Author Archives: Madeleine Williams

Wonder Boys - * * * 1/2*

Posted on February 23, 2000 by Madeleine Williams

Curtis Hanson directs Michael Douglas as a college professor with writer’s block desperately trying to match the success of his first novel. Tobey Maguire stars as a brilliant, but suicidal, student whom he takes under his wing. Frances McDormand will … Continue reading →

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Pitch Black - * * 1/2*

Posted on February 18, 2000 by Madeleine Williams

Pitch Black looks like any number of early-year sci-fi disasters. (Does anyone remember Screamers, or Virus?) But, on closer inspection, this Alien clone has some unique features. And, while it never expands the genre, Pitch Black provides its fair share … Continue reading →

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Hanging Up - * 1/2*

Posted on February 18, 2000 by Madeleine Williams

Diane Keaton directs this story about three sisters (Keaton, Meg Ryan and Lisa Kudrow) and the impending death of their difficult father (Walter Matthau). Adam Arkin will also star as Ryan’s husband. Capsule Review: A good cast wasted on a … Continue reading →

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Boiler Room - * *

Posted on February 18, 2000 by Madeleine Williams

Ben Younger writes and directs. Giovani Ribisi stars as a college dropout who takes a job as an agressive stockbroker in a “boiler room”, only to discover his employer is a crook. Ben Affleck, Vin Diesel, Jamie Kennedy, Scott Caan, … Continue reading →

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Academy Awards Nominations and Commentary

Posted on February 15, 2000 by Madeleine Williams

The 72nd Academy Award Nominations were announced this morning. The nominations and my comments follow… Best Picture American Beauty The Cider House Rules The Green Mile The Insider The Sixth Sense The biggest surprise here, as with the entire list … Continue reading →

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Snow Day - * 1/2*

Posted on February 11, 2000 by Madeleine Williams

Everyone who ever grew up in a cold climate remembers the magic of snow days, those impromptu vacations from school that would spring up overnight. The kid flick Snow Day attempts to capture that magic, but instead turns completely to … Continue reading →

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The Beach - * 1/2*

Posted on February 4, 2000 by Madeleine Williams

After Titanic, Leonardo DiCaprio had his pick of any role in Hollywood. He displayed courage by choosing a dark, offbeat project for his next starring role, The Beach. Unfortunately, The Beach is a washout, continuing the downward slide for director … Continue reading →

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Gun Shy - * 1/2*

Posted on February 4, 2000 by Madeleine Williams

Gun Shy is a scattershot comedy that draws from several trendy genres. Borrowing a page from The Sopranos, or Analyze This, it deals with the psychological anxieties behind the traditional mob movie. In addition, it stirs in some romantic comedy, … Continue reading →

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Scream 3 - *

Posted on February 4, 2000 by Madeleine Williams

Well, what do you expect? Scream, the self-promoted “different” type of horror film is going the path of all those that came before: churning out numerous unnecessary sequels. The film promises that this will be the last (and that would … Continue reading →

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Isn’t She Great? - 1/2*

Posted on January 28, 2000 by Madeleine Williams

The pulp life of outrageous writer Jacqueline Susann seems like a good idea for a comedy. As seamy and seedy as her pulp novels, her life story could have been a guiltily comic gem, particularly with a strong cast attached. … Continue reading →

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