Chevalier

Chevalier; Perhaps the best Prince film we will ever see, unearthing a musical genius fighting against racism, aristocracy, and tradition. The movie’s themes are startlingly (and disappointingly) relevant and the modern parallels are elevated by an inspired lead performance; A-

Cinderella

Cinderella; Jukebox Musical has some clever song selection but it’s been done before in A Knight’s Tale and Ella Enchanted. The cast has a lot of fun inhabiting their roles. Good as a silly time passer, like those ancient things known as music videos; B-

Owning Mahowny

Owning Mahowny; Fascinating true story played w/laser focused brilliance by Philip Seymour Hoffman. The tightening spiral of addiction plays out as tension ramps up. The increasing allure of the tables is palpable as his life falls apart from the secrets he keeps; Engrossing; A-

Big Night

Directed by:  Stanley Tucci and Campbell Scott
Starring:  Stanley Tucci, Minnie Driver, Isabella Rossellini, Tony Shalhoub
Running Time:  1h 47min

This movie is fun to watch, with bits of humour tossed about two brothers from Italy and their failing restaurant.  Minnie Driver has never looked so beautiful, holding her own opposite screen legend Rossellini.  However, it seems like this movie could have been a short film.  The content doesn't warrant feature length, as it's proven throughout the film with what seems like unnecessary scenes or simple scenes dragged on or just overdone.  The most convincing argument for this are the silent, from speech that is, scenes.  These scenes say so much more, especially the last five minutes.  Those last few minutes seem to say so much more than the rest of the film.  The beauty of the food preparation and the silent interaction.  A contrast of countries?

Grade: B

Good Will Hunting

Good Will Hunting; This amazing screenplay is really in touch with a younger generation of movie goers without leaving traditionalists behind. There's something for everyone's tastes in this movie that combines comedy, drama, and romance in their physical, spiritual, and mental aspects. Gus Van Sant makes the writing even better by getting soul baring performances from the whole cast. He makes the emotions physically manifest themselves on the screen. He dares to shoot one emotionally revealing scene between two lovers with the actors very plain and naked, not like the heavily mood lit/make up sensualizing of romance we're used to. This lets the inner emotions, struggles really reach out and touch the audience. The multi-layered script hits personally and universally; A-