American Beauty – Review

January 1, 2000

I like Kevin. It’s not that he’s unpredictable or outrageous. He’s outrageously predictable in his unpredictability, and not just because he’s a suburbanite.

Hurlyburly – Review

September 1, 1999

Great roles played by great actors doing practically nothing but talking and arguing (“Clarifying,” Mickey might amend), with the occasional drive in the car.

The Negotiator – Review

April 1, 1999

The Negotiator uses every trick in the “cop movie” book of clichĂ©s, yet has two masterful actors who can turn ordinary words into bold, magnificent statements.

L.A. Confidential – Review

September 1, 1998

One of the most intricate plots in recent movie memory (which I won’t even try to recount here), and like any good film noir, it’s thick with atmosphere.

A Time to Kill – Review

September 1, 1996

It’s a fine, hard-nosed courtroom drama, with all the required plot twists and dramatic elements in place – it ain’t no Pelican Brief, thank God.

Swimming with Sharks – Review

February 1, 1996

Buddy Ackerman is a relentless, victimizing asshole, torturing and belittling Guy at every turn. Guy eventually has enough and takes revenge.

The Usual Suspects – Review

September 1, 1995

Director Brian Singer gets excellent performances out of an ensemble cast featuring Kevin Spacey, Gabriel Byrne, Kevin Pollack, and a tolerable Stephen Baldwin.