Projections - Movie Reviews

Top Films of 1998

Frank
Chris
Saving Private Ryan Saving Private Ryan
Perhaps the finest film ever about World War II.  The honor, hell, brutality and heroric actions of American soldiers fifty years ago is inspiring, terrifying and heart warming. Amazing film of World War II, staring Tom Hanks.  The combat scenes are brutally realistic and stay in your memory long after the film has ended.
Life Is Beautiful Shakespeare In Love
An exceptional film filled with comedy that insulates a young boy from reality in a concentration camp.  Brilliant perfomance by Roberto Benigini about the power of laughter to bolster the human spirit in the face of Fascism and anti-Semitism. A fictional look at William Shakespeare as a young playwright, played by doe-eyed Joseph Fiennes.  Gwyneth Paltrow is spectacular as his inspiration for Juliet.  Funny, well-acted and wildly romantic.
A Simple Plan A Simple Plan
A powerful, tense and gripping story of the effect of four million dollars found and retained by three friends. An intense, edge-of-your-seat drama.  Terrifically well rounded characters play a deadly game of theft, greed and murder.
Dark City The Prince of Egypt
Interesting special effects used to depict a city that is completely changed each midnight by mutant characters that fly above the buildings.  Very much like an old radio mystery, it demands attention. Big, bold animated film that tells the story of Moses and the Ten Commandments.  Dramatic drawings and exciting action makes this classic an emotional winner.
Elizabeth A Civil Action
Cate Blanchett is flawless as Queen Elizabeth in the first year of her Reign.  Her youthful innocence quickly melts away and her brilliant political skills and responsibility take over her life. Legal drama based on a Woburn, Mass. case.  It depicts a cocky attorney who immerses himself in a suit.  Terrific acting by Robert Duvall and John Travolta.
Primary Colors The Mask Of Zorro
John Travolta plays a presidental candidate with all his flaws, emotions and commitments.  Kathy Bates is at her best as a dedicated aid in this unvarnished look at a political leader. Romance, swashbuckling heroics and excitement in a terrific adventure, staring Anthony Hopkins and Antonio Banderas.
Meet Joe Black Ronin
An opulent, stunning beautiful film that explores life and death which is waiting in the wings in the presence of Brad Pitt.  The twists and turns on the stunning tapestry are mesmerizing and compelling. Intelligent thriller starring an international cast, headed by Robert DeNiro.  Complex plot and excellent action scenes keep the audience interested every exciting minute.
Shakespeare In Love One True Thing
Gwyneth Paltrow is stunning as a secret fictional lover for a bumbling Shakespeare.  Their affair and the recreation of "Romeo and Juliet" in a Globe like theater are spectacular. This drama explores a troubled family dealing with illness and responsibility.  Marvelous acting by Renee Zellweger, William Hurt and the irrepressible Meryl Streep.
Apt Pupil Meet Joe Black
A chilling view of evil and its ability to seduce.  Ian McKellen is frightening as a Nazi war criminal who plays a psychological game with a chilling brilliant student played by Brad Renfro. Romantic tearjerker based on 1934's "Death Takes A Holiday", Brad Pitt and Anthony Hopkins are terrific as "Death" and his intended victim.
Mulan Babe: Pig In The City
The Disney studios continue to produce animated classics with warmth, feeling and stunning energy.  "Mulan" has it all. A host of talking animals take their show on the road to the big city.  Babe's sequel to his 1995 hit is a humorous, clever and magical.