In line with my policy on brevity and simplicity, I am going to use a three star Replay rating system:

For me, the real test of a movie's quality is: would I willingly pay $10 to sit through this again? This is of course based on my presumption that seeing a movie on the bigscreen is vastly superior to seeing it on video.

• * = I've already forgotten what movie I'm writing about.

• ** = Maybe when it comes out on video.

• *** = The popcorn machine at the cinema is on emergency standby, waiting for my MacArthur-like return.

The real evolution - a special-effects movie that relies more on
story than action.

'Nuff said.

Replay Rating: ***

I consumed a large tub of popcorn during this movie. That was fairly
corny. That pales in significance to the level of corniness in The
Patriot.

There are a number of gaping flaws here, not all of them factual
ones. Here in New Zealand, Patriot is playing against Gladiator. They're
both very similar films in terms of general plot, as well as some scenes
being almost identical. Gladiator had a very strong focus on one or two
characters. In Patriot, there are too many people vying for centre
stage, and too many unrelated subplots. I could have sworn I was
variously watching Braveheart, Lethal Weapon, Highlander, even Star
Wars.

Take heart, Brits. If anything's going to portray your countrymen as
a bunch of vicious thugs, it won't be The Patriot -- it'll be your
football hooligans.

Replay Rating: *

This is only an inch or two away from being the telemovie of the
week. A couple of things pull it back from the brink though: 1) it
doesn't take itself too seriously, but never loses sight of the
seriousness of the subject and 2) the natural grace, wit and charm of
Sandra Bullock.

Perhaps it's no coincidence that the film that allows Bullock to
shine as never before, should be written by the same woman who wrote
Erin Brockovich, the film which allowed Julia Roberts to do the
same.

Replay Rating: ***

Mustapha

21.08.00. Front Page

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