by Don Wozniak

Jan 25, 2000

This movie had a very good story line and Mel Gibson was very good as the very definition of paranoia. For once, Julia Roberts handled a good role. I haven't been too impressed with her work but she does well in Conspiracy Theory.

I found much of the action to be a bit on the humorous side although I'm not sure it was meant to be that way. There were lots of subtle one-liners.

I would recommend this movie because it is believable and Mel Gibson's acting is superb.

 

by Dennis, from Wind Lake

Jan 25, 2000

"Conspiracy Theory" is a make sure you see movie.

Some do's and don'ts.

Don't go potty once the show has begun! Don't go to the concessionstand! Don't leave your seat under any circumstances!!

Do watch and listen to every word!

The acting is wonderful, and as far as movies go, very believable.At least as suspenseful as "Air Force One".

I think I know who killed ----------, but nobody else who I talkedto picked up on it.

I will see it again! A definite 3++ on a scale of 4.

 

by Mark R.

Jan 25, 2000

I was looking forward to this movie. I was disappointed. Conspiracy Theory, staring Mel Gibson and Julia Roberts is about a taxi driver who has many conspiracy theories which he shares with those individuals unfortunate enough to get into his cab. When one of his theories turns out to be true, he finds his life in danger and can only turn to a reluctent lawyer (played by Julia Roberts). We are to believe that this one man is some how able to outwit a whole gang of government??? meanies. We are also expected to believe that in the midst of an escape attempt by our heroic duo that they would start to get romantic. Conspiracy starts off good but gets routine after an hour and boring after an hour and a half. The ending is so sickeningly sweet, it made me want to puke.

 

by Jason Whyte

Jan 25, 2000

"Conspiracy Theory" had all the makings of a great movie. First of all, it HAD a great story: Mel Gibson as a cabbie who has many theories about world news and the media, and publishes a Conspiracy Theory newsletter. Hence, it gets him into trouble with some really bad people. He is the only person who constantly buys "The Catcher In The Rye" because it is the only book that makes him feel normal.

Then Hollywood stepped in.

Gone is the originality, and in comes sexy Julia Roberts and a formula action picture, and a tacked on ending. Gone is the spirit of story, and in comes the Hollywood scum writing for $$$$$. The script is no longer written, it is thrown around like toilet paper and planned out by Hollywood execs. This will happen. That will happen. The audience will love it. We make more money.

Even if the first hour is great, with Gibson doing a riff of Travis Bickle off "Taxi Driver", there is nothing to remember unlike the world famous "You Talkin' To Me?" speech De Niro did. The last hour and 15 minutes is a boring chase to catch Gibson and Roberts, who is along for the ride. While visually spectacular, nothing in "Conspiracy Theory" is an educated guess. Its an assumption.

Grade: C

Tech Review:

Picture: 5 A feast for the eyes. Color is strong in every scene, black level is fantastic, and the picture is always sparkling. This is a true hit for picture.

Sound: 5 The SDDS soundtrack fully recreates the sound dimensions for real life. When in a theatre, or on the street, or in an office, this whole movie sounds real. I did notice an occasional hiss here and there, but this is a very dynamic soundtrack.

Photography: 5 Richard Donner once again shoots in Panavision, fresh off his terrible 1.85:1 job he did for Assassins. Many hand-held shots, and most shots will suffer really bad on pan-and-scan video transfers. Well, done Donner.

By Jason Whyte

 

by JacquiB

Jan 25, 2000

Unlike the Big Screen Featured Critic, my husband and I thought this movie was great. We almost didn't go because the Featured Critic ripped on it so badly!

This movie has a great mix of suspense, action, humor, and drama. Mel Gibson did an excellent job of portraying someone with an interesting personality--plus he added some humorous one-liners.

Unlike so many cookie-cutter movies these days, this movie was unique and fun. The storyline was creative--it kept us interested for the full 2+ hours. (It didn't seem like 2+ hours, though...)

Maybe some of the conspiracy theories in this movie were ridiculous. Maybe this kind of thing wouldn't happen in real-life. But, hey--it was an entertaining and enjoyable movie! Go see it!

(ps. ...don't always listen to the Featured Critic!)

 

by Casey

Jan 25, 2000

Conspiracy Theory was GOOD! Mel Gibson and Julia Roberts were great, and they had a good chemistry between them too. It was not only full of action, suspense, and thrills, but it also made me laugh, thanks to Mel Gibson. I would call this the best action/adventure movie this summer, The Lost World tagging behind. My rating for Conspiracy Theory: 9.7 out of 10.

 

by George Jobson

Jul 12, 2003

"Conspiracy Theory" teams Julia Roberts with Mel Gibson. Gibson plays a man who is afraid that the government is after him. He's the editor of a newsletter whose fellow subscribers had been killed off. Roberts played the woman who believe him. Roberts is appealing. 

by Scott Jentsch

Nov 10, 2003

Not very memorable, but worth watching nonetheless.