RBNY Reviews

The Defeated (2020)

Well written, well acted and overall a very good series

[9/10 · 8 September 2021]

I really enjoyed this series. It had everything you could ask for in a historical drama. Character development of all characters is so well done. The writing is top quality and storylines for the most part tie up nicely. My only issue is what ends up with Tom and Claire Franklin. All in all I would recommend this series.

Art School Confidential (2006)

Disappointing ending

[5/10 · 4 December 2006]

I enjoy films as much as the next person. In fact I would say it is a passion. What bothers me most about some movies is how a film can go in one direction and then end another way. I personally feel this is the case with Art School Confidential.

I am not one to fall into the formulaic process all the time. In this case, I am not saying it should have gone that way. I just feel the ending was to out there and for the purpose of sending a message. Just was too extreme.

What is lost is some great acting (Minghella, Malkovich and Broadbent). What a nice change of pace for Jim Broadbent. I just wish last half hour was different (the ending especially).

Basic Instinct (1992)

Once you get by the heated and graphic passion it is a very good murder mystery

[8/10 · 7 March 2005]

I watched this movie again after not seeing it in years. I found it to be more thought provoking than before. Maybe maturity helps or maybe I was able to focus more on the story and acting this time. In any event I would say this movie deserves a better overall rating than the IMDb consensus. Both Douglas and Stone give standout performances. Tripplehorn subtle acting sometimes goes unnoticed and really adds to the mystery. Everyone looks for the one who is guilty. Maybe we are talking about multiple murderers. I recommend this movie for those who enjoy thrillers and those who saw it before years ago. Give it a second shot.

Ladder 49 (2004)

The film has flaws but the acting makes it well worth it

[7/10 · 11 October 2004]

There are scenes of the film that don't seem realistic. I won't go into it , could give some things away. All in all, it is a film that works. You walk out looking at the reaction of your fellow audience members and see how effective it was. The ending maybe what some expected, but I didn't.

John Travolta puts together one of his best performances in awhile. When he doesn't play it over the top he is very effective. Phoenix and Jacinda Barrett put together admirable performances.

You really get a feel for what it is like to be a fireman. I live in New York and feel this movie provides a tribute to those who sacrificed their lives on 9/11 and do everyday.

The Jimmy Show (2001)

Huh?

[2/10 · 7 September 2004]

I was so disappointed in this film. I am a fan of the three leads. I thought Carla Gugino carried the film. Aside from that Jimmy's relationship with Ruth was touching. The context of the film was so depressing and angry. I ask why not give some hope for Jimmy and why end it without any closure for Jimmy. I am still spiraling downward with Jimmy. Frank Whaley is so talented that I could not believe this came from him. I hope next time he writes and directs he goes in a different direction. Frank has the talent to be a leading man and we already know he is a very credible character actor. Good luck to him and he can't go wrong working with Hawke or Gugino again.

Lost in Translation (2003)

Acting is great, but the story is lacking

[6/10 · 13 October 2003]

I thought the two leads were incredible. Bill Murray deserves the accolades and I hope he starts getting more work again. Scarlett plays the ingenue to perfection. She is definitely on the rise; the camera loves her and she has the acting chops to continue. The story to me was lacking. I liked what Coppola was trying to accomplish but I felt substance missing two thirds through. It seemed she did not know what decision to make with the characters. I will say the photography was outstanding as well. I just don't think the movie is a great as some are praising it to be.

Enigma (2001)

Impressive

[8/10 · 20 June 2002]

This film unfortunately has gotten limited release. I think it is a true diamond in the rough. It is a mystery based on WWII code breaking by the British. In particular Tom Jericho (Dougray Scott) and his journey from heartbreak and back; if he is allowed. The acting by Scott and Kate Winslet is phenomenal. Winslet never lets her audience down. One day Oscar will find her mantle and it won't be too soon. The director does an exceptional job in telling this detailed story and uses colors and settings to express the protagonists emotions. A must see.

Finding Forrester (2000)

Some will call it "Good Will Forrester"; but it isn't

[7/10 · 12 December 2000]

Comparisons will be made since Gus Van Sant directed both. As there are similarities, there are also differences. I found that the main characters are dealing with social issues that are more specific to the world today. In Hunting it was more specific to the characters. Forrester's main characters stakes are more obvious where I thought in Hunting there were more subtleties. Van Sant does an effective job at showing the different worlds at stake. How New York is a Tale of Two Cities. This is the kind of movie that should be shown in schools. I believe there is social benefit to be gained. We are also introduced to a new actor that Van Sant discovered. I think people will be amazed at how he naturally plays the part and opposite Connery's Forrester. I'm sure you will enjoy it; just try not to compare it too much. Though, there is an obvious reason when you watch it.

Sam the Man (2001)

A vehicle to finally see Fisher Stevens' talent

[5/10 · 17 October 2000]

I viewed this film at the Hamptons Film Festival. I found it to be enjoyable and quite interesting. The ending is not predictable and is quite thought provoking.

It is the tale of a writer who seems to have a block in completing his second novel and in the mean time goes through a journey of self awareness.

I found Fisher Stevens, Sam Manning, to have finally found a character thought allowed him to stretch his skills. He is definitely an underused actor.

Table One (2000)

A light comedy easy to enjoy

[7/10 · 16 October 2000]

I recently saw this movie at the Hamptons Film Festival and found it to be an enjoyable light comedy. There is no let down when you don't have any expectations. The cast play their parts well. I enjoyed Luis Guzman as Xavier, the narrator and host of the restaurant the film centers on and Micheal Rooker, the aging hockey player. The film focuses on four friends that are interested in meeting women. They are misfits in the New York City social scene and can't seem to pick up any women. They come up with the idea of opening a restaurant and with the help of a gangster get the funds to open it. After that it focuses on the guys and their continued stumblings. It is worth seeing; let's hope it gets picked up.

Boys Don't Cry (1999)

The impact movie of the year

[8/10 · 22 February 2000]

I must share with you the experience I had viewing this movie.

Even knowing the most of the ending I was enthralled with it. Having the knowledge of the outcome gave it a tension that I have not felt since Schindler's List and Saving Private Ryan. The acting by all the cast is just magnificent; which you have to give credit to Kimberly Pierce. Hilary Swank gave a performance that took guts from every aspect possible. Her believability as Brandon is simply amazing. If you are a student of film or acting and don't see this movie you are doing yourself an injustice.

The Big Lebowski (1998)

A great follow-up to Fargo

[9/10 · 14 January 2000]

I truly enjoyed this wacky film. The Coen brothers are ingenious in their way to tell a story. It also doesn't hurt to use some of the best (and most under rated) actors in Hollywood. Jeff Bridges plays the slacker, "The Dude" Jeff Lebowski to a tee. He does not stray away from his character. His chemistry with Goodman's orthodox militant Walter is choreographed flawlessly. This movie is as trippy as the Dude and leaves you rolling for more.

I can't wait to see what the Coen's have in store next.