Reviews Written by Lyle
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December 11, 2000
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December 11, 2000
A decent remake
This is basically a nineties Psycho, remade line by line, shot by shot. Absolutely the only differences between this film and Hitchcock's original are the amount of money she steals, the new one is color, and the fact that Bates masturbates while he watches her through the wall (not in the original). Vaughn does a terrifyingly beautiful job as Bates. Modern audiences probably won't be a scared by this version as audiences were of the original simply because when Hitchcock first made the film, it was considered extremely violent and excessively disturbing. But taken for what it is, the film is a success. ... -
December 11, 2000
A star for Vaughn and for the visuals
Pretty much the only good things about htis film are Vince Vaughn, the visuals, and Vincent D'Onofrio. Unfortunately, the visuals and alarmingly small screen time either actor has do not make up for Lopez's underdeveloped character and the shallow storyline. The effects are brilliant, terrifying, and disturbing. Both men play intriguing characters well, but we are not allowed to see enough of them. Lopez and her character drag the film down. The one point we have an opportunity for character development is wasted when Lopez goes home, wanders around in her skimpy underwear, and gets stoned. How deep and caring a character can she be? I was sorely disappointed with this film, especially since it has such an intriguing premise and two brilliant up-and-coming actors. It turned out to be a sorry vehicle for Lopez's highly publicized name and body. ... -
December 11, 2000
Vaughn does it again
Amazingly enough, Vince Vaughn can play the most engaging of psychos, and then turn around and play the most loveable of characters. Here he pretty much plays both. Joaquin Phoenix offsets him nicely, and the entire film is a really fun twist. The plot never gets confusing, the action never gets boring, and the humor never loses its sardonic edge. ... -
December 11, 2000
Refreshing and beautifully written...
1 of 1 Yahoo! Users found this review helpful This is one of the best films I've seen in a while. The characters are real, believable, and have their ups and downs. The cinematography matches the sweet, country feel of the film, and the direction doesn't get in the way of the story. Vince Vaughn plays a fantastic father just trying to figure out his life, and any number of memorable and original scenes make this a very enduring movie. ...
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Vaughn and Phoenix carry the film
This film could have easily been dull and irritating, if it weren't for the two, then fairly unknown, brilliant actors. Vince Vaughn and Joaquin Phoenix do an excellent job of playing two friends whose lives are altered dramatically by one party too many in unfamiliar territory. The cinematography, focusing on dark, cramped, damp spaces, reflects the brutal and soul-searching elements of the film. I highly recommend the film, if only for yet another instance of beautiful performances by these two men. ...