TOP 10 MOVIES OF 1998
Sep 13 '00
1. SAVING PRIVATE RYAN
Steven Spielberg’s realistic glimpse into the intense horrors of World War II is so electrifying, so utterly captivating, that viewers will find themselves completely immersed in one of Hollywood’s most passionate, realistic dramas. His rich, unwavering direction depicts war more truthfully than any other mainstream movie of its kind, unraveling its characters’ emotions and humanity as they confront the violence, fear and ultimate numbness that comes from fighting the faceless enemy. Tom Hanks, as Captain John Miller, stands out amidst a stellar cast for his admirable portrayal of a school teacher who maintains courage for his comrades-- even as the quavering moralities of this hellish war try to drown his spirit. And in one of the film’s most haunting scenes, Adam Goldberg’s Private Mellish meets a harrowing death as Jeremy Davies’ timid, fearful Corporal Upham cowers on the stairs below him, immovable and alone as his friend cries out for help. Spielberg proves his creative genius as he crafts not only an unforgettable film, but one that defies the boundaries of the now standard Hollywood cliché.
2. SHAKESPEARE IN LOVE
The raging passion between lovers William Shakespeare (Joseph Fiennes) and his fictional muse, Lady Viola De Lesseps (Gwyneth Paltrow), carries this charming story on the origins of perhaps Shakespeare’s most famous play, "Romeo and Juliet." Although its premise is somewhat cliched-- Viola first meets Will dressed as a man to win a part in his new play, "Romeo and Ethel, the Pirate’s Daughter"-- the film’s realistic references, witty screenplay and interwoven humor allow director John Madden’s masterpiece to surpass any minor flaws it might possess. His deft juxtaposition of Viola and Will’s affair with scenes from the play it is inspiring, however, truly allows the film to shine. And while Fiennes is amusing as the Bard himself, it is Paltrow’s luminous presence as the woman in love with both the married Shakespeare and the stage that may move viewers to tears in this very unconventional romantic comedy.
3. THE TRUMAN SHOW
Comedian turned serious actor Jim Carrey finally abandons his butt-talking persona to tackle the complex role of unknowing television star Truman Burbank-- and his efforts are simply remarkable. Truman begins this film with the feigned idyllic happiness of a 1950s TV show, but ends up angry and confused-- and finally courageous-- as he begins to doubt the fictional world around him. Andrew Niccol’s innovative screenplay combined with Peter Weir’s acclaimed direction plays like a subtle metaphor, carefully revealing the media’s overwhelming power to alter reality. Ed Harris also gives an outstanding performance as Truman’s tyrannical, god-like producer, Christof, who sees Truman not as a human being, but as a creation he is free to mold and manipulate. He is the ultimate symbol in a satirical film guaranteed to captivate its media-influenced audience.
4. THE OPPOSITE OF SEX
Indie breakout queen Christina Ricci narrates Don Roos’ dysfunctional romantic comedy with the acerbic, no-holds-barred tone of any rebellious adolescent. As teenage vixen Deedee, Ricci’s biting, condescending air unveils a clever layer of filmic self-consciousness; she insists on showing audience members’ naivete as they fall victim to overused melodramatic cliches and laughs in their faces. Lisa Kudrow also destroys her ditzy, Phoebe-esque mentality with one of the best supporting performances of the year. Her satirical, bitter spinster Lucia spews venom as she watches her gay best friend and the object of her affections endure Deedee’s manipulative actions. It is in fact this film’s surprising array of performances that keep the sometimes distilled but always entertaining narrative flowing.
5. OUT OF SIGHT
George Clooney at last proves his acting skills extend beyond his Sexiest Man Alive persona in the latest-- and best-- Elmore Leonard novel to appear on the big screen. Clooney’s bank robbing Jack Foley-- who escapes from prison within the film’s first half hour-- even manages to dazzle Federal Marshal Karen Sisco (a strong-spirited Jennifer Lopez) as they delightfully bond in the trunk of his getaway car. But though Clooney’s performance is noteworthy, it is Lopez who steals the show as the woman torn between her duties as a cop and her growing feelings toward Jack.
"Out of Sight" is not just another superficial film noir, but a sleek, thrilling piece of cinema that relies on its well-developed characters instead of a complicated screenplay. Director Steven Soderbergh’s 70s-style freeze frames also play well into its mischievous atmosphere.
6. PLEASANTVILLE
This fantastical and highly original film flows like a Technicolor dream, where black-and-white characters are juxtaposed against others sporting brilliant Crayola-inspired colors. When twins David (Tobey Maguire) and Jennifer (an engaging Reese Witherspoon) are magically zapped into the fictional 50s town Pleasantville, they soon start to show its residents how to embrace their own passionate individuality and begin to think and feel for themselves. Although some viewers may find the film’s ensuing events somewhat preachy black-and-whites start to rebel against colored characters in a sub-plot that somewhat downplays the Civil Rights movement of the 1950s and 1960s Gary Ross’ imaginative work should be taken for what it is: an entertaining journey to a fantasy world. But the visual imagery and exceptional performances from a well-rounded supporting cast, most notably William H. Macy and Joan Allen as David and Jennifer’s TV parents, make this one of the year’s most unforgettable films.
7. SLIDING DOORS
Writer-director Peter Howitt effectively toys with fate’s underestimated powers in this fantastical romantic drama, revealing how one single second can change an individual’s life forever. Howitt plays with two possible lives for the charming Helen (Gwyneth Paltrow)-- one when she narrowly misses a train, the other when she catches it-- and leads viewers on a journey guaranteed to make them think about their own respective destinies. Paltrow, whose English accent is consistently impeccable, carries this film with the myriad of sensations it so deftly demands; although she plays versions of the same woman, she employs different mannerisms and emotions for each woman that would make them easily distinguishable even without the different colored hair. And her chemistry with newfound love James (Scottish actor John Hannah) is a joy to witness throughout this creative take on modern day romance.
8. THE SPANISH PRISONER
Campbell Scott’s gradual deterioration as a man deceived by practically everyone around him brings to mind the old adage that insists, TRUST NO ONE. David Mamet’s thrilling suspense film will keep audiences guessing until the last minute, as Scott’s sweetly naïve everyman Joe Ross untangles a complicated web of manipulation designed to pull off the ultimate con. Although the plot is a bit complicated at times, the very wonderment at the events unfolding on the screen is enough to distract viewers from some of the film’s unanswered questions. Mamet’s penetrating direction is above all the movie’s best aspect, cutting to the core of this very deceptive work.
9. THERE'S SOMETHING ABOUT MARY
Political correctness officially died the moment this hilarious comedy an original succession of amusing antics that sent Americans rolling in the aisles hit screens this summer. The Farrelly brother’ outrageous story of one woman (a sweet, giggling Cameron Diaz) and her astounding effect on a variety of male worshippers turned into the sleeper hit of 1998 and made hair gel one of the most talked about props of the year.
The movie’s hilarious screenplay includes everything from a prom night disaster to a psycho terrier to Matt Dillon’s enormous chompers, and there is never a dull moment as each unworthy player (including a very likeable Ben Stiller) tries to win over the goddess-like Mary. But though "There’s Something About Mary" never tries to be anything more than pure entertainment, that is perhaps what makes this funny film so utterly appealing.
10. NEXT STOP WONDERLAND
Indie staple Hope Davis shines as a woman unlucky in love in yet another twist on the romantic comedy. Mirroring the Dylan McDermott-Jeanne Tripplehorn romance "'Til There Was You," "Next Stop Wonderland" broadens this old-fashioned idea that each individual possesses one perfect meet they are destined to meet with carefully developed characters and a true sincerity that is all too appealing. Davis’ witty Erin confidently carries the film as she constantly misses running into her other half, future marine biologist Alan (an irresistible Alan Gelfant). As viewers see Erin and Alan wade in and out of empty relationships, their inevitable meeting will satisfy every romance lover male or female. In this Hollywood golden age of lovelorn relationships ("Titanic," "The English Patient"), sometimes audiences just need that happy ending to really smile.
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Epinions.com ID:
mfontan
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Member: Michele Fontanelli Arnett
Location: Atlanta, Georgia
Reviews written: 115
Trusted by: 12 members
About Me:
I hold a degree in English and write/edit for "INsite Magazine," an Atlanta-based entertainment publication.
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