The Negotiator, Austin Powers, The Butcher Boy, The Ice Storm, The Wings of the Dove, Zero Effect

reviewed Sun, 03 Jan 1999 15:58:55 EST

THE NEGOTIATOR--better than I expected, but not as good as it could be. It's kind of depressing to see the two coolest actors in the world, Kevin Spacey and Samuel L. Jackson, in such a weak film, though they do make it worth watching.

AUSTIN POWERS--sporadically amusing. I have a low tolerance for Mike Myers' schtick.

THE BUTCHER BOY--very bizarre and disturbing film about a boy in Ireland who conducts an increasingly vengeful campaign against a classmate and his mother. The boy is a great character, but the film gets kind of boring after a while.

THE ICE STORM--a lot better than I expected. Very well-done portrait of an emotionally frozen suburban family in the 70s. All the actors -- especially Joan Allen, Sigourney Weaver, and Christina Ricci -- can convey emotion with just the subtlest alteration of their expressions. Definitely worth seeing.

THE WINGS OF THE DOVE--also better than I expected. I'd heard a lot of complaints that it was slow, but I didn't think so. Again, the three principals are excellent in their roles, Helena Bonham Carter especially in a complex role. Also definitely worth seeing.

ZERO EFFECT--I can't agree with Douglas that this is the best movie of the year, but it is an entertaining, off-beat film. Ben Stiller and Bill Pullman are both quite good.

OSCAR AND LUCINDA--zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

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