Affliction

Again, noble intentions go down for the count. The main storyline of this film, the ripple effects of an abusive family life, is (sadly) too routine to break new ground, and the presentation is too lethargic to hold the interest of the average viewer. There are hints of a more interesting movie in the subplot, about an apparent murder mystery--star Nick Nolte certainly seems more engaged by that storyline--but that subplot remains peripheral throughout. The idea was better than the execution.

The Thin Red Line

Wow--they made Guadalcanal boring. Almost a twin to Saving Private Ryan--another ponderous, pretentious WWII epic that had virtually no real story to speak of. Oh well--at least it looked nice.