ANY GIVEN SUNDAY

12/30/99 - I took so many impressions from this movie-going experience. Number one on my list was the magnificence of the theatre! The Loews EWALK right around the corner from Times Square has won me over! The house where this film unspooled was gigantic - over 500 seats filled the auditorium and the sound and picture were top notch. To jump ahead and say how the movie was - let me just say that the only thing keeping Jamie from walking out was the comfortable seating - cushiony on your butt and high-backed to rest your head. I just watched a few minutes of the ANY GIVEN SUNDAY special on HBO - and I was reminded by how awful the uniforms for the Dallas Knights looked. Oliver Stone had what seemed like ten different stories going on in this movie and not on of them interested me. I was mostly impressed by the sound design and the giant houses where the players, coaches and owners lived. And I was so pumped up for this movie! Maybe I took a giant fall? It's hard to say - but I know I was never pumping my fist into the air. And what has happened to Oliver Stone? I still get the impression that he hates women. Cameron Diaz played an evil woman. Lauren Holly? Ditto. And as was said after the movie - where was the continuous play on the football field? It just didn't happen. The acting was good and that's what saved me from checking my watch. (In attendance - Jamie, Dan)

TUMBLEWEEDS

12/29/99 - I don't think I could have been happier with this movie! Brilliant acting all around - I hope to see Academy Award nominations for both Janet McTeer and the girl who played her daughter. This heartwarming mother/daughter tale shines in the realism of its situations and the sharing and love between the main characters. I wonder how I would have reacted to this movie had I not seen ANYWHERE BUT HERE? That movie was complete dreck - and I'm a Wayne Wang fan! ANYWHERE felt superficial and ridiculous and it looks even worse now that I've seen TUMBLEWEEDS. And the music - I loved the music throughout the film - it worked smoothly and nicely and didn't interrupt the flow but added to it. If I had to jump onto a television show and recommend a movie that I've seen in the past week, this would be the one. (In attendance - Dan)

THE TALENTED MR. RIPLEY

12/25/99 - This was the movie selected for the annual Christmas Day Movie Outing and I can't say I was disappointed. This was my second viewing of the film and I didn't grow bored. Frustrated is the better emotion. My transition to New York snob is complete! I cannot go to a movie theatre outside of this city. In the span of two years, I've seen three movies at the Fredericksburg 15 and only one of those has been hassle free. The state of film going in the town where I grew up is just ridiculous - how do people stand for it? I enjoyed the film and the acting and the locations and the costumes. Everyone looks so fantastic in that leisure wear. And Philip Seymour Hoffman - how can you not love the roles this guy chooses to play? Freddie was great for him - I love the idea of that red-faced character tooling around Italy in a sports car and drinking at every establishment that crosses his path. Too many twists in turns at the end that fail to build any suspense, but I can overlook that. I think I overlook that because I watched PURPLE NOON just before seeing RIPLEY for the first time - and the first hour of the original film is quite slow. RIPLEY definitely improves on that. (In attendance - Dad, Mom, Katie)

MAGNOLIA

12/18/99 - When I saw THE MATRIX I got that idea of the projectionist splicing out all the slow parts for me. And I've had those thoughts again - I hope the DVD version comes with a way to just watch the Tom Cruise scenes. He completely shines in this movie. Completely. I wanted more Tom Cruise. After seeing DAYS OF THUNDER, did I ever think I'd say that?(In attendance - Dan)

FELICIA'S JOURNEY

12/12/99 - How high will this movie jump to the top of my favorite films of the year list? Atom Egoyan has completely won me over and I'm ready to seek out his earlier films. The colors work in the movie. The story works. After seeing the movie, I was so ready to run out and tell all my friends to go see this movie. But I re-thought that because the subject matter is kind of creepy. I didn't expect that (failed to read a review, i guess) and I didn't mind that. (In attendance - Dan)

THE WAR ZONE

12/11/99 - Powerful. This movie is just like icing on the cake of a really good year in movies. Not a movie for everyone, but a really good one for those who are ready to see it. Bleak and depressing and disturbing. Beautiful and captivating and thought provoking. (In attendance - Dan)

SLEEPY HOLLOW

12/5/99 - I somehow failed to make it into a movie theatre during the month of November! And my return to movie-going takes place at the new Loews Cineplex EWALK ("Ewok. Ewok? Did they get permission from George Lucas to name this theatre?"). My thoughts on this film went up and down quite a bit before seeing it...at first I wasn't interested. Matt Zoller Seitz of the NYPRESS gave it a great review - dissecting the whole movie for me and my curiosity leapt. Dan saw it during Thanksgiving and gave it an okay review. I tend to side with Dan on this one. Fun movie. Tim Burton delivers his Tim Burton schtick. But he doesn't innovate. There's nothing new coming out of this! At one point the headless horseman is sent flying up a rope inside a giant windmill. Didn't I see that in Batman? Whatever. It was fun. Christina Ricci's bosom wouldn't stop heaving. I don't know. I left the theatre without much to say about the movie. (In attendance - Stephanie)

BEING JOHN MALKOVICH

10/30/99 - WOW! Chimpanzees! Spike Jonze is amazing. And the screenplay? Destined to win awards, I think. The basic premise revolves around what finding a portal into the brain of John Malkovich and how one would spend those fifteen minutes. But it's funny and touching and smart and witty and intelligent. And inspiring. One of those films for which I couldn't read enough press materials. (In attendance - Dan, Jamie)

SHOW ME LOVE

10/21/99 - Originally titled "Fucking Amal" this movie is less the teenage lesbian coming of age story I thought it would be and more an acute observation of kids bored out of their minds in their own small towns. It seems like there have been a lot of movies on the same subject recently. There's a scene in this movie at a park where two couples are seen holding each other - it's a cold, bleak day and they're dressed in layers of young "hip" clothes. As the scene builds you recognize each group is on a different park beach. And that's when I smiled. I recognized these kids living out the life I'd led - just lots of hanging out, talking about your day and where things were headed. There was physical space in between and there was no rush at all to return home. (In attendance - Dan)

FIGHT CLUB

9/17/99 - The most astounding film I've ever seen. (In attendance - Dan)

BOYS DON'T CRY

10/10/99 - Hilary Swank was amazing. This film seems like it's just sitting in theatres waiting for criticism - especially from those who don't believe the director was faithful to the story. I didn't see the documentary on Brandon Teena and that's made this movie more enjoyable for me, I'm sure of it. Based on reality, this story did have that dreamy sense to it. It was a solid narrative, and at this point I'm not convinced that Kimberly Pierce should have stuck to the facts. A little dramatic manipulation was great for this movie and I hope Hilary Swank is up for an Academy Award. And Brendan Sexton was amazing as the heartland of America kid who likes hanging out with his buddies and riding around in cars. Almost like a role he was born to play. (In attendance - Dan)

THREE KINGS

10/2/99 - The process of deciding to see a movie involves getting yourself mentally prepared - and I think I spent too long preparing for this movie. David O. Russel's previous films were filled with comedy and I was anxious to see how he'd tackle this serious subject while mixing comedy into the story. And the result was a film I immediately ranked just the tiniest notch below good. All the elements were there for a great film, but I was just too excited before walking into the theatre. My hopes were too high. Then Dan gave me the lecture about how I don't do a good job reading movie reviews. I totally failed to read reviews in the proper manner regarding this film. I read highlights - the special effects, the few funny scenes, the who's who. Dan suggested that I should read to get the reviewer's vibe. Okay, maybe Dan didn't use the word "vibe." (In attendance - Dan)

ROMANCE

9/20/99 - The sort of movie you don't see everyday. Yes, it was dark and somewhat depressing - but it had a story of a female character that you don't see in the movies. I really enjoyed myself and was pleased to see this perspective - one that you only find women writing about, not acting out in films. (In attendance - Dan)

AMERICAN BEAUTY

9/15/99 - I just sat in the audience and let my jaw drop. The buzz sort of built quickly on this one. There was that teaser poster and then WHAM! the film was all over the print media. Avoiding any reviews I went into the theatre with an upbeat attitude and didn't leave disappointed (a rare thing these days). As Dan said, bits of the movie felt like the "sex, lies and videotape" of the late 90's. But I'm still not sure how to feel about the film. While watching what felt like a perfect film, I was ready to catapult the film to the number one slot for the year's top ten. In retrospect the film just doesn't have staying power. It's a nice picture of the time and a simple story about a few people in a neighborhood, but I somehow missed it's revelations about the human condition. And that's what I'm looking for in a number one. (In attendance - Dan)

DISCO DOLLS IN HOT SKIN

8/14/99 - IN 3-D at MIDNIGHT! How can it get better than this? Well, let me just said that John Holmes had a cameo appearance. Okay, okay, if you saw this movie you were probably like me - forcing yourself to laugh over and over again to try to make the film live up to your expectations. The film was fun, but not the kind of crazy fun any of us hoped to experience. Ahhh, porn. (In attendance - Chris M., Seiko)

THE IRON GIANT

8/8/99 - Ooooh! It's a movie for kids and adults. The posters sure were nice and the animation was fun and the reviews I read were accurate, but I just didn't enjoy the movie. Maybe I wasn't in the mood for it? I don't know. Somehow it just didn't "click." The movie wasn't any fun. I think I've lost the connection with that six year old part of myself. (In attendance - Dan, Carly, Shawn)

SOME LIKE IT HOT

8/6/99 - Sometimes you go to a movie against your reservations about seeing a "classic" at the Film Forum - especially on a Friday night. I stood in line with everyone else and even decided I needed to eat some of their crummy popcorn. The seats at this theatre are awful - and they can make a really bad movie even worse. With this movie I realized why some classics are called classics. The film was entertaining from beginning to end. (In attendance - Dan, Carly)

THE BLAIR WITCH PROJECT

8/4/99 - And suddenly Artisan Releasing makes the jump to the big time with their brilliant marketing of THE BLAIR WITCH PROJECT. This Sundance hit was able to stir in me real feelings of fear - physical sensations! The hairs on my arms were raised in fright! And this was my second viewing! But, come on, didn't any of these kids get a merit badge in orienteering? I grew up in suburban Virginia and couldn't imagine getting trapped in the woods like these kids. Alright, I'll confess - I have no immediate camping plans. (In attendance - Dan, Shawn, Lisa)

AUTUMN TALE

8/3/99 - This movie is what movies are supposed to be! Is that a bold statement? A solidly made film from opening credits to closing credits. The writing was enjoyable, the leisurely pace enhanced the images of the French countryside. This seems like one of those movies that Americans have just forgotten about watching. I would be a happy, happy man to watch a film like this every month for the rest of my life. (In attendance - Dan)

THE KILLING

7/26/99 - Wow! I didn't know I'd be in for a movie that was as much fun as this one. So much fun dialogue! So many fun images. Why aren't more people seeing this movie in the rest of the country? BAM Rose Cinemas was packed on the Monday night. Maybe there's hope for the world after all. (In attendance - Dan, Chris M.)

EYES WIDE SHUT

7/16/99 - I really want to talk about this movie. I really do. I've had a few conversations about it. But I don't think I can get past the first three paragraphs. Stephen Hunter in the Washington Post offers a really great review. My thinking was much in line with his, but much more forgiving. If I do give in to offer a letter grade rating to this film, I'd give it a solid B-. But it lacks that spark. A certain punch. There's nothing in the movie to grab you. Kubrick seems like he's trying for "controversial" but doesn't get to that level -- my comment upon leaving the film -- "ooh, politicians and other famous people like to have sex. big deal." I think only a fifteen year old soon-to-be intellectual would be impressed by this movie. Everyone else has already seen it before. (In attendance - Dan, Shawn)

SUMMER OF SAM

7/6/99 - Talking dog. Same old Spike Lee tricks. And why in the world did he act in this movie? Where did that come from? The only nice thing was seeing a large crowd at BAM's Rose Cinemas. (In attendance - Dan)

DESERT BLUE

6/24/99 - To whom should I recommend this movie? SO MUCH FUN. I sort of lived off the constant giggle, the never-disappearing smile. You just ride around with these kids and enjoy their antics. I do want to know the story behind Kate Hudson's constant nipple erection. And when can I buy a four-wheeler? (In attendance - Stephanie)

AUSTIN POWERS: THE SPY WHO SHAGGED ME

6/16/99 - Let's Dance! Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Lot's of laughing. We all expected that. I've got no complaints. (In attendance - Shawn)

BED AND BOARD

6/6/99 - Oooh, aren't I fancy? This film got Margaret to admit that maybe she does like French films. Now I can see more French films with her. I like remote controlled boats but I've never piloted one. (In attendance - Dan, Sarah, Hemal, Kevin and Margaret)

THE WINSLOW BOY

6/5/99 - Whew! I escaped. Talk about boring. None of that Mamet dialogue you really want. I guess I was supposed to know that going into the theater. I didn't ready the reviews on this one. (In attendance - Dan, Sarah, Hemal, Kevin and Margaret)

AMERICAN HOLLOW

5/30/99 - There could have been more. I wasn't expecting too much from this film. And I didn't get anything out of it. Where was the real emotion? Where was the deeper study of culture? Too damn breezy. (In attendance - Dan, Eliza, Shawn)

LEILA

5/29/99 - Iranian middle class. It was fun. I'm glad I saw it. There were lots of stuffed animals in this movie. (In attendance - Dan)

TWICE UPON A YESTERDAY

5/28/99 - Finally! A good movie. And it came out of nowhere! TWICE UPON A YESTERDAY is completely charming and unexpectedly disarming. So cute! So cute! I can't believe I didn't want to race out and see this movie (maybe it was the lame title and even lamer poster). Once the story started to pick up and get into the action, the smile didn't leave my face. And I was rooting for all the characters involved. I wanted everyone to be happy. It was such a beautiful "what if..." story. I just want to telephone all my friends and say "race out and see this movie!" (In attendance - Dan)

XIU XIU: THE SENT DOWN GIRL

5/26/99 - This first film directed by Joan Chen from TWIN PEAKS fame is a promising start. The critics seemed to rave about the film - I can't understand why. It's good. The film's narrative is simple and direct. And I think that was the problem. The film started as an interesting cultural study and slowly became what it could have become - a moral tale of a young woman trying to gain control in a situation where little was to be had. I wanted more. I didn't snooze, but the film certainly threatened to bore me. The visuals were not spectacular (I had hoped for more). Do I recommend this film to friends? No. Was I disappointed when I saw it? No. (In attendance - Dan)

STAR WARS: THE PHANTOM MENACE

5/20/99 - Horror of all horrors! I've lost the ticket stub to this film. I lost the ticket stub before the movie ended. Somewhere between finding my seat and queuing for popcorn, the slip of paper proving that "I was there" disappeared. The critics were all too kind to this film. Where was the plot? Where was the dialogue? I wouldn't be so harsh if I had, at least once, raised my arm and cheered. The only reaction the movie managed to wrest from me was laughter at the bad dialogue. Dialogue as bad as dialogue from "Titanic." The only repeat business this film may get is from the teenage girls who come to see the trailer for "The Beach." (In attendance - Dan, Jason, Marisa, Leah)

PUSHING TIN

5/5/99 - Sometimes I've done things against my better judgment. Rarely have i regretted it this much. By seeing this movie on a weeknight, I thought I'd be indulging in a guilty pleasure. Pleasure came no where close to my experience. The reviews I read were mediocre and the movie has Billy Bob Thornton and John Cusack. Even friends who had seen it didn't warn me about this movie. Do I talk to them again? (In attendance - Eliza)

ELECTION

4/24/99 - Such a fun Saturday morning experience! To all my young hipster friends I want to shout "Go See This Movie!" Intelligent, funny and probing, this film makes me want to have a hand in movie creation. From the small town setting to the humanity portrayed by all the actors, I found my jaw hanging open in every scene. Not the same kind of pump your fist in the air fun as "Varsity Blues," but millions of times better than "She's All That." (In attendance - Dan)

THE DREAMLIFE OF ANGELS

4/16/99- Just depressing. Cute French women complaining about their lives. Boo hoo. Not arty. Not interesting. What's wrong with me? Am I losing interest in romantic French Films? (In attendance - Dan, Sarah)

NEVER BEEN KISSED

4/12/99 - My first trip to the UA Union Square was a good one. A casual weeknight spent in a relaxing, high back chairs drinking a cherry slushy drink helps sooth the soul. Drew Barrymore turned in a fun performance as the nerd who ends up getting the guy. I'm not sure if the younger skewing audience enjoyed it as they should have. Stephanie and I couldn't stop laughing and smiling and giggling. The set decoration was amazing! I can't get enough David Arquette, and Leelee Sobieski plays that girl from high school we all wanted to date (at least I did). (In attendance - Stephanie)

GO

4/11/99 - It felt like a thrill ride for the teenagers. It wasn't a blockbuster thrill ride for the 12 year olds (or the 36 year olds who want to capture those days). This movie was surely aimed at the 16-26 year old thinkers. Such fun. Such colors. Such a beautiful cast. A really fun time! (In attendance - Jackie)

COOKIE'S FORTUNE

4/3/99 - Altman was at his best in the earlier 1970's. I wanted this to be a return to those times. I'd read that Cookie's Fortune was a slow movie and "the kids today" wouldn't be able to relate. Sure. Whatever. It wasn't slow enough. I could have stayed with those characters forever. I wanted to know more about them. Except that nutty older sister.

THE MATRIX

3/31/99 - Special effects extravaganza! My first thought "I wish I could be 16 years old with a friend who worked as a projectionist. That way I don't have to sit through the whole movie. I could just see all the highlights and computer effects!" (In attendance - Dan)

AFFLICTION

3/14/99 All the hype came from somewhere. Definitely a bleak movie, but I don't think it was nearly as good as the other recent film based on a Russell Banks novel (the one where the bus plummets into the ice). The cast was good. I just could not figure out Nick Nolte's character. I wanted to relate to him and understand where he was coming from, but at no point did I find myself trusting him. I wanted to trust him and he seemed like a likable figure, but there was something a little shady about him - and maybe that's something I was supposed to get out of the movie. I will admit that it was fun watching big four wheel drive trucks ramming each other. (In attendance - Payal)

OFFICE SPACE

3/5/99 - What happened? Why didn't the entire country race out to see this movie? Where was the word of mouth? This movie was amazing. A laugh riot, as they say. Did I laugh at the easy jokes? You bet. Did I relate a little too much to the world Mike Judge created? Of course. And the setting of this movie was stellar. Was it Texas? California? Virginia? I have no idea. This thought doesn't relate to my thoughts on the movie, but I sure would like a chocolate chip cookie right now. Wouldn't you? (In attendance - Dan)

HILARY AND JACKIE

2/27/99 - I'm a boy. I think that alone made it difficult for me to accept this movie. It's about the relationship between sisters and I just didn't relate to it. People were crying. I wanted to be emotionally affected, but it just wasn't there for me. The image of Emily Watson in that comfy red coat with her cello case slung over her shoulder is amazing. That was the highlight for me. And what was the story behind that framing device? (In attendance - Eric, Ed, Liz)

THE SCHOOL OF FLESH

2/26/99 - What a beautiful movie! Upon reflection, though, I remember very little of it. This was a French love story done the right way. (In attendance - Dan)

CLOSE ENCOUNTERS OF THE THIRD KIND

2/21/99 - "You've never seen CLOSE ENCOUNTERS?" "Nope. Well, bits and pieces." "So what?" is what I now say. I guess I should have seen it when I was a little kid. I kept waiting for those draw dropping moments - and I could see where they were supposed to be on the screen, but I never reacted the way Mr. Spielberg wanted me to." (In attendance - Dan)

Faster Pussycat! Kill! Kill!

2/20/99 - A packed house that afternoon at the Anthology Film Archives! The audience, though, wasn't that into it. I wanted more screaming and more shouting and all out craziness. The movie itself was phenomenal and so much fun. A great movie to watch while tossing back alcoholic beverage after alcoholic beverage. Now I understand why it's such a classic. (In attendance - Dan, Sarah, Jackie)

THE APPLE

2/19/99 - Ugh! What crap. Why did I let myself get talked into seeing this movie? It was interesting in some ways. This Iranian film about two sisters and their terrible living conditions does more to blur the line between documentary and fiction film than I've ever seen. And that blurring is done in a horrible way. Very rarely should nineteen year olds be making movies for audiences other than their friends. Never should they attempt such serious films. The film wasn't even beautiful to watch - no captivating images, no striking scenery. If you liked this movie, I must find out why. (In attendance - Dan, Jason, Marissa, Leah, and Lesley)

VARSITY BLUES

1/26/99 - Weee! I'm having so much fun at the movies again! Popcorn and soda for everyone in the audience! That James Vanderbeek sure does try to be complex. Football players like to go to strip clubs. Oooh, why do you have to be a better athlete than me? And a soundtrack that keeps humming along. The small town football and soap opera plots had me talking about this movie for days. (In attendance - Stephanie)

OTHER MOVIES I'VE SEEN (but not at a commercial theatre)

An Ideal Husband, Dick, Outside Providence, The Lovers on the Bridge, West Beirut, My Life So Far, American Pie, Mansfield Park, Holy Smoke, The Cider House Rules, The Talented Mr. Ripley, Love's Labour's Lost

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