THX 1138

The story, told by the main character's best friend Max (Pruitt Taylor Vince) takes place on the Virginian, one of the luxurious ocean liners of the Titanic-era. It's an epic tale of jazz music, friendship, romance and….magic. A baby boy is found on the Virginian by one of the ship's stokers. He names the boy after the name on the crate he was found in: T.D.Lemon. Since it's the turn of the century, 1900 is added as his surname. Tim Roth is 1900. Or more accurately: Danny Boodman T.D. Lemon 1900. It turns out that 1900 is a special boy. His gift for the piano makes him a legend. But in order to experience the the piano sound of the legendary master, you have to make a cruise because 1900 never sets foot on land!

The only one to come close to the way 1900's mind works is his friend and colleague Max, an accomplished trumpet player in the ship's band. As Max puts it: `You're never really done for as long as you got a good story and someone to tell it to'. And boy does he tell a beautiful story. A story that will keep you mesmerized all through the film. There are scenes that will definitely put a smile on your face. For instance the scene when 1900 tries to cure Max from his seasickness by offering him a ride on his piano! And what about the piano duel? Watch this movie and find out for yourself. A heart-warming, touching movie with a touch of magic. Highly recommended.

I remember the first time I saw this movie on TV I was pleasantly surprised by the subject. To compare it with other movies is quite difficult because nothing seems to come to mind. The screenplay is by Wallace Shawn and André Gregory who both star as themselves in this intriguing movie. After viewing the movie again on VHS and later on DVD, I must say I still enjoyed it as much as the first time I saw it. The story is about two friends who haven't seen each other for years and they decide to meet in a chic New York restaurant. It is in this restaurant where the entire movie takes place. Having been abroad for some years, André recounts his adventures to Wallace while they're enjoying their meal. By the time desert arrives, André and Wallace find themselves discussing their fears, their loves and the intricacies of life. When the cheque arrives, one of the two men will never look at the things in his life the same way as he did before.

I couldn't help feeling I was eavesdropping on an intimate conversation when watching this movie. Definitely not for all tastes, `My dinner with André' is as different from the standard Hollywood fare as it gets. If you don't mind trying something different then this movie fits the bill. The San Francisco Chronicle called it `An adventure through a magically cracked looking glass'. The Newsweek magazine `A unique and provocative film, ironic, funny, crazy and moving.' I'd like to add that this movie is about sharing special moments in life with a good friend and becoming enriched by it. A must see by my standards.

Shortcomings in the form of casting, for instance. Then there's the acting. Let's not mention the story and sub plots...I just can't take Fiennes' role of Lenny too seriously. As a former cop turned dealer in one of the sleazier L.A. subcultures, he does strike me as being too sensitive. Seeing him throw up after watching (I should say "experiencing") a murder, you might think he came across this kind of stuff along the line of duty. Well, he probably had a desk job and never came out of the house plus he didn't own a TV-set. Who knows, I just found the character unbelievable. Juliette Lewis tries to compensate for her lousy performance with frontal nudity in almost every shot she's in. I think Basset and Sizemore make the most out of this good but not-so-good-executed story, although Basset tends to overact. If visuals are your thing, than by all means, give this movie a try. I myself love a good visual experience (no pun intended) but I'm sad to say there's not a whole lot of it in Strange Days. Even considering its vintage. If you expect to see a great movie (as I did, judging from the general hype around it) you're bound to feel somewhat disappointed. All in all I'd rate it a solid 7 if it weren't for the ridiculous ending. All through the movie we're confronted with an upcoming revolution. Towards the end of the movie, the message of this revolution and unrest is driven home even harder, but what happens at midnight? Yep, no revolution, everyone's cheering. As if revolution is a tap you just shut off. Very unconvincing. Apart from all these quib's, the movie is pretty enjoyable but definitely not collector's material.