1994 was a great year for cinema. “Pulp Fiction” (one of my Top 5 favorite films) & “Natural Born Killers” brought the public’s attention to Quentin Tarantino. Tom Hanks won his second Oscar for “Best Actor” in the award-winning film, “Forrest Gump.” Disney’s “The Lion King” became the highest-grossing animated film of the year. Jim Carrey starred in three successful comedies, “Dumb and Dumber,” “The Mask,” & “Ace Ventura: Pet Detective” made him an A-Lister.
Other greats things happened.
- My fifth favorite actress, Dakota Fanning was born.
- Majin Buu made his debut in the “Dragon Ball Z” manga series.
- Shonen Jump published a manga series titled, “Rurouni Kenshin.”
- OutKast released their debut album, “Southernplayalisticadillacmuzik.” That’s a mouthful!
- Beastie Boys’ “Ill Communication” earned huge praise for their songs, “Sabotage” & “Sure Shot.”
- Fox Kids aired “Spider-Man: The Animated Series. Introducing a new generation of Marvel fans including me.
- Sony made their first console, “PlayStation.”
One film in particular introduced my second favorite actress, Natalie “Nat” Portman made her acting debut at a young age in “Leon: The Professional.” Released in 1994, (same year The Crow came out) the film earned praise from critics and movie goers alike. It’s a darn shame Nat didn’t get an Oscar for “Best Actress.” Thankfully, she earned it for “Black Swan.” Speaking of Nat, her upcoming film titled, “May December” will stream on Netflix on December 1, 2023. As a fan of Ms. Portman, I wanna share my thoughts on her film debut.
This review contains no SPOILERS. I’m giving you a chance to see this gem.
Bullseye & Miss Qualities
Bullseye: Jean Reno, Natalie “Nat” Portman & Gary Oldman all did an excellent job for their respective performances.
Luc Besson (The Fifth Element) did a fantastic job directing. He also wrote the script.
Action Sequences are really good. It’s got some gunshots and a stealth. I bet Hideo Kojima took inspiration for this film for Solid Snake (from Metal Gear Solid) to rely on stealth. Rather than shooting every single soldier like “Rambo” out on the open. Hideo’s also a major cinephile.
Eric Serra (Goldeneye, The Fifth Element) orchestrated the soundtrack. Remember that drum sound from “Goldeneye” and the N64 video game? It’s often used. Maybe, Martin Campbell’s a fan of Leon: The Professional. He must’ve hired Eric to orchestrate the soundtrack. I’m Mr. Serra credit for encouraging Martin to hired him to make an awesome soundtrack for Goldeneye. Makes me wanna replay the N64 game too. I miss my childhood.
Sting’s “Shape of my Heart” is played during the End Credits. Originally, the original theme song was, “The Experience of Love.” Plans were scrapped, upon realizing it has implications on “baby making music.” I’m glad that didn’t happen. Could’ve been really awkward. At least the aforementioned was used in Goldeneye. Acceptable for James Bond & Natalya Simonova’s chemistry.
Cinematography didn’t have any technical problems.
Chemistry between Leon & Matilda serves as the main highlight. As the film progresses, they form a close bond. Thank goodness Leon’s doesn’t act creepy towards her. Actually, Matilda has the hots for him. I think it’s fine. Because most kids have a crush on a grown up. Wasn’t done in bad taste.
Primary Themes are Friendship, Loss, Corruption & Revenge. Each one’s handled carefully.
I know it’s Nat’s debut, this marks the first time she cries. It became her signature trademark. A lot of famous people are known for their specific trademark.
- Denzel Washington – Plays a badass
- Tom Hanks – Peeing
- Johnny Depp – Quirky characters
- Brad Pitt – Loves to eat
- Owen Wilson – Saying, WOW!
- Renee Zellweger – Squints
- Terry Crews – Flexing his pecs
- Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson” – Raises one eyebrow
- Christian Bale – Losing and gaining weight
- Kate Winslet – Often butt-naked
- Sarah Paulson – Screaming and crying
- Christina Ricci – Sarcastic delivery
Although an action crime-thriller, there are a few Funny Moments. My favorite joke is this bit. “Stop saying okay all the time, Okay?” Now that’s way funnier than these unfunny comedies from 1994.
- Blank Check
- North
- The Little Rascals
- Camp Nowhere
- Richie Rich
- The Flintstones Movie
- Baby’s Day Out
- Junior
- In the Army Now
- Clifford
- It’s Pat
- Little Giants
- 3 Ninjas Kick Back
- Mixed Nuts
Matilda often watches the original “Transformers.”
Bjork’s “Venus as a Boy” is used during a montage sequence. Although I’m not a big fan of the singer, I thought it was unique to use a song for Leon’s workout.
Norman’s infamous line became a meme. “Bring me everyone…” “EVERYONE!” He’s not the only Norman known for memorable lines solidified as memes. “Norman Osborn/Green Goblin. Cue this line. “You know, I’m something of a scientist myself.”
Miss: I couldn’t find nothing wrong. I’m giving Luc and his crew an Extra Point for making a flawless film as possible.
The Final Verdict: A, FOR APEX!
Leon: The Professional is one of my favorite films from 1994 along with Pulp Fiction, The Lion King, “True Lies,” “The Crow” & Natural Born Killers. If you haven’t seen Natalie Portman’s acting debut, it’s a must-see.
Nickthemoviecritic.com 