Ok folks, well you remember Hallenbeck and Goldfinger's reviews of Bulworth? They hated the film, right? Well, there was another test screening of Bulworth a few nights ago and I got a different response this time. Not an unequivocal reversal, but they still liked the film, and thought it had some very 'big' statements. In fact the general tone is that this was an 'important' film. Well, I tend to trust Hallenbeck's judgement, but he and I have been known to disagree (case example: Jackie Brown, he hated it, I loved it). As always remember, these are the opinions of individuals, film review is a subjective medium, and there is always a different reaction from person to person. And one other note, these are all three 'new' contributors. What does that mean? Well, it means we don't know anything about their taste in film. It means they could be plants, it could mean they are geniuses. Whatever the answer, I hope they become consistant reviewers so we can see their track record. The first review came from June Cleaver, who took Wally and the Beav along. Here are her thoughts...
My two teenagers and I thought we were going to a "Hope Floats" preview,in Marina Del Rey, but it turned out to be "Bulworth" with Warren Beatty and Halle Berry and an incredibly funny mixture of black and white actors. After a tentative few minutes this picture alternately offends and delights one in such a myriad of ways with it's off-color language and it's blunt cynicism about money and class in American politics that I would have thought it utterly impossible to be so rollockingly entertained on the subject. The film is unlike anything I have ever seen. It's impossible to ignore it's social significance. This piece of work may be one of the most important films made in many years and I do see them all. What a blessing it's so funny. Soon I'll have some word for you on the Sandra Bullock movie. She's so underrated.
Sincerely,
June
H. Ross Petro sent in this review of Bulworth. Petro is a disgruntled American citizen that loves the lampooning of the process, sounds like he would get along with Drudge...
I snuck into the test screening of Bullworth last night at the Marina. This movie is going to rip the roof off politics and race in America! What really is mind boggling is how the hell it got made? What made Warren Beatty, who I thought was a typical stodgy democrat, think he could get a right wing conservative corporation like Fox to put up the money for a movie that will offend the rich and powerful more than any comedy ever made?! Democratic and Republican politicos are going to come down on this movie like a ton of manure but they will laugh their asses off when they see it because they know it's truthful.
This movie is FUNNY. SMART FUNNY! The theatre was howling last night and if anybody left I didn't see them go. Halle Berry is spectacular and Oliver Platt is hilarious. So is Don Cheadle. He's the best black actor in America. I've had no interest in Warren Beatty lately but MAN!!! He sure put his ass out there in this one. You're going to be hearing about this movie for a long time.
Gee, these reviews feel... awfully repetitive, don't they? Hmmmm. Well, just remember this makes it 3 to 2, good vs bad. Which means it has a 40% chance of sucking. What am I gonna do? I gonna see it, the trailer is funny as hell, Glen thinks the trailer is funny as hell, as does my Dad. I tend to make up my own opinion, but all this has done is make me... cautious. This last review came in from The Slugg, on account of the fact it came in last. Here is his slithering review...
I was at the test screening of "Bulworth" this weekend, and let me tell you something, this flick kicks some butt. It is the funniest, edgiest, riskiest, most thought-provoking movie that's hit the U.S. of A. in a loooong time. I don't know who the two putzes are who posted those negative reviews, but they are suffering from a serious case of "Help! I've got my head stuck up my ass, and I can't get it out!"
Mark my words: "Bulworth" is going to be one of the most talked-about movies of 1998. Sure, it might not attract quite as many viewers as the one about the big boat that went down, but if you're like me and were standing and screaming "Sink! Sink!!" by hour two, do your brain a favor and take it to see "Bulworth."
This movie has it all -- drama, suspense, romance, huge laughs -- and a no holds barred script by Beatty and Jeremy Pikser that turns the world of politics on its ear. Forget "Wag the Dog", "Primary Colors", etc., etc.....This is the real deal. I won't go into any plot details, because it's Bulworth's shocking originality that'll knock your socks off. Trust me. Just go see it when it opens.
One last thing -- the cast. It rocks. Warren Beatty (still got it), Jack Warden, Paul Sorvino, Halle Berry (a-woo-wa-wa-wa-waaa!), Don Cheadle, Nora Dunne, Sean Astin, and Oliver Platt & Joshua Malina who are like a modern-day Laurel and Hardy (they're brilliant!).
Just thought I'd give you my $.02.
Give my best to the idiots who usually write your reviews.
The Slugg
