Leaving Las Vegas

Leaving Las Vegas (1995)
Dir: Mike Figgis
Cast: Nicholas Cage, Elisabeth Shue

3 Kowen's out of 5

Its an Oscar winner. It has a super star as the lead and it is set in the loneliest city in country. What could be a more ripe setting for despair and death and acceptance?

Ben (Cage) makes a move to Las Vegas after losing his job, his wife and child in order to drink himself to death. He happens upon a hooker (Shue) who attempts, albeit at a comfortable distance, to distract him from his drinking and show him that love could and should conquer all. The hooker accepts Ben's depression and raging alcoholism and finds herself wanting only his attention, his acceptance. And it works. This movie really works.

Nick Cage actually delivers for only the second time in his career (his best performance by far - Adaptation). Fortunately for him he made this movie long before Gone In 60 Seconds and that pile of cow dung Next. His acting is spot on and never for a moment do I not believe his drunken bewilderment is not completely and absolutely real. He made me feel drunk, as if I'd been on a bender for 45 days as well. His performance is worthy of the Oscar that sits on his shelf.

But he problem, and the reason I couldn't give it 4 Kowens, is Elisabeth Shue. What a freakin' let down. Her character is so shockingly unbelieving Mike Figgis could have substituted the doll from Lars and Real Girl and still succeed in making a great flick. She cries at the right times, looks mad when she should look bad, but pales in comparison to Mr. Cage.

I would recommend this movie to anyone. It is worth the time, if only to watch Nicholas Cage drink copious amounts of alcohol while driving.

Cast Away -Kowen

Cast Away (2000) 143min.
Dir: Robert Zemekis
Cast: Tom Hanks, Helen Hunt, Wilson
**** of 5

This movie seems to be one of those 'Love it or Hate it'. When I talk to people about this movie people say one of two things, more or less. They divulge how much they hated the film, or the speak of their love of Chuck Noland's(Tom Hanks) journey throughout the film.

I perceive this film as one of the gutsiest, and best productions film has ever seen. Just the simple fact that a movie studio got behind the idea of a character being stuck on an island for over an hour of film is rather impressive. Hanks in true form carries this film. But it is not only Hanks' masterful performance that makes this movie worthy of more than a few viewings. Zemeckis has much to offer. Rob Zemeckis is one of Hollywood's most underated directors. His use of imagery and stroytelling ability rivals Spielberg.

The story is an amazing story of survival , change, loss and even discovery of strength. It is a film that probably is most likely seen on most men's yearly viewing list, and not because it is on Cable all summer almost every summer. Bottom Line: If you have not seen this film, do yourself the favor of seeing it. And those of you who have seen this film, do yourself the favor of seeing it again.