pc95
For cinema in general, even if a story is derivative or clichéd, good writing can sometimes bolster an average or even sub-par story. Take director Herbert Ross's "True Colors" staring 2 young and talented actors of that 1991 year, John Cusack and James Spader. You can sniff out the storyline from a mile away. It lacked surprise and is utterly predictable. Even so, it doesn't matter because despite this, the filmmakers and actors keep it interesting with good lead and supporting performances, and fairly good dialog and acting. Top punchline in dialog was the saying about "morning dew" - if you see the movie you'll know. Still, there is some cheese on sound in the stodgy old 90s era Jazz background, and the 80s materialism and hairdos. Overall though I liked Spader and especially Cusack who were a great pairing and full of energy. Good Movie - 7/10 Recommended.
DICK STEEL
This should be my "John Cusack" holiday weekend, with 2 DVDs rented starring the actor. Earlier, I had reviewed one of his earlier works when he was a teenager - Better Off Dead, and here, I'd think it probably is his first role as a slimeball.John Cusack and James Spader (Sex, Lies and Videotape) play two friends, Peter Burton and Tim Gerrity, from Law School, and chronicles their friendship. They hit it off from a small automobile accident (pardon the pun), and progressed from minor adversaries, to best of friends. Until Peter's ambition gets the better of him, as he aims to become Congressman in 10 years.From the start, we see a flip side to Peter's goody-two-shoes character. He always has something to hide, and has an ulterior motive to things that he does. He tells little white lies to get his way, and has a siege mentality that it's always him versus Them. He gets envious of Tim's seemingly good life, and coverts Tim's girlfriend Diana, who is the daughter of a Senator. And thus begins the Kane and Abel like story, of betrayals, and counter betrayals between the two men.Peter gets involved with the mob in his bid to become elected, while Tim, working for the Justice Department, volunteers himself to get the dirt on Peter. It's always about the girl, or is it? And as Tim puts it aptly, only somebody close to you, can do the most damage. They know your secrets, and best of all, they have your trust. It's true though, if you think carefully about it, the best person to ruin you (reputation, etc), is none other than the person you trust the most. Again, looking at the two characters, there is no right or wrong, it all depends on the methods one uses to achieve one's goals.It's also an interesting look at the shady dealings of politics, of allegiances made because of donations or help to campaign funding, of owing favors to those who voted in favor of you. Things are never that simple, and the mantra shared by both characters are, so long as you don't get caught.John Cusack has got this charismatic charm, and in this film, uses it well as he seeks to become a politician (you have to have charisma as you deliver those speeches). James Spader too holds his own, as the naive Tim, who slowly discovers betrayal, and decides to turn the tables against the hunter. Fans of John Cusack, you must catch this! Code 1 DVD is the bare bones version, aside from the usual audio and scene selections.
DTL
True Colors is certainly not a classic, but it is worth a look, Having seen it years ago I have always considered it one of those mini discoveries. A little film that I enjoyed that most people were not aware of. Viewing it now I still enjoyed the relationship between Cusak and Spader. We all know that politicians are scum and that the government is always at work for US, so NOTHING about this film or the morals of the people in it should surprise. What is a bit amusing is the fact that the film makers wish us to believe that Spader and the Justice Department have integrity. This is quite laughable.My advice is to enjoy the concept and the journey these people take to achieve power.
Skyway
John Cusack is one of my favorite actors of all time, and James Spader has some talent as well, but this movie, from the "shoot-me-in-the-head-before-I-vomit-my-brains-out" opening theme, through the first half hour (which was all I could stand, and I sat through "Hunk" when it came out in the theater), was one huuuuuuge disappointment.
