‘A Scanner Darkly’ Download and Reviews

December 6, 2009 by Paul Wall  
Filed under Animation, Crime, Drama

“A Scanner Darkly” Movie Details

A Scanner Darkly tagline: What Does A Scanner See?
A Scanner Darkly - DVD Cover

A Scanner Darkly DVD Cover

Actors:
Rory Cochrane Charles Freck
Robert Downey Jr. James Barris
Mitch Baker Brown Bear Lodge Host
Keanu Reeves Bob Arctor
Sean Allen Additional Fred Scramble Suit Voice
Cliff Haby Voice from Headquarters
Steven Chester Prince Cop
Winona Ryder Donna Hawthorne
Natasha Valdez Waitress
Mark Turner Additional Hank Scramble Suit Voice
Woody Harrelson Ernie Luckman
Chamblee Ferguson Medical Deputy #2
Angela Rawna Medical Deputy #1
Eliza Stevens Arctor’s Daughter #1
Sarah Menchaca Arctor’s Daughter #2
Directors: Richard Linklater
IMDB Rating: 7.2/10 out of 38,974 votes

“A Scanner Darkly” Movie Review

“A Scanner Darkly” Plot Summary

An undercover cop in a not-too-distant future becomes involved with a dangerous new drug and begins to lose his own identity as a result.

Imaginative and original

At first glance, you’d think A scanner darkly was style over substance. That is very much wrong. If you peeled away the trippy layers of rotoscoping, you’d still have a very cool and original movie. The writing is really tight and builds up a great and paranoid setting

The characters are very varied. Keanu Reeves, who does a decent job, is a somewhat apathetic washout, a role that fits him well. For all the Keanu-haters out there, I can say that he is not the sole star of the movie. This movie is much more about his friends, a mixed bag of drug-addicts and dopers

Robert Downey Jr. does a fantastic role as the manic, phony-eloquent pseudo-intellectual Barris. He’s very believable and you can’t help get a bit annoyed by him even as you laugh. He has some great lines, and he delivers them superbly

Winona Rider’s Donna is a character we don’t get to see enough of. The scenes she’s in are good, and she certainly looks and acts like a burnout

Rory Cochrane is even more creepy as Freck, the worst case of the little group. You can feel your skin crawling as soon as he goes on-screen. For those who have read the book: Yes, the opening sequence is the same

Then there’s the under-appreciated Woody Harrelson, funny and realistic as Luckman. His burned-out logical jumps and paranoid outbursts are perfect

A benefit of the rotoscoping is that supporting roles can for once look like natural people. Think about it. In your average Hollywood flick, there are professional small parts actors and actresses. The same small group of people perpetually turning up as doctors, gas station attendants, brokers… how real does that feel? I’m sure Linklater doesn’t care anyway, but it just seems more natural with unknowns when they’re drawn. A small point but there might be something to it

The real benefit of the rotoscoping, of course, is that it looks good. Every frame is like a cutout from a graphic novel or some pop art. For a drug movie, you couldn’t ask for anything better. As tempting as it must have been, the animation team has however limited the really trippy sequences to where it matters. All in all, there are only two or three hallucinatory scenes. The general floatiness of the animation, however, gives the movie a fluid and slightly hallucinatory look in general

Combine all of the above and add a healthy dose of paranoid music by Radiohead and you’ve got a cult classic and a great piece of art. Not to be missed by those who appreciate film.

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‘Something’s Gotta Give’ Download and Reviews

December 2, 2009 by Paul Wall  
Filed under Comedy, Romance

“Something’s Gotta Give” Movie Details

Something’s Gotta Give tagline:
Something's Gotta Give - DVD Cover

Something's Gotta Give DVD Cover

Actors:
  • Vanessa Hayden
  • Jack Nicholson Harry Sanborn
    Diane Keaton Erica Jane Barry
    Keanu Reeves Dr. Julian Mercer
    Frances McDormand Zoe Barry
    Amanda Peet Marin
    Jon Favreau Leo
    Paul Michael Glaser Dave
    Rachel Ticotin Dr. Martinez
    Paige Butcher Beauty
    Tanya Sweet Beauty
    Kristine Szabo Beauty
    Daniella Van Graas Beauty
    Tamara Spoelder Beauty
    Sonja Francis Beauty
    Beauty
    Directors: Nancy Meyers IMDB Rating: 6.8/10 out of 34,203 votes

    “Something’s Gotta Give” Movie Review

    “Something’s Gotta Give” Plot Summary

    A swinger on the cusp of being a senior citizen with a taste for young women falls in love with an accomplished woman closer to his age.

    Good!

    This movie is funny, cute, light-hearted, serious all rolled into one movie

    Diane gives her all in the movie, she unleashes all the insane things women go through in life. Her story is fascinating. Jack Nicholson is of course his usual ’swaggering’ self in this movie. He gives us his normal antics throughout the movie. His ‘heart-attacks’ are priceless. You can’t help but love him! Keanu, he is incredible in this movie. He is sincere, intelligent and magical. Amanda Peet, is over the top as in most of her roles. Overall this movie was excellent!

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    ‘Johnny Mnemonic’ Download and Reviews

    November 24, 2009 by Paul Wall  
    Filed under Action, Sci-Fi, Thriller

    “Johnny Mnemonic” Movie Details

    Johnny Mnemonic tagline: The future’s most wanted fugitive.
    Johnny Mnemonic - DVD Cover

    Johnny Mnemonic DVD Cover

    Actors:
    Keanu Reeves Johnny Mnemonic
    Dina Meyer Jane
    Ice-T J-Bone
    Takeshi Kitano Takahashi
    Dennis Akayama Shinji
    Dolph Lundgren Street Preacher
    Henry Rollins Spider
    Barbara Sukowa Anna Kalmann
    Udo Kier Ralfi
    Tracy Tweed Pretty
    Falconer Abraham Yomamma
    Don Francks Hooky
    Diego Chambers Henson
    Arthur Eng Viet
    Directors: Robert Longo
    IMDB Rating: 4.9/10 out of 19,680 votes

    “Johnny Mnemonic” Movie Review

    “Johnny Mnemonic” Plot Summary

    A data courier, carrying a data package literally inside his head too large to hold for long, must deliver it before he dies from it.

    I love any and all Sci-Fi anything.

    I like this film. The ending was lame but most are in my opinion. I like Sci-Fi movies from the rubber suited aliens to the ‘control’ lights flashing madly for no apparent reason except for effect. Let’s face it, in any given year there are few Sci-Fi movies made. Look at the long lists of movies made and there might be a Sci-Fi movie amongst them. Horror does far better with at least three or four a year. Sci-Fi has been a subjective genre and will probably remain so. After all, the future-present seems so dull, mundane and exploited when you’re living in it (planes, cars, tanks, computers, internet).

    Specifically about this movie I like the stark opening on the Main Character. He desperately, angrily, wants the money to get his memories back and do it right. The perfect setup for the risk he decides to take. The exposition dialogue on this point could be better but it got the point across (again and again) what was at stake and why. He was so desperate that he was willing to risk his life to obtain HIS goal

    Then we have the usual introduction of characters and the running, fighting and hiding. Each step of the way he is always closer to getting that thing out of his head and renewing his childhood memories

    I agree with the other comments regarding the Main Character’s desires whil e standing on a garbage heap and his life looks like garbage — he will never live to enjoy his childhood again, nor the physical comforts he thinks he wants

    The lo-techs vs. the corporate is an old theme with maybe another angle. It sets the backdrop for the overall story, the good and the bad fighting for control. The corporate side I liked. The lo-tech side was the usual, nothing new

    What I liked about the corporate side was the ancient use of the god-like conscience represented by the woman in the computer. The one who nags the corporate head to help the lo-techs for his absolution in the memory of his dead daughter

    The god-like conscience character is rarely used in American drama, but heavily honored by Asians. I have always liked this dramatic element even when demonstrated in the classical Greek. How can we define good and evil when it is beyond our control and understanding? Thus is an Asian view, as well as the ancient world, of the meaning of life. The doll white face and the near obliteration of any human features just as in the face masks worn in the ancient Greek dramas or in the ancient art of Kabuki

    Like I said, I like all Sci-Fi. It is too rare. As I illustrated above there were plenty of good dramatic elements and shots to make the movie enjoyable. Even the lame stuff has its own entertainment just as good as rubber suited aliens.

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    ‘The Matrix Reloaded’ Download and Reviews

    November 24, 2009 by Paul Wall  
    Filed under Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi

    “The Matrix Reloaded” Movie Details

    The Matrix Reloaded tagline: Free your mind.
    The Matrix 2 - DVD Cover

    The Matrix Reloaded DVD Cover

    Actors:
  • Kelly Butler
  • Keanu Reeves
    Laurence Fishburne
    Carrie-Anne Moss
    Ray Anthony Power Station Guard
    Christine Anu Kali
    Alima Ashton-Sheibu Link’s Niece
    Helmut Bakaitis The Architect
    Steve Bastoni Soren
    Don Battee Vector
    Monica Bellucci Persephone
    Daniel Bernhardt Agent Johnson
    Valerie Berry Priestess
    Ian Bliss Bane
    Liliana Bogatko Old Woman at Zion
    Michael Budd Zion Controller
    Stoney Burke Bike Carrier Driver
    Ice
    Directors: Andy Wachowski and Lana Wachowski IMDB Rating: 7.1/10 out of 140,571 votes

    “The Matrix Reloaded” Movie Review

    “The Matrix 2″ Plot Summary

    Neo and the rebel leaders estimate that they have 72 hours until 250,000 probes discover Zion and destroy it and its inhabitants. During this, Neo must decide how he can save Trinity from a dark fate in his dreams.

    The best film of the season!

    Almost all of my friends and other people claimed that this film isn’t worth to see and it’s very, very bad movie. But I think ‘Matrix. Reloaded’ is excellent and I like it more than 1st part. Great music, great philosophy, great special effects! After watching I felt that the world had changed around me and I could never be the same. I’m waiting for next part with impatience

    The only I don’t like in this film – when Zion’s people are dancing into their temple. This is very ugly and disgustful. And I can’t understand why the creators of 2nd part put this scene into the movie.

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    ‘Constantine’ Download and Reviews

    November 22, 2009 by Paul Wall  
    Filed under Fantasy, Horror, Thriller

    “Constantine” Movie Details

    Constantine tagline: Hell wants him. Heaven won’t take him. Earth needs him.
    Constantine - DVD Cover

    Constantine DVD Cover

    Actors:
  • Suzanne Whang
  • Keanu Reeves John Constantine
    Rachel Weisz Angela Dodson/Isabel Dodson
    Shia LaBeouf Chas
    Djimon Hounsou Midnite
    Max Baker Beeman
    Pruitt Taylor Vince Father Hennessy
    Gavin Rossdale Balthazar
    Tilda Swinton Gabriel
    Peter Stormare Satan
    Jesse Ramirez Scavenger
    JosГ© ZГєГ±iga Detective Weiss
    Francis Guinan Father Garret
    Larry Cedar Vermin Man
    April Grace Dr. Leslie Archer
    Mother
    Directors: Francis Lawrence IMDB Rating: 6.7/10 out of 73,525 votes

    “Constantine” Movie Review

    “Constantine” Plot Summary

    Based on the DC/Vertigo comic book Hellblazer and written by Kevin Brodbin, Mark Bomback and Frank Capello, Constantine tells the story of irreverent supernatural detective John Constantine (Keanu Reeves), who has literally been to hell and back.

    Excellent fantasy/horror movie

    I’ve seen Constantine three times and I enjoy it more each time I watch it! It is truly well-done and extremely entertaining, and I can guarantee that if you like horror, suspense and/or fantasy you will love this movie! Keanu Reeves plays a very cool Constantine, who is a modern-day exorcist but most certainly not to be confused with a priest, as he has his issues and a burden of sins from his past that he carries with him. Constantine is a very realistic and human hero who is devoid of superpowers but has all the cool gadgets and the kick-ass attitude needed to survive in a world slowly being invaded by demons and scheming angels. He meets Angela (Rachel Wiesz) after she loses her sister, Isabel to the forces of evil. She comes to Constantine in search of an answer on where Isabel has ended up following her apparent suicide. Constantine journeys to other realms/dimensions in an attempt to get those answers, even paying a couple of visits to hell. Needless to say, with such a plot the special effects, acting, sets, script and even wardrobe have to be carefully conceived and executed to make it believable, and they are… in spades

    Constantine achieves what all great movies always do: it takes you into another world that makes you forget everything about your own world the whole time you are watching it. And really, in the end, isn’t that what great cinema is all about?

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    ‘Point Break’ Download and Reviews

    November 18, 2009 by Paul Wall  
    Filed under Action, Adventure, Crime

    “Point Break” Movie Details

    Point Break tagline: 100% Pure Adrenaline.
    Point Break - DVD Cover

    Point Break DVD Cover

    Actors:
    Keanu Reeves
    John C. McGinley
    Gary Busey
    Patrick Swayze
    Lori Petty
    James LeGros
    John Philbin
    Directors: Kathryn Bigelow
    IMDB Rating: 6.8/10 out of 34,254 votes

    “Point Break” Movie Review

    “Point Break” Plot Summary

    An FBI agent goes undercover to catch a gang of bank robbers who may be surfers.

    Loved it!

    Just watched this movie again, and while on the surface it looks like a stereotypical action flick, and in some ways maybe it is, I was actually surprised how much I enjoyed it

    There were a few things that were a little contrived, at least for a ‘cop movie.’ I don’t understand why the chief of police always has to be written as a jerk or why there is always those two arrogant cops that crack jokes all the time, etc. A minor gripe, however

    I originally saw this movie in the 90s when it was newer. Now that it’s had time to age, it feels like a classic, and kept me yearning for those good old days when action films weren’t all about superheroes, redundant CGI usage and mindlessly drawn-out action scenes. They really don’t make ‘em like they used to. Everything is proportionate, the special effects are as real as they can be, and the characters grab hold of you. Why is character development seemingly so hard to find these days? Granted, I’m not a big Keanu Reeves fan, but it’s not necessarily the actors that make this movie. It’s everything about it. The story in this film is rock solid. It’s a thriller wrapped in a collage of fantastic cinematography and spectacle. The ocean and surfing scenes are beautifully shot, even artsy in a way. All in all, the story and the action are successfully interwoven to deliver a ‘pure adrenaline’ caper. It’s an interesting combination of human drama and extreme edginess, and yet it works.

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    ‘The Matrix’ Download and Reviews

    November 18, 2009 by Paul Wall  
    Filed under Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi

    “The Matrix” Movie Details

    The Matrix tagline: Free your mind
    The Matrix - DVD Cover

    The Matrix DVD Cover

    Actors:
  • Marc Gray
  • Keanu Reeves Neo
    Laurence Fishburne Morpheus
    Carrie-Anne Moss Trinity
    Hugo Weaving Agent Smith
    Gloria Foster Oracle
    Joe Pantoliano Cypher
    Marcus Chong Tank
    Julian Arahanga Apoc
    Matt Doran Mouse
    Belinda McClory Switch
    Anthony Ray Parker Dozer
    Paul Goddard Agent Brown
    Robert Taylor Agent Jones
    David Aston Rhineheart
    Choi
    Directors: Andy Wachowski and Lana Wachowski IMDB Rating: 8.7/10 out of 354,777 votes

    “The Matrix” Movie Review

    “The Matrix” Plot Summary

    A computer hacker learns from mysterious rebels about the true nature of his reality and his role in the war against the controllers of it.

    The Perfect Symbiosis of Action and Philosophy

    What is real? How do you define real? This question has been explored for its significance in metaphysics in other movies as well. The Thirteenth Floor is one of them and the other is Dark City. I mention these because they were released more or less around the same time as this movie was released. But these two movies do not enjoy the position and the popularity of this movie – The Matrix, why? Look at the box office success of the Matrix. Look at the popularity of this movie. Advertisements have been created based on the themes of this movie. Most people seem to have heard of the movie if not seen it. The Matrix enjoys a prominent position in the top 50 on the IMDb. Even a list of 100 best movies of all times as compiled by a documentary on the Discovery Channel mentioned this movie as among the top 100. The key to the enormous success of the Matrix is the symbiotic combination of two opposing elements. The first one being metaphysics or philosophy and the second element being intense amount of action. The Dark City is limited in its action and stresses more on the metaphysics aspect and so does the Thirteenth floor. When you see The Matrix, you see that there is far more metaphysics and philosophy in this movie when compared to the other two. And when you see the action sequences of the movie, the two movies fade into oblivion. There is so much for the intellectual to busy himself with in this movie. There is a reference to so many mythological places and figures. The character Neo is an anagram of One signifying the One Absolute many cultures believe in and then there is Trinity, an obvious reference to the Holy Trinity. The names of the ships, the numbers on the door, the name of the book Neo takes his CD out from all have a significance, a clue, if that is what one wants to call it. This movie gives enough to the intellectual to study and talk about. And yet the movie does not fail to capture the attention of the average movie goer. The average movie goer does not want to search for hidden symbols, he does not want to discuss the movie for hours and hours. He wants some action and some fun. The movie gives that as well. The movie has a lot of guns, a lot of chases and a lot of fighting. The average movie goer can appreciate the main aspect of this movie without bothering about all the hidden symbols which the intellectual chooses to see in the movie. Yet, he apparently does not deny himself the spirit of the movie and enjoys it. And I believe this is what has made the movie successful – the reconciliation between action and thrill and metaphysics and philosophy. This movie deserves all the praise and success that it has got. My personal all-time favorite. I never get tired of talking about it till date and love to see it with my friends if I get the chance.

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    ‘Speed’ Download and Reviews

    November 4, 2009 by Paul Wall  
    Filed under Action, Thriller

    “Speed” Movie Details

    Speed tagline: Get ready for rush hour.
    Speed - DVD Cover

    Speed DVD Cover

    Actors:
    Keanu Reeves Officer Jack Traven
    Dennis Hopper Howard Payne
    Sandra Bullock Annie Porter
    Joe Morton Capt. McMahon
    Jeff Daniels Det. Harold ‘Harry’ Temple
    Alan Ruck Stephens
    Glenn Plummer Jaguar Owner
    Richard Lineback Norwood
    Beth Grant Helen
    Hawthorne James Sam
    Carlos Carrasco Ortiz
    David Kriegel Terry
    Natsuko Ohama Mrs. Kamino
    Daniel Villarreal Ray
    Simone Gad Bus Passenger #1
    Directors: Jan de Bont
    IMDB Rating: 7.2/10 out of 76,666 votes

    “Speed” Movie Review

    “Speed” Plot Summary

    A young cop must save the passengers of a bus that has a bomb set to explode if the bus goes below 50 MPH. add synopsis

    WOW. Thats It

    Speed is a terrific thriller/action film that gives new meaning to the word ’suspense’. This and the fugitive are the only true thrilling movie of the past decade. Keanu Reeves, actually not that bad, plays a cop who is going after a mad-man (Dennis Hopper who is great as the 9-fingered terrorist) who has put a bomb on a bus which will explode if the bus goes under 50 mph. This wouldn’t be much of a problem, but in LA it is as much of a problem of pising off Hopper in this movie. The most action packed, thrilling movie I’ve seen in a while, maybe equal to the terminator. Favorite Line (after Hopper’s head get’s knocked off) Reeves- ‘Yeah, but I’m taller.’ Terrific entertainment. A+

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    ‘The Devil’s Advocate’ Download and Reviews

    October 19, 2009 by Paul Wall  
    Filed under Drama, Horror, Thriller

    “The Devil’s Advocate” Movie Details

    The Devil’s Advocate tagline: The newest attorney at the world’s most powerful law firm has never lost a case. But he’s about to lose his soul.
    The Devil's Advocate - DVD Cover

    The Devil's Advocate DVD Cover

    Actors:
  • George Wyner
  • Keanu Reeves Kevin Lomax
    Al Pacino John Milton
    Charlize Theron Mary Ann Lomax
    Jeffrey Jones Eddie Barzoon
    Judith Ivey Mrs. Alice Lomax
    Connie Nielsen Christabella Andreoli
    Craig T. Nelson Alexander Cullen
    Tamara Tunie Mrs. Jackie Heath
    Ruben Santiago-Hudson Leamon Heath
    Debra Monk Pam Garrety
    Vyto Ruginis Mitch Weaver, Justice Dept.
    Laura Harrington Mrs. Melissa Black
    Pamela Gray Mrs. Diana Barzoon
    Heather Matarazzo Barbara
    Meisel
    Directors: Taylor Hackford IMDB Rating: 7.3/10 out of 73,431 votes

    “The Devil’s Advocate” Movie Review

    “The Devil’s Advocate” Plot Summary

    A hotshot lawyer gets more than he bargained for when he learns his new boss is Lucifer himself. add synopsis

    one of the greatest movies to come along in the last ten years

    I can hardly find words to express how grand this film is; superb acting and story, with lot of action, drama and emotion. Director certainly mounted a gorgeous movie, displaying great talent to deal with the theme of men making a terrible deal with devil (though involuntarily)in exchange for money, success and all that stuff. Extremely realistic, never slowing down with one twist after another. Serious, scary and witty all in one, it captures the essence of degrading social values and overrated success of nowadays society. In terms of acting, Al Pacino’s rendition of Satana is simply awesome, over the top, a role played to near perfection. Charlize Theron, wonderful, does a good job in playing the forever loving wife, breaking down as soon she starts discovering the truth; the only one a bit disappointing is Keanu Reeves, not that much realistic and believable.

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    ‘Interview with the Vampire’ Download and Reviews

    October 8, 2009 by Paul Wall  
    Filed under Drama, Horror

    “Interview with the Vampire” Movie Details

    Interview with the Vampire tagline: Drink From Me And Live Forever
    Interview with the Vampire: The Vampire Chronicles - DVD Cover

    Interview with the Vampire DVD Cover

    Actors:
  • Lee E. Scharfstein
  • Tom Cruise Lestat de Lioncourt
    Brad Pitt Louis de Pointe du Lac
    Kirsten Dunst Claudia
    Stephen Rea Santiago
    Antonio Banderas Armand
    Christian Slater Daniel Malloy
    Virginia McCollam Whore on Waterfront
    John McConnell Gambler
    Mike Seelig Pimp
    Bellina Logan Tavern Girl
    Thandie Newton Yvette
    Indra OvГ© New Orleans Whore
    Helen McCrory Whore #2
    Lyla Hay Owen Widow St. Clair
    Widow’s Lover
    Directors: Neil Jordan IMDB Rating: 7.4/10 out of 74,049 votes

    “Interview with the Vampire” Movie Review

    “Interview with the Vampire: The Vampire Chronicles” Plot Summary

    A vampire tells his epic life story: love, betrayal, loneliness, and hunger.

    Vampire Sociology

    Brokeback Mountain is said to be the ultimate exam of viewers’ homophobia, but before everybody that’s straight heads out to test their endurance with that film, I think Interview with the Vampire is keeping the throne warm for now. There technically isn’t anything sexual in Interview, but author and screenplay adapter Anne Rice does a fine job establishing the ‘bisexual in nature’ sociology of the vampires and how it compares with the mortals. Goes like this: the vampires cannot be sexual (all of one’s body is dead, so… use your imagination), but when they quench their thirsts for blood on their victims, male or female, the thrills they achieve are so exhilarating that the act is comparable to sex. Once the viewer understands this, with some parts of the movie, it’s hard to decide whether to be disgusted or not, not with the near homosexual relationship between Tom Cruise’s Lestat and Brad Pitt’s Louis (which is acceptable) but with Louis’ little girl companion, in a pedophiliac sense. Kirsten Dunst, who was about 11, gives (still) the best performance of her career as Claudia, an aging vampire whose physical form stays childlike. However, since Claudia becomes adult and beyond and tries to do away with Lestat so Louis can be all hers, it’s hard to watch what still seems to be a child to the naked eye grow so lovelorn for an adult. Their relationship raises tons of questions, some you may not want the answers to. My favorite scenes (tie) are toward the end when Louis seeks fiery revenge on some misled vampires in the name of Claudia and the edgy dialogue and body language exchanged between Louis and Armand (Antonio Banderas, fresh off playing Tom Hanks’ lover in Philadelphia) in the scene after. My beef with the movie is not homophobic by any means. I just don’t like getting beat over the head repeatedly for a point to be made, and casting all ‘pretty boys’ like Cruise, Pitt, Banderas, and Christian Slater as the current-day interviewer is doing just that (though it’s really the only case of it). Other than Pitt, I wish the casting director would have chosen the parts by acting ability and not by shock value.

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