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THE MAN IN THE IRON MASK 
Set in the 1600s, this movie cannot have a better opening timing. While being smoldered by high-tech sets (Gattacca, Sphere) and all too 90s romance (As Good As It Gets, A Life Less Ordinary), Mask provides the grandeur of the medieval times its all-too familiar displays of honour, forgiveness… A surprisingly funny movie with quite a number of bawd jokes and butt shots (no ladies, not Leo’s). John Malkovich (Con-air) plays an honourable musketeer (that’s new) whose son was killed at the warfront as intended by the cruel young king (Leonardo Dicaprio). This film is quite a feast for the eyes, with its beautiful sites, great palaces, awesome castles… A definite choice for those who enjoyed The Three Muskateers, and Titanic too(I guess).
JACKIE BROWN So typically Tarantino: an intricately-weaved script, ample violence,a radical plot, some sex… basically nothing conventional or remotely anticipated. What makes this piece special is its pieces-falling-into-place effect one gets nearing the end. A real epiphany for those lost almost throughout the film. Caution: just like Pulp Fiction, be prepared for a long ride.
LA CONFIDENTIAL A really intelligent script without the confusion (Mission: Impossible anyone?). This is a murder mystery set in the 50s in California. Much like The Usual Suspects which also stars Kevin Spacey.
Recommended only when you’re not sleepy because full attention is needed for full appreciation.
AN AMERICAN WEREWOLF IN PARIS If you’re in need of a campy gory movie, this picture will quench every last drop of crave.
While sounding typically b-rate, this movie provides ample action, suspense, gore, humour and fun! The special effects are a little tacky but it just adds to the humour. Art film followers and horror flick haters, stay away!
THE RAINMAKER What sets this John Grisham film apart is the heart in it. While previous releases demonstrate cases involving dark conspiracies and dramatic social issues, this film deals with domestic problems and matters of the heart. A touching film about a young struggling lawyer whose first two cases, a battered wife and a dying teen abandoned by his insurance company, changed his perspective of his line and life. While blessed with perfect casting and an endearing script, the film still lacks a punch to boost it up the box office chart.
GREAT EXPECTATIONS Despite all the fine ingredients, the film fails to take off even till the end of the show. The tinge of romance sparkled by the chiseled talents (Ethan and Gwyneth) just did not catch on. Equipped with great art direction, stylish wardrobe (thanks to Donna Karan), a cool soundtrack and veteran actors (Robert DeNiro and Anne Bancroft), this modern adaptation of Charles Dickens’ novel is heavily handicapped by an under-developed screenplay. Its unpredictable happy ending has got to be one of the most disappointing closures ever. Recommended only to fans of its stars.
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