FFWD Weekly
Copyright © 1997. All Rights Reserved.
Be Kind, Please Rewind
by Jane McCulloughJungle 2 Jungle
Directed by John Pasquin
Starring Tim Allen, Martin Short, Lolita Davidovich and JoBeth WilliamsYet another instance where Disney has bought and buried a foreign film with an original story, only to remake it starring North America's dear old pere Tim Allen. Jungle 2 Jungle juxtaposes two jungle lifestyles literally and in the urban metaphor - I'm sure this is effective and entertaining in its primal form, however, we'll never know. In the event that this film is unavailable at your local rental outlet, try Crocodile Dundee for the same displaced character shtick.
Albino Alligator
Directed by Kevin Spacey
Starring Gary Sinise, Matt Dillon and Faye DunawayThree men spend an evening with their hostages when a bar heist goes awry. Spacey explores a variety of camera angles and communicates a forced silence and tension in this set-up where nobody wins. The film is slow in parts, but characters are developed enough to carry the story. The gritty bayou speakeasy is appropriate and refreshingly noir with a metaphor that is emphasized through the use of New Orleans colloquial. For more of the same done just as well, try Dog Day Afternoon starring Al Pacino.
And enjoying wide-spread release this week, Chungking Express, where two neo-love stories collide on the fringe in this exquisite Chinese film starring Brigitte Lin, Takeshi Kaneshiro and Tony Leung (previously reviewed). Widescreen releases this week include Reservoir Dogs, Total Recall, Universal Soldier, Cut Throat Island, The Fabulous Baker Boys and Red Heat (rent 'em letterboxed because they're better that way).
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