debbieesther Reviews

Sessions (1991– )

Billy Crystal is the Greatest, even behind the camera

[6 July 2002]

I recorded all but one of the 6 episodes of this mini-series and I could just kick myself for not having them all! It's the hilariously funny, and touchingly poignant story of a 40-something lawyer, Dan Carver, attempting to come to terms with his role as husband, father, son and quite simply as a man, with the aid of analysis. It is in fact, the story of the everyman with the lid blown off but treated in a very funny, tasteful manner.

Billy Crystal wrote, along with Fred Barron, as well as produced this mini-series and the viewer gets the idea that it's perhaps Crystal himself who is asking the questions and seeking the answers to 'what does it all mean?' (Crystal's own fetching daughter Jennifer even plays Dan's teenage daughter.) Of the major roles, the formidable Michael McKean plays Dan, Linda Kelsey plays his patient, intelligent wife, a wife any man would cut his arm off to have in fact, and Elliott Gould, in one of his finest roles, is Dan's analyst. It's perfect casting all around, especially Gould, who is totally believable as the wise, affable shrink that even the least forthcoming patient could bare their soul to. If you're an Elliott Gould fan, (and I'm an ENORMOUS fan), you'll savor his laid-back charm and thespian acumen. But you're left wanting more, to see what makes the analyst tick, to know what he's thinking, to see how his life is outside his comfortable office.

The show is innovative and daring in its honesty and deals primarily with sensitive family issues, death and sex. Parents may want to keep those certain episodes from younger viewers.

Billy Crystal again proves why he is an entertainment institution and one can only wish he had made many more 'Sessions' than just six!

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone (2001)

Go for the kids

[9/10 · 27 December 2001]

After having just seen "Lord of the Rings", my judgement was clouded in the wake of the awesomeness of the special effects of the Tolkien story. I couldn't help but compare the two, but Harry Potter was fun, even though I found the young actor VERY wooden. Why did the director tolerate the soulless smiling and lifeless eyes from young Daniel? It's as if they were looking for that exact factor in the title role. He seemed like he was totally intimidated by the project he was involved with. He started to warm up toward the end, and unlike most films, Harry Potter got better as it rolled along. The most touching scene was the one where Harry sees his parents in the mirror and the chess game was mind-blowing. All the other actors were terrific, and I love the great English actors on hand, Richard Harris, Maggie Smith, and my favorite of all time Alan Rickman!!

See the film but make sure to read the book first!

Ocean's Eleven (2001)

11 reasons to see Ocean's 11

[10/10 · 12 December 2001]

And in no particular order;

No. 1 - Elliott Gould's comic timing

No. 2 - Elliott Gould's wardrobe

No. 3 - Elliott Gould's screen presence

No. 4 - Elliott Gould's specs

No. 5 - Elliott Gould's jewelry

No. 6 - Elliott Gould's talent

No. 7 - Elliott Gould's voice

No. 8 - Elliott Gould's best role in recent memory

No. 9 - Elliott Gould's chest hair

and No. 10 - because Elliott Gould's wonderful, period.

No. 11 - oh yeah, I almost forgot, go see it for the rest of the cast too.

Rounders (1998)

I love gambling movies, but this doesn't make my top 20

[18 July 2001]

I had heard it was great with fine performances. But I found it dull, way too long in certain scenes and with the exception of Matt Damon who is subtle and controlled, the other players were just too damn mannered. Particularly Malkovitch who usually always overdoes it, but it's important to have actors like that, too. He's fun to watch, but Ed Norton once again proves that, although he's a fine actor, he is a bit over-rated. His constant mugging is just annoying and as an ex-con, he's too sure of himself. I was hoping for more anxiety and real energy at the tables, in the relationships between gambling buddies, and between enemies, the director aspired to this, I'm sure, but seemed to peter out after the first half hour.

Unless you're an unconditional fan of any member of this normally interesting cast, don't bother with "Rounders", unless you've got nothing better to do.

If you're looking for a good gambling movie, check out the brilliant "California Split" from Robert Altman.

Das Boot (1981)

One of the best war films ever!!!!

[13 July 2001]

This movie left me reeling, the style of the filming, the direction, the acting which is stupendous and more than anything, the absurdist irony at the end. One of the typical scenes from this picture, when Jurgen Prochnow and his men torpedo the enemy, you would expect a triumphant cheering all around but after the intitial seconds the men see themselves as their present victims, and with nothing to cling to but a shread of hope in the confines of their underwater hell. The viewer is gathered into this hell to witness that the countless tragedies of this "last good war" each had his own private nightmare. What moved me was to think of what the Russians in last October's tragedy lived through and how they died. If you find it hard to really empathize with such matters see a film like "Das Boot". You'll never think even of a submarine in the same light as before. Let alone what goes through a young man's mind and heart during war.

Medusa's Child (1997 TV Movie)

Edge of the seat suspense

[19 March 2001]

Even though this teevee movie is as predictable as they come, the mad scientist, the fearless pilots, the smart, tough as nails, but beautiful broads, the foolish military leaders and the honest, human president, you won't be disappointed with the heart-stopping suspense, great special effects and above all, the dynamite acting.

Wall Street (1987)

Terrifically over-rated

[15 March 2001]

Almost 15 years after this movie came out, I finally sit down to watch it to kill a couple of hours and see what all the fuss was about. Like many of the movies Oliver Stone makes, this one has a personal element to it, Stone's father was in the stockbroking business so he's got a sentimental stake in it, certainly with the father-son story line. But it's a pity that Stone couldn't have made the film in a mode that would have let it hold up better, it's pathetically dated, right down to the 80's kitchen gadgets and zeroing in on the steak tartare menu, (symbolic for the chew 'em up and spit 'em out philosophy of the 198Os.) Michael Douglas, who I usually can't stand, does however give a knockout performance, as does Martin Sheen and son Charlie. The scenes these two have together are fabulous. In a smaller role is James Spader as Bud's lawyer and it's perfect casting all the way. But other than that, this movie, despite a good story, is hokey and laughably preachy. To poke fun at.

Conspiracy: The Trial of the Chicago 8 (1987 TV Movie)

An innovative TV movie that should be required viewing

[2 March 2001]

Required viewing for all American History students should be the rule. Thanks to the great actors, Mickael Lembeck, Elliott Gould, Peter Boyle, Brian Benben, and all the others, this film takes you back to when America's youth set out to made a statement and when they really believed they could change the world..... and didn't we in some ways???

Getting Straight (1970)

See it!

[31 August 2000]

Too bad Richard Rush doesn't make more movies. He's got a fantastic style, as can be seen in the more recent "The Stunt Man" and this movie should have retained a "classic" status. Set in the campus riot era, Harry Bailey only seeks to fulfill his dream of becoming a teacher, molding another Salinger and making enough to live on. He can't be bothered with the idealistic ravings of his younger friends and fellow students until he see "it's not what you do that counts, it's what you are". Check out this totally superb performance of Elliot Gould's. Even if you find the movie dated and somewhat silly, Gould is extraordinary. Unfortunately Candy Bergen has about one decent scene, the rest of the time her acting is very trying. The rest of the actors are right on though, especially a very young Harrison Ford.

Gladiator (2000)

Not bad, but No Braveheart

[17 July 2000]

The photography was one of the more interesting things to see in this film, the battle scenes were almost surrealistic and refreshing in the lack of blood and gore. It's enough that we imagine it. Russell Crowe is fine in this role but I really hope he doesn't become some new Stallone/Schwarzeneggar type of action hero now. It was just the next step that they make a gladiator movie but the latter half did drag, I still say that Braveheart was much more compelling mainly because it was about a real person and Maximus lacked that little bit of humor necessary to make his character really human. Richard Harris was wonderful to see. I'd go to see it again just to admire his acting.

Stuart Little (1999)

A delight from start to finish

[17 July 2000]

I don't know what gripes anybody might have had with this lovely film, but don't listen to them, just believe ME, this movie has the most engaging characters and is a joy for everyone at any age. You'll leave the movie wishing you had a Stuart Little of your own.