Elizabethtown 2005

5/5

This is a movie about people, relationships, and not being what you think you are or should be. If you're looking for action or excitement or shooting, stay far, far away. If you like good characterization, an engaging, enduring, and realistic story, and people that can grow to care about, this one's for you. Although I thought that this movie would be predictable, something else happened every single time I thought I knew what was going to. Some parts are slow, but never boring. Several scenes had me in tears, and not the ones that I thought would get to me, but others that caught me out of the blue. Although at first Dunst's character seemed a little too quirky and Bloom's a little too depressed to be good, it all adds up in the end without seeming forced or too pat. The only thing I wish they had done was tie up some of the loose ends (such as what happened with the father's scheme in the past that has his mother in such a tizzy) but then there are some things about your family that you just never find out. I also wish the movie had gone on longer, which tells me just how good it was.

Over the Hedge 2006

5/5

This was one movie I was dying to see and very disappointed that I missed its brief theater run. And it didn't disappoint when I finally saw it; it was just as cute and funny as I had hoped. If you've read the comic strip you'll recognize much of the smart, snappy, biting dialog (the SUV crack shown in the previews is only the tip of the iceberg) which the voices match perfectly. I can't say enough good things about the voice talent, every single one is absolutely perfect for the character. I highly recommend watching the extras on the DVD as well, Bill Shatner hamming it up at the mike then wondering out loud why they chose him to play the drama-queen possum dad is worth a good belly laugh on its own. This film is highly, highly recommended for children and adults of all ages with a sense of humor and only gets better with subsequent viewings.

Swing Time 1936

1/5

I love Fred and Ginger (together or apart) and classic musicals in general, but this movie just plain bored me to death. Unlike my personal favorite "Top Hat", this film doesn't have a coherent narrative story or much dancing, which is surprising considering who's in it. Some of the snappy dialog is amusing, but there's more wrong than right with this film. The second dance number doesn't seem to match the music that's playing, and that's when I turned it off. I'll go watch "Top Hat" or "Shall We Dance", thank you. Don't know that I'll ever figure out why this one is considered their best.

The Shop Around the Corner 1940

5/5

Despite this being a well-known story, I have to admit that some of the plot points took me by surprise, mostly the subplot regarding the store's owner. The acting is absolutely outstanding by everyone, with a richness and depth to the entire film that is sadly lacking in many new romantic comedies (including the newest remake which I saw and didn't care for despite being a huge Tom Hanks fan). The only mildly bad thing I could say about the film was the implausibility of the heroine taking to her bed after being stood up by her pen pal, but I bought it despite a moment's doubt. Margaret Sullavan looks a bit tired and stressed in a few scenes, but her chemistry with Stewart and the other actors is smooth and real. And Jimmy Stewart gives, as always, a fine and flawless performance where the looks he gives Sullavan's character behind her back speak volumes. This is one of those films that every aspiring filmmaker should be required to watch before getting behind a camera--this is how it's done.

Beauty Shop 2005

3/5

Though predictable, this movie is worth seeing mostly for the cast and acting. Trust me, ladies, just the shot of Djimon Hounsou sweaty without his shirt on is worth renting this! On top of that, the rest of the cast is dead-on, and Queen Latifah is one of the most charismatic actors of her generation. The overall story could be better with more serious ups and downs and I'd have preferred it if they'd followed through on some of the sub-plots, but this is still a very cute and viewable movie. As a white person who has worked with 90% African-Americans, I very much identified with those parts of the film and felt that they were handled very realistically (although Alicia Silverstone's character tried far too hard to fit in). Be sure to watch the gag reel, there's some VERY funny moments from cast & crew there.

Broadway Melody of 1940 1940

4/5

As a fan of old musicals, I can safely say that this is a good 'un. I barely noticed that it was in b/w, though I did at one point wonder why the stage had a mirrored floor when it was supposed to be live on Broadway, but I digress. Fred and Eleanor are in fine form and though they only do three dances together, it is worth watching the whole movie for them. The last two, in particular, are absolutely stunning to watch. The supporting cast and story are good as well, even in the usual "let's put on a show" musical formula. Worth noting in particular is Frank Morgan (the Wizard in "The Wizard of Oz") and his fur cape subplot, which was very amusing and helped hold the movie together. There is a bit of a surprise at the end which had both of us laughing in delight. Overall, one of the better musicals and definitely one to see if you're a fan of the genre. 

Tristan & Isolde 2006

4/5

I didn't know a lot either about the movie, Wagner's opera, or the legend before seeing this movie, but having heard a lot of mixed reviews I was curious about it. I'm so very glad I decided to see it for myself because despite some small problems, this is a beautiful movie with stunning music, excellent acting, and very realistic characters that I found myself really caring about. I'm not sure why James Franco got such bad reviews, his character seemed to be a very quiet, reserved man when not in a battle and I thought that he did a great job showing how this laid-back personality fell hopelessly in love with a woman he couldn't have and then tried to hide it when he had to. Sophia Myles was just perfect as the Princess Isolde, both fiery and regal, aware of her responsibilities yet daring to take chances to have the love she longed for. Also worth special mention was Rufus Sewell (I loved him in "Dark City") as the sympathetic wanna-be King of the Britons, Tristan's foster-father and Isolde's eventual husband. You see the tragedy coming, but it does not play out the way you might think. This is one to see and make up your own mind on if the subject matter is of interest to you. It loses one rating star for the choppy, rather confusing fight scenes.

Far from Heaven 2002

3/5

Despite the outstanding performances, cinematography, and sets, there was one scene in this movie that just totally threw me out of their world and back into mine. It's right near the beginning where Moore's character is crying behind the bushes and the gardener comes up--I found the entire situation completely unbelievable and it really did ruin the "feel" of the movie for me. That said, I continued to watch it for the electric and believable chemistry between Moore and Haysbert; I had no problem believing that they fell in love (and was rooting for them despite knowing it was unlikely in that time). If you like this movie, read Thomas Tryon's novel "Lady" which deals with a very similar issue with a better and more believable story.

Needful Things 1993

3/5

I vaguely remember watching this when it first came out, because after "The Shining" (1980) I was very iffy regarding movies made from King's books. I've been reading King's novels since “Carrie” in 1973 and, other than "Gerald's Game", "Pet Semetary", & "Desperation", I've loved everything of his. But I learned fast that unless King wrote the screenplay (and not even then) any movies made from his novels was likely to be a piece of junk. Over the years I only remembered that I didn't care for the movie, but forgot way. After reading the novel again just recently, I figured I may as well watch the darn thing again and see why I hadn't liked it. For me, the movie turned me off the moment you meet Nettie and Polly in the "The Spot" diner instead of "You Sew and Sew", and see that "Needful Things" is a huge house with a verandah and all instead of a small ordinary storefront--both of which were so important in the novel. However, I was soon enthralled by the performances, especially Amanda Plummer as Nettie--what perfect casting (although I did laugh out loud when she called Raider--played by a beautiful Rottweiler--a "sweet little puppy" like in the book, where Raider was a small mutt). Her being the only one doing a Maine accent was a bit odd and noticeable, but she certainly isn't in there long! Everyone else in the movie is outstanding as well, even Ed Harris whose heart doesn't seem to be in it until the end, when he makes up for it. Max Von Sydow has a great time chewing the scenery and being evil, and both he and Bonnie Bedelia seem to enjoy their brief (and unnecessary) love scenes. Overall, I wish that they had stuck to King's novel more and made this a 6 or 8 hour miniseries like "The Stand". It's too big of a story to hammer out in two hours, even after chucking half the original characters. It's not bad as a visual aid to the book if you've read it, and probably quite good if you haven't. But take it from me, read the book instead of watching the movie if you have a choice.

Suspicion 1941

4/5

A very well-made Hitchcock with a weak script. I can't fault the directing, acting, editing, costume, or sound, but there were several parts of the story that either had me scratching my head or going "oh, come on!" Despite these flaws, I found this an engrossing and enjoyable movie for fans of the genre. No wonder Fonatine won an Oscar, you can't take your eyes off of her; and what more needs be said about Cary Grant that hasn't already been?