Archive for 1995

Showgirls

Posted in Drama with tags on November 28, 2010 by Mark Hobin

It’s difficult to describe the supreme level of ridiculousness that Showgirls attains as the perfect example of a movie that’s so bad, it’s good.  A film so intent in presenting a behind the scenes exposé of a topless Las Vegas spectacle, it skips being titillating to becoming downright ridiculous in its trashy exuberance.  Actress Elizabeth Berkley‘s (apparently) serious performance as Nomi Malone is a towering achievement of bad acting.  A character with an emotionally unpredictable personality, consumed in ambition to become a showgirl in Sin City.  She amusingly gets offended when her superiors make inference she is merely a prostitute, despite consistently behaving in a manner far from pure.  Nomi’s frequent disrobing at the drop of a hat, involves nudity almost assaultive in nature, whether it be for work or her personal life.  The drama revolves around the dance extravaganza “Goddess”, a production with choreography bursting with pelvic thrusts and gymnastic poses.  Gina Gershon is unforgettable as Cristal Connors, the diva and star of the production.  As the new dancer in her show, Nomi’s views Cristal with a mixture of jealously and admiration, a variation on All About Eve.  But her depravity doesn‘t stop there.  Later, Nomi and the entertainment director of the hotel share a moment of intimacy in a swimming pool that ranks among the most laughable sex scenes in cinematic history.  Utterly reviled upon its release, and still pretty hated today, Showgirls has since entered the pantheon of cult movies now appreciated for the caricature it unwittingly achieves.  Admittedly this picture is a train wreck, yet it manages to entertain.  The quintessential guilty pleasure that is one of the most hilarious comedies ever made.

Party Girl

Posted in Comedy, Drama, Romance with tags on June 6, 2010 by Mark Hobin

Quirky romantic comedy about a flighty, free spirited hedonist.  Parker Posey is likable as spunky and sassy Mary, a Holly Golightly for the 90s.  We follow her as she learns the intricacies of the Dewey Decimal system, flirts with a falafel vendor and dances the night away at the many house parties she throws.  Manhattan’s trendy loft and club scene is nicely captured in this Gen X comedy drama from the mid 90s, but stylistically has more in common with 80s films like Desperately Seeking Susan and Something Wild.  Also of note is actress Sasha von Scherler, the director’s real life mother, who anchors the film as the no-nonsense librarian godmother who hires her.

Sense and Sensibility

Posted in Drama, Romance with tags on May 6, 2009 by Mark Hobin

PhotobucketPhotobucketStately, but lively story of the Dashwood sisters and their various suitors. Emma Thompson is shy, sensible Elinor, Kate Winslet, the brash, spirited Marianne. Compelling romantic drama is spiked with surprising wit and humor. One of those films that deservedly received Academy Award nominations for acting, costumes, cinematography, music, and won for its screenplay, which Emma Thompson herself adapted from Jane Austen’s first novel. One could quibble that at 136 minutes, it is a bit long, but that would be at best, a minor flaw.