Lollipop Magazine

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 clichés, 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.