giraffe173 Reviews

Hustle (2004–2012)

When it's good, it's very, very good...

[7/10 · 10 July 2006]

but when it is bad it is trite, clichéd, and reminiscent of something better. I enjoy this show. The characters are fun, the twists are (usually) good. When it is at its best, you never see the turns coming. You get inspired and might even want to try a con yourself. I love the way the characters wink at us, the observers. I like the interactions and the relationships that they have built. But occasionally I watch and I know that I have seen this con before, in some movie or book, where it was done better. And occasionally the writers have tried so hard to come up with a surprise twist that you cannot help but see it a mile away.

So, when it is good, it is very, very good. And luckily this is most of the time, because this show is fun, and I enjoy enjoying it.

White Oleander (2002)

Great movie, but falls short of book.

[9/10 · 21 October 2002]

I saw this movie after having read the book, but I went with friends who had not read the book first. I think that they probably had a greater appreciation for the movie than I did, because of this. Don't get me wrong, the movie was absolutely fantastic. It was well written, beautifully shot, and the acting was amazing. This movie is definitely on my top movies of the year list. However, there were many scenes from the book that the movie excluded. I understand that it is hard to take such a wonderful book and condense it into a 2 hour movie, and they did a great job. But, I felt that many of the character development was left out and that the movie was lacking for it. In fact, as we were leaving the theater my friends were bombarding me with questions, "I didn't understand why she did this," or "why did that happen," or "wait, so there had to be more...what happened next." So, did I like the movie? Heck, yeah! And do I recommend it? Without a doubt! I just say, read the book either before or after seeing it, and if you have already read the book (and good for you) be aware that you will be a little let down.

Breakfast at Tiffany's (1961)

Deservedly a Classic

[10/10 · 24 May 2002]

Breakfast At Tiffany's is without a doubt on of the greatest movies of all time. Audrey Hepburn's Holly is classy, elegant, and beautiful, but at the same time naive, innocent, and simply sweet. George Peppard's Paul is handsome, together, sensible, and lovable. Together they make a great couple. Throughout the movie Holly constantly stumbles, but Paul is always there to pick her up. This movie makes you instantly fall in love with both of them. I highly recommend it!!