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The Name of the Rose
(1986) |
6.5
/10 |
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Sean Connery is well
cast as medieval Sherlock Holmes set on solving peculiar whodunit murder at
creepy 14th century monastery. Deglamorized view of corrupt, power hungry church
features freak-show assortment of monks and utterly authentic recreation of
period. Falters most during "too much, too fast" ending, though final result is
still compelling. Ron Pearlman is phenomenal in early career turn as manic
hunchback.
[English,
130min, R] |
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Narc
(2002) |
8.5 /10 |
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Gritty throwback to
1970’s cop dramas puts refreshing spin on age-old devices with stylized
presentation and dynamic relationship between leads. Ray Liotta practically
runs on diesel, ferocious as hardened veteran officer avenging his partner’s
death, though Jason Patric holds his own as more reserved counterpart. While
depiction of brutal criminal world is effective, it’s the quieter dramatic
moments shared by both that elevate story past genre trappings.
[English, 105min, R] |
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Natural Born Killers
(1994) |
8
/10 |
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Stylistically one of the most ambitious movies ever made, utilizing numerous
film and tape stocks to craft acid flashback on 1990s. Works great as black
comedy for first half, then gets darker and less likable for conclusion
including violent prison riot. Harrelson and Lewis are great as twisted
Bonnie & Clyde like killers.
[English,
118min, R] |
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Nicholas Nickleby
(2002) |
4
/10 |
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There is a
serious problem when a movie’s most engaging emotional conflict involves a
secondary character’s secret dance step (no, this is not a musical). Fifth
graders performing Shakespeare would have been more convincing than forced
acting found here, most notably that of title character. Only Nathan Lane
manages to make impression amidst this snail paced old-English drivel, aside
from the highly quotable bad dialogue.
[English, 132min,
PG] |
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Nine Queens
(2000) |
7
/10 |
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An amateur thief is
schooled by a pro to help make big hit, read: warmed over dueling con-artist
plot, but confining premise to single eventful day shakes things up.
Motivations to acquire titular rare stamps differ: one man simply wants hard
cash, the other needs money to free his father from jail. Clever ploys and
never ending obstacles ensue, culminating with a sneaky pull-out-the-rug
twist. Sexy Leticia Brédice adds spice to male heavy cast.
[Spanish, 114min,
R] |
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November
(2004) |
8
/10 |
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Heavily
cerebral “mourning drama,” inventively shot and edited on low budget,
anchored by Courtney Cox’s refreshingly understated performance. Premise of
coping with death takes early, convoluted turns, eventually questioning
significant details about pivotal murder that opens film. Includes many
uncomfortable, creepy moments in first half, becoming nearly indecipherable
in last third before final moments answer questions with unexpected
emotional charge. [English,
73min, R] |
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Nurse Betty
(2000) |
7.5
/10 |
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Dark comedy that
works better as a drama with excellent performances by whole cast, including a
surprisingly potent Chris Rock as violent hitman. Zellweger is likable as Betty, but Freeman and Rock
are the most enjoyable characters. Violence (especially in deleted scenes) is
graphic in nature.
[English, 110min, R] |
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