Boogie Nights

Directed by:  Paul Thomas Anderson
Starring:  Mark Wahlburg, Burt Reynolds, Julianne Moore, John C. Reilly, William H. Macy, Phillip Seymour Hoffman
Running Time:  2h 35min

This movies takes you on a wonderful ride full of characters, images, sights and sounds that will leave you breathless and exhilarated.  The acting is superb, with many hilarious yet extremely heartbreaking performances, notably Macy and Hoffman.  This is the best film direction I've seen in awhile from a sophomore director.  He borrows heavily from classic 70s directors but in a loving and unique combination, ushering in the new crew of directors that grew up on such great 70s fare.  From the opening shot that lasts about three minutes to several eye-pleasing tracking and dolly shots, the film's length is never felt.  Your involvement in the characters is deep as you feel everything that they feel. The most heartwarming is the portrait at the end.

Grade: A

Fargo

Directed by:  Joel Coen
Starring:  Frances McDormand, William H. Macy, Steve Buscemi
Running Time:  1h 38min

A gritty little tale about a kidnapping gone wrong gives us characters and scenery that we aren't used to seeing in Hollywood productions.  The way the Coen brothers use the snow and the cold to add to the frustrations of the villains is pure enjoyment.  Funny lines and accents don't seem unreal, and give a flavour to this movie.  In fact, had there not been the "You betchas" and the sly little A Clockwork Orange reference this movie would just be like any other botched evil plot film.  The whole cast just brings the story to life, making it a distinct film that will certainly be remembered.  Though not best picture material this is a damn good movie, worth multiple viewings.

Grade: A-