Who thought that Cheadle could hold his own in what was meant to be
a buddy picture. His relationship with Gary Sinise could have been
built up on a bit better. Cheadle is a fantastic actor in his own
right (did you see Boogie Nights?). However, this was way
beyond his ability as an actor. From the beginning, when he was talking
to his son and saying he was gonna take his own copy of the book with him
on the trip, I noticed that he was ACTING. I know that this
sounds funny because isn't that what they are supposed to do? No,
I thought that these guys were supposed to become the characters, but they
didn't in Mission to Mars. His wildman/crazed lunatic persona
was more funny than scary. And was it just me or was Sinse wearing
just a bit too much eye makeup? Something just didn't look right.
The whole premise of the face on Mars was something that I really enjoyed.
Just think of the possiblities. The story had a lot of potential
and could have been played through alot better. Robbins commiting
suicide in front of his wife was a bit much. I realize that there
had to be some examples of how this journey to self discovery and
self awareness was built on the sacrifices of those who bravely gave their
lives but, come on, couldn't we have seen him save the crew by searching
for more holes in the hull of the ship and he alone missing the window?
Why did we have to see his "brave" example of selfishness to be so overplayed?
I recently rented 2001: A Space Odessey. Remember the
beginning scene with the artificial gravitation. The spinning drum in Mission
to Mars is right out of Kubrick's 2001.
Technically this movie was superior. Who can compete with the
special effects that are being used in today's films. The story in
2001 is far superior even though the ships look alot more fake and constructed
than that of the ships in M2M. Hey, it has been 32 years this week
that Kubrick's 2001 was released. His vision was far superior and
his style was one that will not be duplicated.
I hope that this is not too harsh. I tried my hardest to be kind
and, hey, at least I took out all the swear words.
I'll be sitting in front of my TV wearing my tuxedo on Sunday!
That would be a dream come true to be at the Oscars. Unfortunatly Armani
doesn't make a suit my size. Until then I'll be at home with my bowl
of popcorn and big bottle of diet pop and glued to the tube.
I hope that Cider House Rules walks away with "Best Picture".
I think I have found my favorite movie of 1999. American Beauty had
its moments but by far "Cider House Rules" rules!!!
I also hope that Kevin Spacey gets the Best actor, as well as Annette
Bening for Best Actress.
Hope to talk to you soon!!!! Email me if you like at djstein@telusplanet.net.
Dale
March 23, 2000