The Movie Archive: H
Key:
0 Stars = Horrible Crap
1 - 9 Stars = In Between, Increasing in Value
10 Stars = Brilliant! I Almost Died - It Was That Good!
Title: Hedwig and the Angry Inch
Year Released: 2001
Rating: R
Running Time: 91 minutes
Starring: John Cameron Mitchell, Miriam Shor, Stephen Trask
Overview: In hopes of finding love, Hansel (a young German boy) goes through so much... including a botched sex change operation, which leaves him with a one-inch mound of flesh, turning him into a sweet transexual rocker. When his "other half," Tommy Gnosis, breaks out on the rock scene, Hedwig (formerly Hansel) is determined to get her props.
Date Watched: Saturday, December 15th, 2001
My Opinion: I saw this over the summer as the play and I thought Todd Almond (who played Hedwig in Cincinnati) was fabulous. So, I was completely unprepared for what John Cameron Mitchell would bring to the character he created. The movie was great. It made me laugh... and, yes, it did make me cry. All along the way, it told Hedwig's story, strewn about through songs and hilarious quips. ("What poor creature had to die for you to wear that fur coat?" "My aunt Trudy," Hedwig replies.) In the spirit of "The Rocky Horror Picture Show," "Hedwig and the Angry Inch" has what it takes to reinvent the modern rock musical and it may be what "RHPS" fans have been waiting for. Rent it, buy it, sing along. "Everybody! I put on some make-up, turn up the eight-track, I'm pulling the wig down from the shelf." You'll be singing its songs and praises days later. And it's got a message... and fabulous wardrobe. (I seriously want the yellow Punk Rock shirt!)
Final Rating: 10 Stars
Title: Hostage High (The Uncut Version)
Year Released: 2001
Rating: R
Running Time: 93 minutes
Starring: Rick Schroder, Freddie Prinze, Jr., Henry Winkler
Overview: While students prepare for Homecoming weekend, a troubled former student comes back seeking revenge. After killing four and wounding ten others, he holds over sixty students hostage. Tension builds as an inexperienced negotiator tries to talk him and his hostages out. Based on a true story.
Date Watched: Saturday, November 17th, 2001
My Opinion: Rick Schroder gives a solid performance, as usual. You can't deny he's a superb actor. The director and writers did an excellent job portraying a very sensitive subject and Henry Winkler (yes, the Fonz) proved to do just fine as the bumbling negotiator. (Does he EVER play a bad guy?) I was even surprised by Freddie Prinze, Jr., who despite probably reaching his mid-30s, is still playing dorky high schoolers. The film is full of emotion, not gore. You might think the opposite from the sleeve it comes in that proclaims "School's out... Forever!" I confess it -- I actually enjoyed this movie. In fact, I nearly cried in the end for Rick Schroder's character. (Did I mention the fabulous job Rick and the movie's writers did in taking us inside the killer's mind?)
Final Rating: 7 Stars