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uriahkeeper
Reviews
Meet Joe Black (1998)
Cinematic candy
To be honest i went looking for flaws in this film as i couldn't imagine another Brad Pitt/Anthony Hopkins pairing could pull off Legends of Fall. Duly however, i was wrong and their chemistry is better than ever and you can see the respect in Pitt's eyes when he works with Hopkins. Saying that, i personally feel Pitt carried this movie considerably and marks with Seven as one of his more powerful and subtle performances. ( Now you can't say that last sentence often with Brad Pitt can you ? !! )
****** MILD SPOILERS AHEAD *****
Anyhows, the story is one of Hopkins' billionaire character having the opportunity to live out his last days as Brad Pitt assumes the GrimReaper and challenges Hopkins to question his entire life choices and its consequences. This includes the future of his ER doctor daughter (Claire Forlani----who btw is soo000 cute and vulnerable that any testosterone-packed individual will instantly fall in love with her upon sight) and Hopkins' business. We see throughout the movie and fantastic love-hate repartee between Hopkins and Pitt that culminates with such a touching finale that ties up the loose ends.Martin Brest doesn't just tie up loose ends mind you,....the man does it with with A1 cinematic aplomb.
**** END OF MILD SPOILERS ****
Although the film is 3 hrs long, honestly i didn't feel it. Partly because i didn't know it was GOING to be 3 hrs long. So if you read my last comment, just chill and let the story guide you ..you will be duly surprised and not think any $$$ of the budget was mis-spent. Jeffrey Tambor doe a decent Hank and fits in well to steal various comic scenes as Hopkins' son-in-law but make no mistake it's Brad Pitt's & Anthony Hopkins driving vehicle.But the moral, with the Devil dictating someone's life with educated and compassionate choices, prove a fantastic watch. Full marks to Martin Brest. If he can make Midnight Run a modern day classic, he made Meet Joe Back human.
The Marriage Fool (1998)
Gentle and Touching
It must be said that i cannot resist anything by Walter Matthau in it and thank God i was not proven wrong.This is so easy watching and tender and believe me when i say that former wooden teen hrob John Stamos has just about carried the flick here. You can identify with him and that's just all the premise he needed to perform. Carol Burnett was neatly cast and subdued but it's so good to see her and Walter in a role that allows them to be so relaxed.By the way, Teri G as the Stamos love interest...she can wear those gold tops anyday on a cold morning. All in all ..a gentle,touching and honest film.