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Moriarty's Rumblings from the Lab #20

flying pumpkins by mr_noodle	Nov 9th, 1999 08:31:33 AM
There are just too many movies coming out that I want to see. After Being John Malcovich and The Insider, this week we have Dogma, then Sleep Hollow. The film I'm still looking forward to the most is Magnolia, but after hearing everything I have about Sleepy Hollow, I think Burton may be back to form. 1999 will go down as a great year in film. http://www.almostcool.org
Sleepy Hollow & Fight Club by Smack	Nov 9th, 1999 09:00:55 AM
Sleepy Hollow is the film I've been looking the most forward to since the summer ended. There's something about the story that has always intrigued me and stayed with me. I recently bought the Disney version because I enjoy it so much. If it's as good as Moriarty says it is then I'm sure I won't be disappointed. Contrary to what Moriarty thinks, I don't think Fight Club will be remembered in years to come. I thought it was OK with good performances by Pitt and Norton, and good direction by Fincher, but I walked out unimpressed. I think fans of the movie will remember it, obviously, but in terms of the American movie-going public I think it will be a blip on the movie radar. I could be wrong, but do you honestly think that people will remember this, or it will have the same cultural impact as Taxi Driver did? I don't think so, but that's just my opinion.
runaway production by fonebone	Nov 9th, 1999 09:03:00 AM
Everyone's going to Australia -- what's the hurry? I wonder if any of you find SAG's campaign against runaway production to be meaningful, or futile, or misguided. Is fear about the loss of American jobs realistic or xenophobic? I'd be interested in hearing your thoughts on the subject.
Thanks Moriarty.... by Splinter	Nov 9th, 1999 09:05:06 AM
Thanks again for a wonderful article - I'm sure there are a few Europeans hidden behind their talk-back handles, but the majority of you Americans don't realise how lucky you are - We (in Ireland) don't get to see the films you guys are raving about for fucking MONTHS, and its a killer. Blair Witch opened last week - by the time I actually saw it, it seemed like I'd been avoiding articles/potential spoilers forever. The Sixth Sense opens this Friday, and man - I can't wait. There's another film I have been PRAYING some asshole doesn't ruin for me with an absent-minded, throw-away comment in an abent-minded, throw-away article. Anyways, nothing specific to say - Hey Kurt, long-time no hear - I've been avoiding the standard 'Fuck Off Rufus' talk-backs because the guy actually makes me feel murderous. And that new guy St. Clair - man, if that guy isn't Rufus under a different name, I'm not a potato chewing Paddy. See ya later, Splinter out.
Moriarty: Your END OF DAYS review by ABking	Nov 9th, 1999 09:08:57 AM
Have you seen it and when will you post your review? I can't wait to hear what you thought of it!!!
Jodie Foster and Hannibal by jdegraf	Nov 9th, 1999 09:09:22 AM
Very upset that Jodie Foster will not be in the Hannibal movie. Did not Silence of the Lambs give her a big career boost? She was nominated and won oscars right? This is perhaps the best 'suspense' film of the 90's. Now she has problems to play her charachter a tad on the dark side. It's not that big of a thing to eat a brain on screen is it?? What the hell is her problem? And all these complaints about the book being too gross, especially by the director of lambs, come on man, this is a psycho madman serial killer, what does you expect. I guess like with Man Hunter then Silence then Hannibal the spacing of the movies could allow for new actors. But the love relationship between Jodie and Hopkins would have been well worth it. SPOILER ALERT #### there is more than enough room at the end of hannibal that would allow Jodie to change her ways in the next book if there is one. Well this was one of many films I was looking forward to, too bad it won't happen.
the millennium by crying wolf	Nov 9th, 1999 09:26:28 AM
i was reading through the beautiful illustrated screenplay the other night at barnes and noble, and i noticed that line about the millennium. sorry guys, but unless the movie took place in 999, it wasn't the turn of the millennium, only the turn of the century. a great piece by moriarty yet again. my hopes are extremely high for this film after reading about half the script. it's going to be the perfect burton movie.
Lucas can say what he wants... by :-o	Nov 9th, 1999 09:32:33 AM
...because he's the man behind Star Wars. And to be honest he's probably right--from the point of view of effects. I've also heard that MI2 is a disaster. Look, these guys are going to spout off occasionally. Sometimes I think they're too polite. They're responsible for the most visually exceptional CG work I've ever seen. They've proved that quality work can be done efficiently. There's NO EXCUSE for bad effects anymore. The Phantom Menace was wonderful and fun for it's pure, innocent unironic storytelling. People ragged on the film because they forgot that stuff in the decade of Pulp Fiction and the Matrix. No, it wasn't as good as Empire because it lacked Kirshner's character interplay and Kasdan's script. It also had too many Jedi's and royals and no everyman foils da da da. But it's mythology, man--and it was better than Return of the Jedi so...enough of this whining! Lucas is on to something only the kids seem to get. More of a Lewis Caroll plain, you know? Give them a break. Wait for the other two and don't get pissy when they let a remark or two slip out about the crappy industry they have to wade through. I saw Phantom Menace three times and the Matrix once. Why? I don't know. Just preferred to. More of a nerd's paradise I guess. But that IS the test at the end of the day isn't it. Can John Woo do this? Can Peter Jackson do this? Can Tim Burton do this? Maybe. But not yet for me.
Of McNally, Runaway Productions, and HANNIBAL by mrbeaks	Nov 9th, 1999 09:51:19 AM
It's horrifying to hear of a death threat made against McNally, and it's sad that it had to be provoked by such a lesser work. I don't know when McNally shifted gears from being a first-class playwright to a lazy, sensationalistic rabble rouser, but it's certainly a sad state of affairs. BTW, the play was not well-received in New York, and failed to incite any kind of violence or meaningful protest, which is why I'm shocked by this extreme reaction abroad. On runaway productions..... SAG has long been a tough bargaining party within the industry, and now they're seeing the fallout. With the recent election skewing as it did towards the more extreme, less-educated faction (who are mostly comprised of non-working actors,) I believe things will only get worse. Onto HANNIBAL..... if David Mamet and Steve Zaillian are unable to produce a workable draft of Harris' unwieldy tome, I think we should consider the project dead. That is, unless Tom Stoppard feels like taking a crack at it.
And regarding Clarice... by :-o	Nov 9th, 1999 09:53:10 AM
I LOVE the fact that Thomas Harris threw this curve ball in there. I swear, if I had to read another article about the great proto-feminist Clarice/Jodie in the various alterna-zines after Silence came out--I would puke! I started to feel like the role was more about Jodie Foster and Jonathan Demme than Clarice Starling!! And what a better way to call them on this by having the writer (i.e. the man who made it up!) fix it in his next book. I always thought that if Clarice was supposed to be such a diesel lady, as they editorialized, then why the hell did she let Lecter into her head in 'Silence'. Why did she sympathize with him? Why did she lobby for special treatment? Because she was enamored by the monster--and that is EXACTLY what Harris expounded on in 'Hannibal'. I liked the twist because it shut down the myth. Jodie should get off her high horse and tackle this ambiguous role! She's been playing the same uber- lesbian in too many movies anyway.
Moriarty and "faith" by Mean Ween	Nov 9th, 1999 10:18:58 AM
Why are you so baffled, Professor? To many, religion is not something that is done on Sunday mornings and twice a year with presents and bunnies. There a people out there who will gladly die, who consider it an honor to die, for their God. You seem to think that art should transcend all of that and bring us together in some coca-cola-esque feel good dialogue. We should appreciate eachother's differences and learn from them. Make no mistakes, these "zealots" are not unenlightened lunatics. They are very capable of understanding your argument. But their "faith" superscedes that. I know I will probably never approach their level of belief (though I'd like to). Their entire being, existence, life, and world are all viewed through the lens of their religion and your views concerning "art" and "expression" are meaningless and transient to them when you take into account the fact that they view their lives as preparation for eternity. These "extremists", "fundamentalists", "sects", whatever you call them should be taken very seriously. Anyone, any artist, out to challenge their views knows that there is a risk. I agree that views should be challenged and questions asked... I just realize that protests don't always involve innocuous pickets. This playwright knew exactly what he was getting himself into. And, anyway, what is art without risk? I'm sure if he isn't killed, he be a better, wiser man for it.
Harry, this is fucking ridiculous. . . by MadBoy	Nov 9th, 1999 10:55:41 AM
Not only are the posts screwed up in order on almost ALL of the articles, but my post on this talkback is GONE! It was the first one, and I'm assuming it's because of a fuckup on the AICN end, because a)it was completely innoffensive, and 2) after I posted it, I tried to go back to the article and got a blank page. I know there are some things you need to iron out, but this is getting infuriating. Fuck it, I don't evn remember what I said anymore.
Damn....and I thought EVID DEAD: Ashes to Ashes was the title of by mckracken	Nov 9th, 1999 11:26:15 AM
well its cool that EVIL DEAD is getting a playstation game... but dammit we need part 4 (and 5 and 6 and 7) EVIL DEAD 4 NOW! speaking of horror, whats Clive Barker doing these days? I know I'll never get it, but I'm still wishing for Nightbreed II. --McK
Kiss my Ash. . . by MadBoy	Nov 9th, 1999 12:13:41 PM
Hey, I found my post, on the Cider House Rules article, who knows how that happened. Anyway. . . An Evil Dead video game?? What the hell? I suppose it could be fun, but I'm gonna have to convuince my roommate to buy it now, since he's the guy with the system. I hope they do it well. And I think that another Evil Dead movie is actually a pretty good idea, I've loved all of them, including Army of Darkness, you naysaying bastards that I'm sure are going to disagree. . . .Access Hollywood is probably one of the worst entertainment shows o all time, I could care less what they do. . . . Curious George is a very important, very special little guy for many of us, I don't see it translating well onto the screen, but who knows, I suppoose it's for the kiddies anyway. . . . And finally, G. Lucas - what's with the trashtalk, eh? I think he's feeling threatened, like he's the only one that can make a great epic fantasy saga. Kind of lame, but. . . And good call by McKracken - I want Nightbreed II NOW NOW NOW NOW!!! I've been thinking about ideas for it since '90, dammit. It's the most wanted byut never seen sequel since the disappearance of Buckaroo Banzai Against the World Crime Sydicate, or the sequel to Doctor Detroit (maybe not that last one).
Am I the only one on the planet who felt let down by the filmed by Fred4sure	Nov 9th, 1999 12:31:56 PM
Jodie Foster never scratched the surface of Clarice and Hopkins played it like a cartoon. Manhunter had a lot of problems, but it was closer to tone of Harris' work. IMHO. --Fred4Sure
No need by Pomona88	Nov 9th, 1999 12:34:26 PM
"Silence of the Lambs" had perfect closure. There is absolutely no need for a sequel. Give it a rest.
Jodie is RIGHT to pass on Hannibal by AlanBenson	Nov 9th, 1999 12:34:45 PM
As much as I wanted to see Foster & Hopkins battle it out again in these roles, Jodie's right to reject ANY movie closely based on the Hannibal novel. Harris totally PISSED on Clarice Starling and betrayed the character. There is NO CONTINUITY between her and the original Starling. He simply DIDN'T CARE about her and used her as a plot gimmick. After winning an Oscar for the part, how could Jodie possibly dump on the character herself? Bravo for taking the only artistic way out.
sleepy hollow and fight club by blacksilence	Nov 9th, 1999 12:43:32 PM
In all honesty, although I am a HUGE Burton fan, I didn't really think Sleepy Hollow would be all that great. I figured it would be a chance for Tim to show off his wonderful visuals, but that against such a backdrop the performances would fall flat, regardless of how skillful they may be. After seeing the trailers, I am convinced that this movie will be incredible. As for Fight Club, I have to part ways on it. Everyone seems to be looking at the questions the movie raises. I couldn't care any less. We've seen these "messages" done before in different films, and done a lot better. This film had all the existential angst we'd remember from puberty, but I don't think it was very remarkable. The movie itself, though? I think this was one of the best of the year. The ease with which Fincher uses the tools of filmmaking is astonishing. There was such a sense of experimentation there, and in the hands of a lesser talent (or at least a less-assured director), the film would have been a complete mess. I think Fincher's mastered the medium, and more so, I think this film will be one for the cinematography textbooks in another twenty years. Again, the story wasn't that great, but the fun he had with it was brilliant.
Jodie did not make Clarice by jdegraf	Nov 9th, 1999 01:02:22 PM
Foster did not make Clarice, Harris made Clarice. Jodie wants to continue her heroic role, but she does not make Clarice what she is. She is simply an actor. Nothing like actors stepping in and wanting to change roles around and re-write scripts. That's not thier job. Harris did nothing to ruin the Starling persona in his new book. In fact Starling is really hardly in it, it is the story of Hannibal, that's what we want to know more about and got in the book. I really hope Jodie Foster never gets another decent role in her life. Foster says that Clarice is not Clarice? It's like foster thinks she is clarice. Artistic way to get out of a film?? hogwash
hmmm.. somethings not quite right. by Devils Halo	Nov 9th, 1999 01:12:12 PM
1) Moriarty forgot to include The Vertical Limit to the list films shooting in Kiwi locations. 2) You really liked Sleepy Hollow that much? I thought it was generic Burton story-telling... that happened to be visually great. And that was too bad that I didn't get to see you and the fat man at Paramount. I just love that theater!
Ashes 2 Ashes... by Powerslave	Nov 9th, 1999 01:34:14 PM
...is old news. This announcement was made over a month ago. There will be a series of 'Evil Dead' games for console and PC. Too bad the first game won't have multiplayer. It'll be nice to have a real 'Evil Dead' game, even though 'Duke Nukem 3d' referenced it constantly, as did 'Blood' to a certain extent. 'Duke Nukem Forever' will have the old chainsaw-for-a-hand weapon in it. Woo Hoo!
My thoughts... by gilmour	Nov 9th, 1999 01:38:02 PM
I actually (and i'm going to get heck for this) thought that Silence Of The Lambs was a terribly overrated film. It's the only film to win all 5 major oscars WTF? What about it made it so good. I actually thought "Seven" was a much better and suspenseful film. I don't blame Foster, Harris may have created the character of Clarice, but it is Foster who people will remember as making the character a success.slight spoiler I mean, in the book's sequel, Harris makes Clarice practically a cannibal. The book is way too violent and is too far from the original. And for the poster who said the film made Foster, thats just not true. Foster was already an oscar winner before Silence Of The lambs. While it helped here career and was her biggest hit, she was already a successful actress.
LUCAS is right by Darth Siskel	Nov 9th, 1999 01:44:14 PM
Let's face it. Nobody has even come close to the realism & quality of ILM's character animation except, Phil Tippett(formerly of ILM), & PIXAR(formerly of LucasFilm)... The Frighteners had great effects, w/ some ILM people working on it. I think ILM WILL do some work on LOTR. It's just too big a project.
OKAY by JON1969	Nov 9th, 1999 02:08:26 PM
I didn't know what to call my subject so I figured ..anyway, Lucas can say what he wants, when he wants, but ... who the fuck cares! I have a idea .. Hey Lucas why don't you give a STORY next time and stop worry about another guy's project ... the preproduction work I have seen for LOTR looks good, but the story and characters are more important, but maybe I am wrong. Lucas would know, right? WRONG! work on your project and produce a better project of your own next time and than I'll listen. I agree with one of the posters about Silence of the Lambs it was a BIT overrated ... it was so like a comic book ... remember the scene of Jodi going to meet Lecter ... it was like a scene right out of a Batman comic. Where was Killer Croc and the Joker? The story was compelling enough ... the screaming of hte lambs!!! Manhunter was better and Seven was excellent except for that fricking ENDING .. and hearing Pitt, "What's in the box ...ohhhh" Man I could see that ending right when Brad's wife step on the screen ... I thought "SHE'S DEAD!" Anyway, otherwise a very moving and compelling film! The End of Days ..YES!! I hope that Arnold is good .. he needs a hit!!!
LUCAS IS WRONG! by JON1969	Nov 9th, 1999 02:09:36 PM
I didn't know what to call my subject so I figured ..anyway, Lucas can say what he wants, when he wants, but ... who the fuck cares! I have a idea .. Hey Lucas why don't you give a STORY next time and stop worry about another guy's project ... the preproduction work I have seen for LOTR looks good, but the story and characters are more important, but maybe I am wrong. Lucas would know, right? WRONG! work on your project and produce a better project of your own next time and than I'll listen. I agree with one of the posters about Silence of the Lambs it was a BIT overrated ... it was so like a comic book ... remember the scene of Jodi going to meet Lecter ... it was like a scene right out of a Batman comic. Where was Killer Croc and the Joker? The story was compelling enough ... the screaming of hte lambs!!! Manhunter was better and Seven was excellent except for that fricking ENDING .. and hearing Pitt, "What's in the box ...ohhhh" Man I could see that ending right when Brad's wife step on the screen ... I thought "SHE'S DEAD!" Anyway, otherwise a very moving and compelling film! The End of Days ..YES!! I hope that Arnold is good .. he needs a hit!!!
Lucas Is Threatened by mrbeaks	Nov 9th, 1999 02:13:26 PM
That is, if the statements attributed to him are genuine. Perhaps he's seen some test reels, or maybe he's just being paranoid, but if he's completely secure in the fact that LOTR poses no threat to his serial, then there's no reason to make such inflammatory comments. That is, unless he's friendly with PJ, but I've never heard that to be the case.
Lucas' comments by SithPenguin	Nov 9th, 1999 02:25:33 PM
I think we have to take into consideration the way Lucas said it. I have not heard the statement but was he smiling when he said it, was his tongue firmly in cheek, was he serious? Unitl we actually hear the quote we should not judge him on it taken out of context!
ILM by jdegraf	Nov 9th, 1999 02:30:54 PM
I thought for sure that PJ asked ILM to help out but ILM had to turn down the work due to too many other projects. So what gives? Lucas sees this as a knock against his movies I would guess. 1) 3 movies. Another knock against Lucas is that, were not the most recent additions of the triliogy supposed to be done in a relatively short time, not one every 2 years but one every 6 months like PJ is doing?? So perhaps Lucas is feeling some pressure to produce a decent tale. Personally he can't do much worse then TPM, or can he? Oh yeah the love angle in coming from Lucas, that should be funny. Lucas's ego is taking a hit I would think, f-him is what I say.
good point, 2.35:1 by MadBoy	Nov 9th, 1999 02:44:07 PM
I think we should take heed of everyone's favorite ratio - who knows what the context was. I mean, if he's serious, then he's obvously threatened, but on the flip side, I can easily see him making the joke,. It will be easy to draw parallels between these two series', I hope for the best for both. And ABKing - I'm with ya this time, fella. We need to hear more about End of Days - the previews look great, and I just hope it's not another shitfest like Eraser. Ugh.
Silencing LAMBS Criticism by mrbeaks	Nov 9th, 1999 02:48:21 PM
Terribly stupid heading, I know. SOTL's 1991 Oscar sweep wasn't that improbable. It won out for Best Picture amid a weak field that included BEAUTY AND THE BEAST (probably the best of the rest,) BUGSY (solid, but unspectacular,) JFK (the movie that proved, finally, that SALVADOR was a fluke,) and, ugh, THE PRINCE OF TIDES (Nick Nolte being this film's sole saving grace.) There was some carping over whether or not Hopkins' performance was actually a supporting role, but that he deserved an award was, generally, not disputed. IMO, LAMBS is a worthy of its reputation. Demme, working from Ted Tally's script, which distilled the essence of Harris' novel perfectly (and jettisoned the right baggage,) sets a tone of dread that relents only at the close of the film. I love that first visit with Lechter. We're placed in the same nervous position as Starling as she descends into some kind of figurative hell, all the while that low rumbling on the soundtrack keeps building. Then, after running the gauntlet of psychopaths, she comes to the end of the hall, looks through the protective glass, and sees..... the most benign looking gentleman you've ever laid eyes on. There's many wonderful touches like this, along with some superb cross-cutting in both Lechter's escape, and the FBI's/Clarice's discovery of Jaime Gumb. I'm not sure if it'll make my list of the decade's ten best, but it's definitely in the running.
Millenium changes every 1000 years by Rolande	Nov 9th, 1999 03:20:46 PM
Not at the end of or dawning of the 19th century. Dude, a millenium changes every 1000 years. Ok, nuff about that. Evil Dead, let it go nerdlingers, the game will just be a lame cross between Res Evil and Quake. Oh wowee, a shotgun and a chainsaw, damn, never saw that (no pun intended) before...OOOH, zombies, gosh, how will I kill those?? Hey folks, let think of how many movies ate balls this year that were superhyped: Panty Menace, Blair Witch, Haunting, Fight Club, Dogma (you'll see) and um, now, maybe Sleepy Hollow. Damn, I hope not.
JFK by gilmour	Nov 9th, 1999 04:06:33 PM
JFK WAS the best film of 91', it deserved it on the editing off the film alone. I still contend SOTL was overrated, Manhunter was the better film maybe because mann is a better filmmaker than Demme.
All sorts of stuff by Omega Red	Nov 9th, 1999 04:19:49 PM
On Lucas.....No one should say negative things like that, but we dont know what context it is in. He could have been kidding, or he could have said it without really thinking. Besides, its George Lucas, without him all our space epics would be models on string. When asked/told to give his opinion on the TPM critism, he was still extremely polite. He is too polite. He needs to vent his anguish. People might counter me by saying how he's still happy due to the money TPM made, but if theres anything Lucas doesnt need its money. He stopped doing this for the money a long time ago. Now he has a story to tell. Besides, although I have never read LOTR, from what I know about it it will be hard to put on screen. ILM may be the only one to do it, but they're busy. The competition can't be worrying him. Compare the worldwide amount of Star Wars fans, and then the LOTR fans. Se which is bigger........................ On Sleepy Hollow: I've been following this for about 5 months, and I have avoided reading the scripts, but if its half as good as I've heard I'll be satisfied enough..................On Hannibal: I just finished reading the book. First let me say that I never saw Manhunter nor have I wver read any Harris novel. I loved Silence of the Lambs though. I also loved Hannibal. The biggest problem I'm hearing is with the books ending, how it betrays everything. Here is my interpretation (SPOILERS*THERE ARE SPOILERS FROM HERE TO THE END OF MY POST SO SKIP TO THE NEXT IF YOU DONT WANNA KNOW*SPOILERS): Harris shows that Hannibal is insane. He wanted to ressurect his sister (which we all know aint gonna happen). Clarice saves Hannibal because she doesnt want him to suffer at Verger's hands, but remember she is shot by (I think 2) tranquilizer darts. Someone (I forget who) in the book said she may not survive the darts, cause its too much for her system. Basically Clarice as we know her dies. By the time she awakes she has been pumped full with so many drugs that she barely remembers who she is. Lecter (who is a psychologist) has brainwashed her basically. He has know created for himself a recreation of his sister. Clarice didnt betray herself, if she knew half of what was going on she wouldnt have gone through with any of it. She is transformed, not willingly, into a completely different person by the end of the book. Harris did it well. I for one hope that Ridley Scott trys to get an NC-17, so we can have all the violence and still get into the subjects like Mason's "habits". Only time will tell...
JFK Was An Embarrassment by mrbeaks	Nov 9th, 1999 04:31:22 PM
Aside from the fact that Stone's allegations had absolutely no basis in fact (historians had a field day with this flick,) you're left with his usual sledgehammer method of pounding home the ol' message, which reached new, ludicrous heights with the wretched NIXON (again, an historical travesty.) Stone does have an ace in the hole, however, and his name is Robert Richardson. One of the best DP's in the business (go see BRINGING OUT THE DEAD for his cinematography alone,) he continues to make Stone look good. In fact, I never miss a Stone film in the theaters because of his amazing work. And that's basically Stone's secret..... he surrounds himself with, mostly, talented individuals, and turns out great looking stuff. And, actually, I'd forgive him his kooky ideas if he would just allow the audience the opportunity to think for themselves, instead of cramming his lunacy down our throats. Instead, he leaves nothing to the imagination, and tends to repeat the same information over and over again until you're ready to strangle the drugged-out goofball.
A quick review by Radd	Nov 9th, 1999 05:11:24 PM
I sense a lot of hate. A lot of hate against George Lucas and The Phantom Menace. Most of wich is unfounded, but it does seem to be in bad form for Lucas to be panning on other people's movies. I'd like to see the original quotes before judging him on it though. Anyways, back to the hatred towards Phantom Menace. I'm getting more than a little sick and tired of all the little fanboys and thier groupies panning on this movie without any good reason. I'm serious. Everyone who has ever said the movie sucked has never given a good, solid reason as to why. Believe me, I've got my problems with the film, but I give reasons and see how it could be fixed. Most people just jumped on the 'Heh, heh, heh, this movie sucks Beavis' bandwagon and can't even say why they didn't like it. Like I said, I've got my problems with the film but it's not nearly as bad as most people say, ESPECIALLY when compared to the original trilogy. The story wasn't horrible, it was actually pretty good. You have to remember, this is 'Chapter 1'. This is not an entire story in itself. If you're going to say it sucks because of the story then you might as well say Empire and Jedi sucked because without the other movies in the trilogy to give the story for them, they do. A New Hope was the only one meant to stand alone since it was the first, and that wasn't exactly the most epic and awe inspiring story by itself. It was cool, but actually the overall plot of PM is a little deeper. Expect every single thing set up in PM to come around in Episodes II and III. Even a lot of stuff most people didn't even seem to notice. The acting wasn't the greatest, but there where a couple shining stars. Liam Neeson did a wonderful job portraying Qui Gon. I wish Anakin had been a little less of a punk, since he's supposed to be this young, innocent little boy who becomes one of the most evil men around. Oh well, we'll see how it developes. Compared to the original Star Wars, I'd say the acting is about the same, a lot of mediocre to not bad performances with a couple really good ones. Okay, now for directing. I had a lot of issues with the directing of this film. Lucas had all of these wonderful landscapes, beautiful effects, wonderful creatures, but you never really did see them. Courscant from space was only on screen for less than a second both times it was shown, and the city was panned by much to fast to give the audience a good look at this city of cities. We never really saw Mos Espa, there where no good panning shots like the canteena scene in A New Hope wich let you see the aliens in the background, no slow pans that let you see the cities and battlefields like in Hope and Jedi. The dogfight at the end was way to short and didn't really show much at all. All of the awe-inspiring special effects where left way in the background. And while I'm glad Lucas didn't make the effects the main focus of the story (except for Jar Jar, and even he got better towards the end of the film), I'm upset that he just didn't show enough. Other than the effets, the cuts in general where just to quick. It looks as if he tried to put too much into one movie. I'd say this movie could have been a lot better with only 10 more minutes at the end to give it more time to pan out. I loved the very end of the movie, with Chancellor Palpatine and the parade. Everything seemed so happy that everyone seemed to miss those words 'Congratulations on your election chancellor.' Hmm, everything was bright and cherry, but with those words the bad guys had won. Now its a slow, dark road leading up to Episode IV. Now if you don't think that's a good lead in, I suggest you go back to MTV, I think they might show a music video this week.
Off the subject... by BenthicEx	Nov 9th, 1999 05:28:40 PM
I just read that they changed the title of "Reindeer Games" to lame-o "Deception." What the hell is wrong with Miramax? That was such a cool title. Morons....
Here, here by :-o	Nov 9th, 1999 05:35:00 PM
Phantom Menace rocked. Only movie I saw all year more than once. So much juicy good stuff in there. Let the backlash die along with tattoos, sketchers, and Pokemons.
Bravo, Radd by SithPenguin	Nov 9th, 1999 05:35:19 PM
stands up and applauds A lucid descriptions of the problems you had with TPM without once resorting to childish insults or attacking the makers of the film personally! This, I think, is what Harry had in mind when he created the Talkbacks! BTW, I also agree with almost all you said but I would like to add that the stories and the characters have arcs over three movies versus the arc over one in Episode 4, which Lucas ammended (well, I might add) to cover three movies. Call it wrong if you will but I think that's what he was doing!
MAGNOLIA, ETC... by TRIGGER95	Nov 9th, 1999 05:54:54 PM
As for Magnolia-- I caught a press screening of this the other night and was very disappointed. P.T. Anderson has bought into his own hype, making one of the most self-indulgent, bloated films in years. Don't get me wrong, there are some fine moments in the film (Cruise is a revelation; the frogs falling from the sky scene is a riot), but for the most part the movie is a pretentious bore. Look for P.T. to get crucified come release time. As foe TPM, I hated it, thought it was as bad as any movie I saw this year-- Lucas needs to let someone else write the next two. As for JFK, I loved it, but I love almost all Stone films, warts and all. The shooting script for Any Given Sunday, by the way, is pretty amazing. As for Hannibal, well it looks like Universal could have their work cut out for them. I didn't care for the book too much, but would love to see them shoot a faithful adaption just to freak out people (I know, I know, it will never happen). As for Fight Club, I thought the first hour was gangbusters then it kind of lost its way. Fincher is incredibly talented, and if he turns his attention to the right project he could do something amazing-- the Black Dahlia, for instance, could be a fantastic film. The script is one of the best unproduced scripts in Hollywood and the lead role of Bucky Bleichert is a great part that actors are going to be stepping over each other for. Hopefully the studio will forget box office concerns and let Fincher make the three hour film he wants to make. But we all know that will probably never happen.
Sarin Rudepuss here by disappointed	Nov 9th, 1999 06:28:02 PM
The following is a copy of a letter I have sent to AICN "I feel that for you to ban me without an explanation is unfair, for I have done nothing but post in fun. It is neither malicious, nor vindictive, nor vulgar. It is just in fun. I have seen some poor decisions in the past at AICN of this nature, but this one is quite uncalled for. I know you have no obligation to allow postings or a talk back at all, but when you open yourself up to such a forum it is an injustice to handle it in such an arbitrary manner." Yes I have been banned. I even tried to create an ID sarin rudepuss2 (ironic, don't ya think?) but I never recieved a password in the mail, which would lead me to believe that it was intercepted by Harry or Father Geek (who seems to be the more likely candidate). I expect this post to be deleted soon, so if need be, I will create other IDs and repost it as necessary until I have at least been sent a response as to why I have been banned. I was under the impression that AICN readers found my postings to be entertaining, and I would hate to see Harry take such a stance on censorship of entertainment. Parody and satire are important elements of our modern society, and I would hope that Harry would not turn his back on these forms of humor. signed Sarin Rudepuss A.K.A. ?
JFK......again........ by gilmour	Nov 9th, 1999 06:29:50 PM
Sure, we all know JFK had little fact and was the paranoid thoughts of wingnut Stone. But as a film it rocked! Sort of like "The Insider" it may not be accurate but its very good. Oh and wasnt JFK's DP Tak Fujimoto and not robert richardson?
JFK Was Intoxicating Cinema by mrbeaks	Nov 9th, 1999 07:05:12 PM
You'll get no argument from me there. I was a senior in high school when that came out, and I can still remember walking out of that film feeling like blinders had been removed from my eyes. The fact is, I'd been lied to again, and that's the danger with Stone's "Histories" (god forbid, I invoke Shakespeare.) I'm an avid reader, but I know most people aren't, and I'm afraid some might be misguided to take JFK as gospel. Then again, maybe I'm being paranoid. BTW, Stone has never made a film without Richardson as his DP. Some contend that he is more the director of Stone's films than Stone himself.
Lucas and LOTR by Elwe Singollo	Nov 9th, 1999 07:51:43 PM
He's jealous because if LOTR is done right, Star Wars is a thing of the past. Star Wars was a LOTR ripoff anyway ( Lucas knows this)and the special effects are mediocre for the most part. Except Yoda that is, but Vader and the Emperor were idiotic to say the least.
Jon 1969 by Lester Diamond	Nov 9th, 1999 08:42:47 PM
What? SEVEN is a case of what I call a great ending. Come on, just to hear Spacey say, "Oh, he didn't know." Someone needs to put your head in a box. As for HANNIBAL, I can safely say now that it will never happen. Since Jodie isn't doing it, Tony won't. We're going to be stuck with a Steve Zaillian scripted, Ridley Scott in G.I. JANE mode, Tim Roth and Sarah Michelle Gellar starring piece of overhyped crap. The sad thing is that I'll be there on opening day.
It's probably too late, but... by Toby O. Notobe	Nov 9th, 1999 09:01:57 PM
Hey, I was sick yesterday, so sue me. Anyway, I think everyone has to be a little more selective with what they believe. I wary of most things I read in the news, much less a website quoting an unnamed Icelandic paper. That
It's official, misquote! by Wonders	Nov 9th, 1999 09:02:53 PM
I just heard Lucas was misquoted. He did say he was curious to see how LOTR was going to come out because it is almost unfilmable. The rest is bad translation. (You have to admit that Frighteners and Heavenly Creatures had decent FX, but not great. And let's not get started with Xena and Hercules, all coming from WETA...)
Seven did have a great ending! by gilmour	Nov 9th, 1999 09:03:04 PM
I loved the ending because it had a very sad ending. Not the usual happy go lucky endings we usually see. It was a superb film, give me it over SOTL any day! I actually liked G.I jane alot. Demi moore was very good in it (how many films of her's can we say that?)
It's probably too late, but... by Toby O. Notobe	Nov 9th, 1999 09:07:38 PM
Hey, I was sick yesterday, so sue me. Anyway, I think everyone has to be a little more selective with what they believe. I wary of most things I read in the news, much less a website quoting an unnamed Icelandic paper. That
Give a hoot. Read a book. by Powerslave	Nov 9th, 1999 09:38:27 PM
Check out 'Case Closed' by Gerald Posner. Not only does it thoroughly debunk all the JFK conspiracy theories with logic and - gasp - fact, it also reserves a whole chapter for Oliver Stone and 'JFK.' Let's just say that Ollie and his movie don't fare too well. Another good book by the same author is 'Killing the Dream,' and it does for James Earl Ray and Martin Luther King what 'Case Closed' did for JFK. This message brought to you by your local public library.

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