The Cinema at the Back of my Head

Updated: July 28, 1995
  1. Man Bites Dog
  2. Star Trek: Generations
  3. Interview With a Vampire
  4. Streetfighter
  5. Bye Bye Love
  6. Tank Girl
  7. Richie Rich
  8. Tommy Boy
  9. The Gods Must Be Crazy
  10. Jury Duty
  11. The Muppets Take Manhattan
  12. Muriel's Wedding
  13. Drop Zone
  14. Full-Metal Jacket
  15. Circle of Friends
  16. Just Cause
  17. Crimson Tide
  18. The Englishman Who Went a Hill But Came Down a Mountain
  19. Forget Paris
  20. Johnny Mneumonic
  21. Die Hard: With A Vengeance
  22. The Brady Bunch Movie
  23. Congo
  24. Pocohantas
  25. Batman Forever
  26. Apollo 13
  27. Judge Dredd
  28. Nine Months
  29. Undersiege 2: Dark Territory
  30. Mixed Nuts
  31. Mi Familia : My Family
  32. Houseguest
  33. Little Odessa
Matte Elsbernd - melsbern@tuba.aix.calpoly.edu
Man Bites Dog french, subtitled 1992 (on video)
This film was...interesting. A French director's atempt at the same satire that created Natural Born Killers. But this movie is infintely better at documenting and satirizing violence in society. This film has a biting humor. It is scary because it's not funny, it's sad. Filmed as a pseudo-documentary, a film crew follows a serial killer through his life. The film crew become characters in the film as gradually they become victims of the violence they are documenting. A difficult movie to stomach, but I think is well worth it if you already have seen NBK.
Star Trek: Generations 1994
The Star Trek of Captain Kirk and Spock amused me in the movies because I guess they seemed like movie characters to me. I never grew up with Star Trek nor its reruns. But the Star Trek of Captain Picard and Riker I knew all too well from television. So this movie felt, at times, like a two-hour special on television. But this time there were no commercial breaks and I had to pay to see it. And I still laugh when I think of the Enterprise crashing onto the planet...those trees look awfully big compared to that huge spaceship:)
Interview with the Vampire 1994
Okay, so I haven't read any of Anne Rice's novels, and no, I have somehow escaped any type of fascination with vampires, so this movie lacked any real reason for my seeing it. I thought that maybe the "epic" nature of the film would make it interesting, like Bram Stoker's Dracula did, but it was just people sucking blood. Maybe Tom Cruise and Brad Pitt sucking blood was supposed to make it worth my while, but it didn't. Oh well, guess I never have to read the novels to figure out what everyone's found so wonderful about them. Now all I have to worry about is how sick all you weirdos are. (just kidding)
Streetfighter 1994
Oh what a terrific video ga...oh, I meant, what a...second-rate movie. Maybe I would have appreciated this film more if I had played the game enough and new the names of the characters and their signature moves. Otherwise I had to silently mourn for Raul Julia, look at Joan Chen and remember The Joy Luck Club and wonder how Van Damme ever got it into his head as a child to become a movie star limited to martial arts films. It was okay for the buck I payed to see it.
Bye Bye Love 1995
With one-third of this movie set in a McDonald's, I grew very hungry while watching the movie. Paul Reiser made me feel like I was watching NBC on a thursday night, Randy Quaid made me feel pity for him, and that other guy reminded me of that film Gross Anatomy. I enjoyed this movie, with its share of funny moments. As for dealing with dating, divorce, and child-raising, I think it did a weak job.
Tank Girl 1995
Maybe this film would have made more sense and been more interesting if I had ever read the comic books that its based on and which are used in a sort of montage throughout the film. Odd, no doubt about that. The second-half of the film I found to be more coherent and better then the first half. The movie has me curious as to what the comic book is like. And I must say jet girl looked pretty good.
Richie Rich 1994
I guess I was one of the only people willing to endure another performance by Macauly Culkin, but this was a film I wanted to see. About the only comic books I ever really collected or read were the Richie Rich series. I used to watch the cartoon on television as well. This movie reminded me of my childhood. It is not one of the greatest films of all time, but for a dollar and for the childhood memories, I endjoyed it.
Tommy Boy 1995
A movie I truly enjoyed. But you must realize that I love comedies. But this was a good one. I have been historically disappointed with the movie spin offs from Saturday Night Live, but I think that this one is a step in the right direction. A mark of a good comedy is when all of the best jokes are not used in the trailers. This movie had more. This was a great comedy.
The Gods Must Be Crazy 1980
It's been a long time since I saw this film. It has really aged badly, or at least the print they showed in between commercials on one of the networks this past weekend. It's the movie filled with criss-crossing storylines: the coke bottle, the guerilla who take hostages, the new village school marm, and the bumbleheaded scatologist who falls for the schoolmarm and falls for many other things as well. A classic.
Jury Duty 1995
I think I said once before that: "A mark of a good comedy is when all of the best jokes are not used in the trailers." Well, all but one thing I found funny I saw in the commercials. I won't tell you what that one other thing was that I found funny, because you'd laugh at ME. Anyway, I now realize why I have stayed away from Pauly Shore, I really don't care for him, and I really don't care to see his butt spread across the screen. Save your money AND your sanity.
The Muppets Take Manhattan 1985
Oh, did I tell you I am a Muppet's fan? Well I am, and seeing Kermit and the gang in this film from my childhood was a joy. I really enjoyed it in all of its sing-song, cheesy entirety. Definitely a movie to see and re-see for those who haven't lost their childhood. Millions of guest appearances. Rizzo the rat. Lew Zealand and his boomerang fish....oh joy!!!
Muriel's Wedding 1995
This is the movie I was planning to go see when instead I saw Pauly Shore's butt. I was waiting for ABBA to make a guest appearance, but I guess that I'll have to settle for the complete collection of ABBA sountrack. Anyway, I enjoyed this...offbeat...comedy. Definitely a new subject, I thought, for a film. Odd lives, odd events, and even odder costumes at times. Definitely a movie for someone who likes off-the-beaten track films, but definitely not a real cross-over hit.
Drop Zone 1995
Arnold in a parachute? No, but the idea probably crossed Hollywood's mind, but they chose to be a bit more realistic and chose Wesley Snipes. Skydiving acrobatics, blood and guts, and plenty of air. It was just another formula movie, slighty entertaining but void of life.
Full-Metal Jacket ?
It's been a while since I saw this movie the first time, but I don't think I ever forgot what I had seen. This is a very powerful movie, maybe I should say two movies, since there are two very powerful sections in this movie, either of which could stand alone. If you are squeamish when it comes to blood or four-letter words, then this film will repulse you more then speak to you, but if you can look past those things, you can be truly shocked by what is happening: by the essence of the tragedy, not merely the flavoring of it. Full-Metal recommendation.
Circle of Friends 1995
Well, I expected much more from this film then I got. I am not sure what I expected, but the film seemed like too many other coming of age films that I have seemed. It didn't have the comic edge that the australian trilogy which included "The Year My Voice Broke". It fell into redundant story lines, and I really didn't like any of the characters. except Benny. And then there's the problem I find with so many of these movies: the tragic ruining of friendship with some silly avoidable sexual fling...the fall of friendship in the face of the sexual libido. Maybe it is just me, but I don't hold any of that inside of me, so I couldn't sympathize with it. Still a better film then many others I have seen.
Just Cause 1995
Well, basically a film Sean Connery did not need to make. A murder mystery/courtoom thriller/madman movie. Bits and pieces of movies you've seen and liked before stuck all together in one. I did like all of the shots of crocidiles and i liked how there was a false ending, but otherwise I could have passes on this one. But I give it my "dollar-movie sign of approval."
Crimson Tide 1995
Getting there late, sitting in the third row on the right side, I can feel the permanent kink in my neck still. Opening night was a sold out affair, as I suppose the hoopla was fairly large with this movie. Talking with my film major friend afterwards, I mentioned that I found it a nice two hours entertainment, but as for a "good film" i don't know. Definitely not a new subject, but an old topic handled well. All i think I carried away from the experience were my friend's question about how they made them sweat like that, and seeing the credit for the magician at the end of the film and commenting that he was the whole show. Basically a Hunt for Red October type movie about a two men, one dog, a submarine and enough nuclear warheads to seriously hinder a good time.
The Englishman Who Went a Hill But Came Down a Mountain 1995
Well, with a meaty name like that, would could say no. And i suppose not many women have an inkling to say no to Hugh Grant anyway. But since I do not have the hots for him, I had to appreciate the movie for what it was: a pretty good movie. A little hard to understand the accents at times, but funny nonetheless. Hugh's romantic target this time was Tara Fitzgerald who I think played his wife in the movie Sirens . She didn't have a big enough part in this movie, nor did I find her accent/character very appealing. But nonetheless, this movie should win an Oscar for longest movie name as well as maybe largest pile of dirt.
Forget Paris 1995
This movie was funny yet romantic. Was foreign yet domestic. Was believable yet out of this world. A prime vehicle for Billy Crystal, including a chance for him to get close and personal to the stars of the NBA. It's a tale of romance told as stories of gossip by his friends. The young fiancee who is being told all of these stories is either the most unbelievable character I have ever seen, or she really has a problem with emotions. She just gets too worked up in all of this. I don't think anyone in the audience was crying, let alone as many times as she. Anyway, as far as the relationship thing goes, it scored high on my "painfully stupid way to handle a relationship" scale: where they do such obviously stupid things which you know will break everything up. Oh well, still was better then renting some crusty, sappy old (speaking bad 70's and 80's) movie at the video store across the street.
Johnny Mneumonic 1995
A movie I really wanted to see, based on a short story by an author I really enjoy. I like movies which are set in the dark and dirty future where technology and computers have run rampant. I like Blade Runner and the like, and so it was no surprise I'd like this one, at least production design wise. There was a little too much mutilation, which seems to be the norm in movies these days (watching the Star Wars trilogy recently I noticed how little blood and guts there were, I wonder how the new ones will turn out, violence wise). Anyway, if you like science fiction movies, decadent future visions, or want to see what it might be like if the US Navy got a hold of Flipper, then see this movie.
Die Hard: With a Vengeance 1995
Well, it sure was an action-packed, Bruce Willis film. I kinda liked Jeremy Irons' role, though I want to know why Germans get to play the bad guys now. It does feel like a Lethal Weapon script, which I guess it was originally intended for. Not a reallt intellectual movie, but fool of fists, guns, and plenty of chases.
The Brady Bunch Movie 1994
Oh this was a great movie!! Kind of wish I had seen it earlier. I eagerly anticipate it reaching video. There were too many things for me to keep track of. Definitely a good time, even if you are a diehard Brady fan. It's based on a concept that I would have come up with (the Brady's caught in the 70s but in the 90s). "Marcia, Marcia, Marcia" Oh, and I happen to find the girl who was in love with Marcia to be quite attractive.
Congo 1995
Even if you haven't read the book, this movie will be a let down. It's so choppy, corny, and incoherent. On the one hand they changed many of the major aspects of the story from the book, but then they tried to keep the basic structure of the book which led them to include these extraneous sequences of the film. There were the gratuitous Taco Bell promotions, there were Africans singing a song that I think most Americans couldn't sing, and a woman with a laser who can knock out satellites. Waste of money, read the book.
Pocahantas 1995
Somehow my roommates managed to talk me into seeing this film. I thought I'd be able to hide this fact from my friends who I had repeatedly told I would not be seeing this film. Well, most of those friends were there, surprised, when I came in. "Well", I told people "At least I can say I didn't see The Bridges of Madison County." Two mildy redeaming factors of this movie, one was the sneaky use of computer animation in the film, and second, the preview for the computer animated movie about toys which Disney will have out for Thanksgiving. I did like Miko the raccoon. And I did have the idea that sparked Malt Bizby World (coming soon).
Batman Forever 1995
Answer me this: What has a Real Genius with bat ears, a rubberized Circle of Friends, a green-stockinged Pet Detective, a federal marshall with a severe acne problem, and the wife of a blood-sucking Scientologist? The answer to this riddle is: a so-so movie. Batman Forever is just that, so-so. The commercials and previews didn't have me excited for this latest installment and the movie didn't have me begging for more. This movie felt like it was just an all-star review where big-budget actors and actresses could dress up like comic book characters. I'll pass on this one on video.
Apollo 13 1995
Finally a movie that the Walt Disney Studios should see! A movie that proves a historically based film can actually be true. Still feels weird to see a film with Richie Cunningham directing, but it is a good film. I have kinda gotten weary of Tom Hanks in big blockbusters. I'd kinda like to see him in something like Bruce Willis' cameo in Pulp Fiction. This is an emotional space ride, and if you have problems with tension and stress then maybe you shouldn't watch it. Oh by the way, i finally get the chance to do this, the film ends with them LIVING!!! (got to give away the ending!!
Judge Dredd 1995
"I AM the law!" I knew you'd say that. I knew i'd enjoy the production design (ie the sets and stuff) of this movie. They are on par with the whole Bladerunneresqe look of the future. The movie though is only mildly entertaining. Not much in the way of plot. A few goodlooking women and some robots, other then that, the only thing which was really cool/ingenious were the guns (and i am a pacifist). definitely worth the money if you've been seeing most of the movie out today. and always worth the bargain matinee.
Nine Months 1995
Robin Williams and Tom Arnold save this film from being just another Hugh Grant the bumbling idiot film. Williams makes you laugh playing a Russian immigrant doctor who has problems with homonyms and Tom Arnold plays a veteran father who beats up on purple dinosaurs. Julianne Moore is very attractive in this film, though her character is not all that warm or interesting. Not a blockbuster summer comedy that I might have hoped, but worth a matinee anyway.
Undersiege 2: Dark Territory 1995
Well, people have trashed this movie for not being as good as the first. Two things struck me about that: 1) I didn't expect it to be any better then the first one, and 2) I didn't think the first one was that just anyway. Your run of the mill Segal action movie. You have your crazy, brain who hires a short, white or blond haired german for muscle trying to rule the world. I have remarked to many people that Hollywood is on some ludicrous mission to one up the previous action movie: always having to blow up something bigger. 2 stealth fighters is an awful lot to blow up (even if it was probably faked). It doesn't make the movie any better. His niece plays a flat, lifeless character who has no reason for being on the train besides being a hostage. And where did this porter come from? And where will he go from here?
Mixed Nuts 1994
A Steve Martin film that came out last year, follows the antics of the staff of a telephone helpline on Christman Eve. There are a lot of bizarre characters in this film and they all jump into this big pot together and Steve Martin is stuck in charge. Not a really funny film, but one that attempts something new. Yet even attempting something new, it is definitely out of the Steve Martin movie mold.
Mi Familia : My Family 1995
For some reason, I had no idea what this movie was about and had no real interest in going to see it. But it was a treat by my parents who came to visit, so I saw it. And I am glad I did. Definitely a worthwhile film. It recounts almost a hundred years in the life of a mexican-american family and of Los Angeles itself. It gives a perspective of the Mexican-American experience which seems more likely to be true, as opposed to our Cheech and Chong and Born in East LA preconceptions. By movies end you realize that you really came to know the characters, not just watched actors.
Houseguest 1994
A film I saw originally in the theaters, I recently saw again on video. This movie would be funny just for the songs during the closing credits alone, but definitely a movie to see in its entirety. There's always a laugh coming at you with this film, its soaked with them. Sinbad has a way of just stepping through a scene and leaving humor behind. The film itself is a satire of itself, never letting you take the characters seriously, or laughing at you if you do. The Vanillia-Icelike guy is a laugh and a half and to me (my own opinion) the teenage daughter is a attractive in an albeit morbid kind of way. Rent it!
Little Odessa 1995
This is a film you probably won't find in your local theater, but it is much better then most of the filmns which are. Tim Roth playing a small-time hitman coming home to visit a falling apart family who believes he's dead, is wonderful. This film put me in a very "grey" mood. Not sure what that means, but a definite and profound impact on me, sort of what i assume people felt about Pulp Fiction though I didn't feel it there. There is more then just violence here, there's internmal struggle and pain. A hearty recommendation.
Matte Elsbernd - melsbern@tuba.aix.calpoly.edu