Janet-4 Reviews

On the Beach (2000 TV Movie)

Better than the Original, really.

[8/10 · 22 January 2006]

I watched the Ava Gardner/Gregory Peck version back in the Sixties on black & white TV. I was just a pre-adolescent at the time, yet the film had a profound effect on me. Now as a much older adult, I rented this newer version by mistake from Netflix, as they sent me the 'updated' version in error. After I got done 'spitting tacks' since I really wanted the 1959 version, I settled in and really enjoyed the 2000 iteration. It is filmed mostly (if not all) in Australia (like the original), yet it is updated with 21st century technology and mentality. They even pay homage to the Coca-Cla bottle sequence. Initially, I was quite ready to write this film off, but after seeing it I am glad I stuck with it. It is a great version, and I think parents must show this to their adolescent children, esp. now with the GW Bush administration at the helm. Very scary all around. BTW, Rachel Ward and Armand Assante are stand-outs! January/2006.

The Terminal (2004)

Terminal Boredom!

[5/10 · 6 July 2004]

I love Tom Hanks and Steven Spielberg - but I expected much more from this stellar team. This implausible story dragged on and on. There were some wonderful moments, albeit too few and too far between. The supporting characters often stole the show, and Ms. Zeta-Jones really didn't need to stretch her acting chops much in this role. The most interesting aspect of this movie was the closing credits with the actual autographs of the actors and principle crew written across the screen. If I had rented this movie, I am sure I would have taken several breaks. Instead, I sat in the dark theatre, checking my Indiglo several times throughout while wondering, will this movie EVER end??? (5 out of 10)

8 Women (2002)

FANTASTIQUE ! ! !

[9/10 · 19 March 2003]

In this time when it may be considered fashionable to bash the French (this is written on the eve of war - the USA against Iraq) I, for one, wish to open a bottle of the best French Champagne to toast this most marvelous film! Merci beaucoup, Monsieur Ozon! This movie is a treat on all levels - sure, it's not for everyone, but if you like musicals, and a plate full of gorgeous GREAT actresses to boot, then - have at it, and enjoy!

The Monkey's Mask (2000)

If You're Looking for Lesbian SEX...

[5/10 · 20 January 2003]

...forget it. You will see lesbian "situations" but NO actual sex. Sorry. Lord knows I was! Kelly McGillis is one very sexy 'older' woman, but in bed, her talents were UNUSED. The story is good, the movie is worth renting for it. But if you are looking for honest-to-God woman-on-woman sex, you will not find it here.

Tipping the Velvet (2002)

Sublime...

[8/10 · 25 October 2002]

I'm glad I read the Sarah Waters novel first, since I had my own pictures of the characters in my head at the time. The ones cast for this production, however, were not at all disappointing - in fact, after I got used to Rachael Stirling as Nan, I think Nina Gold did a damn fine job in the casting department. (Can Keeley Hawes be more delicious?!)

The BBC has done it again: this is a wonderful production of a very good book, and they have done it up in style. If you can get your hands on this (VHS, DVD) be sure to get the 181-minute version (the uncensored one.) It is a marvelous journey, albeit a bit rocky at times, that you won't regret taking.

Dancing at the Blue Iguana (2000)

Very Disappointing....

[2/10 · 17 February 2002]

If you're looking for sleeze, you came to the right place. If you're looking for sex or even a good story, well, you WILL be disappointed. I'm a big fan of Sandra Oh but frankly, she is a much better comedian and I think I like her better with her clothes ON. She ain't much to look at. And for you Jennifer Tilly fans one has to ask: WHY did she take this role? If she is trying to be taken seriously as an actress, this was a bad detour for her. On the other hand, as a screaming and bitchy, substance-abusing and very unhappy woman (and this is not a stretch for her) she pulls it off - but who cares? Who cares about ANY of the women in this film??? Perhaps if it had been written and directed by women, there might have been some empathy and pathos here. Don't waste your time or money on this one. You wanna see a good film? Rent "Bound".

Dancer in the Dark (2000)

BORING!!!

[1/10 · 8 July 2001]

I ADORE Catherine Deneuve BUT..... I cannot figure out for the life of me why she agreed to do this WEIRD film. Bjork? What can I say about the woman who dresses like a clown wherever she roams? (Remember the Swan Dress??) I hated this movie. I bought it from Pay-Per-View and the good news is that I only paid $3.99. Fortunately, I shut it off halfway through so as not to waste another minute of my time. That said, the second half of the film may have some very redeeming qualities. (It would have to have a lot of them, though!!) But I will never know since wild horses could not drag me to see this movie again. I will re-use the video tape for something else far more worthy of keeping.

The Cream Will Rise (1998)

Sophie Ballantine Hawkins has a new fan. Me.

[8 April 2001]

I caught this movie on the Sundance Channel while channel surfing. I missed the 1st ten minutes but I didn't care... I was glued to it until the very end. I was amazed at how talented she is, since I have only heard her 2 hit songs on the radio and they never really did much for me. But now I feel I know her a little better - she is a free spirit, very zany at times, GREAT BOD, writes most of her material, and like all of us she has her share of skeletons in her closet. I can't figure out her sexuality and I would really like to know what her story is (I have an idea) but I guess the PC thing would be to say that "it's nobody's business but her own" blah, blah, blah - a la Jodie Foster. Still, it is a very intriguing side of her. She is a likable enigma. And Gigi Gaston did a terrific job in her first documentary outing. Well worth seeing.

The Green Mile (1999)

Wonderful moments, but altogether implausible.

[7/10 · 18 August 2000]

Tom Hanks is a damn good actor. That said, this movie did not live up to the incredibly good word-of-mouth reviews I'd heard just prior to renting it. I would recommend it, too, but just don't expect the stars. And to anyone who is on the fence in re: capital punishment, after viewing this movie you will surely come out against the death penalty. And as Martha Stewart would say, "That's a good thing."

A Village Affair (1995 TV Movie)

Sophie Ward is 'OUT'

[10/10 · 5 August 2000]

Ever since I read that Sophie Ward came out as a Lesbian in the British press, I have been anxious to see her in this role of a frustrated housewife-cum-lesbian lover (pun intended!) I enjoyed this movie, and I cannot say anymore about it lest I give away the ending. Rent it if you can find it. It's worth the effort.

The Sex Monster (1999)

Not just a man's fantasy....

[9/10 · 15 July 2000]

and it's a damn funny movie (at times) to boot! We've all heard about Mariel Hemingway's bisexual proclivities and this film just adds more fuel to the fire that she seems to want to fan. Fine with me! Mike Binder has made a very enjoyable picture, and I never got bored with it. 97 minutes is just about the right length - any more and he might have lost me.

Madonna: Truth or Dare (1991)

Madonna - Hot as ever!

[9/10 · 24 June 2000]

Wonderfully filmed, this inside look at Madonna's "Blonde Ambition" tour allows the viewer a 'fly on the wall' perspective. Say what you will about Madonna, she is wildly talented. Filmed in black-and-white, the concert footage is in colour and definitely worth the price of admission! A must-see for all Madonna fans.

The Cider House Rules (1999)

Wonderful, Poignant, but Just a Bit Too Long.

[8/10 · 27 February 2000]

What a wonderful film. Michael Caine was marvelous, as usual. Charlize Theron did a great turn as Candy Kendall, and Erykya Badu (sp?) as Rose Rose was surprisingly good in her movie debut. There is little criticism I could offer about this movie other than the fact that it was about 15-30 minutes too long. But that shouldn't deter anyone from seeing it. Just go to the bathroom first since you won't want to miss a minute of it!

Being John Malkovich (1999)

Hilarious!

[9/10 · 30 January 2000]

Not being a big fan of John Malkovich, I had NO desire to see this movie when it first arrived on the scene. But you know how word of mouth works... I was intrigued enough after awhile to finally go. And I am so glad I did! I laughed out loud in many parts - this movie is hysterically funny at times! And if I wasn't a fan of John Malkovich before, well, I now have a "Keener" appreciation for the man.

9/10 stars for the 71/2 floor

Bulworth (1998)

Even Better 2 Years Later.

[8/10 · 15 January 2000]

I saw this movie in the theatre, and have now just watched it again on Cinemax this evening. I loved it then and I love it now - Warren Beatty is a kick-ass son-bitch in it! And Miss Halle Berry is a knock-out great actress!! Watch it, and you will know what this 'cracker' is talking about. BUT, I still did not totally understand the ending of this movie. If anyone wants to e-mail me with their take on it, please feel free. 'Cause after two times through, I still didn't get it - or maybe I am just living by that river in Egypt, 'denial'.

Any Given Sunday (1999)

A Big Disappointment

[4/10 · 13 January 2000]

I love Pacino, I love Ollie Stone, I even love Cameron Diaz - most of all, I love football. So I thought this movie would be THE BOMB! Unfortunately, it was a bunch of quick cuts pasted together furiously, so much so that it was difficult to watch at times. I thought I would be going "inside" pro football, but Stone keeps one on the perimeter throughout. We never really believe that anyone is really what they played: Pacino doesn't convince me that he's a coach, Heston is an ass pretending to be the football commissioner, and Cameron Diaz as the owner of a football team? Please! Now Lawrence Taylor: he did a convincing job as a football player - not much of a stretch for him, though....

Disclosure (1994)

Say What You Will About Demi Moore....

[7/10 · 7 December 1999]

Demi is GORGEOUS!!! She can sexually harass me anytime! But seriously folks, she gives poor Michael Douglas a run for his money in this one - the book (as usual) was better, but the movie is well worth the rental dollars and time spent. (And Demi can ACT, too!)

The Lovers on the Bridge (1991)

It Turns You Off, Then It Draws You In

[8/10 · 7 December 1999]

I must say that Juliette Binoche's performance in this film was extraordinarily good. Her best ever. I just saw it the other night for the first time (Dec. 1999) even though it was made 9 or 10 years before. Much of it came to me AFTER I left the cinema. This movie is DEEP. But even though I was slightly tempted to walk out during the first 10 minutes of the opening, I am glad I stuck with it. I liked this movie, I did. But I'll be damned if I can articulate why. Except to say that ALL the actors were superb, especially Ms. Binoche.

Nevada (1997)

What A Waste of Good Talent!

[2/10 · 29 July 1999]

Kirstie Alley and Kathy Najimy made this movie during a "Veronica's Closet" hiatus - too bad they didn't have anything better to do during their summer vacation! This movie meanders endlessly but barely goes anywhere. I rented this movie because of the cast, who also included Amy Brenneman and Dee Stone. All the actresses in this movie did the best with the material they were handed: it's a puzzlement as to why they elected to go forward with this boring and depressing project to begin with. If you are looking for a great feminist film, this ain't it!

The Matrix (1999)

Loved "Bound" - but Larry & Andy, what happened here??

[5/10 · 11 April 1999]

"The Matrix" is too dark, too long, too tangled and too dumb! But kudos to Carrie-Anne Moss who was about the only bright light here. Although the head "FBI" agent was hilarious, as was Keanu's kickboxing displays.

Bound (1996)

Fabulous, Hot, Sexy and Suspenseful!

[10/10 · 11 April 1999]

Gina Gershon almost looks like she could be Raquel Welch's daughter, and Jennifer Tilly should have gotten her Oscar nod for this movie instead of "Bullets Over Broadway". Both women have a wonderful chemistry, and you cannot help rooting for them. Will they pull off their $2 million heist from the mob? Can two women actually do it, and be in love with each other at the same time? Tune in folks: the Wachowski brothers guarantee a wild ride!

Dolores Claiborne (1995)

Kathy Bates Rules!!

[9/10 · 11 April 1999]

A compelling story and a fabulous cast all-around make for a very good movie. Set in Maine, Stephen King weaves a very interesting story and for once, it's not a scary one! Jennifer Jason Leigh and Christopher Plummer turn in fine performances, and Kathy Bates is fabulous, as usual. Judy Parfitt also gets a special mention.