90s Movie Review - The Usual Suspects

Director: Bryan Singer
Genre: Crime/ Drama/ Thriller
Runtime: 102 minutes
Year: 1995
Starring: Gabriel Byrne, Stephen Baldwin, Kevin Spacey, Benicio Del Toro, Kevin Pollak, Chazz Palminteri, Pete Postlethwaite, Dan Hedaya, Giancarlo Esposito

Description: A sole survivor tells of the twisty events leading up to a horrific gun battle on a boat, which begin when five criminals meet at a seemingly random police lineup.

Review: There is one scene in “The Usual Suspects” that was considered failed by director Brian Singer. The actors couldn’t concentrate and constantly laughed. Eventually Singer decided to use the footage, the scene could be more interesting because of it. And he was right: one of the most characteristic scenes from the movie was born.

Off course we’re talking about that famous line-up. This ‘failed’ scene managed to give us an impression of the five different criminals. We see their frigid, defiant and anarchistic attitude.
Any form of identification is important in a movie like this, where the characters are criminals and their activities and social environment are so different from ours. All the characters have their quirks.
Kevin Spacey is the one that catches our eye, this was the movie that put him on the map. His insecure portrayal of Verbal Kint is completely credible and he is the one that connects the audience with the story.     

The cunning script by Christopher McQuarrie is the main reason you keep watching. We want to know what’s going on and who Keyser Söze is. This villain is so on point, like a devil, who is mainly in the background but a constant threat.

“The Usual Suspects” needs your attention at all times, but it’s inevitable that you eventually get on the wrong track. It’s a great crime story, with beautiful music, good acting and film noir like camerawork. And that amazing twist at the end makes it to the classic it is.

Rating: 5/ 5

90s Movie Review - A Bug's Life

Director: John Lasseter, Andrew Stanton
Genre: Animation/ Family/ Comedy/ Adventure
Runtime: 96 minutes
Year: 1998
Starring: Dave Foley, Kevin Spacey, Julia Louis-Dreyfuss, Hayden Panettiere, Phyllis Diller, Richard Kind, David Hyde Pierce, Joe Ranft, Denis Leary, Jonathan Harris, Madeline Kahn, Bonnie Hunt, Michael McShane, John Ratzenberger, Brad Garrett, Roddy McDowall, Edie McClurg, Alex Rocco, David Ossman, David L. Lander

I WATCHED THIS MOVIE FOR MY 2023 MOVIE CHALLENGE
WEEK 15: A MOVIE SET IN SPRING

Description: A misfit ant, looking for "warriors" to save his colony from greedy grasshoppers, recruits a group of bugs that turn out to be an inept circus troupe.

Review: After Disney Pixar brought us the first fully computer animated film “Toy Story” in 1995, everyone was waiting for the next project. In 1998 they came with “A Bug’s Life”, an animation about the insect world.

“A Bug’s Life” tells the story of an ant colony that is terrorized by a group of grasshoppers. Every year the ants have to give the grasshoppers a large amount of their food in exchange for protection. This year something goes wrong, because of ant Flik. He has to get help, but no one think’s he will succeed.

This clumsy ant, who thinks beyond the ‘ant tradition’, manages to find other insects to help them in their war against the grasshoppers. Flik thinks he is dealing with strong and brave insects, but they are actually a touring group of circus artists.

Like in “Toy Story” the audience is presented a colorful and diverse group of characters, with lots of quirks. The show is stolen by the macho ladybug, a fat caterpillar, a cynical praying mantis and a stick-insect. But also the ant queen. All get wise lessons: believe in yourself. This is brought to us the Pixar way, without any false sentiment.

Although the story is pretty predictable, the style is breathtaking. It has some great action scenes. And the story is filled with visual and textual jokes, that will make children and adults laugh.
“A Bug’s Life” is probably one of the lesser popular Pixar films, but to me a joy to watch and totally worth your time!

Rating: 3,5/ 5

90s Movie Review - A Time to Kill

Director: Joel Schumacher
Genre: Thriller/ Drama/ Crime
Runtime: 129 minutes
Year: 1996
Starring: Matthew McConaughey, Samuel L. Jackson, Sandra Bulloc, Kiefer Sutherland, Donald Sutherland, Oliver Platt, Ashley Judd, Kevin Spacey, Charles S. Dutton, Chris Cooper, Beth Grant

Description: In Clanton, Mississippi, a fearless young lawyer (Matthew McConaughey) defends a black man (Samuel L. Jackson) accused of murdering two white men who raped his ten-year-old daughter, inciting violent retribution and revenge from the Lu Klux Klan.

Review: When Carl Lee hailey’s 10-year-old daughter is brutally abused by two racist white men, something snaps inside him. The men will be tried in the usual way, but Carl Lee fears they will be released very soon. According to him, there is only one thing to do: take the law into his won hands. So he kills the two men and is arrested by the police. A trial will have to decide whether and how Carl Lee should be punished. As a lawyer, Carl Lee hires the inexperienced Jake Brigance. He must go up against top lawyer Rufus Buckley. Fortunately, Jake gets help from ambitious Ellen Roark. The trial is the subject of many demonstrations: the Ku Klux Klan calls for prosecution, while the black community pleads for release.

When it comes to courtroom thrillers, author John Grisham is one of the best-known writers. Over the years, numerous of Grisham’s books have been adapted for film.

The story is very clear in who are the good guys and who are the bad guys. The charismatic underdog against the cynical veteran: anyone who has every read anything by Grisham has a clue as to who will win. On thing is certain: because of the complicated issue is portrayed as black and white, it does make it all nice and easy to get along with. And it’s very easy to sympathize with the main character.

A good script is essential here, but a good cast is just as important to deliver it with credibility. Matthew McConaughey, Samuel L. Jackson and Kevin Spacey are all fantastic in their respective roles, as are Sandra Bullock, Kiefer Sutherland and Donald Sutherland in smaller roles. I believe that the final plead and that ending are a bit too dramatic for my taste, but work well as tear-jerking moments.

A film that doesn’t have a dull moment in it.

Rating: 4/ 5 

00s Movie Review - The Life of David Gale

Director: Alan Parker
Genre: Drama/ Crime/ Thriller
Runtime: 130 minutes
Year: 2003
Starring: Kevin Spacey, Kate Winslet, Laura Linney, Gabriel Mann, Matt Craven, Rhona Mitra, Jim Beaver, Melissa McCarthy

Description: A man (Kevin Spacey) against capital punishment is accused of murdering a fellow activist and is sent to death row.

Review: David Gale is an ardent opponent of the death penalty. From his position as a renowned professor, he reaches quite a few people with his message. To this end, he is also a member of the non-profit organization Death Watch. One day, however, circumstances throw a spanner in the works. Gale is accused of raping and murdering his fellow activist Constance Harraway and ends up on death row himself. Three days before his execution, Gale agrees to an exclusive interview with reporter Elizabeth “Bitsey” Bloom. Bitsey soon learns that there is more to the assignment than she had imagined and that this man’s life is in her hands. Risking her life, she makes frantic efforts to piece together the shocking events surrounding the murder before it’s too late.
The death penalty has been a hot topic of political and social debate for decades, particularly in the United States. This is one of the few countries where the death penalty is still actively practiced. “The Life of David Gale” unmistakably has a political message and its position is against. However, this is not thrown in your face. The film is not a political pamphlet. The message is cleverly integrated into the overall narrative.
Kevin Spacey plays the titular David Gale and was third choice after George Clooney and Nicolas Cage. In retrospect, this is a stroke of luck, as Spacey is convincing and intense as ever. He puts down a layered character, keeping you in the dark for a very long time about his morals, motives and what exactly happened. Kate Winslet must meet a high bar to reach this level, but this experienced actress certainly holds her own. She is a bit more one-dimensional and less colorful than Spacey, but Spacey character simply gets more room to explore. After all, in the end, everything revolves around David Gale and the other characters are the extras needed to shape the whole thing. For a thriller, it is important that it is exciting. “The Life of David Gale” surely succeeds at that. The journey is just as important as the destination, but that twist is really good. As a thriller, the film doesn’t really excel cinematically. But because of the strong cast and overall story, the film is one to remember.

Rating: 3/ 5

90s Movie Review - Se7en

Director: David Fincher
Genre: Thriller/ Drama/ Crime
Runtime: 127 minutes
Year: 1995
Starring: Morgan Freeman, Brad Pitt, Gwyneth Paltrow, Kevin Spacey

Description: Two detectives, a rookie (Brad Pitt) and a veteran (Morgan Freeman), hunt a serial killer who uses the seven deadly sins as his modus operandi.

Review: “Se7en” is a dark, smart thriller by director David Fincher. A serial killer murders people according to the seven deadly sins. We are all guilty of it sometimes, of one of those sins.
We follow detectives William Somerset and David mills. Somerset is about to retire and gets the task, in his last week, to get rookie Mills ready for the job. Their view on the job, and on life in general, is very different. Mills is energetic and aggressive, while Somerset is thoughtful, experienced and well-read. The serial killer they are tracking down chooses his victims based on the seven deadly sins: sloth, greed, gluttony, pride, lust, envy and wrath. All of the victims are guilty of committing one of those sins.
Because the characters are so different from each other, they complement each other perfectly. Both Brad Pitt and Morgan Freeman are great in their roles and form a good combination. Kevin Spacey steals the show in the final act of the movie.
Not only the script is brilliant and the acting is great. The dark, sad atmosphere is crucial for the film and gives it the effect it needs. The constant rain and dark shadows enhance the dark tones of the movie.
“Se7en” is an unforgettable thriller, that you will never get tired of. It stays intense, no matter how many times you watch it.

Rating: 5/ 5

100 Movie Challenge 2017 - # 87: Baby Driver

Director: Edgar Wright
Genre: Action/ Crime
Runtime: 113 minutes
Year: 2017
Starring: Ansel Elgort, Jon Bernthal, Jon Hamm, Kevin Spacey, Lily James, Jamie Foxx, Flea

Description: After being coerced into working for a crime boss (Kevin Spacey), a young getaway driver (Ansel Elgort) finds himself taking part in a heist doomed to fail.

Review: Before I start this review, I have to state that director Edgar Wright is a genius. And as for many geniuses, the big crowd doesn’t understand him. His previous films (like “Shaun of the Dead”, “Hot Fuzz” and “The World’s End”) are examples of how a movie is perfectly edited. His films are never box office hits and he never seems to click with the average moviegoer. In my opion: Edgar Wright is one of the best directors of the moment.
Because of a constant ringing in his ear, Baby listens to music non-stop. That makes music not only a big part of the film, but also the story. Everything is accompanied by the music: every shot, movement, rhythm. And because of Wright’s perfect editing skills, “Baby Driver” is an amazingly synchronized and choreographed film. And that without it distracting from the actual story. Every song fits the scene like a glove and sounds like it belongs there.
Does the film have flaws? Off course, but they are so miniscule. Probably the motives of the characters, but that would be nitpicking.
The film opens with an amazing chase scene, where we see what Baby can do. One giant chunk of adrenaline.
When I saw the trailer for “Baby Driver”, I was sceptic about Ansel Elgort as the leading man. But boy did he surprise me. In a good way! Jon Hamm as Buddy and Jamie Foxx as Bats (the last being one of the most annoying characters of this year, I constantly wanted to slap him in the face) are also worth mentioning. The chemistry between Ansel Elgort and his on-screen love interest Lily James is very strong. Some might say it’s a bit too sweet, but it’s forgivable.
The script is simple, yet Edgar Wright turns it into what I can call the best film of 2017 so far.

Rating: 5/ 5

100 Movie Challenge 2017 - # 21: Glengarry Glen Ross

Director: James Foley
Genre: Drama
Runtime: 100 minutes
Year: 1992
Starring: Al Pacino, Alec Baldwin, Jack Lemmon, Alan Arkin, Ed Harris, Kevin Spacey, Bruce Altman, Jonathan Pryce

Description: An examination of the machinations behind the scenes at a real estate office.

Review: A film set in a dusty real estate office. Doesn’t really sound interesting, does it? “Glengarry Glen Ross” is indeed a very strong movie. With a cast filled with great actors and sharp dialogue.
Verbally the film is very violent. A lot of cursing and competition between all the employees. One-liners and dialogues, people are slaughtered with words. And that’s what makes this film as strong as it is. It’s an acting film, a film where good dialogue is important. The theme doesn’t interest me and the characters aren’t all that likeable, but this film captivated me anyway.
Especially Jack Lemmon shines. He plays an old real estate agent, who is trying everything to keep his job. A lot of smooth talking, his job is all he has. He turns into a broken man, a tragic figure. The intensity and energy that Lemmon put into to this role, it’s very impressive.
Alec Baldwin only has a small role, but he also leaves an impression. And then there is Al Pacino, Kevin Spacey, Ed Harris, Alan Arkin. All strong, but overshadowed by Lemmon and Baldwin.
Like I stated before, it’s an acting film. Actors at their best.

Rating: 4/ 5

100 Movie Challenge 2015 - # 157: Moon

Director: Duncan Jones

Genre: Drama

Runtime: 97 minutes

Year: 2009

Starring: Sam Rockwell, Kevin Spacey

Description: Astronaut Sam Bell (Sam Rockwell) has a quintessentially personal encounter toward the end of his three-year stint on the Moon, where he, working alongside his computer, GERTY (Kevin Spacey), sends back to Earth parcels of a resource that has helped diminish our planet's power problems.

Review: Writer and director Duncan Jones only has a limited budget and decides to get a minimal selection of actors and only a small room to film it in. Sam Rockwell is the lead actor. That you’re completely fascinated the entire runtime is simply extraordinary.

Astronaut Sam Bell has a three year contract with Lunar Industries. His job: get Helium 3, the fuel that Earth is relying on. He does this alone, on the moon. His only companion is the computer GERTY (voiced by Kevin Spacey). Direct communication with Earth isn’t possible. He can only send and receive messages. When Sam’s contract almost ends, problems start coming. He gets headaches, lack of focus, which eventually leads to an accident with the buggy.

The plot doesn’t seem that original and not very complex at all. But the film is very solid, has a lonely and isolated feel and is melancholic. The setting is beautiful as well.

A film with only one main character can easily fail, that depends on the actor. Sam Rockwell can easily carry this film, his performance is phenomenal. His character shows a big range of emotion and Rockwell makes it look so easy. Rockwell is one of my favorite actors of the moment.

Where Sam lives a relaxed live in the beginning, that relaxed atmosphere disappears after the accident. There is a good buildup. And the second part of the film is also very solid.

This is a movie that managed to be great while being minimalistic. “Moon” is a fantastic film.

Rating: 4,5/ 5

In the Picture: The Characters from "The Usual Suspects"

"The Usual Suspects" is one of the best films made in the 90's. Amazing, the ending, oh my god. Here are the characters.

Dean Keaton
Played by: Gabriel Byrne
Keaton is a womanizer and a bit narcissistic, but he also wants to keep positive view on things. He’s the leader of the group.

Michael McManus
Played by: Stephen Baldwin
McManus doesn’t have an emotional connection with other people and some call him ‘crazy guy’. He laughs when it isn’t appropriate or when nobody else laughs.

Todd Hockney
Played by: Kevin Pollak
Hockney is full of anger and resentment. He can’t control his emotions, especially not his anger.

Verbal Kint
Played by: Kevin Spacey
Kint has a melancholic sad face and doesn’t look too smart. He walks funny and when he starts talking it’s hard to shut him up.

Fred Fenster
Played by: Benicio del Toro
Fenster has a flashy appearance and can’t sit still. Verbally he wants to impress people, he has a special way of talking.

David Kujan
Played by: Chazz Palminteri
Kujan is the officer who’s leading the investigation. He thinks he’s smarter then all of them, is impatient and the only way he can get to the truth is by using people.

Favorite Character: Tod Hockney

Top 5 Thursday: Movie Villains

This week I picked the best movie villains. Characters that are just nasty, evil, sick and twisted. Here they are.

5. Hannibal Lecter (“The Silence of the Lambs”)
Hannibal Lecter is a charming and smart man and I think some people respect him somehow. But let's face it, he eats people, that's not very nice.

4. John Doe (“Seven”)
He kills people according to the seven deadly sins. Original and brilliant, but also pretty disturbing.

3. Hans Gruber (“Die Hard”)
Hans is a sophisticated villain with a sense of style. He is very polite for a bad guy, but maybe that’s why some people might underestimate him. You don’t want to mess with Hans Gruber.

2. Michael Myers (“Halloween”)
Always very coolly, slow walk, dark eyes and silent. He never says a word and that silent act makes him very scary.

1. Mr. Blonde (“Reservoir Dogs”)
The scene where he cuts that guys ear of and that poors it with gasoline. That's sick! Mr. Blonde, aka Vic Vega, wants to see his victims suffer before they actually die.

They almost made the top 5: Darth Vader (“Star Wars”), Freddy Krueger (“A Nightmare on Elmstreet”), Anton Chigurg (“No Country for Old Men”), Alex Forrest (“Fatal Attraction”), Tommy De Vito (“Goodfellas”), Jack Torrance (“The Shining”) and Elle Driver (“Kill Bill”)