Monthly Archives: February 1998

The Real Blonde - * 1/2*

Posted on February 27, 1998 by Madeleine Williams

Tom Dicillo directs this superficial comedy about superficial people in superficial careers, all searching for deeper meaning. However, they won’t find much meaning in The Real Blonde, and not enough real humor, either. Joe (Matthew Modine) is a struggling actor, … Continue reading →

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Krippendorf’s Tribe - * * *

Posted on February 21, 1998 by Madeleine Williams

Krippendorf’s Tribe is a formula comedy. Done poorly, formulaic comedies might seem to signify the downfall of American cinema. However, every now and then one emerges, like Krippendorf’s Tribe, that actually works. Professor James Krippendorf (Richard Dreyfuss), the renowned anthropologist, … Continue reading →

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Mrs. Dalloway - * *

Posted on February 20, 1998 by Madeleine Williams

Marleen Gorris directs this timid adaptation of Virginia Woolf’s novel, Mrs. Dalloway. There’s probably a point to be made, but the film lacks the confidence to make it. Vanessa Redgrave plays the title role of Mrs. Clarissa Dalloway, wife of … Continue reading →

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Dangerous Beauty - * * * 1/2*

Posted on February 20, 1998 by Madeleine Williams

Marshall Herskovitz directs this alternatively comic and earnestly serious period piece based on the biography of a famous 16th century poet/courtesan, Veronica Franco. As a girl, Veronica Franco (Catherine McCormack) has only eyes for Marco Venier (Rufus Sewell). Yet fate … Continue reading →

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Palmetto - * 1/2*

Posted on February 20, 1998 by Madeleine Williams

An attempt at Florida film noir, Palmetto fails at the most fundamental levels. It’s slow moving, uninvolving, and plain just uninteresting. Harry Barber (Woody Harrelson) is an ex-newspaper man, just out of jail after being framed for a crime. His … Continue reading →

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Senseless - *

Posted on February 14, 1998 by Madeleine Williams

Senseless is a prime example of what can happen when you try to push a one-joke concept a bit too far. Director Penelope Spheeris is no stranger to this, having subjected audiences before to such tortures as The Beverly Hillbillies. … Continue reading →

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The Wedding Singer - * 1/2*

Posted on February 13, 1998 by Madeleine Williams

Adam Sandler turns up the charm in his latest romantic comedy, The Wedding Singer. Unfortunately, that also has the effect of softening his edge. He’s nowhere near his peak of Happy Gilmore, not that it was much of one. He’s … Continue reading →

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Sphere - * * 1/2*

Posted on February 13, 1998 by Madeleine Williams

For many years, Michael Crichton’s novel Sphere has sat around simply awaiting a film adaptation. However, unlike his more recent novels (which are almost published in screenplay format), Sphere makes an attempt at some genuine science fiction ideas…concepts which don’t … Continue reading →

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The Borrowers - * * * 1/2*

Posted on February 13, 1998 by Madeleine Williams

Mary Norton’s children’s book series, The Borrowers, has been made into several below-average television movies. So, I wasn’t too enthused as I entered the theater for the big-screen debut of the minute clan. But I was in for a shock, … Continue reading →

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Academy Award Nominations and Commentary

Posted on February 10, 1998 by Madeleine Williams

The 1997 Academy Award Nominations were announced this morning. I have included them here, along with my predictions and comments. Best Picture As Good As It Gets The Full Monty Good Will Hunting L.A. Confidential Titanic Can there be any … Continue reading →

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