Tag Archives: Biopic

Isn’t She Great? - 1/2*

Posted on January 28, 2000 by Madeleine Williams

The pulp life of outrageous writer Jacqueline Susann seems like a good idea for a comedy. As seamy and seedy as her pulp novels, her life story could have been a guiltily comic gem, particularly with a strong cast attached. … Continue reading →

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The Hurricane - * * *

Posted on December 29, 1999 by Madeleine Williams

Wrongful impisonment movies are a dime a dozen. In fact, in most prison movies, the protagonist is innocent of all wrongdoing. At first, The Hurricane follows meekly along with the trend. However, a spectacular lead performance, and an invigorating second … Continue reading →

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Man on the Moon - * * 1/2*

Posted on December 22, 1999 by Madeleine Williams

Andy Kaufman was such a distinct comedic performer that it is surprising that it took this long to have a biopic devoted to his life. Director Milos Forman takes the helm, and in an unusual move, has cast Jim Carrey … Continue reading →

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Topsy Turvy - * * 1/2*

Posted on December 17, 1999 by Madeleine Williams

Mike Leigh directs this period piece about Gilbert and Sullivan and the creation of their most famous comic opera, The Mikado. Timothy Spall, Alison Steadman, Jim Broadbent and Lesley Manville star.  Capsule Review: Interesting, but way overlong. The first hour … Continue reading →

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The Messenger: The Story of Joan of Arc - * *

Posted on November 12, 1999 by Madeleine Williams

Luc Besson directs this biopic from his own script. Milla Jovovich stars as Joan of Arc in this historical epic. John Malkovich, Faye Dunaway, Dustin Hoffman, Vincent Cassel, Thcheky Karyo, Pascal Greggory, Richard Ridings, Timothy West and Desmond Harrington will … Continue reading →

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The Insider - * * *

Posted on November 5, 1999 by Madeleine Williams

Michael Mann directs this drama about Jeffrey Wigand (Russell Crowe), a tobacco executive who turned whistle blower. Al Pacino will play 60 Minutes producer Lowell Bergman, and Lindsay Crouse will play journalist Sharon Bergman. Diane Venora, Christopher Plummer, Rip Torn, … Continue reading →

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Music of the Heart - * * 1/2*

Posted on October 23, 1999 by Madeleine Williams

Wes Craven directs this true story of a fiddle teacher (Meryl Streep) in East Harlem who gives her students a love and understanding of music, eventually taking them to perform at Carnegie Hall. Gloria Estefan will star as her friend … Continue reading →

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October Sky - * * * 1/2*

Posted on February 6, 1999 by Madeleine Williams

October Sky is a rare oddity in cinema: a self-proclaimed “uplifting” film that is actually uplifting! Based on the autobiographical book by Homer Hickam, Rocket Boys, October Sky tells the struggle of four boys reaching for their dream. It’s 1957, … Continue reading →

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Patch Adams - * * 1/2*

Posted on December 11, 1998 by Madeleine Williams

In Patch Adams, Robin Williams portrays a real-life doctor struggling to reform the impersonal medical system with a human touch. It’s a good premise, and Williams seems to be perfect for the role…perhaps a bit too perfect. The film is … Continue reading →

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Elizabeth - * * * 1/2*

Posted on November 6, 1998 by Madeleine Williams

Elizabeth is a loose biopic of the early years of Queen Elizabeth I. It may be a period piece, but it sure doesn’t feel like one. Thick with intrigue, and even thicker with strong performances, Elizabeth is actually more thrilling … Continue reading →

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