It’s Never Too Early To Start Picking Oscar Contenders

Sun., Oct. 15, 1995

By Dan Webster danw@spokesman.com

So ask yourself this: If you had to choose the top Oscar contenders right now, who would they be?

Tough choices, eh?

Over the next couple of months, we’ll be assaulted both by Hollywood’s final entries in the 1995 Oscar sweepstakes and those that have already played theatrically and are now just coming out on video.

This comes to mind courtesy of “Rob Roy” (see capsule review below), which features a superb supporting performance by the always-good Tim Roth. Roth, whose preference is for independent films such as “Pulp Fiction” and “Vincent & Theo,” was also good in “Little Odessa.”

But his best bet is probably here, in the supporting category.

As for the top categories, I can’t think of one notable Best Actor performance - unless you insist on nominating Clint Eastwood for “The Bridges of Madison County.” Since “Bridges” may attract a Best Picture nod, a Best Director nomination may be deserved, too.

But the only Best Acting nomination from the film belongs to Meryl Streep. Another solid Best Actress choice: Nicole Kidman, for “To Die For.”

The rest of the field is a mystery, although Sandra Bullock was sweeter than words in next week’s release, “While You Were Sleeping.”

For now, we’ll stick with Roth. He provided “Rob Roy” its black well of dark fun.

Rob Roy ***

First told as a 1954 Disney adventure, this updated version of the Walter Scott-dramatized, real-life character boasts several strengths. Those include the scenic highlands of Scotland, Liam Neeson as the Scottish clan chieftain Robert Roy McGregor and Jessica Lange as his loyal wife. But the real treat is Tim Roth (“Pulp Fiction”) as an effete-if-deadly swordsman. The plot involves McGregor, a man of honor, being cheated by the local nobility (John Hurt), branded an outlaw and forced to fight to restore his good name. His struggle is notable because of the complex array of bad guys he faces - Hurt, Brian Cox and, especially, Roth. Rated R.

Casper ***

Beginning as just another “Ghostbusters” variation, this children’s film about the comic-book “friendly little ghost” becomes a beguiling exploration on loneliness, loyalty and love. It stars Bill Pullman (“While You Were Sleeping”) and Christina Ricci (“The Addams Family”) but features the title character and his trio of special-effects spirit buddies who are, in turn, obnoxious and annoying but ultimately charming. Rated PG.

Destiny Turns on the Radio *

If there is one thing that this quirky little mystery proves, it’s that Quentin Tarantino is a genius - as a director. As a performer, he is the biggest stiff since Rondo Hatton (and if you want further evidence, just wait for his cameo in “Desperado”). Dylan McDermott, Nancy Travis and James LeGros - capable performers all - get lost in what is meant to be a fable about the magical qualities of, believe it or not, Las Vegas. Rated R.

Tommy Boy **

“Saturday Night Live” stars Chris Farley and David Spade prove to be a credible team in this occasionally funny, often stupid, comedy about the son (Farley) of an auto-parts manufacturer (Brian Dennehy) who tries to save the company with the help of his childhood nemesis (Spade). Whatever appeal former stars Bo Derek and Rob Lowe once had is nowhere on display here. Rated PG-13.

, DataTimes MEMO: This sidebar appeared with the story: WHAT’S NEW TO VIEW Now available: “Casper” (MCA/ Universal), “Destiny Turns on the Radio” (HBO), “Rob Roy” (MGM/ UA), “Friday” (New Line), “Tommy Boy” (Paramount), “Village of the Damned” (MCA/Universal) Available on Tuesday: “Panther” (Polygram), “Tales From the Hood” (HBO), “The Perez Family” (Hallmark), “While You Were Sleeping” (Touchstone)

This sidebar appeared with the story: WHAT’S NEW TO VIEW Now available: “Casper” (MCA/ Universal), “Destiny Turns on the Radio” (HBO), “Rob Roy” (MGM/ UA), “Friday” (New Line), “Tommy Boy” (Paramount), “Village of the Damned” (MCA/Universal) Available on Tuesday: “Panther” (Polygram), “Tales From the Hood” (HBO), “The Perez Family” (Hallmark), “While You Were Sleeping” (Touchstone)