Christina RicciNo other actress this year showed the range and fearlessness that Christina exhibited whether playing a sweet small town girl in Pecker or a sociopathic trailer park Lolita in The Opposite Of Sex.
HappinessSure, you may have found this dark comic masterpiece discomforting. But, isn’t that the point of a great film: one that challenges our view of the human condition?
Cate Blanchett, ElizabethBreathtakingly gorgeous, fierce and mercurial…all these words describe Blanchett in a role she inhabits with every moment she’s on the screen. This performance marks the ascension of a truly great actress who will surely be a star to watch in the coming years.
Dylan Baker, HappinessHow does an actor play a pedophile and manage to not come off as a monster? Somehow Baker makes it look easy with a combination of honesty and vulnerability. His painfully human portrait is fearless and frank while never condescending or underestimating the audience.
Lisa Kudrow, The Opposite of SexKudrow proves yet again that she’s the friend with the most to offer. Her faghag from hell is a surprisingly complex study. She manages to add shading and depth to a character that in most gay films gets relegated to a stereotype. In fact, she pretty much steals the film (whenever Ricci is off-screen).
Geoffrey Rush, ElizabethForget about Rush’s paper-thin role in Shakespeare In Love; this is his best work since Shine. Dark and sinister, his presence hangs over every scene, even when he’s not the center of the action.
The Mask of ZorroNo one was more surprised than I that this turned out to be the most enjoyable, old-fashioned romp of the summer. Banderas is at his debonaire best, and Catherine Zeta Jones sizzles across the screen. Overall, a wonderful reminder of what the summer film should be: sexy, fun and light-as-air.
The Slums Of Beverly HillsThis laugh riot marks not only the funniest film of the year, but also the first decent role Marisa Tomei has had since winning the Oscar for My Cousin Vinny. Rush out to see this hilarious coming-of-age tale set in California in the 70’s. The vibrator scene is a joy! (Got your attention, didn’t I?)
Cousin BetteJessica Lang gives a tour-de-force performance in the title role; one which seems tailor made for the late Bette Davis. Lang proves that she’s up to snuff, however, manipulating and scheming with the best of them. If you’re looking for a bitchy little film filled with delightfully wicked plot twists, you’ll devour this treat.
Ever AfterDrew Barrymore finally finds the perfect vehicle for her considerable charms in this delightful Cinderella tale. And, believe it or not, she actually manages to hold her own against the ever flawless Anjelica Huston as the Wicked Stepmother. Also, I’d be lax in my duties if I didn’t mention that the Prince sports the largest codpiece that’s been seen onscreen since Batman and Robin. A fun time for all!
Apt PupilThis dizzying psychological thriller will seduce you in and then terrify the living daylights out of you. Despite a low body count and minimal onscreen violence, this tidy little shocker will, nonetheless, keep you on the edge of your seat. Riveting performances from Ian McKellan and Brad Renfro make this one a classic of the genre.
Dark CityWonderfully weird and devastatingly disorienting, this bleak apocalyptic fable demands repeated viewing. It may have been overlooked and belittled by many a critic, but remember, so was Blade Runner when it first appeared. While wholly original, this enigma of a film shares much with that visionary tale in terms of spirit and daring.
There's Something About MaryI have no problem with dark and dirty humor. However, I like mine with a little more intelligence and wit than what is served up here. Cameron Diaz is effervescent but ultimately wasted in this limp comedy. I was more shocked and I laughed harder during Happiness.
Out Of SightA George Clooney fan, I am not. However, this sharp cops and robbers film written by Elmore Leonard and directed by Stephen Soderbergh entertains from beginning to end. Of course, the anatomically exaggerated Jennifer Lopez doesn’t hurt the proceedings with her sassy, sultry and sensitive screen presence.
Wild ThingsNeve Campbell gives a fabulous career destroyingly awful performance in this ludicrous whodunit. Meanwhile, she's completely, out-acted, out-bitched and out-classed by future Bond girl, Denise Richards. And let's not forget hunky Matt Dillon and the infamous shower scene with Kevin's Bacon. You'll love this guilty pleasure, but you'll hate yourself in the morning.
Josh HartnettSorry Neve Campbell, but Josh has got you beaten, hands-down. He made his mark early in the year as Jamie Lee Curtis’s son in Halloween H20. And, then he cemented his position playing the Rebel Without A Clue in The Faculty. Granted, he hasn’t exactly displayed any amazing thespian skills as of yet. But, he does exactly what a Scream Queen needs to: he takes a lot of punishment, and keeps coming back for more…looking better and better, the more disheveled he gets.
Natasha Lyonne, The Slums of Beverly HillsIf you’re not cheering Natasha on by the end of Slums then you’ve obviously never been an awkward kid going through the confusing process of growing up. Natasha gives a wonderfully natural performance that will have you alternately laughing and squirming from its honesty.
Joseph FiennesYou need a romantic, sensitive and impossibly good-looking lead for your movie? Apparently, in 1998 the answer to this dilemna was to cast Joseph Fiennes. His underrated performances in Elizabeth and Shakespeare In Love guarantee that we’ll stop referring to him as Ralph’s little bro.
Ally Sheedy, High ArtDark, brooding and haunting…who’d have thought that these words would one day describe a performance from the 80’s Bratpack star of Short Circuit and Maid To Order. Sheedy is unforgettable in the role of an artist who’s seen better days and brighter futures. Not surprisingly, this outstanding film has made Sheedy ultrahot as she is featured in two upcoming independent films.
