AnaBH Reviews

Jumping Ship (2001 TV Movie)

unrealistic time lapse

[22 August 2001]

The movie was quite cute, typical Disney-type movie. Joey and Andy take a trip to Australia and due to false advertisement and being pick-pocketed, they end up on a broken down ship passing off as a luxury charter boat. Needless-to-say, they run into all sorts of trouble and end up being shipwrecked. Pirates are chasing them and they have to rely on each other. Well, the REALLY unrealistic part is how the time passes, the days are flashed on the screen as the movie goes on, the boys are always clean and never seem to need a shave. Joey and Matt both have perfect goatees and even after 11 days look as clean and impeccable as the day they landed in Australia. Lots of goofs, be on the look out, but watchable.

The 10th Kingdom (2000)

definite Emmy contender

[9/10 · 28 February 2000]

I wasn't sure what to expect when I saw the previews for this mini series. I thought it was to be a fluff piece on fairy tales. I was quite surprised to see the amazing make-up, the costumes and the scenery. All those things make the series well worth the 4 hours. The storyline is interesting and has a number of fantasy filled subplots. The Trolls were scary and humorous at the same time. The clash of the parallel worlds was done well, with much attention to detail. The different 'kingdoms' were distinguishable and each unique and fantastic. I see definite Emmy nominations and awards here, especially for make-up, costumes, and script.

Runaway Bride (1999)

Not just fluff

[9/10 · 30 July 1999]

While many are expecting a fluffy "Pretty Woman" II, "Runaway Bride" holds its own as a wonderful romantic comedy. Gere's 'Ike' is not the typical Gere stoic, rigid character. Ike is a character who is able to laugh at himself and even encourages others to do the same. Edward Lewis (from PW) he's not. Yet the chemistry, between Roberts and Gere, is much more apparent in RB than in PW. I, and others in the theater, couldn't help laughing out loud at some of the lines and antics.

To all TRUE "Pretty Woman" fans, be on the lookout for several connections between the two films, including actors, scenarios and even a few lines.

This is certainly an enjoyable movie that everyone should enjoy.

Eyes Wide Shut (1999)

Go for the raw!

[5/10 · 26 July 1999]

I've always liked Kubrick and respected his previous movies. I have to say though I was quite disappointed with EWS. Let's not even take all the hype into consideration. Let's look at the movie for itself.

From the first scene of the movie where Alice (Kidman) is in the bathroom urinating then standing up and wiping herself to the final last line I wonder what???? Kubrick went for every raw shot he could get in this movie. There was more (or as much) T & A in this movie than in a soft porn one. I'm still trying to figure out where the eroticism is. Many of the scenes were just for reaction. What was the point of the Leelee Sobieski part? I have no clue, does anyone?

I can understand the premise of Cruise's obsession upon learning of his wife's fantasy and the depth of that fantasy. His visit to the prostitute and the mansion where the secret sexual rituals take place bring to fruition his "I'll show you" attitude.

EWS has it's moments, but never truly comes together. There are too many unanswered questions. What really happened to his piano playing friend? Did the girl who saved him really die by her own hand? What was the purpose of the scene with the young girl (Sobieski) and the Asian men? How/Where did Alice (Kidman) find the mask?

Lastly, too often the acting was totally unbelievable. In the poignant scene when Alice is telling her husband about her fantasy, and they're discussing jealousy, I felt like I was watching Cruise do a bad imitation of Jack Nicholson. He went on to attempt to act like a man losing his grip when he visited the morgue and then towards the end when some things are revealed to the audience via his rich friend, contrarily, he was wooden and hardly believable as a tormented man.

Watch the movie for yourself, but if I had to choose over again I'd wait for the video.

Meet Joe Black (1998)

Surprisingly enjoyable

[25 April 1999]

I was one of those people who heard all the bad reviews of this movie and Brad Pitt. A friend invited me over to watch a video without telling me what the movie was we were to watch. I was bit reluctant when I learned the film was 'Meet Joe Black' but was quickly surprised at how enjoyable the movie actually is. If you can get past the tinny/robot-like movements of Brad Pitt when we first meet Mr. Black, and those horrible pregnant pauses during dialogues, the rest of the flick is smooth sailing. I felt at times I was watching a soap opera that includes pregnant pauses to cut to commercials, but realized there was no break in the conversation -- just long pauses. I could have easily cut out about 15-30 minutes from the running time (yeah, like anyone's ever going to give me that opportunity). Overall, the plot is worthwhile and the acting acceptable and at times wonderful. Don't take the critics advice, decide for yourself!

Lady Beware (1987)

Great psychological thriller

[8/10 · 21 December 1998]

A young woman trying to prove herself in the world of window dressing. Her very erotic imagination leads to great success and recognition in her career. Unfortunately, one of those observing her windows is an obsessed stalker. Through twists and turns this psychological thriller will keep one on the edge of his seat and possibly even aroused.