Reviews
Network (1976)
Brilliantly satirical
NETWORK was the best film of 1976 regardless of what the Academy Awards chose (ROCKY). The satire about the television network industry was far before its time but was out and out brilliant in several ways. First and foremost, the cast is one of the best right up there with THE GODFATHER. Faye Dunaway, and William Holden lead an exceptional cast as the producers of a news show anchored by Peter Finch that becomes an overnight success when Finch's character, who we learn was fired at the beginning of the film, threatens to kill himself at the end of his last broadcast. Dunaway is ambitious and perfect in every definition of the word; Finch is stunning as a psychotic broadcaster turned prophet; Holden depicts class and depth as a network executive; and other players, including Robert Duvall (new network executive) and Beatrice Straight (as Holden's wife who struggles to maintain her dignity after learning of her husband's infidelities) prove what great supporting roles can do. Paddy Chayefsky's play is absolutely flawless with biting satire, wit, and deep drama in every scene while director Sidney Lumet captures the world of the television industry with subtle perfection. Dunaway, Finch (who died just after the film wrapped), and Straight won Academy Awards for their roles, the second film to win 3 acting awards in a year.
Rating: 8/10
The Juror (1996)
Demi's best
I am not a big Demi Moore fan and seeing this movie wasn't top priority but afterwards I was very pleased with the outcome. This is, by far, Demi Moore's best film to date as she shows so much emotion as a single mother stuck in a difficult position between working for the mafia in order to save her family and herself. Moore truly deserved an Academy Award nomination if not a win, and the Razzies were very out of line by giving her Worst Actress for this (it was moreso for "Striptease" and that also wasn't that bad...a thing about the Razzies, they don't know what the hell they're talking about half the time). Alec Baldwin is pretty good as the villain and Anne Heche gives all she has as the token best friend. Ted Tally's ("Silence of the Lambs") script is riveting and keeps you on the edge of your seat. A great suspense film with a great performance by Demi Moore...see it and believe it. 8/10
Dragon: The Bruce Lee Story (1993)
Great movie!!
I saw this movie the other day on TV and it was very, very well made. First, Jason Scott Lee and Lauren Holly were perfect and the chemistry was amazing...easily her best performance. The actress who played Holly's mother was terrific as well. Wonderful love and tragic love story beautifully converted to the screen.
Sports Night (1998)
The good die young
I didn't give this one a chance when it was on ABC and even after TV Guide called it "The Best Show You're Not Watching" but I recently caught it on Comedy Central and it's a wonderful show. The cast is exceptional, including Felicity Huffman, Josh Charles, Peter Krause, and Sabrina Lloyd. The writing is fresh from "The West Wing" helmer Aaron Sorkin and it's so original since it doesn't include a laugh track nor does it have to anyway. One of the very best shows that weren't given the opportunity to succeed by ABC (see "Once and Again").
Road to Perdition (2002)
A Masterpiece
This is easily one of the best gangster movies of all-time with a great cast and exceptional directing. Sam Mendes has done it again in his follow-up to "American Beauty" with this dark and dramatic story of murder, deceit and father-son bonding. Tom Hanks is in his finest hour since "Philadelphia" and underplays his role so well I almost believed Tom Hanks was Michael Sullivan. Paul Newman was equally stunning and captures the essence of the character with perfection. The supporting cast, comprised of Jennifer Jason Leigh and Jude Law, show what great supporting actors do. Tyler Hoechlin, the newcomer who plays the elder son, proves how talented child actors can be as he pulls off this difficult role beautifully opposite two of the greatest actors today. The cinematography is absolutely dark and captivating by Conrad Hall while the script is flawless and true, a perfect combination. Thomas Newman reminds you of Mendes's previous work especially through the score that is subtle and so well-crafted you barely notice it's there. With pure greatness by everyone involved in making "Road to Perdition," this story of the trials and tribulations of a heroic and flawed man is surely a masterpiece.