Mortal Kombat (1995) Review

Mortal Kombat

Release Date: 26th December 1995 - Australia

Production Companies

New Line Cinema (presents)

Threshold Entertainment

Genre: Action/Fantasy

Rating: M

Runtime: 101 minutes

Budget: $18,000,000

Box Office Gross: $124,741,822 (Worldwide)

Plot Summary

Lord Raiden chooses

federal agent Sonya Blade,

Shaolin monk Liu Kang, and

action movie star Johnny

Cage as his protégés.

After rigorous training,

Raiden transports the trio

to Outworld for an inter-

dimensional tournament.

The three humans must

battle the demonic forces

of the evil Shang Tsung,

or let him take over

Earth.

Cast

Christopher Lambert - Lord Raiden

Robin Shou - Liu Kang

Linden Ashby - Johnny Cage

Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa - Shang Tsung

Bridgette Wilson-Sampras - Sonya Blade

Talisa Soto - Kitana

Chris Casamassa - Scorpion

Francois Petit - Sub-Zero

Keith Cooke - Reptile

Hakim Alston - Fighting Monk

Kenneth Edwards - Art Lean

John Fujioka - Chief Priest

Daniel Haggard - Assistant Director

Sandy Helberg - Director

Steven Ho - Chan

Peter Jason - Master Boyd

Lloyd Cino - Grandfather

Gregory McKinney - Jinx

Kevin Michael Richardson - Goro (Voice)

Ed Boon - Scorpion (Voice)

Crew

Director - Paul W.S. Anderson

Based on Video Games - Ed Boon and John Tobias

Writer - Kevin Droney

Associate Producer - Lauri Apelian

Associate Producer/Visual Effects Supervisor - Alison Savitch

Executive Producer/Unit Production Manager - Robert Engelman

Executive Producer - Danny

Simon

Producer - Lawrence Kasanoff

Casting Directors - Fern

Champion, Kate Kennedy and Mark Paladini

Production Designer - Jonathan A. Carlson

Art Director - Jeremy A. Cassells

Set Decorator - Susan L. Degus

Property Master - Eugene McCarthy

Costume Designer - Ha Nguyen

Director of Photography - John R. Leonetti

Stunt Coordinator/Fight

Choreographer - Pat E. Johnson

Stunt Coordinator: Additional

Fight Sequences, Additional

Crew - Jeff Imada

Fight Choreographer: Additional

Fight Sequences, Additional

Crew - Robin Shou

Mechanical Special Effects Coordinator - Ron Trost

Goro Creature Effects/Lead Puppeteer - Alec Gillis

Goro Creature Effects - Tom Woodruff Jr.

Art Department Supervisors - Yuri Everson and Andy Schoneberg

Visual Effects Supervisor:

BVVE - Peter Montgomery

Animation Design & Supervision:

Available Light Ltd. - John T.

Van Tilet

Visual Effects Supervisor: R/Greenberg Associates West - Stuart Robertson

Visual Effects Supervisor: Fantasy II Film Effects - Gene Warren, Jr.

Additional Special Visual Effects: Illusion Arts - Syd Dutton and Bill Taylor

Visual Effects Executive Producers: R/Greenberg Associates West - Tricia Henry Ashford and Ralph Horan

Visual Effects Director of

Photography - Vincent E. Toto

Visual Effects Production

Supervisor: BVVE - Denise Davis

Head of Digital Post Production: R/Greenberg Associates West - Tara Handy Turner

Digital Effects Supervisor: Pacific Title - David Sosalla

Production Coordinators: R/Greenberg Associates West - Craig Sost and Craig A. Mumma

Special Projects Supervisor: BVVE - Wally Schaab

CG Supervisor: R/Greenberg Associates West - Isa Alsup

CG Supervisors: BVVE - Aaron Campbell

and David Jones

Digital Matte Paintings and Conceptual Art:

R/Greenberg Associates West - Michael Lloyd

Matte Paintings: BVVE - Paul Lasaine

Model Supervisor: Grant McCune Design -

Grant McCune

Editor - Martin Hunter

Additional Editors - Peter Amundson and

Scott Conrad

Supervising Sound Editor/ADR Editor -

Marc Fishman

Sound Designer - David Farmer

Re-Recording Mixers - Ken Teaney and

William Freesh

Special Vocal Effects - Frank Welker

Music - George S. Clinton

Music Supervisor - Sharon Boyle

Review

With the release of Mortal Kombat II, I thought I'd look back at the original 1995 movie that made it all happen. The film began life as a controversial video game that took the gaming world by storm when it first hit the arcades in 1992, forever changing a generation of children. Gamers waited in long lines for their turn at the machine, while parents and politicians condemned the game's over-the-top violence. I remember playing Mortal Kombat on the Nintendo 64 as a teen, but back then I only played the fourth instalment. I didn't watch the film until I was either 19 or 20, when I rented it on Blu-ray at Blockbuster.

Before Detective Pikachu, the Sonic the Hedgehog movies, and even Illumination's The Super Mario Bros. Movie, the 1995 version of MORTAL KOMBAT was the first decent video game movie adaptation, and many consider it one of the best of its kind. At the time of its release, the film was a marked improvement over several failed attempts, including Super Mario Bros., Double Dragon, and Street Fighter. It proves that some video games can translate well to the big screen if done properly. While the movie grossed over $124 million worldwide, critics gave it mixed reviews. However, audiences and fans didn't care, since they enjoyed it anyway. Does the film still stand the test of time? Let's find out!

I liked how the film stayed true to the games while keeping its core elements, like its campy tone and dark, otherworldly atmosphere. Unfortunately, it lacks the bloodshed that made the game popular with kids and teens, as the filmmakers toned it down to secure a PG-13 rating, which many fans found disappointing. It is a sophomore effort from director Paul W.S. Anderson, who later became a bit of a pariah among film fans for his work on the Resident Evil films and Alien vs. Predator. Despite his more recent offerings, his direction is competent.

While the movie expands on the original game, the story is thin, the dialogue is laughable, and the characters are underdeveloped, which is a shame because it could have been much better. However, these drawbacks also add to its charm. It also draws inspiration from Enter the Dragon, albeit with a supernatural spin.

Unfortunately, the cast is mixed. Robin Shou did a tremendous job as Liu Kang. He brings the sincerity and physicality the role requires. Looking back, his career could have taken off after this film; he could have been the next Bruce Lee in acting and martial arts. Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa delivers a terrific, over-the-top performance as the villainous sorcerer Shang Tsung. You can tell he's having a blast, so much so that he later reprised the role in the Mortal Kombat Legacy web series and the game Mortal Kombat 11.

Linden Ashby was likable as Johnny Cage. With his cocky, wisecracking attitude, he fits the role perfectly, capturing the character's essence and delivering some of the movie's best humour. Christopher Lambert was an odd casting choice for the God of Thunder, Raiden, when the character is supposed to be an Asian deity. However, Lambert delivers a charismatic performance that satisfies fans without overacting, and he clearly has fun.

Despite lacking the games' brutality, the film makes up for this with its spectacular, well-choreographed fight scenes. It helps that many cast members, including Shou, perform their own stunts. However, the movie's Hong Kong-inspired wire techniques predate The Matrix, with certain camera angles adding flair. The best of these fights include Johnny Cage vs. Scorpion and Liu Kang vs. Reptile.

I liked how the film's lavish, immersive production design faithfully recreates the game's atmosphere with beautiful sets, most of which were filmed on location in remote areas of Thailand. While some practical effects, such as those involving Goro, work, some of the CGI looks extremely dated. The soundtrack is amazing, with a solid score by George S. Clinton and an awesome selection of techno and electronic dance songs, especially the iconic main theme "Techno Syndrome." Trust me, you'll hear this tune from the moment you recognise it.

While not quite a flawless victory, MORTAL KOMBAT was a decent video game-to-movie adaptation in its own right. It spawned a sequel, Mortal Kombat: Annihilation, which was an absolute train wreck. The film doesn't take itself seriously, which is why it's enjoyable. Anyway, it's a fun, nostalgic ride with plenty of action and 90s nostalgia. For MK fans, the cinematic experience is like stepping into the game itself.

Star rating: (6/10) Fair Movie

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Casper Review

Casper

Release Date: 22nd June 1995 - Australia

Production Companies

Universal Pictures (presents)

Amblin Entertainment

The Harvey Entertainment Group (in association with)

Distribution

Universal Pictures Australia

Genre: Family/Fantasy

Rating: PG

Runtime: 101 minutes

Budget: $55,000,000

Box Office Gross: $290,277,077 (Worldwide)

Plot Summary

Carrigan Crittenden is angry that her late father left her his grim-looking mansion instead of his millions. She is about to burn it to the ground when

she discovers a map

showing the treasure

is hidden inside. But

an evil wave of ghosts

frightens her away

when she enters to claim

her right. After trying

everything to get rid of

the apparitions, including

an exorcist and a

professional ghost-catcher,

Carrigan decides the best

way to get rid of them

is to hire ghost therapist

Dr James Harvey to

exorcise them. If the plan

succeeds, she and

her slimy partner, Dibs,

will claim the hidden

fortune. As James and

his daughter, Kat, arrive,

they soon meet Casper,

the ghost of a young boy

who is "the friendliest

ghost you know." But

Casper's uncles, Stretch,

Fatso, and Stinkie, are

not so friendly. They are

determined to drive all 

the "fleshies" away.

Ultimately, James and Kat

decide whether to help

the spirits cross over.

Cast

Christina Ricci - Kathleen

'Kat' Harvey

Bill Pullman - Dr. James Harvey

Malachi Pearson - Casper (Voice)

Cathy Moriarty - Carrigan Crittenden

Eric Idle - Paul 'Dibbs' Plutzker

Joe Alaskey - Stinkie (Voice)

Joe Nipote - Stretch (Voice)

Brad Garrett - Fatso (Voice)

Ben Stein - Mr. Rugg

Amy Brenneman - Amelia Harvey

Jessica Wilson - Amber Whitmire

Chauncey Leopardi - Nicky

Garette Ratliff Henson - Vic DePhillipi

Wesley Thompson - Mr. Curtis

Spencer Vrooman - Andreas

Devon Sawa - Human Casper

Terry Murphy - Herself (Cameo)

Clint Eastwood - Himself (Cameo) (Uncredited)

Mel Gibson - Himself (Cameo) (Uncredited)

Rodney Dangerfield - Himself (Cameo)

John Kassir - The Crypt Keeper (Voice) (Cameo)

Don Novello - Father Guido Sarducci (Cameo)

Dan Aykroyd - Ray Stentz (Cameo) (Uncredited)

Jess Harnell - Arnold (Voice)

Crew

Director - Brad Silberling

Based on the Character "Casper the Friendly

Ghost"/Book - Joseph Oriolo

Based on the Book - Seymour Reit

Writers - Sherri Stoner and Deanna Oliver

Script Supervisors - Annette Haywood-Carter

and Ana Maria Quintana

Associate Producer/Unit Production Manager -

Paul Deason

Executive Producers - Steven Spielberg,

Gerald R. Molen and Jeffrey Montgomery

Producer - Colin Wilson

Co-Producers - Jeffrey Franklin

and Steve Waterman

Production Designer - Leslie Dilley

Art Directors - Daniel Maltese and

Ed Verreaux

Assistant Art Directors - Greg Papalia

and Brad Ricker

Illustrators - David Lowery,

Sherman Labby, Len Morganti, Peter Ramsey,

Jacques Rey and Dan Sweetman

Set Decorator - Rosemary Brandenberg

Property Master - Russell Bobbitt

Director of Photography - Dean Cundey

"B" Camera Operator - Casey Hotchkiss

First Assistant "A" Camera/VistaVision

Technician - Clyde E. Bryan

Production Supervisor - Steven R. Molen

First Assistant Director - Steve E. Andrews

Second Assistant Director - Michele Panelli-Venetis

Stunt Coordinator - Gary Hymes

Choreographer/Animation Ghost Reference -

Adam Shankman

Special Effects Supervisor - Michael Lantieri

Digital Character Supervisor - Dennis Muren

Digital Character Co-Supervisor - Stefen Fangmeier

Digital Effects Producer - Janet Healy

Animation Directors - Eric Armstrong

and Phil Nibblelink

Supervising Character Animators: ILM -

Mark Anthony Austin, Tom Bertino,

Miguel A. Fuertes, Jeffrey B. Light,

Doug Smith and James Tooley

Supervising Digital Effects Artists: ILM -

Kevin Rafferty, Tom L. Hutchinson,

John Andrew Berton, Jr., Henry LaBounta

and Joe Letteri

Digital Character Modeling Supervisors: ILM -

Kyle Odermatt and Wade Howie

Visual Effects Plate Supervisor: ILM - Scott Farrar

Visual Effects Art Director: ILM - TyRuben Ellingson

Editor - Michael Kahn

Supervising Sound Editor - Richard Hymns

Sound Design/Re-Recording Mixer - Gary Rydstrom

Assistant Sound Designer - Christopher Boyes

Sound Effects Editors - Teresa Eckston

and Frank E. Eulner

Re-Recording Mixer - Gary Summers

Re-Recording Mixer/Music Recordist

& Mixer - Shawn Murphy

Dialogue Editors - Sara Bolders

and Michael Silvers

Foley Artists - Tom Barwick

and Dennie Thorpe

Foley Recordist - Tony Eckert

Music - James Horner

Music Editor - Joe E. Rand

Review

Another childhood movie I grew up watching; it's hard to see why everyone forgot about CASPER, a hidden box-office gem. Following the runaway success of The Flintstones, Universal Studios and Steven Spielberg's production company, Amblin Entertainment, took another classic cartoon character to the big screen. This time, it's Casper the Friendly Ghost. Most things have stayed the same since I last saw the film. It's nearly as harmless as it gets for young audiences, though it's surprisingly morbid and raunchy for a children's flick. Still, the movie is a family-friendly version of Beetlejuice and doesn't shy away from the flaws that keep it from being entertaining.

For starters, the narrative has no direction, with numerous plot holes (such as Casper not remembering his previous life before he became a ghost), an unnecessarily dated subplot, occasional coarse language, such as the "B" word, which almost warranted the movie an M rating, and the solemn themes about death often dampen the film's comic appeal. The main drawback is the villain, Carrigan, because she's unthreatening and not very menacing (one reviewer describes her as "a poor woman's Cruella de Vil") when her greed overpowers her judgment, leading her to plan to steal the mansion's supposed treasure, which ultimately leads to her defeat.

However, the film certainly has its moments. I won't discuss any, as there are spoilers ahead. Most of the visual effects hold up well, especially the CGI ghosts, even for their time. What makes it better is that this version of Casper is the first main character to be computer-animated. Christina Ricci is headed for Hollywood stardom, looking as sharp and adorable as Kat. Bill Pullman delivers a surprisingly decent performance as the father. The surprise cameos of Don Novello, Dan Aykroyd, Clint Eastwood, Rodney Dangerfield, and Mel Gibson are amusing. The sets are dark and Gothic, and James Horner's score is beautiful.

While not a flop per se, CASPER has its fans and gained a bit of a cult following since its successful release. It spawned two direct-to-video prequels unrelated to the original movie. Then again, it's not my favourite film. I would have preferred more focus on Kat's relationship with the titular ghost, and the filmmakers could have cut the needless subplot about the bullies trying to ruin Kat's Halloween party. Overall, this is an okay film, but it is worth a look because it puts in more effort than other live-action films based on the cartoons.

Star rating: (5/10) Average

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Super Mario Bros. Review

Super Mario Bros.

Release Date: 10th June 1993 - Australia

Production Companies

Allied Filmmakers (present)

Cinergi Pictures Entertainment (in association with)

Hollywood Pictures (present)

Lightmotive (co-production)

Nintendo (Uncredited)

Touchwood Pacific Partners I (Uncredited)

Distribution

Umbrella Entertainment

Genre: Sci-Fi/Comedy

Rating: PG

Runtime: 104 minutes

Budget: $48,000,000

Box Office Gross: $38,912,465 (Worldwide)

Plot Summary

Two Brooklyn plumbers, Mario and Luigi, are about to discover  their lives when they stumble upon a parallel world populated by intelligent dinosaur descendants. The meteor didn't destroy them millions of years ago. It threw them into another dimension. Now they plan to take control of our world. Our improbable heroes must

battle the evil King Koopa

and his goombas, free the

beautiful Princess Daisy

and save humanity on this

life-changing quest.

Cast

Bob Hoskins - Mario Mario

John Leguizamo - Luigi Marko

Dennis Hopper - King Koopa

Samantha Mathis - Daisy

Fisher Stevens - Iggy

Richard Edson - Spike

Fiona Shaw - Lena

Dana Kaminski - Daniella

Mojo Nixon - Toad

Gianni Russo - Scapelli

Francesca P. Roberts - Bertha

Lance Henriksen - King Bowser

Sylvia Harman - Old Lady

Desiree Marie Velez - Angelica

John Fifer - Goomba Toad

Don Lake - Sergeant Simon

Terry Finn - Hatcheck Girl

Rob Priester - Egon

Preston Lane - James

Robert D. Raidford - TV Announcer

Frank Welker - Creature Voices

(Voice)

Dan Castellaneta - Narrator (Voice)

Crew

Directors - Annabel Jankel

and Rocky Morton

Based on the Concept and

Characters: Creators -

Shigeru Miyamoto and

Takashi Tezuka

Writers - Parker Bennett, Terry Runte and Ed Solomon

Producers - Jake Eberts and Roland Joffé

Co-Producer/Unit Production Manager -

Fred C. Caruso

Casting - Don & Mali Finn

Production Designer - David L. Snyder

Conceptual Artist/Creature Designer

and Supervisor - Patrick Tatopoulos

Art Director - Walter P. Martishius

Assistant Art Directors - Sarah Knowles

and Simon Murton

Set Decorator - Beth A. Rubino

Costume Designer - Joseph A. Porro

Prosthetics and Cosmetic Skins Supervisor:

Koopa Creature - Rob Burman

Director of Photography/Second Unit

Director - Dean Semler

First Assistant Director - Louis D'Esposito

Choreographer - Barry Lather

Stunt Coordinator - Gary Jensen

Special Effects Coordinator - Paul J. Lombardi

Mechanical Creature Effects Supervisor -

Russell Shinkle

Visual Effects Designer and Supervisor/

Second Unit Director - Chris F. Woods

Lead Digital Animator/Compositor - Peter Webb

Editors - Mark Goldblatt and Caroline Ross

Supervising Sound Editors - Jerry Ross

and Hamilton Sterling

Sound Mixer: Second Unit - Whit Norris

Re-Recording Mixers - Gregg Landaker

and Steve Maslow

Foley Artists - Gary A. Hecker and

Dan O'Connell

Music - Alan Silvestri

Music Supervisor - Peter Afterman

Writers and Performers: "Almost Unreal" -

Roxette

Review

Welcome back, viewers. As you all know, I haven't done much on my blog except proofread my reviews, news updates, and so on. It's been a few months since I last posted a new critique, but with the latest Super Mario Bros. movie in theatres, it's time to refresh my memory on the previous movie adaptation.

As far back as I can remember, SUPER MARIO BROS. is a well-known video game series, with its titular character being the official mascot of Nintendo. Its popularity declined with the rise of Sonic the Hedgehog and modern video games like Halo and Minecraft. Its iconic status spawned three television cartoons and two movies (the latter is a recent animated feature from the studio that brought Despicable Me to life). A live-action film adaptation also exists that many people tried to forget, but it grew a cult following.

As a young child, I didn't know there was a Super Mario Bros. movie until I found its VHS packaging. The film may seem nostalgic now, but it was nothing like the Mario video games I'd played. It felt like an open wound and left a lasting mark on fans. The movie's failure may have led Nintendo to avoid any more big-screen adaptations (except Pokémon). Even co-creator Shigeru Miyamoto felt it tried too hard to replicate the games.

Critics have pointed to the film's poor direction and mishandling of the source material. That's why fans consider it the worst video game movie adaptation. Beyond its lack of resemblance to the games, the film has a confusing plot and an inconsistent tone. Still, I appreciate the filmmakers' effort to make this movie different from the games, even if they're woefully misguided. I applaud the marvellous set designs (despite being too gritty and industrial for a feature based on the Mario Bros.) and the innovative effects that aged beautifully.

I feel sorry for the actors in this film, particularly the late Bob Hoskins, who portrayed Mario, and John Leguizamo, who played Luigi, whose experiences making this movie soured them. Their performances are good, and they have excellent chemistry. While they did their best to save the adaptation, they don't quite match, especially Bob, who looked too gruff for the character. The same goes for Dennis Hopper, whose baddie, King Koopa, isn't the Bowser we know. He has fun overacting in his role and doesn't take himself too seriously.

Some people may see SUPER MARIO BROS. as oddly charming in a way that honours the source material, while some don't find the film that bad and find it fun. While disappointing, it certainly has its own storyline, detached from the games, and is not the perfect adaptation I would've expected. Here's hoping Illumination handle the concept better than this disappointment. And Chris Pratt will be a better Mario than Bob Hoskins.

Star rating: (3/10) Disappointing

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Saving Private Ryan Review

Saving Private Ryan

Release Date: 19th November 1998 - Australia

Production Companies

DreamWorks Pictures (presents)

Paramount Pictures (presents)

Amblin Entertainment

Mutual Film Company (in association with)

H2L Media Group

Mark Gordon Productions (uncredited)

Distribution

Paramount Pictures Australia

Genre: War

Rating: MA15+ (Not Suitable

for Young Children)

Runtime: 169 minutes

Budget: $70,000,000

Box Office Gross: $482,349,603 (Worldwide)

Plot Summary

On June 6th, 1944, the historic D-Day invasion occurred on Normandy Beach during World War II. Captain John Miller and his squad embarked on a deadly mission to find and retrieve a missing paratrooper named Private James Ryan, whose three brothers had perished in combat. Those men faced impossible odds as all eight began to question their orders and risk their lives to bring back only one person from behind enemy lines.

Cast

Tom Hanks - Captain Miller

Tom Sizemore - Sergeant

Horvath

Edward Burns - Private Reiben

Barry Pepper - Private Jackson

Adam Goldberg - Private Mellish

Vin Diesel - Private Caparzo

Giovanni Ribisi - T-4 Medic Wade

Jeremy Davies - Corporal Upham

Matt Damon - Private Ryan

Ted Danson - Captain Hamill

Paul Giamatti - Sergeant Hill

Dennis Farina - Lieutenant

Colonel Anderson

Joerg Stadler - Steamboat

Willie

Max Martini - Corporal Henderson

Dylan Bruno - Toynbe

Daniel Cerqueira - Weller

Demetri Goritsas - Parker

Ian Porter - Trask

Gary Sefton - Rice

Julian Spencer - Garrity

Steve Griffin - Wilson

William Marsh - Lyle

Marc Cass - Fallon

Markus Napier - Major Hoess

Ronald Longridge - Coxswain

Adam Shaw - Delancey

Rolf Saxon - Lieutenant Briggs

Corey Johnson - Radioman

Glenn Wrage - Doyle

Raffaello Degruttola - Goldman

John Sharian - Corporal

Nigel Whitmey - Private Boyd

Sam Ellis - Private Hastings

Stephane Cornicord - Jean

Michelle Evans - Jean's Wife

Martin Beaton - Jean's Son

Anna Maguire - Jean's Daughter

Nathan Fillion - Minnesota Ryan

Leland Orser - Lieutenant DeWindt

David Vegh - Paratrooper Oliver

Ryan Hurst - Paratrooper Michaelson

Nick Brooks - Paratrooper Joe

Harve Presnell - General Marshall

Dale Dye - War Department Colonel

Bryan Cranston - War Department Colonel

Amanda Boxer - Mrs. Margaret Ryan

Harrison Young - Ryan as Old Man

Kathleen Bryon - Old Mrs. Ryan

Rob Freeman - Ryan's Son

Thomas Gizbert - Ryan's Grandson

Leo Stransky - German Sniper (Uncredited)

Crew

Producer/Director - Steven Spielberg

Writer - Robert Rodat

Script Supervisor - Ana Maria Quintana

Associate Producer - Kevin de la Noy

Associate Producer/Production Manager -

Mark Huffam

Producers - Ian Bryce, Mark Gordon and

Gary Levinsohn

Co-Producers - Bonnie Curtis and

Allison Lyon Segan

Senior Military Advisor - Dale Dye

Military Advisor - John Barnett

Casting Director - Denise Chaiman

UK Casting Director - Priscilla John

Production Designer - Thomas E. Sanders

Supervising Art Director - Darren T. Dorrance

Art Directors - Tom Brown,

Ricky Eyres, Chris Seagers, Alan Tomkins

and Mark Tanner (Uncredited)

Standby Art Director - Gary Freeman

Assistant Art Director - Kevin Kavanaugh

Construction Coordinator - Terry Apsey

Set Decorator - Lisa Dean

Costume Designer - Joanna Johnston

Armourer - Simon Atherton

Key Makeup Artist - Lois Burwell

Makeup Artist: Mr Hanks - Daniel C. Striepeke

Prosthetics Supervisor - Conor O'Sullivan

Director of Photography - Janusz Kaminski

First Assistant Director - Sergio Mimica-Gezzan

Second Assistant Director - Adam Goodwin

Third Assistant Directors - Martin Krauka

and Andrew Ward

Picture Vehicle Coordinator - Simon Lamonby

Stunt Coordinator - Simon Crane

Special Effects Supervisor - Neil Corbould

Special Effects Coordinator - Carol McAulay

Special Effects Workshop Supervisor - Trevor Wood

Special Corpse and Animal Effects - Neill Gorton

and Steven Painter

Lead Senior Special Effects Technicians -

David Brighton, Kevin Herd, Paul Corbould,

Dave Hunter and John Evans

Visual Effects Supervisor: ILM - Stefen Fangmeier

Visual Effects Co-Supervisor: ILM - Roger Guyett

Visual Effects Producer: ILM - Kim Bromley

Visual Effects Art Director: ILM - Alexander Laurant

Modelmaking Supervisor - John Schoorand

CG Sequence Supervisor: ILM - Gregor Lakner

Sabre Supervisor: ILM - Pablo Helman

Visual Effects Camera Operator: ILM - Martin Rosenberg

Film Editor - Michael Kahn

Sound Designer/Re-Recording Mixer - Gary Rydstrom

Assistant Sound Designer - Shannon Mills

Supervising Sound Editor - Richard Hymns

Effects Editors - Teresa Eckton,

Frank E. Eulner, Larry Oatfield,

Ethan Van der Ryan and Karen G. Wilson

Dialogue Editors - Gwendolyn Yates Whittle,

Sara Bolder and Ewa Satompe

Foley Editors - Sandina Bailo-Lape

and Bruce Lacey

Foley Artists - Dennie Thorpe and Jana Vance

Foley Mixer - Tony Eckert

Sound Mixer - Ron Judkins

Re-Recording Mixers - Andy Nelson

and Gary Summers

Music - John Williams

Music Editor - Kenneth Wannberg

Music Recordist and Mixer - Shawn Murphy

Awards

1998 Academy Awards

Best Director - Steven Spielberg (Won)

Best Cinematography - Janusz Kaminski (Won)

Best Sound - Gary Rydstrom, Gary Summers,

Andy Nelson and Ron Judkins (Won)

Best Film Editing - Michael Kahn (Won)

Best Effects, Sound Effects Editing -

Gary Rydstrom and Richard Hymns (Won)

--------------------

Best Picture - Steven Spielberg, Ian Bryce,

Mark Gordon and Gary Levinsohn (Nominated)

Best Actor in a Leading Role - Tom Hanks (Nominated)

Best Writing, Screenplay Written Directly

for the Screen - Robert Rodat (Nominated)

Best Art Direction-Set Decoration -

Thomas E. Sanders and Lisa Dean (Nominated)

Best Makeup - Lois Burwell, Conor O'Sullivan

and Daniel C. Striepeke (Nominated)

Best Music, Original Dramatic Score -

John Williams (Nominated)

Review

SAVING PRIVATE RYAN is an extraordinary film by Steven Spielberg and is unlike any other movie he has made (except for Schindler's List). It's known for its downbeat tone and realistic portrayal of war, conveying the harsh realities many soldiers have endured. While the storyline lacks something, Spielberg's direction proves he can push certain limits by paying close attention to detail. Especially when he sinks his teeth into bringing the atmosphere into the hellish, war-torn landscapes in which many soldiers lose their lives during this skirmish. Janusz Kaminski's cinematography is shaky. Still, it is groundbreaking, and the battle sequences are stunning. Even the visual representation of the famous Omaha Beach battle is impressive.

Tom Hanks delivers a terrific performance, showing depth in his character. He could have won an Oscar, but Roberto Benigni won for Life Is Beautiful. As a supporting player, Matt Damon plays the titular soldier who gets lost on the battlefield. Most people will be surprised to learn this was one of Vin Diesel's first roles, before he became a famous action star. John Williams' haunting musical score was beautiful.

A gritty war drama like SAVING PRIVATE RYAN has redefined the genre and is often admired and appreciated as one of Spielberg's greatest films. However, SAVING PRIVATE RYAN is considered violent and depressing and is unsuitable for young audiences. Some moviegoers find it hard to watch.

Star rating: (10/10) Best Movie Ever

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Small Soldiers Review

Small Soldiers

Release Date: 17th September 1998 - Australia

Production Companies

DreamWorks Pictures (present)

Universal Pictures (present)

Amblin Entertainment (copyright holder)

Distribution

Universal Pictures Australia

Genre: Action/Comedy

Rating: PG

Runtime: 106 minutes

Budget: $40,000,000

Box Office Gross: $71,743,823 (Worldwide)

Plot Summary

Alan Abernathy is a teenager whose dad runs a toy store and tries out a new action-figure line called The Commando Elite vs. The Gorgonites. Unfortunately, these were no ordinary toys, and the company that manufactured them installed military microchips in their action figures, giving them a mind of their own. Alan gets recruited to help the peace-loving Gorgonites battle against the dangerous Commandos. Can Alan defend his home and family and rescue the girl of his dreams before the Commandos terrorise his neighbourhood?

Cast

Gregory Smith - Alan Abernathy

Tommy Lee Jones - Chip
Hazard (Voice)

Frank Langella - Archer (Voice)

Kirsten Dunst - Christy Fimple

Jacob Smith - Timmy Fimple

Wendy Schaal - Marion Fimple

Phil Hartman - Phil Fimple

Jay Mohr - Larry Benson

Kevin Dunn - Stuart Abernathy

Ann Magnuson - Irene Abernathy

Denis Leary - Gil Mars

David Cross - Irwin Wayfair

Dick Miller - Joe

Alexandra Wilson - Ms. Kegel

Jonathan Bouck - Brad

Robert Picardo - Ralph, Clean Room Technician

Ernest Borgnine - Kip Killagin (Voice)

Jim Brown - Butch Meathook (Voice)

Bruce Dern - Link Static (Voice)

George Kennedy - Brick Bazooka (Voice)

Clint Walker - Nick Nitro (Voice)

Christopher Guest - Slamfist/
Scratch-It (Voice)

Michael McKean - Insaniac/
Freakenstein (Voice)

Harry Shearer - Punch-It (Voice)

Sarah Michelle Gellar - Gwendy
Doll (Voice)

Christina Ricci - Gwendy
Doll (Voice)

Marcia Mitzman Gaven -
Globotech Announcer (Voice)

Crew

Director - Joe Dante

Writers - Gavin Scott, Adam Rafkin, Ted Elliott and Terry Rossio

Executive Producers - Walter F. Parkes and Steven Spielberg (Uncredited)

Producers - Colin Wilson and Michael Finnell

Co-Producer/Unit Production Manager -

Paul Deason

Casting Director - Denise Chaiman

Production Designer - William Sandwell

Supervising Art Director - Mark W. Mansbridge

Art Director - Brad Ricker

Character Designer/Effects Supervisor/

Puppeteer: Stan Winston Studio - John Rosengrant

Character Designers: Stan Winston Studio -

Mark 'Crash' McCreery, Greg Figiel, Jim Charmatz,

Craig Jablonski and Jason Matthews

Set Decorator - Rosemary Brandenburg

Property Master - Jerry Moss

Costume Designer - Carole Brown-James

Effects Supervisor/Key Animatronic Design/

Puppeteer: Stan Winston Studio - J. Alan Scott

Director of Photography - Jamie Anderson

Director of Photography: Second Unit -

Rexford L. Metz

First Assistant Director - Benita Allen

Second Unit Director/Stunt Coordinator -
M. James Arnett

Special Effects Coordinator - Ken Pepiot

Action Figures and Animatronics Design -
Stan Winston

Visual Effects Supervisors - Stefen Fangmeier
and Jeff Matakovich

Visual Effects Co-Supervisor - Ellen Poon

Visual Effects Art Director - George Hull

Computer Graphics Supervisors: ILM -
Gerald Gutschmidt, Erik Mattson and
Carl N. Frederick (Uncredited)

Computer Graphics Sequence Supervisors:

ILM - Michael DiComo, David Meny

and Sean Schur

Animation Supervisor - David Andrews

Film Editors - Marshall Harvey and

Michael Thau

Supervising Sound Editor - Eric Lindemann

Co-Supervising Sound Editor - Mark A. Mangini

Sound Designer (Uncredited)/Effects 

Design Editor - John Pospisil

Re-Recording Mixers - Robert Litt,

Elliot Tyson and Michael Herbick

Additional Re-Recording Mixer - Ron Bartlett

Foley Artists - John Roesch and

Hilda Hodges

Music - Jerry Goldsmith

Music Scoring Mixer - Bruce Botnick

Review

As a kid, I first saw SMALL SOLDIERS, and before watching the movie, I didn't know the Commando Elite were the main antagonists, not the heroes I thought they would be. This film has a neat, creative concept: toys attacking humanity and each other, which makes Toy Story look kid-friendly and less violent by comparison. SMALL SOLDIERS is not a kids' movie, as DreamWorks advertised. It's intended for teens, which explains the dark scenes.

Joe Dante, known for directing cult classics (aside from his only success, Gremlins), has never made anything this similar to his hit film. The special effects are impressive, but some didn't age well. The performances are first-rate, but they never stand out. I like how Dante hired surviving performers from The Dirty Dozen to voice the soldiers, while Christopher Guest and his fellow Spinal Tap players portray the friendly Gorgonites. The film even features a heartwarming dedication to the late Phil Hartman, who plays Kirsten Dunst's fictional dimwitted dad.

Clever and funny, SMALL SOLDIERS is almost as good as Gremlins and worth seeing.

Star rating: (7/10) Good Movie

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Benny & Joon Review

Benny & Joon

Release Date: 30th September 1993 - Australia

Production Companies

Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer

Roth-Arnold Productions

Genre: Comedy/Drama/

Romance 

Rating: PG

Runtime: 98 minutes

Box Office Gross: $23,261,580 (USA)

Plot Summary

Benny is a small-town car 

mechanic who has dedicated

his life to caring for his

sister Joon. Despite her

talent as an artist, she has

difficulty functioning

independently in the real

world. When a poker game

forces Benny to another

player's relative, Sam for

a few days, it shatters

this relatively stable

relationship. Arriving

on the scene, Sam quickly

makes an impression with

his quietly eccentric manner,

reminiscent of the antics

of the great silent comedian

Buster Keaton. Sam and

Joon find themselves drawn

to each other without Benny's

consent. But when Benny

learns of this, it tears the

siblings apart as they

struggle to accept that the

presence of this strange

newcomer has changed

their relationship forever.

Cast

Aidan Quinn - Benny

Mary Stuart Masterson - Joon

Johnny Depp - Sam

Julianne Moore - Ruthie

Oliver Platt - Eric

C.C.H. Pounder - Dr Garvey

Dan Hedaya - Thomas

Joe Grifasi - Mike

William H. Macy - Randy Burch

Liane Curtis - Claudia

Eileen Ryan - Mrs Smail

Don Hamilton - UPS Man

Waldo Larson - Waldo

Irvin Johnson - Orderly

Shane Nilsson - Orderly

Leslie Laursen - Admitting Nurse

Faye Allen - Video Customer

Ramsin Amirkhas - Video Clerk

Lynette Walden - Female Customer

Amy Alizabeth Sanford - Young Joon

Brian Keevy - Young Benny

John Grant Phillips - Policeman

Tony Lincoln - Local

Noon Orsatti - Patron

Dan Kamin - Patron

Crew

Director - Jeremiah S. Chechik

Story/Screenplay - Barry Berman

Story - Leslie McNeil

Executive Producer/Unit Production Manager -

Bill Badalato

Producers - Susan Arnold and Donna Roth
Casting Directors - Risa Bramon Garcia

and Heidi Levitt

Production Designer - Neil Spisak

Art Director - Pat Tagliaferro 

Costume Designer - Aggie Guerard Rodgers

Director of Photography - John Schwartzman

Camera Operator - Mitchell Amundsen

First Assistant Director - K.C. Colwell

Choreographer: Physical Comedy - Dan Kamin
Stunt Coordinator - Noon Orsatti

Fire Effects Coordinator - Allen Hall
Special Effects Coordinator - J.D. Streett

Editor - Carol Littleton

Associate Editor - Raul Davalos

Supervising Sound Editors - John Haeny

and J. Paul Huntsman

Re-Recording Mixers - Gary C. Bourgeois,

Scott Millan and Elmo Ponsdomenech

Music - Rachel Portman


Review

BENNY & JOON seemed to have a misleading title because I think it should have been Benny, Sam & Joon. Because the film focuses on these three individuals, two of whom are very quirky and fall in love. The other is the older brother, who only wants what he thinks is best for his sister and must learn to let go. It underpins the main storyline of Sam and Joon's growing connection. There is a strength in the director's message that some things considered strange or out of the ordinary aren't necessarily bad, for instance, in the grilled cheese scene. I would point out that how Joon acts in this movie reflects the extent of autism in this character. I think Joon had schizophrenia.

Johnny Depp was versatile and whimsical in his use of physical comedy. He mimics the incredible antics of late silent comedians such as Charlie Chaplin and Buster Keaton to create the character of Sam. Mary Stuart Masterson portrays Joon as a vulnerable, naive character who, despite her disability, wants to take control of her life. Aidan Quinn is fine as Joon's overprotective brother, but doesn't get much exposure due to Johnny Depp's scene-stealing performance.

It was a heartwarming film that avoided being bland or sickly sweet.

Star rating: (7/10) Good Movie

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The Hunchback of Notre Dame (1996) Review

The Hunchback of Notre Dame


Release Date: 12th September 1996 - Australia


Production Companies
Walt Disney Pictures (presents)
Walt Disney Feature Animation

Distribution
Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures Australia


Genre: Animation/Family

Rating: PG

Runtime: 91 minutes


Budget: $100,000,000

Box Office Gross: $325,338,851 (Worldwide)


Plot Summary

In 15th-century Paris, a deformed bellringer named Quasimodo longs to leave the Cathedral bell tower, where his cruel caretaker, Judge Claude Frollo, the Minister of Justice, has hidden him from the outside world while raising him as part of his penance.

Against the wishes of his master to never leave his sanctuary, Quasimodo sneaks out to attend the Festival of Fools and meets the beautiful gypsy, Esmeralda, and the soldier Phoebus. Frollo's ruthlessness meant that the three opposed his oppression and attempts to rid the Court of Miracles, the home of the gypsies. Quasimodo must defend Esmeralda and Notre Dame Cathedral from the man who raised him.

Voice Cast
Tom Hulce - Quasimodo
Demi Moore - Esmeralda
Heidi Mollenhauer - Esmeralda (singing voice)

Tony Jay - Judge Claude Frollo

Jason Alexander - Hugo
Charles Kimbrough - Victor
Mary Wickes - Laverne

Jane Withers - Additional Laverne Dialogue

Paul Kandel - Clopin
Kevin Kline - Captain Phoebus
David Odgen Stiers -

Archdeacon
Corey Burton - Brutish Guard/Additional Voices
Bill Fagerbakke - Oafish Guard
Mary Kay Bergman -

Quasimodo's Mother/
Additional Voices

Frank Welker - Djali/Baby Bird
Jim Cummings - Gypsies/

Guards

Crew
Directors - Kirk Wise and Gary Trousdale
Based on the Novel - Victor Hugo
Animation Story/Screenplay - Tab Murphy
Story - Kevin Harkey, Ed Gombert, Brenda Chapman,
Jeff Snow, Jim Capobianco, Denis Rich, Burny Mattinson,

John Sanford, Kelly Wightman, James Fujii, Floyd Norman,

Francis Glebas, Kirk Hanson and Christine Blum
Story/Sequence Directors: Paris - Gaetan &
Paul Brizzi
Story/Character Designers/Visual Development -
Geefwee Boedoe and Sue C. Nichols
Animation Screenplay - Irene Mecchi,
Bob Tzudiker, Noni White and Jonathan Roberts
Additional Screenplay Material/Artistic

Supervisor: Story/Supervising Animator:

"Laverne" - Will Finn

Producer - Don Hahn
Co-Producer - Roy Conli

Casting Director - Ruth Lambert

Art Director - David Goetz

Artistic Coordinator - Randy Fullmer

Character Designer/Visual Development/
Supervising Animator: "Quasimodo" -

James Baxter
Character Designer/Visual Development/
Supervising Animator: "Esmeralda" -

Tony Fucile
Character Designer/Visual Development/
Artistic Supervisor: Background - Lisa Keene
Character Designers/Visual Development -
Geefwee Boedoe, Marek Buchwald,

Peter DeSeve, Thom Enriquez, Vance Gerry,

Darek Gogol, Joe Grant, Rick Maki,

Jean Gillmore, Sue C. Nichols and

Rowland B. Wilson
Character Designer/Visual Development/

Artistic Supervisor: Layout - Ed Ghertner
Character Designer/Visual Development/

Animator: "Esmeralda" - Anne Marie Bardwell
Character Designer/Visual Development/

Animator: "Quasimodo" - Shawn Keller
Character Designer/Visual Development/
Rough Inbetweener - Joseph C. Moshier

Artistic Supervisor: Layout, Paris Unit - Daniel St. Pierre

Production Manager - Patty Hicks

Production Manager: Paris Unit - Jean-Luc Florinda

Supervising Animator: "Frollo" - Kathy Zielinski
Supervising Animator: "Phoebus" - Russ Edmonds
Supervising Animator: "Clopin" - Michael Surrey
Supervising Animator: "Victor" and "Hugo" -
David Pruiksma
Supervising Animator: "Djali" - Ron Husband

Artistic Supervisor: Clean-Up - Vera Pacheco

Artistic Supervisor: Visual Effects - Christopher Jenkins

Additional Visual Effects Unit Supervisors:

Additional Visual Effects Animation -

Dave Bossert, Mauro Maressa and

Dave Tidgwell

Artistic Supervisor: Computer Graphics Imagery -

Kiran Bhakta Joshi
Songs: Music/Original Score/

Songs Producer and Arranger/Score

Producer - Alan Menken
Songs: Lyrics/Songs Producer/Latin Lyrics

Adaptation - Stephen Schwartz
Editor - Ellen Keneshea

Associate Film Editor - John K. Carr

Supervising Sound Editors - Lon Bender

and Larry Kemp

Re-Recording Mixers - Mel Metcalfe,

Terry Porter and Dean A. Zupancic

Foley Artists - John Roesch and

Hilda Hodges

Executive Music Producer - Chris Montan

Vocal Arrangements/Conductor -

David Friedman

Music Recordist and Mixer - Bruce Botnick

Review

Like most people, I was appalled by the news of the near-destruction of Notre Dame Cathedral, which caught fire due to a short circuit. I decided to look back at THE HUNCHBACK OF NOTRE DAME, by which I mean the Disney animated version, in the wake of this devastation. I have been waiting to revisit a childhood classic I haven't seen in a long time. I never read the book or watched any previous film adaptations. As a result, HUNCHBACK is considered one of Disney's darker films. Because the movie contains adult themes such as religion, lust, and genocide, I believe it would be a surprise for anyone watching this Disney film.

HUNCHBACK could have been aimed entirely at adults if it weren't for the gargoyles, particularly the one voiced by Jason Alexander, who provided comic relief. However, creating secondary characters as second bananas to the main character isn't a good idea for Disney. It is not appropriate because it creates a tonal shift. These secondary characters aren't significant to the plot. What's important is the main character, Quasimodo, who yearns to be accepted by mainstream society and escape confinement within Notre Dame's walls. Another main character I praise is the main villain, Judge Claude Frollo. Frollo is a particularly frightening villain who seeks to destroy the gypsies. Only the hero Quasimodo can stop Frollo from carrying out his plans for damnation. We haven't seen a villain as menacing as Scar in The Lion King.

The animation is beautiful, and the backgrounds depict 15th-century Paris, including the entire Notre Dame Cathedral. Most of Alan Menken's songs, including "Hellfire," "God Help the Outcasts," and "Out There," are good and fit effectively into the score of an animated musical like HUNCHBACK. The voice-overs match the live-action performances, with superb work from Tom Hulce, Demi Moore, Kevin Kline, and Tony Jay. They all lent their voices to HUNCHBACK, creating a rich, complex cast of characters.

Not exactly the best Disney animation, but HUNCHBACK still comes close to The Lion King or Beauty and the Beast by high standards. If younger viewers have questions about the mature content, they should watch it with a parent or guardian. So, exercise viewer discretion, everyone.

Star rating: (7/10) Good Movie

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