characters on the studio lot talking - e.g. about the best long opening shots of all time while Robert Altman skillfully is showing you one. Then we see Tim Robbins in his office with famous film posters around him (who’s titles later always fit in the right situation). Tim is excellent as studio executive, Griffin Mill, the way he talks, thinks or orders water (you’ll get it if you watch it). What I loved about “The Player” is not only the original idea and the hilarious script but also, to find and name all the famous cameos. I’m not gonna give away much, but this film is absolutely worth watching!
Trailer:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dwnhRRRQtaI
The Shawshank Redemption (1994)
Based on Stephen King’s short story “Rita Hayworth and Shawshank Redemption”, Frank Darabont wrote the screenplay and directed this film, which at times reminds us (intentionally) of “The Count of Monte Cristo”. What makes this film so brilliant is not only the writing, but the chemistry between Tim Robbins and Morgan Freeman (the rest of the cast also did a wonderful job!). King is one of the best writers in the world, his best adaptations are always done by great directors. “The Shining” was brilliantly interpreted by Kubrick and of course “Misery” and “Stand By Me” are both by Rob Reiner. Then Frank Darabont comes onto the scene and makes arguably the best King film ever. (Btw. the movie was nominated for 7 Oscars, but didn’t win one. Forrest Gump was the big winner that year.)
Andy Dufresne, played by Tim Robbins, is a young and successful banker whose life changes drastically when he is convicted and sentenced to life imprisonment for the alleged murder of his wife and her lover. Set in the 1940’s till the 1960’s, the film shows how Andy, with the help of his friend Red, played by Freeman, lives the prison life - we see the good and bad sides, corruption, injustice, friendship and more, basically a movie about two imprisoned men, who bond over a number of years, finding solace and eventual redemption through acts of common decency. After the jail director discovers Andy’s talent, he wants him to work for him and take care of his finances. But then Andy finds out, who really killed his wife, and wants to get out of jail (after serving 20 years innocently), so he plans his jailbreak.
Trailer:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6hB3S9bIaco
John Travolta and Uma Thurman in “Pulp Fiction” (1994)
Robin Hood: Men in Tights (1993)
Directed by Mel Brooks, starring Cary Elwes (plays Robin Hood), Richard Lewis, Roger Rees, Amy Yasbeck, Mark Blankfield and Dave Chappelle. A spoof of Robin Hood in general, and ‘Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves’ in particular.
The standard story of Robin Hood: Evil Prince John is oppressing the people while good King Richard is away on the Crusades. Robin steals from the tax collectors, wins an archery contest, defeats the Sheriff, and rescues Maid Marian. In this version, however, Mel Brooks adds his own personal touch, parodying traditional adventure films, romance films, and the whole idea of men running around the woods in tights.
Trailer:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dX4Ik-cyp-I
Gena Rowlands and Winona Ryder in “Night on Earth” (1991)
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This is a Movie Blog, a different kind of blog. Mostly I write reviews of old and new movies. But I also post lots of movies in pictures and behind the scenes.
Over 800 movies in my archive. From "The Godfather" to "Requiem for a Dream", "The Truman Show", "American Beauty", "The Pianist", "Shining", "Taxi Driver", "Schindler's list", "American Psycho", "The Royal Tenenbaums", "A Clockwork Orange" and many more...
