DVD PICKS: Downey saves the day

By BIBI NURSHUHADA RAMLI

ONE NIGHT STAND
Directed by Mike Figgis
Starring Wesley Snipes, Nastassja Kinski, Ming Na-Wen, Robert Downey Jr, Kyle MacLachlan
Distributed by Speedy Video Distributors

WHEN Max (Wesley Snipes) visits his HIV-positive friend Charlie (Robert Downey Jr) in New York, he meets Karen (Nastassja Kinski) at his hotel.

He is smitten with her and they enjoy a passionate night together. But he returns to Los Angeles the next day to his wife Mimi (Ming Na Wen) and kids. He doesn’t expect to meet up with Karen again one year later in New York where

Charlie is dying. She is apparently married to Charlie’s brother Vernon. Max and Karen attempt to kill their passion for each other, for the sake of their partners, but it proves difficult.

I wonder why Snipes, who is known for his action skills, chose to be part of this film. His talents are quite wasted here. He probably wanted to try something new and put his emotional capabilities to the test. Sadly, other than a sudden rush of emotions and lust, there is not much for Snipes to show. The same goes for Kinski, whose facial expressions (or a lack thereof) are so bland that you wish you could slap her to bring some emotion out of her.

The film questions how strong a marriage should be, and somehow supports infidelity. You don’t know who to root for in the end.

The only plus point that this film has is a young Downey Jr. who looks so pretty with those long lashes of his. His portrayal of his character was so spot on and heart-wrenching that you’ll crave for more scenes of him.

SINBAD AND THE MINOTAUR
Directed by Karl Zwicky
Starring Manu Bennett, Holly Brisley and Steven Grives
Distributed by Speedy Video Distributors

HERE’S a cheap attempt at a movie featuring the great and legendary Sinbad, who goes in search of the fabled ancient gold. Sinbad (Bennett) gets wind of a hidden golden statue head of Colossus of Rhodes, and with his sidekick, go to great lengths to find it. Along the way, they come across a mad sorcerer, a kidnapped princess, and a village of harmless-looking (at first) monsters.

From beginning to end, you can tell that almost everything is amiss and don’t really follow the true story of Sinbad. The storyline is so bad that it will take every ounce of your energy to watch it till the end. The usage of CGI is expected, but not to the extent where it becomes almost cartoonish.

There is no sign of an ocean or a ship anywhere when Sinbad is supposed to be a famous sailor. To make up for it and to suit the Arabic theme of the story, the film’s setting is in a desert with camels thrown in.

The least they could have done is choose another actor to play Sinbad. Bennett isn’t bad-looking physically, and he even has Arabian facial features. Problem is, he just doesn’t have that charisma that is Sinbad’s. The boring action sequences and other cast members aren’t helping make the film bearable. bibiramli@nst.com.my

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DVD PICKS: Downey saves the day

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