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The Night Listener
Patrick Stettner
A psychological thriller based on the international bestselling novel by Armistead Maupin which was based on actual events. The story revolves around a celebrated writer and popular late-night radio show host, Gabriel Noone, who develops an intense phone relationship with a young listener named Pete and his adopted mother just as his own domestic life is undergoing drastic changes.
They say that most often the book is better than the movie. I bet in this case that the actual events were also more galvanizing than this Blockbuster video that I wasted my free coupon on. It’s supposed to keep you on the edge of your seat but it nearly sent me to the bathroom to throw up. And I haven’t read the book or the newspaper events about the incident. The story doesn’t make me want to, either. I couldn’t wait for it to finish so I could watch my Celtics lose for the 30th time in a row. Both endings left me shaking my head and lamenting the loss of a good night’s sleep. All in all, a perfect night.
I usually like anything that Robin Williams does, but not this time. I think I’ll return to Jumangi.Civil Action
Thomas H. Yam
For John Travolta fans, this is the movie for you. Travolta plays Jan Schlichtmann, head PI attorney and no one else counts. The other actors are there for filler, so you have someone else to look at once in a while. This film is not bothered with pesky character development, meaningful dialogue, or a deep look at the real tragedy behind the deaths of the children from chemical contamination in Woburn, MA.
The movie tries hard to make Jan look empathetic with the tragedies of his clients, but fails. The main message of the movie seems to be that we should feel sorry for lawyers who go broke defending their clients. Where the film could have focussed on the real story behind the case, we are treated instead to constant shots of the office furniture being carted away and desperate attempts to fill out credit card applications.
In this case, I highly recommend the book.
American Beauty
Robert Iati
Sometimes disturbing, often compelling, mostly insightful, occasionally funny, always entertaining. Annette Bening shines as the troubled, slightly askew, wife of Kevin Spacey, who rebels against societal stereotypes by realizing that life would be more fun if he acted like a teenager again. Spacey is brilliant once again as the leering, pot-smoking husband and father who, after first appearing to be the oddest character in the neighborhood, ends up looking like the most normal. The soundtrack, filled with early-1970s hits, enhances the atmosphere perfectly. A definite must-see for all adults.
