see this movie, see this movie, see this movie!

Rating: 9/10 (4 April 1999)

The above is not just repetition of its own sake, I HAVE seen this film three times in three days. If you haven't rented any of the last year's sci-fi flicks (Lost in Space, Deep Impact, Godzilla, Armageddon), better do it now because after seeing The Matrix they'll look like s**t (Godzilla looks like it anyway, but...).
As any friend can attest, I see a lot of films. I have my own laser disc home theater. I haven't been tempted to see a film twice in the theater since... I think Speed, and that was on account of a girlfriend wanting to see it (no huge Keanu Reeves fan either). Before that I think was T2.
This isn't a review and don't read any comments that are. This sucker does have a story (if maybe a little too thick for older film critics to understand, same as their VCRs) that is spoiled by too much foreknowledge. The rest of its elements (design, cinematography, acting, visual & physical effects, sound, soundtrack, casting, editing, direction) were approached with an absolute love of craft. It might not be a film for all tastes, but for a film lover it is one of the tastiest surprises since John Woo/Hong Kong cinema.
If The Phantom Menace is this year's main course, film lovers please help yourselves to the appetizer. 'Cause, baby, this film rocks!