Year in Movies Reviews #1: 1998

I’m not a movie buff. I’d call myself more of a movie junky. By no means do I subscribe to movie snobbery either, I just really enjoy them. My tastes gravitate towards action flicks and comedy, but if a movie is made well, any style can satisfy. This is my take on the movies of the past 10 years…

My Favorite Flicks

Saving Private Ryan – Truly amazing film. Tough to watch because of it’s depiction of war, but an essential flick.

Lethal Weapon 4 – It’s another Lethal Weapon film. Yeah, it’s more of the same, but the phrase “Don’t fix it if it ain’t broke” comes to mind. If you like any of the other three Lethal Weapons (comedy + over the top action) you’ll like this one. Chris Rock takes the comedy to a new level, and the action is enhanced by Jet Li. I also love the musical cues in these films from maestro Michael Kamen. Jazz sax for Murtaugh played by David Sanborn, rockin’ electric guitar for Riggs played by Eric Clapton, and the harmonica for Biscuits, I mean, Butters was a nice touch.

The Mask of Zorro – This movie has some camp in it, but the story is good, the action is top notch, and the student/mentor between Alejandro (Antonio Banderas) and Zorro (Anthony Hopkins) is classic.

A Bug’s Life – Not much to say here. Decent CGI movie.

Antz – Better than “A Bug’s Life.” Memorable characters, fun, and adventure that kids and adults can enjoy. What more can you ask from a CGI kids movie?The X-Files – Stoywise, this movie adds absolutely nothing, but it’s a fun ride.

Blade – Bad Ass Vampire Killer Movie. I probably watched this weekly in college.

U.S. Marshals – The U.S. Marshal ensemble from “The Fugitive” returns for their own feature film. They have a great chemistry led by Tommy Lee Jones. It was really great to have the story be told from primarily the Marshall’s point of view. Add Wesley Snipes and Robert Downey Jr. to the mix and that’s a surefire win.

The Negotiator – My life stops when this movie comes on. It is pure action gold.Ronin – I love this flick. Awesome characters, great story, and the best car chases ever. No bull shit CGI here, just pure adrenaline.

Rounders – Entertaining and tense. Both Matt Damon and Edward Norton are excellent in this film.

The Big Lebowski – I have never laughed so hard at any other movie on the first watch. The funeral scene near the end had me laughing through the credits. Hilarious story, outstanding Characters, A++.

American History X – This one is intense. Once again, Ed Norton puts in a superb performance throughout this edgy film about racism and modern Nazis. 

Guilty Pleasures

Armageddon – Yeah, yeah, it’s another disaster movie, but it was damn entertaining. Totally improbable, but who cares? The characters were likeable and many times funny. Stop humping the nuclear warhead? Brilliant!!

Rush Hour – This is a comedy action buddy film that really delivers. Chris Tucker for the funny, Jackie Chan for the action… weird combo, but it works.

The Truman Show – This one didn’t get a positive reaction, and I didn’t see it at the time. All I know is that when it’s on, I always watch it. It’s more of a subtle funny, so Ace Ventura fans beware. It’s really a great idea for a film, and I liked it.

The Wedding Singer – This documentary of 80s culture makes me laugh every time.

Bride of Chucky – I don’t like Chucky movies. I watch this for Jennifer Tilly.

Half Baked – This one’s pretty dumb. It’s been awhile since I’ve seen it, but I remember enjoying it, so here it sits in my guilty pleasures bin.

Mulan – I recently saw this, and I dig it. Nothing new here, just a decent Disney flick. 

Biggest Surprises

The Man in the Iron Mask – This was the movie that I first saw Leo as a serious actor as opposed to a teen idol. Great supporting cast too.

Enemy of the State – “I blew up the building” “Why?” “Because you made a phone call!” I saw the preview for this so many times on tv, it almost detracted me from seeing the movie. That line is so dumb out of context in a preview, but this movie was genuinely entertaining and funny. Will Smith and Gene Hackman were a great combo.

Biggest Disappointments

Godzilla – What. Were. They. Thinking?

Star Trek: Insurrection – Not bad. It’s more like an episode than a movie, and it doesn’t compare to the first two Next Generation films. Rejected tagline…  "In the event of a water landing, I have been designed to serve as a flotation device." - Data

Didn’t See

Life is Beautiful
Baseketball