The Green Mile is long and I'm not talking about the length of the Oscar nominated film. It has a brilliant screenplay adapted from one of horror king, Stephen King's novels. The 3-hour long film takes a little time to get on a roll but once it does (about an hour into the show), the momentum mounts and doesn't come to a stand still till the very last line. A powerful film with some supernatural and spiritual elements that makes you view in awe... Hanks is, as usual, the favourite guy in the favourite role but nevertheless captivating and moving as Paul the nice'ol chap. Being once again in a Best Picture Nominated film together with the sniper in Saving Private Ryan, Barry Pepper, and teaming yet again with Gary Sinise (Apollo 13 and Forrest Gump), this feels very much like a reunion. There are a lot more familiar faces in the film, including one from Armaggeddon, A Night At The Roxbury and The Whole Nine Yards. This inspiring film is breathless and if American Beauty naps the Oscar with such a film as the competing nominee... the Academy Awards is... well, you think about it.


THE INSIDER

This docu-drama, based on a true story, is super cool. One of America's biggest tobacco company's head researcher, Wigand, was fired, leading to a major expose on 60 minutes and an unprecendented legal lawsuit on the company. Unsurprisingly, this sleek and well-shot film has only one short courtroom scene. Much of the focus is on the destruction of Wigand's life: death threats, divorce, jail-risks... The realistc and engaging storyline, although dramatized to add to the appeal, is gripping at times and horrific occassionally. Al Pacino teams up with director Michael Mann again (Heat) and tackles the issue of journalism ethics and tough choices to make this Oscar-nominated movie nothing short of a masterpiece. The original cinematography and editing; a apt soundtrack and awesome performances, especially by Russell Crowe are reasons to draw major film fans. Watch out for him in Gladiator this summer and he was the Australian talent who rose to Hollywood fame in L.A. Confidential, 1998's Best Picture Nominee. Look out also for Christopher Plummer, Captain Von Trapp of The Sound Of Music, in a supporting role as legendary newsman Mike Wallace. This over 150-minute movie experience will prove worthwhile.


SCREAM 3

The final chapter promises to be the best yet... It's hard not to be cynical and knowing the high standards set by the 1st 2, they are going to be big shoes to fill. As a melodramatic adrenalinal opening, we have one of the familiar faces dying alonside a Melrose Place resident. Lots more gruesome (as usual) deaths follow including the hilarious stint by Jenny McCarthy lol. She has to be the epitome of a Scream victim. Lots of supporting roles from very familiar faces including Lance Henriksen from Millennium, Scott Foley from Felicity and Parker Posey. Of course, it wouldn't be the same without Sydney (Neve Campbell) and David and Courtney Cox Arquette.

They are many flat-out cheap thrills, much corny jokes (as though they didn't work as well as they did in the sequel) and an extended climax, which in my opinion, saved the show. Opening with over US$30 million and proving the world that 90s king of scary flicks is back with a bang, the movie went on to claim over US$70 million. Although shy of the 100-mark, this part 3 follow-up also provides the camp, fun, twists and cliches that promises a ride almost as wild as its predecessors. If you have caught the earlier 2, you owe it to yourself to get some closure.


ERIN BROCKOVICH

Girl power screams in this film about a fiesty and zealous single-mom with 3 kids stemmed on exposing an established firm whose plants have been pouring contaminated water into the residential neighbourhood's water supply. Based on a true story in 1991, the titular Erin is played by the world's biggest and most beautiful star ever, Julia Roberts. It is amazing to see the beauty back in her Pretty Woman wardrobe and Pelican Brief instincts. With quite a number of overwhelming punchlines and wise cracks, Julia gets an opportunity to display her fast-tongue snappings and her fantastic figure. Women past 30 simply can look better than they have ever been. This docu-like film reminds me of The Insider, with little background music and raw in editing and cinematography. A little too raw in a scene where a mic from a dolly is visibly hanging from on top of the screen. Julia, Julia, Julia... there is little doubt this star will continue to entertain us for a long time to come. With this smash fast becoming her 8th US$100 million movie, she sets to break records one after another. While some may find this film a little glossless and undramatically Hollywood, the story and the fine performance will make-up for everything lacking. Catch the world's favourite girl in a love story starring Brad Pitt. Filming commences in Spring 2000. Can't hardly wait!


OCTOBER SKY

Truly inspirational film based on a true story about an American teenager who dreamed about making rockets following the creation of Sputnik. From the producer of Field of Dreams, this small but powerful story is the ultimate motivational feel-good film for those in need of a faith in human miracles. Laura Dern's excellent as the teacher who inspired Homer. Must watch...


HANGING UP