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Reviews
Oz (1997)
A Masterpiece of Art
Tom Fontana's unforgettable "Oz" is hands down one of the greatest television series ever created. Brilliantly written, acted, and directed it is as close to perfection in any art form (film, television, literature, music) as it gets. Haunting in it's extreme brutality it creates a prison world filled with diverse characters that range from compassionate to flat out terrifying. It is a show that no matter how brutal it is get through, one cannot take its eyes off of. The combination of professional trained theater actors with film and television actors allows for a range of diverse and all original performances.
And while the show is universally praised and has/had a loyal fan base, one cannot feel that it was under-appreciated during it's television run because of other HBO dramas such as "The Sopranos", "Sex and The City", and "Six Feet Under". And while all those shows are fine and borderline masterpieces in their right, many people forget that it was "Oz" that was HBO's first entry into one-hour television drama series. It was a brave, risky first entry and with it HBO hit a grand slam with it. This is as good as it gets.
The Commitments (1991)
Fantastic
"The Commitments" is a great movie. The music is outstanding and the acting in a film where most of the leads had little or no acting experience prior to the release, are also terrific. Robert Arkins is the definition of cool as the lead character, Jimmy Rabbit. I am surprised that he didn't go on to make other films after this one. This is one of those movies that seems to get better and better with each repeated viewing. Bravo to director Alan Parker who keeps the pace of the film quick and entertaining. I also must recommend the special edition DVD that gives an update on where all of "The Commitments" are today. I would love to see a sequel or an actual reunion of the Commitments today (since all of the actors in the film were musicians first). I think it could be great.
Sideways (2004)
A Masterpiece that is one of the most beautiful and honest films ever made
"Sideways" is not the overrated film that many individuals (specifically A.O. Scott of the NY Times) claim it to be. It deserves all the accolades that it has received. This is a beautiful about real people struggling to find themselves even when they are suppose to know where they are. Paul Giamatti and Virginia Madsen stand out in the terrific cast. Alexander Payne and Jim Taylor have written such a smart and sharp film that it is funny when it is suppose to be and dramatic when it is suppose to be. But the film excels because it earns its honesty. It doesn't force sentimentality upon the audience and that is made evident by the last shot of the film, which is perfect. I truly have a soft spot for this special film. This is the type of film that to me does not come along very often.
Going in Style (1979)
A Masterpiece
"Going In Style" is a perfect movie. It is a film that is funny as much as it is sad. It will get your heart racing with excitement and touch you with emotion. It is about loneliness, friendship, family, living, and dying. It features so many twists and turns - many unexpected - that by the end of the picture, the viewer is generally surprised at what had just occurred. And yet, at 28, director Martin Breast created a flawless gem getting three outstanding performances out his senior citizen leads (George Burns, Art Carney, and Lee Strasburg). There are great movies and then there are those few special movies that you hold a special place in your heart for and share with others around you. "Going In Style" for me is one of those movies.
The Late Show (1977)
Fabulous, Art Carney is amazing...
The saddest thing about Robert Benton's "The Late Show" is that it has gotten lost in the shuffle when discussing the great movies of the nineteen seventies. This is a terrific piece of film noir that is paying homage to the great detective mysteries of the forties. Benton's sharp screenplay is sensational in creating colorful, likable, and original characters. Benton beautifully connects all the points of the complex plot by the end, leaving the viewer completely satisfied.
The all around acting in the film is terrific, with Lily Tomlin supplying comedic support to Art Carney's lead detective Ira Wells. The film however belongs to the late, great Art Carney. Carney gives quite simply an amazing tour de force performance as the aging Ira Wells. He is a sad and lonely character who is socially awkward yet surprisingly tough. He is a great underdog character, who with Carney in the lead role, the viewer cannot help but to root for. After showing his dramatic range and winning an Oscar for Best Actor for 1974's "Harry and Tonto" (a personal favorite of mine), Art was offered some terrific roles and gave some great performances. In many ways Carney's performance in "The Late Show" is better then his performances in his other two great films of the seventies, "Harry and Tonto" and "Going In Style". It is a treat and pleasure to watch him in "The Late Show" because it shows a legendary and extroadinarily talented actor in full force.
Thankfully Warner Brothers has released "The Late Show" on DVD (now if only Fox could release "Harry and Tonto" on DVD). For years it was very difficult to get on VHS. While the film may look a little dated, it hooks the viewer with its story and acting that you will be glad that you took a trip back to 1977.
Harry and Tonto (1974)
Living Life To The Fullest
"Harry And Tonto" is one of my all time favorite movies. It is a film that is as beautiful and funny as it is poignant and sad. It is also a film that features one of the finest acting performances in the last fifty years given by the late, great Art Carney. Carney shows why he won a well deserved Oscar for his performance as the kindhearted, retired teacher Harry Combes who goes cross-country with his pet cat Tonto as they encounter several eccentric characters and have some truly unforgettable moments. A wonderful film, that truly deserves a DVD release. Hopefully one day.
Midnight Run (1988)
A Masterpiece
One of the smartest, funniest, and exciting buddy pictures ever made. It has never received the wonderful attention it justly deserves. The performances by the two leads (De Niro and Grodin) are wonderful and they get outstanding support from Joe Pantolino, Dennis Farina, and Yaphet Kotto. But what separates this picture from all the other action / comedies ever made is that the screenplay is so sharp and original. Easily my all time favorite movie - you know how I know that? I must have seen "Midnight Run" at least thirty times and every time I see it, it gets better and better. A true film classic and is getting rereleased on DVD in June of 2003.
Planes, Trains & Automobiles (1987)
Why would should not forget John Candy
When I think of "Planes, Trains & Automobiles" I smile. It is an absolutely wonderful movie. Yes, it is regarded as a comedy but when I think of it I think of it as more of a drama. John Candy gives the performance of his too short career as the traveling shower curtain ring salesman Del Griffith. What makes Candy's performance so impressive is that while Del is an obnoxious, annoying slob, Candy shows that this is a very lonely, sweet, kind, and caring man with a great heart. This is a man who is putting his needs behind the needs of another person, a complete stranger in Neil Page. Candy creates an incredibly complex man, who the audience really gets to know and geniunely care about. They say comedies are the hardest films to get nominated for oscars, which is true. And while "PT & A" is no Best Picture winner, it certainly in my mind has a performance not just worthy of a nomination but of an oscar as well. It would be interesting to see how Candy's performance would be regarded if the film came out today.
I will admit this, I have seen most of the tear jerker films (Terms of Endearment, Steel Magnolias, Brian's Song, etc.) but this is the only movie to make me cry. That ending, whew!, it's a rough one. And again, despite all the wonderful comedy in this film, whenever I think of "PT & A" I think of the wonderful character of Del Griffith and the powerful ending.
The Emperor's New Groove (2000)
Kronk Steals The Movie
For someone who does not enjoy watching animated films, I must say that I enjoyed "The Emperor's New Groove" immensley. It was extremely entertaining and really funny. Most of the of best humor in the film comes from the henchmen Kronk (voiced by Patrick Warburton). I don't know if it's possible, but the character of Kronk absolutely steals the movie in every single scene he is in. This is a very good rental, that not kids will find entertaining but so will adults.