Twelve Months of Shame
Nashville Scene reviewers Jim Ridley, Noel Murray, and Donna Bowman pick the worst movies of 1997. [2]
Jim Ridley, Noel Murray, and Donna Bowman

The Best Films of '97
Boston Phoenix film critic Peter Keough offers his top 10 list for 1997. [3]
Peter Keough

At the Movies in 1997
The best damned movies of the year. [4]
Rick Barton

Santa's Got a Brand New Bag
He knows if you've been bad or good. And he's got an axe! [5]
Devin D. O'Leary

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Scam Sandwich
Quentin Tarantino takes on Elmore Leonard in this surprising character study. [7]
Devin D. O'Leary

Page Two
Our weekly editorial examines Quentin Tarantino's latest slice of cinny. [8]
Louis Black

Plump Fiction
Quentin Tarantino's two-and-a-half-hour "Jackie Brown" is a slow-but-sure version of Elmore Leonard's novel, "Rum Punch." [9]
Peter Keough

Tragic Bus
Atom Egoyan's adaptation of Russell Banks's "The Sweet Hereafter" is a wrenching, nearly flawless film. [10]
Peter Keough

Happy Hunting
Auteurs Matt Damon and Ben Affleck's "Good Will Hunting" exposes the softer side of director Gus Van Sant. [11]
Peter Keough

Unblocking Harry
Woody Allen tears himself apart in "Deconstructing Harry." [12]
Gary Susman

Crash Course
James Cameron's big-budget blockbuster "Titanic" is sunk by a hard-to-swallow love story and historical inaccuracies that are the moral equivalent of grave robbing. [13]
Leigh Rich and Lisa Tiger

Film Tip of the Week
This week's must-see flick: "As Good As It Gets." [14]
Ray Pride

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The TV Year in Review
In 1997, television's trends were set by tragedies and marketing. [19]
Gary Susman

Cinema du Fromage
Directors who are even dumber than Ed Wood, Jr. [20]
Jerry Renshaw

Scanlines
Some over-the-top directed turds... ah, titles that are worth bugging your video store about. [21]
Jerry Renshaw

TV Eye
Looking back at a year in front of the tube. [22]
Margaret Moser

hoa there, Hollywood, do I look like I'm made of money? Why must you insist on releasing "Jackie Brown," "Good Will Hunting," "The Sweet Hereafter," "Deconstructing Harry," and "As Good As It Gets" all at the same time? Not to mention the impossible-to-get-tickets-to "Titanic," and of course "The Postman" and "Wag the Dog" and "An American Werewolf in Paris." These movies aren't fast or cheap, but they sure are out of control. What gives?

I haven't even caught up on all the interesting movies from the rest of the year, let alone the last two weeks. I mean, with all these "Best of 1997" articles telling us about all the gems we missed, I'd kinda like some time off to get with the program. Frustrating doesn't even begin to describe what I'm feeling here.

I am so overwhelmed, in fact, that I'm beginning to remember what I hated about all the movies that came out so far. Sometimes the hype and hyperbole surrounding films gets so thick that I repress my disgust when I see the shallow finished product. This "Worst of the Year" article is a much-needed reality check. (Hooray, it wasn't just me -- "Chasing Amy" really did suck.)

Speaking of hyperbole, read this interview to catch a glimpse of Quentin Tarantino getting defensive -- in advance! -- about the length and dullness of his new movie "Jackie Brown." (These three reviews give the poor chap the benefit of the doubt.) And for another contrarian view, check out this negative critique of "Titanic" -- the only one I've ever seen, short of Gene "poofy head" Shalit's bubble-bursting early review on TV.

And while we're on the subject of TV.... Here's a "Best of 1997" for that medium, too. Gotta cover all the bases.

Anyway, see you next year...at the movies.

Or is it see you at the movies...next year?

Whatever,

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Chicago NewCityNet

• Good Will Hunting
• The Postman
• The Sweet Hereafter

Austin Chronicle

• An American Werewolf In Paris
• As Good As It Gets
• Beaumarchais, The Scoundrel
• Deconstructing Harry
• Good Will Hunting
• Jackie Brown
• Mr. Magoo
• The Postman

Tucson Weekly

• An American Werewolf in Paris
• Jackie Brown
• Scream 2
• Tomorrow Never Dies

Boston Phoenix

• An American Werewolf in Paris
• Joue de Fete
• Mr. Magoo
• The Postman
• The Tango Lesson
• Will It Snow for Christmas?

Curious about a particular director's work? Not sure what to rent at the video store? Enjoy reading several contrasting opinions of the same film? This is the place for you. One of the all-time best film-review resources on the Web. Sort alphabetically or by publication, genre, director, or date. Check it out!

Now What?
What's the matter, couldn't find a review of that blockbuster film you're excited about? We certainly don't want to leave you disappointed -- why not try some of these larger-than-life movie links? [23]

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