King of New York (1990)
This crime drama follows a kingpin who wants to run the city and the cops who will try to stop him his way when Christopher Walken would star as Frank White in Abel Ferrara’s King of New York from 1990 also starring Laurence Fishburne, David Caruso, Wesley Snipes, Victor Argo and many other familiar faces.
Now, King of New York is often overshadowed by other crime dramas of the era. But this film’s bold, uncompromising vision and Walken’s electrifying performance make it a standout. Walken delivers a riveting performance as Frank White, a ruthless drug lord recently released from prison, determined to reclaim his throne and dismantle the city’s corrupt establishment. Walken’s portrayal is menacing and charismatic, which drives the film’s energy and mood. This film excels in its depiction of moral ambiguity and urban decay, skillfully blending visceral action with a contemplative look at power and redemption. Ferrara’s direction brings a raw realism that enhances this film’s immersive quality. The supporting cast, including Fishburne, Caruso, and Snipes, provide strong performances that complement Walken’s magnetic lead. The music is the pulse of the story, and its contemporary veneer gives it a timeless appeal.
Ski School (1991)
This sports comedy featured the hottest action on the slopes when Dave Marshak and the misfits of Section 8 would rage all over the mountains in Ski School from 1991 directed by Damian Lee, starring Dean Cameron, Stuart Fratkin, Tom Bresnahan, and Darlene Vogel.
Ski School is a delightfully light-hearted, raunch-com that perfectly captures the laid-back spirit of the 80s fringe comedies filled with waves of amazing, albeit juvenile humor. The movie thrives on its irreverent atmosphere and a predictable but playful storyline. With a mix of slapstick gags, cheeky one-liners, and a generous dose of ski action, that’s all surprisingly well shot and visually impressive. Ski School aims to entertain rather than innovate. Its charm lies in its easy-going vibe and the chemistry among the cast led by Cameron and Fratkin who are so good together. You can tell they get along. They each bring their own level of charisma, and they sell the silly material enough to have fun with the film. There is a wittiness to spots of the crude humor and overall, this movie lands many more laughs than those that fall flat and really Ski School is the perfect watch for those seeking a party and sex fueled escape to the slopes.
Single White Female (1992)
This crime thriller is set in a normal town on a normal street and follows a common girl whose new roommate is about to borrow a few things without asking, her clothes, her boyfriend, and her life in Single White Female from 1992 directed by Barbet Schroeder, starring Bridget Fonda and Jennifer Jason Leigh.
Now this is a taut psychological thriller that delves into the darkness of human infatuation. Leigh delivers a chilling performance as the deranged and unstable roommate, capturing the essence of a character whose outward charm masks a deeply unsettling nature. Her portrayal anchors the film’s suspenseful atmosphere without question. While Fonda provides a solid counterpoint playing it straight as the unwitting victim drawn into this psychological nightmare. The story is serviceable. It doesn’t quite match the level of intensity and range the performances from Leigh and Fonda capture, but it’s filled with suspenseful situations. This film lives in the shadows so there’s an unnerving, ominous atmosphere while the story moves along and sure it tries to do a little too much and maybe doesn’t lean into the sinister psychology of things as much as it could’ve, but Single White Female is still a great entry in the golden age of the erotic thriller.
Airborne (1993)
Next up is a sports drama about a teenager from California who heads out to Ohio where he of course runs into the wrong crowd when he crosses the hockey team in the 1993 rollerblade action-drama Airborne from Rob Bowman. Starring Shane McDermott, Seth Green, Brittney Powell, and Jack Black.
While it doesn’t reinvent the wheel, Airborne is a charming teen sports action-adventure flick that captures the essence of ’90s youth culture and blends it with high adrenaline rollerblading. Airborne’s appeal is certainly driven by its energetic rollerblade sequences and the camaraderie displayed among its young cast during the movie’s quieter moments. This movie doesn’t delve deeply into complex themes but succeeds in delivering an endearing feel-good 90s fueled experience. Its light-hearted narrative and engaging performances, particularly McDermott’s laid-back charm, make it an enjoyable watch for those seeking a nostalgic throwback to ’90s teen comedies. And while it may not be groundbreaking, Airborne takes itself seriously enough to result in a spirited and entertaining film that captures the carefree fun of its era complete with an energetic soundtrack and fun rollerblading action.
The Chase (1994)
Written and directed by this action comedy features a high-speed chase for the border when an escaped convict takes a young woman hostage with a candy bar in 1994s The Chase starring Charlie Sheen, Kristy Swanson, Henry Rollins, Ray Wise and a comedic ensemble of supporting players.
I think The Chase is such an underrated action comedy. Charlie Sheen stars as a charming, bumbling, and quick-witted convict on the run. The film kicks off with Sheen’s audacious escape from a convenience store using a Butterfinger. This leads to a hijacking of a car with its unsuspecting owner, and from there this is a nonstop, comedically chaotic pursuit that blends slapstick comedy with adrenaline-pumping action. Sheen is awesome in this movie with a great balance of charm and roguish humor. Swanson is effective as well. And this film truly thrives on its fast-paced plot and comedic banter, supported by a lively supporting cast including Anthony Kiedis, the ever-reliable Ray Wise, and many others. The Chase is far from groundbreaking but the sense of humor in the writing is so keyed into the story and the characters. This movie just creates a feel-good atmosphere and it’s a textbook definition of 90s escapist cinema.
Higher Learning (1995)
This next film asked you to question the knowledge when students from 49 countries of 6 races, and 2 sexes would all converge on 1 campus in John Singleton’s Higher Learning from 1995 featuring a star-studded cast led by Ice Cube, Michael Rappaport, Omar Epps, Regina King and many, many others.
Now Higher Learning is a powerful drama that explores the complexities of college life through a multifaceted lens. This film’s scope is truly ambitious. It tackles themes of race, politics, social justice, radical mentality, and assault with a raw and unflinching eye. The narrative here is both compelling and confrontational, offering a blunt examination of prejudice and the quest for self-discovery both good and bad. The performances are impressive across the board, with Epps and Rappaport delivering particularly impactful portrayals of their complex characters. Although Rappaport, who is just haunting in this role steals the spotlight. And while Higher Learning occasionally veers into melodrama, it absolutely succeeds in sparking important conversations about the issues facing students and society. This movie’s gripping, thought-provoking, and heartbreaking. And overall, it’s a significant exploration of modern American campus life and its underlying tensions.
Celtic Pride (1996)
Next up is a wild sport comedy about a couple of super fanatics who kidnap the star player from the opposing team to help their home team win a championship in Celtic Pride from 1996 directed by Tom DeCerchio. Starring Daniel Stern, Damon Wayans, and Dan Aykroyd.
Though the plot may seem far-fetched, and the humor more than occasionally veers into the absurd, Celtic Pride is a movie that succeeds in its primary goal: providing a light-hearted and entertaining take on sports fanaticism through a heavily comedic lens. This film’s playful tone and its energetic performances make it a fun, if slightly predictable, comedy. The film thrives on the chemistry between Stern and Aykroyd, who deliver a spirited, high-energy performance as the bumbling yet well-meaning fans. Damon Wayans also adds to the fun with his charismatic portrayal of the kidnapped player who quickly turns the tables on his captors in truly comical fashion. Not all the humor works, but much of it does and the unique appeal in this plot is undeniable. Stern, Aykroyd, and Wayans are a great trio, all go in on these roles for the best. And fans of sports and comedy will find Celtic Pride a nostalgic and amusing look at the lengths to which people will go for their teams.
187 (1997)
Moving along, this next dramatic high school set thriller about a teacher who returns to the job after being stabbed and finds his limits have been pushed and that the wolves must be tamed in 1997s One Eight Seven directed by Kevin Reynolds. Starring Samuel L. Jackson, Kelly Rowan, and Clifton Collins Jr.
To me this movie 100% excels through its raw and unflinching depiction of the challenges faced by educators in tough environments. The film’s dark and realistic tone, combined with Jackson’s compelling lead performance, makes it a memorable and thought-provoking entry in the genre of 90s high school thrillers. Jackson’s excellent here. He delivers a powerful and nuanced performance, capturing the character’s complex blend of empathy, frustration, dissolution, and resolve. His portrayal really drives the film’s emotional pulse, and he makes the audience feel the weight of his character’s moral and personal dilemmas. And it’s great to see Jackson earlier in his career before he started playing himself in everything. But his performance is equally countered by Collins who also delivers a knockout performance. The film does have some pacing issues, and its intense subject matter might be difficult for some viewers, but the film’s powerful message about resilience and hope shines brighter in the face of this plot’s tragedies.
Deep Rising (1998)
This action thriller centers around a group of sea scavengers who board a luxury ocean liner to hijack it but instead run into the gnarliest beast they’ve ever seen in Stephen Sommers Deep Rising from 1998 starring Treat Williams, Famke Janssen, and a supporting cast of familiar faces from the era.
I love this movie. It’s an action-horror adventure that combines high-seas thrills with a delightfully over-the-top supernatural twist. Deep Rising delivers a high-energy mix of suspense, action, and campy humor. Treat Williams brings a sense of charm and bravado to his role, effectively anchoring the film’s more outlandish moments. Famke Janssen kicks ass as well. The special effects, while dated by today’s standards, do offer a fun, spectacle-filled visual experience, particularly in the depiction of the monstrous sea creature that wreaks havoc on the ship. And overall Deep Rising is an entertaining blend of genre elements, from the tension of a heist gone awry to the excitement and chaos of monster mayhem all within the confines of this ship. And while it may not break new ground in the action or horror genres, its playful approach and fast-paced narrative make it a guilty pleasure for fans of ’90s creature features.
Outside Providence (1999)
This 70s set comedy follows a kid from Pawtucket named Tim. Tim and his friends have been busted by the local police one too many times so Tim’s getting sent off to boarding school instead of jail in 1999’s Outside Providence directed by Michael Corrente. Starring Shawn Hatosy, Amy Smart, and Alec Baldwin.
This is a charming coming-of-age dramedy that captures the tumultuous journey of a young man growing up in the 70s. This movie skillfully balances a variety of humor with heartfelt drama, exploring themes of self-discovery, class struggle, and the quest for identity. Hatosy delivers a nuanced performance in the lead, capturing his character’s blend of rebelliousness and vulnerability with a youthful charm. The supporting cast, including Smart and Baldwin, add depth to the story with their engaging portrayals of these everyday characters and this is certainly one of those homey comedies with a lived-in charm. The script overall just provides a nostalgic look at adolescence, punctuated with witty dialogue and a period-appropriate soundtrack. And while Outside Providence does tread familiar territory in its exploration of teenage angst and personal growth, its charm lies in its authentic portrayal of a young man’s journey from delinquency to self-realization.
Anthony J. Digioia II © 2025 SilverScreen Analysis & Movies Never Say Die
