Details

Written by Matthew Toomey

Created: 29 August 2002

As the unlikely hero, Ben Affleck is Jack Ryan, a regular guy who happened to write a well researched article about a Russian politician, Alexander Nemerov.  When the current Russian President dies of a heart-attack, Nemerov is appointed leaving the CIA back in the States anxious for information about the new leader.  Ryan is called in and acts under the wing of presidential adviser William Cabot (Freeman).

The two go to Russia to greet Nemerov.  They also inspect a nuclear facility to ensure the government is complying with the treaty to dismantle a large percentage of their nuclear arsenal.  Newcomer Ryan notes that several scientists are missing and Cabot uses field agent John Clark (Schreiber) to investigate further.

On arriving back in America, both Ryan and Cabot release a serious situation is building.  A nuclear weapon which was lost in a 1973 plane crash has fallen into the hands of terrorists.  They are using scientists to reconfigure the bomb.  Sneaking it into America they plan on instigating a full-scale war between the United States and Russia.  It seems only Ryan can save the day.

To the film’s credit, it held my attention all the way through and the final 45 minutes is particularly riveting.  Having been based on a popular novel, there was always going to be plenty of material but I think the cinematic adaptation focuses on the wrong elements.  For example, Affleck has a love interest played by Bridget Moynahan.  She is useless, a complete distraction and adds nothing whatsoever.  The dialogue they share brought back memories of the soppy mushiness I remember Affleck uttering with Liv Tyler in Armageddon.

A key moment in the film occurs in Baltimore at the Superbowl.  Without spoiling it (for those who haven’t seen the trailer), I was stunned at the way the film focussed more on the actions of Ryan and the President (played by James Cromwell) rather than the aftermath of the event.  I can confirm several parts of the film were watered down following the September 11 bombings.  This is just stupid and again highlights the fact that Americans have trouble facing reality.  As a result, the film didn’t pack the punch that it should.

Still, I had fun watching Affleck run all over the place trying to save the world (i.e. America).  There are cheesy lines and overused clichés but most can be overlooked in the situation.  In the last two major films based on Tom Clancy novels, Clear And Present Games and Patriot Games, Harrison Ford had the role of Jack Ryan.  I guess Affleck was the studio’s attempt to have the series appeal to a younger audience but he doesn’t have the serious disposition that Ford brought to the role.  The script gives Affleck too much opportunity to act lightheartedly.

With the right amount of coke and popcorn, there is nothing to fear about The Sum Of All Fears.  Then again, there’s not much worth writing about either.

Details

Written by Matthew Toomey

Created: 22 August 2002

Orange County is a little gem that has only recently snuck into Australian cinemas despite being released in the United States back in early January.  In this film, the “spark” comes from the performance of star Colin Hanks (yep, that’s the son of Tom).  Hanks has distinguished himself with small roles in other teen comedies such as Get Over It and Whatever It Takes but shines with the opportunity in a leading role.  He sure looks like a younger version of his dad and early signs indicate his acting ability may be of equal quality.

Shaun Brumder (Hanks) has had some fun through high school by going surfing, hanging out with friends and generally enjoying himself.  At the beach one afternoon, he finds an old book written by author Marcus Skinner.  He reads it several times and it inspires him to become a writer.  Knuckling down in his final year at high school, his guidance councillor assures him that he’s a shoe-in to get a spot studying literature at Stanford University (where Marcus Skinner teaches).  On her “advice”, he doesn’t even apply to other colleges.

The date of offer arrives and he is prepared for exciting news.  He races home to open the mail and... “I didn’t get in”.  Stunned, he realises the guidance councillor sent in the wrong transcript (of a much dumber student) playing a major factor in his rejection.  Not taking no for an answer, Shaun, his brother Lance (Black) and his girlfriend Ashley (Fisk) set off for Stanford to appeal for sympathy to the Dean of Admission.  It will be a very interesting trip...

Hanks plays it straight and unlike most characters in cheap teen comedies, he has intelligence.  There’s a scene late in the film where he finally meets Marcus Skinner (played by an uncredited Hollywood star) and the pure joy of the scene brought a near tear to my eye.  Also well created is Shaun’s relationship with his girlfriend.  Like any well matched couple, they gain much from each other’s advice and you can see the feeling between them without all the usual mushiness and obligatory romantic moments.

The rest of the cast are all nuts.  Jack Black wears few clothes and his grubbiness is the source of some great gags.  As Shaun’s divorced parents, Catherine O’Hara and John Lithgow are insane and the drunken mutterings of O’Hara will have you cringing with embarrassment.  With the smallest of roles, Chevy Chase and Lily Tomlin are listed during the opening credits but there are two much bigger stars (who aren’t listed) to keep an eye out for.  I guess they asked not to be credited but it’s still strange to see.

Ultimately, I enjoyed the mix of silly comedy and logical sensibility.  Writer Mike White and director Jack Kasdan worked together on the short-lived American TV series Freaks And Geeks.  Like MTV, maybe their true calling is on the bigger screen.

Details

Written by Matthew Toomey

Created: 29 August 2002

The white men live in the town’s centre with the Aboriginals living in an outpost not far outside it.  Neither group has respect for the other and there’s much animosity between the senior folk.  Blacky (Phillips) is a white teenager who is best friends with an Aborigine, Dumby (Carroll).  They play together on the local aussie rules football team and show none of the racism that their childish parents do.

A series of events will soon split the already divided town.  Following the AFL grand final, the presentations are held to reward the best players on the team.  When the top award is announced, everyone expects Dumby to be a shoe-in - he kicked heaps of goals in the finals and is being targeted by leading AFL clubs.  However, the man-of-the-match prize goes to the son of the coach, who just so happens to be white and in a fit of fury he will do something that will stupid.  To add fuel to the fire, Blacky is seen being intimate with an Aboriginal girl named Clarence (Flanagan) and his racist father is furious.  There’s a lot of rage in the air and few people will be spared the effects of the tumultuous happenings that follow.

The film’s opening is dull and needs more substance and humour.  The is no fault amongst the performances but first time writer-director, Paul Goldman shows his inexperience.  The signs are there though that he will develop into a solid director and in fact both Dennis Hopper and Melanie Griffith have signed on to feature in his second film, The Night We Called It A Day.  The aussie rules scenes could have been more exciting.  If they hope to screen the film overseas, I would have preferred to see the sport feature more prominently.

Racism has been explored in many recent Australian films and the question needs to be asked whether this offers a fresh perspective.  The answer is a clear no.  I am surprised though to see some people within Aboriginal circles criticise the film for portraying them badly.  It is only a story and I don’t think it shows either party in a positive light.

Void of much emotion, supporting character Pickles (played by Tom Budge) steals the show with his psychotic sense of humour.  That scene at the AFL game where he makes sheep noises to his opponent is a classic and probably the only part of the film I’ll remember in a months time.  To put it bluntly, the film follows too many cinematic “rules” and needed more originality and flair.

Details

Written by Matthew Toomey

Created: 22 August 2002

Y Tu Mama Tambien’s English translation is And Your Mother Too and I caught it at last month’s Brisbane International Film Festival.  The near sell-out crowd gave the film a very warm ovation and it was voted as the 5th most popular film of the 2002 festival.  Such acclaim and such praise has followed the film throughout the world.

Set in Mexico, teenagers Julio (Bernal) and Tenoch (Luna) have said good-bye to their girlfriends who have departed for a summer holiday in Europe.  Now, they’re hormonally charged and looking for a big summer.  At a lavish wedding they meet a Spanish vixen, Luisa (Verdu), who is engaged to their uncle.  She’s always wanted to see the beach and as boys do, Julio and Tenoch make up a fictitious beach and speak of its beauty to convince Luisa to come on a trip with them.

She decides not to but soon after she finds her fiancé has been unfaithful.  In a haze of confusion and mixed emotions, she calls Julio and Tenoch to accept their invite.  The three of them set off in an old car across the roads of Mexico in search of a beach that doesn’t exist.  It’s a beautiful journey where two stories are being told - one in the foreground and one in the background.

The time Luisa, Julio and Tenoch spend together will change all of their lives forever.  With Luisa acting as a catalyst, they discuss their sexual past and discover their sexual futures.  Shocking admissions are made by all of them which will jeopardise friendships and make the trip something they will never forget.  As the backdrop to this story, they see little snippets of Mexico as they travel across the country.  The film’s narrator acts as both a storyteller and tour guide on our journey.

Without spoiling any surprises, Y Tu Mama Tambien is a remarkable film emphasising the importance of an clever story.  For Mexican director Alfonso Cuaron, it’s his chance to show the world what his country is like and is capable of.  Cuaron has directed two American films, A Little Princess and Great Expectations, and his reputation has been largely responsible for seeing this film succeed.  A lesser director would have not have had the backing to have the film released outside of Mexico.

Cuaron’s style is quite special.  The narrator plays a key role in the film and is used to explain each character’s past as a guide to assessing their motives.  As a snub to suppressing censors, Cuaron has no qualms about showing sex and nudity on screen.  Disappointingly, the film has received an R-rating in Australia.  If you’ve seen the film, you’ll wonder how a film can be banned to those under the age of 18 when shockingly violent films (without sex or nudity) receive a lesser rating.

With seemingly everyone admiring the stylings of Alfonso Cuaron, it comes as no surprise to see him appointed as director of the third Harry Potter film to be released in 2004.  It may look like a gamble but he has the originality to breath life into the series (and it needs it).  Until then, if you’re looking a change in scenery, you are invited to see Y Tu Mama Tambien... and your mother too.

Details

Written by Matthew Toomey

Created: 22 August 2002

I’ve liked Sandler is some movies but am a little tougher as a critic.  My personal favourite was The Wedding Singer but it’s still not a film I’d class in any elite category.  A regular comedian, he’s gotten a huge break with his film stardom but I’m sure he isn’t making the most of his opportunities.  In each film, he just seems to get dumber and dumber.

Jim Carrey goofed around in films like Ace Ventura and Liar Liar but used these films as a platform to take on more challenging roles in The Truman Show and Man On The Moon.  Both films won Carrey a Golden Globe and it proved he has what it takes as both a comedic and dramatic actor.  His career will be better for it.

Now I don’t know what Adam Sandler’s career aspirations are but he hasn’t come a long way in the last few years.  About twelve months ago, I heard Sandler was to try his first serious role in a film directed by Paul Thomas Anderson, a favourite director of mine who made Boogie Nights and Magnolia.  The film was to be called Punch Drunk Love and it became pretty much the number one film on my list to see in 2002.

The reason no one has heard of the film is because there has been a delay in its release.  Looking to be an early 2003 release in Australia, the film premiered back in May at the Cannes Film Festival and everyone was talking about how great Sandler was.  Anderson shared the top prize for best director of the festival.  If possible, I now want to see this film even more.

As I wait, I am forced to watch mediocre efforts like Mr. Deeds.  Sandler as Longfellow Deeds is not funny but Winona Ryder is unbearable to watch.  She’s probably just doing what the screenplay asks of her but her role as Sandler’s girlfriend, Pam Dawson is way too serious.  This is a comedy, nor a romantic drama!  If you think I’ll give a damn when Pam breaks up with Deeds and is seen crying at the bottom of her staircase, you’d be ignorantly mistaken.

Saving the film from total annihiliation are the small roles given to Deeds’ butler, played by Jon Turturo, and a friend played by Steve Buscemi.  They share all the spotlight and giving Buscemi the final line in the film is proof that despite having about 1/20th the screen time of Sandler, he is the real star.  Both Turturo and Buscemi have appeared together before and if you’re looking for a good video that’s only getting better with age, try The Big Lebowski.

With all that said, it’s a judgment call if you want to take this one on.  But ain’t offering any money back guarantees.