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Go - (1999)
When Quentin Tarantino made
Pulp Fiction in 1994, he ended up influencing an entire new generation of filmmakers.
Go seems to fit the mold in a very obvious way, with various interconnecting stories, one told after the other. At certain points the stories intersect, and you'll end up understanding more about a different story when the one you're watching comes into contact with it. Drug dealers, Vegas strip joints, gangsters and narcs - the various characters get themselves in over their heads, and violence often ensues - but despite that, there's still a necessary lightheartedness to
Go, and it has a fun feel to it. No Doubt's "New" was the big single tie-in, and the video for that song features the same kind of rave the film's plot revolves around. Doug Liman had directed
Swingers and has gone on to have a decent career, with the likes of
Edge of Tomorrow and
The Bourne Identity being on his resume.
7/10
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The Stratton Story - (1949)
You'd think having a leg amputated would end a career in any highly competitive sporting league, but Monty Stratton (James Stewart) makes a surprise comeback as a pitcher after an unfortunate hunting accident in this true-story biopic.
The Stratton Story is kind of bland and plods along during an hour-long set-up portion which tells the story of Stratton's marriage and rise up the ranks in the Major League as a pitcher for the Chicago White Sox - it improves markedly when we get to the grist of his sudden, shocking predicament, and the way he overcomes an almost impossible obstacle. My James Stewart impression still isn't there, but I get a little better each time I try it.
6/10
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Beaches - (1988)
Beaches might be sappy and formulaic, but it's still a well made weepy that will break down the defenses of anyone willing to sit down and give it a fair go. It focuses very clearly on the theme of friendship, telling the story of a lifelong platonic love between characters "C.C." Bloom (Bette Midler) and Hillary Whitney (Barbara Hershey) which has it's ups and downs, but is fully realised and well written. If you think of your own friendships while watching this movie, you might need a box of tissues handy - but if you're a complete cynic, you might spot the strings being pulled quite easily. As far as 80s dramas go, it stands out because of some pretty decent musical numbers, and the two leads really commit themselves. This film was popular, but
walloped by critics - I thought I'd hate it, but surprisingly didn't.
The song "Wind Beneath My Wings" was an Australian hit for Colleen Hewett before Bette Midler came along and drowned her version out completely.
6/10