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jbitt
Reviews
La marche de l'empereur (2005)
Picking on an astounding film
I was dazzled by this amazing film done so professionally under conditions beyond belief. It certainly deserves the accolades and popularity it has received.
What is somewhat mystifying is the load of negative comments on this site. First, it must be remembered that the film has different narration (and music, in some cases), depending on the language of the country in which it is seen. I think that the English narration by Morgan Freeman is perfectly fine, along with the music. Apparently, the French did it very differently.
This film is obviously not a pure scientific documentary and is not loaded with facts, figures and other arcane data. Why is that a problem? Nor is it meant to be a "how we did this film" tale. It was made as an observational work with some explanation of what you are seeing. It worked.
The animals were not treated as humans. Those who were disturbed by the "cruelty" of nature should grow up. As to "helping those poor penguins" by feeding or otherwise protecting them from their environment, please go back to school and learn what protecting the environment is all about. The best we can do for them is not to disturb their habitat. How about worrying about what global warming will do do the ice that is integral to their lives? Great film. Ten stars.
The Natural History of the Chicken (2000)
This one will surprise you!
I have seen negative reviews of this very good film elsewhere that were the result of the title "misleading" viewers. While I'll grant that the title is a little quirky (just like the characters), the actual content is so interesting, funny and entertaining that all should be easilly forgiven.
This is a type of documentary, but not a purely scientific study aimed at agriculture majors. There is definitely a point of view, but it is not heavy or negative.
You will never feel the same again about chickens or some of their amazing owners. It will not stop you from eating the birds, except, perhaps, those unfortunate ones raised in today's horrible warehouse "farms." Don't chicken out -- watch this film!
Next Stop Wonderland (1998)
I enjoyed this one in spite of myself.
This film is almost enough to give hope to those of us driven to cynicism about romance. I enjoyed it enough to add it to my collection and to recommend it to others. It is well written and has enough humor and intelligence to offset most reservations about plausibility.
Like some other male reviewers, I do think that our gender is overly portrayed as hopeless losers, but I realize that the film concentrates on the female perspective. It could easily be done in the opposite way. My major objection is to the female lead's incessant smoking. As attractive as she is, I would pass her up because of that horrible habit. That's probably another reason why I'll be watching this enjoyable film alone.
Love Actually (2003)
I wanted to like this film, but...
I'm a sucker for British film and television and I love London (sure wish that I could spend a Christmas there), but there are limits to what I'll tolerate in any country's efforts to sell tickets. To the makers of this "humorous, heart-lifting, holiday love fest," I repeat Cindy Lou Who's question to the Grinch, "Why, Sandy Claus, why?".
Why were a great number of very good actors willing to do this? Why are so many viewer's so enthralled with it? Why didn't the makers know when to stop when the excesses of sappiness and unbelievability had to be so apparent? Why throw in many efforts to shock the viewer when it is so obvious that most of them are pointless?
I was a very big fan of "Four Weddings and a Funeral," but they should stop trying to remake it. There have to be much better films to make, actually.
Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World (2003)
Masterly!
Having read all twenty books in Patrick O'Brian's beloved series, I was both anxious to see this movie and dreading what it might do wreck the books' well-deserved reputation. I was greatly relieved by what I saw. It is a great effort to portray both the characters and the action. Good casting and acting are combined with superior effects to make the viewer believe every second of the story.
It is my understanding that Russell Crowe was responsible for having "Far Side of the World" (the 10th book in the series) selected as the one to do. To avoid offending American audiences, they moved the story from 1812 to 1805 and made the French the only enemies that the British crew faced (we, of course, were fighting the British in 1812). "Master & Commander" was actually the title of the first book in the series.
The only character from the books that come across a little differently that what I would expect is Dr. Maturin. I envisioned more of a younger Anthony Hopkins in the part, but that's not to say that the chosen actor doesn't work just fine in the film. Dr. Maturin, besides being a surgeon and a naturalist, is also a British spy in the books. If more episodes in the "Master & Commander" series are ever made, I would like to see that aspect of the Doctor portrayed.
As for the lack of women in this film, I certainly don't accept that as a valid criticism. There are plenty of women in the books, but they were seldom on board ship during long voyages.
My expectation is that more films about Lucky Jack Aubrey and his crew are unlikely because of high cost and lack of a massive American audience for British historical dramas of high quality. I'm just glad that we got a great effort on this one.
The Royal Tenenbaums (2001)
Oh, no! Another one of those.
I'm beginning to see a pattern here: out-spoken lovers of the massively over-rated pile it on in the early stages of a film's release and trick a few of us who are desperate to see a good film (something that is rarer and rarer) into driving through a snow storm to see it. Burned again.
I didn't like Mr. Anderson's previous works, but surely all of those big-name, talented actors wouldn't sign up for a dud. They did. The ironic thing here is that word-of-mouth will keep enough people away so that the ridiculously high IMDb rating will stick. I'll give it a charitable 6.
Leave It to Beaver (1957)
A good show gone bad
Like so many successful sit-coms, this show stayed on the air far too long and deteriorated. The early years of "Leave It To Beaver" were far superior and featured characters that were fairly believable and interesting. The last few years (the ones that most people remember) turned all of the Cleavers into stereotypes that were almost camp in their characteristics -- June and Ward were always formally dressed and wooden in these episodes. The early Cleavers were much funnier and more endearing. I have to wonder if the writers realized what they were doing to this show.
American Graffiti (1973)
Obviously way under-rated
I cannot believe that this wonderful film is rated so low by IMDB users, especially considering some of the "art film" crap that is in the top 250. It deserves to be at least in the top 25. Perhaps the film's apparent simplicity causes people to overlook the great story-telling and capturing of a time and place. Or maybe it is the unfortunate "connection" to tv's "Happy Days" and the poor sequel. This all leaves me dazed and confused.
Alice's Restaurant (1969)
An embarrassment to the 60s
I made the mistake of buying the recently released DVD of this film and will probably give it away at the next opportunity. As a child of the 60s, I was hoping that it would evoke some nostalgia. Instead it evoked wonder that Arthur Penn would ever have generated this mess. Poor writing and acting more than offset any charm that might be found in it. It almost makes me yearn for Billy Jack. I still like the song.
Traffic (2000)
Wouldn't have gotten too much notice in a better film year
I was hoping that this film would turn out to be a masterpiece because I watched some of it being done in the building I work in here in Columbus. However, I would have to give it just a 7 out of 10. It says a lot about the poor film output year of 2000 that many seem to think that "Traffic" is so outstanding.
I have no problems with the techniques that were used. It's the believability factor that is lacking. A film of this type must rank very high in that factor, but several aspects had me cringing. One was the treatment of the DEA agents -- I cannot believe that even an agency as questionable as theirs would be so inept. Second was the Judge and his family -- I just couldn't accept him being in his position and his daughter being so plainly stupid.
Perhaps this film tried to bite off way too much. The drug issue has many angles, far too many for one film (that is also supposed to be entertaining). There was one good story for a better film in there; maybe someone will pick it out and try again.
State and Main (2000)
Did I miss something?
Add me to the apparently small group that can't understand the rave reviews of this highly disappointing film. Aside from some clever running gags, there is little to like. As an insider's view of the film industry, "S&M" (not necessarily a coincidence) can't hold a candle to "The Player," a very good film.
How did Mr. Mamet get quality actors to sign on to this second-rate sit-com? Was it just his name? Do they enjoy reciting awkward dialog and portraying canned characters? Surely the big money wasn't there for this small production.
I wanted to laugh, but this film wouldn't let me. 5 out of 10.
The Snowman (1982)
Just plain excellent
This work stands up there with the original "Fantasia" for animated excellence. Beautiful artwork, memorable music and a simple but interesting story all come together for children and adults. It's a must for holiday season regular viewing. My tape is wearing out, so I'm looking at getting the DVD. However, something called "Father Christmas" has been added to the DVD, and nobody has anything good to say about that one. Don't let that stop you from seeing "The Snowman" -- it is the real thing, a 10.
What Women Want (2000)
Well, duh!?
Obviously, what the majority of women want is the attention of a guy with the looks of Mel Gibson (with a little charm and a dash of sensitivity thrown in). I enjoyed this movie to a point, but it seems like they're gilding the proverbial lily when you give a guy like Mel the additional gift of reading minds -- (wouldn't every male like to have that one?). I think that the part should have gone to an actor with far less looks and that the part should have been more macho.
As for chemistry, I definitely disagree with those who say that Mel and Helen lacked it -- I think that it was the strongest part of the film. As for what men want, I'd be thrilled with Helen Hunt.
Frank's Place (1987)
Very Sadly Missed
"Do you know what it means to miss New Orleans?" asks the theme to this excellent program. I have never been to New Orleans, but I really miss this show. It is one of the great tragedies of American television that it was on so briefly. Great writing, characters and direction are not enough, I guess. I've heard and read that it was "ahead of its time," whatever that really means. I would very much like to get a copy of every episode.
Small Time Crooks (2000)
Big time disappointment
I wish this really was Woody coming back to his glory days style of the 70s and 80s, but I have to say "the Emperor has no clothes" in this effort. Forced dialog, few jokes that work, and really unbelievable situations are the rule here. Please, Woody, come up with better work than this film or retire while our memories of you are still golden.
The Silent Partner (1978)
Clever story with a great bad guy!
If you like your bad guys evil and believable, see Christopher Plummer do his thing in this entertaining film. The plot is very well conceived and the setting in Toronto is perfect. A word of warning to the sensitive -- watch out for a very attractive woman's encounter with a fish tank.
Robin and Marian (1976)
Very romantic and believable!
This film got little attention when released, but should definitely be given a chance. It rates high on romance, good performances and interesting plot. Although Robin and Marian were most probably mythical characters, I found their treatment in this film to be much more believable than most others. Fans of Sean Connery and/or Audrey Hepburn will be pleased.