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ChildoftheKindlyWest
Reviews
Sliding Doors (1998)
A beautiful romantic comedy, even for those who don't like romantic comedies.
I saw Sliding Doors expecting nothing spectacular. I'm not a huge fan of the quintessential romantic comedy. But this was something else. The characters had a realism that most other romantic comedies do not. Helen is your average (albeit beautiful) girl, and her boyfriend is the average scum. John Hannah steals the show with his adorable performance. He's just your average Joe, he's not a Brad Pitt or a Hugh Grant--he's not overly attractive. But he's exactly what Helen needs. I think that's all I want. Someone adorably perfect for ME. And, by the way, its so cute, you may feel an urge to weep hysterically. Beware...have some tissues on hand.
Braveheart (1995)
A story that touches the soul.
I don't think it's really possible for me to explain how much I love Bravheart. Its just such an incredible film. It was terribly unfair that the first time I saw it was in Latin Class. After the period, I had been crying so hard, that people stopped me in the halls and asked if I was alright. Braveheart melds action with romance, and adds loads of wit--with stunning results! Besides gory, realistic midieval battle scenes, Braveheart gives you a story whose characters touch you. Thier pain and grief as well as their joy and confusion is realistic and you can relate to it. Its simply an irresistably beautiful film. Definitely a must see, must buy, and must watch often!!
The Last of the Mohicans (1992)
One of the only movies that is actually better than the book
I think the Last of the Mohicans was the first "R" rated movie my parents let me watch with them. Years after I first saw it, I am still in awe of its beauty. It provides an excellent mixture of romance, wit, and action to cater to most movie fans. While the dialogue and plot enchants you, the cinematography has a magic all its own. I read the book when I was in the fifth grade because, thinking since I loved the movie so well, I would enjoy the book, too. Big disappointment. The book, which I realize was written over a century ago, lacks all of the movie's charm. Its truly boring. The movie takes the important aspects of the book, and melds them into an attractive, enthralling, exciting story. They also switched the names of the sisters around, too, but that doesn't paricularly matter. I would definitely recommend the movie to everyone, but the book...eh, not so much.
Ewoks: The Battle for Endor (1985)
A Great Lucas-Tale For Kids
I know that many Star Wars fans resent the Ewoks for adding cuteness and comic relief to Return of the Jedi. I also know that they relate him to Jar-Jar Binks, the obnoxious, terribly written character from Episode I. However, I disagree with them. I did not think that the Ewoks served the same purpose as Jar-Jar. I did not like Jar-Jar in Episode I. I found his humour juvenile--but I understand why it was. The humour was juvenile because Episode I was aimed toward a new generation of Star Wars fans: children. The Battle for Endor and its prequel, Caravan of Courage, are spinoffs from Star Wars using the fuzzy little creatures that helped out the Rebels on the forest moon of Endor in that galaxy far, far away. The movie is for children, and teaches important lessons. It deals with issues that children are not usually exposed to, such as death, grief, and abandonment. It also tells children that family is whoever loves you and will care for you, regardless of apparent differences. When I was very, very little, the Ewok movies were my very favourite. My mother gave me a present when I had successfully been potty-trained: a Wicket stuffed animal (just to let you know HOW young I was when I watched these movies). I remember years later seeing Return of the Jedi for the first time, when it premiered on television. That movie enthralled me as well, but at the end, I was surprised and excited to see my little friends, the Ewoks, getting in on the action as well. I don't think the Ewoks spoiled anything in Return of the Jedi--they are not unlike other Lucas creatures. They serve their purpose of being the indigenous species of Endor, and so big deal if they are tiny and furry. Its allowed once in a while. So chill out, and let kids enjoy the movies.