Reviews
Taps (1981)
entertaining and powerful
It is very hard to find films that have strong performances and a rich plot, but I have found one. The name of this excellent film is "Taps." This film launched very successful movie careers to three of its stars. There is nothing more one can ask for when all of the elements are there.
"Taps" spawned the careers of Tom Cruise, Timothy Hutton and Sean Penn. I saw the potential these three actors had five years before they became fame famous because I forgot they were rookie actors. If only more films can have the top notch performances, I would be one happy guy.
Another aspect of the film I enjoyed was the plot because it is relevant in present times. I was very impressed with the writer's ability to come up with a unique storyline. I saw "Taps" 20 years after it came out so I can't say people who saw it then remember this film but if they did I'm sure they would say it was one of the best films they have seen.
"Taps" is a film to be treasured because the messages it sends are so rich. From the dialogue between George C. Scott and Timothy Hutton to the courageous stand the cadets front to prevent their academy to close, it is clear to me "Taps" will remain lodged in memories for years to come.
I knew "Taps" would be a special film from the very beginning; however, it turned out to be much more than that. It gave three young actors a springboard to three top-notch careers.
I knew it would be special
Where the Money Is (2000)
a very entertaining film
I was pleasantly surprised when I viewed "Where The Money Is" because I didn't hear much about it. "Where The Money Is" happens to be one of the most enjoyable films I've seen all year. I knew I could count on Paul Newman to deliver a top notch performance as he has done in the past.
Newman leads a cast, which includes Dermot Mulroney and Linda Fiorentino. These three are on a mission to pull off a bank job. It is not as simple as we think; Newman, a master bank thief, has been remanded to a hospital after suffering a stroke (or is it). This is where he meets a nurse who is sees through his charade and wants in on the action. The stakes have risen when the nurse's husband gets wrangled into the bank job.
"Where The Money Is" plays to everybody's funny bone because Newman gives one of his most engaging performances. The one aspect of the film I enjoyed the most was Newman's captivating presence on screen with each scene he was in. He pulled the audience in with his charm and made them a part of a film.
Though the plot has been done before in other movies, the way it was performed left me breathless because it is so unique. I have to give credit to Fiorentino and Mulroney because they play off Newman very well.
"Where The Money Is" is captivating as it is funny. When you add Paul Newman's humor and comedy with great support from Linda Fiorentino and Dermot Mulroney you have a rousing success in "Where The Money Is."