cgerrits Reviews

Anyone But You (2023)

Very good

[22 December 2023]

A nice fresh take on an old premise. Great cast chemistry. Enjoyed watching the story unfold. As someone who was in a wedding that an ex attended i related all too well to the awkwardness portrayed on screen. Audience was engaged collectively cringed and laughed throughout the showing.

Diversity of the cast was great and didn't feel forced at all. Was so happy to see Bryan Brown pop up on the screen. Been a fan of his since The Thorn Birds in the 80s. Even the animals pulled their weight in this film.

So glad I took a self care break while preparing for Christmas and went to see this in the theater. Was a great escape during a crazy time of year.

Great job everyone!

Persuasion (I) (2022)

Why all the hate?

[16 July 2022]

I thought it was rather good. Good cast; well acted; yes, not 100% literal translation but that's artistic interpretation. Enjoyed a more contemporary cast; locations were lovely. Good job everyone!

Argo (2012)

on the 33rd anniversary of the Embassy Take Over

[4 November 2012]

I saw Argo today. On what is 33rd anniversary of the start of the Hostage Crisis. While this was in fact a worldwide story, for me, I found myself awash with memories of that time and perplexed at the emotions this film triggered.

I have no recollection of the six who got out, though I am sure I saw it on the evening news. I do recall trying to marry the idea of how I could be safe in suburban DC while halfway around the World it seemed as if everything was falling apart. And I wondered how things like this could happen in the World. (Sadly, a question I still ask to this day.)

Superbly cast, an outstanding soundtrack, fantastic attention to detail. Argo is a story that is so far fetched that if it was work of fiction you'd struggle to find it believable. And yet. And yet, we sit in a dark theater, sniffling with strangers, gripped by a story that we all know the outcome of.

It was also interesting to contemplate how far technology has advanced in such a short time. One wonders in this age of almost instant communication how different the story would have played out if there had been facial recognition software and email instead of teletexts and telephones. Watching a character make a telephone call and waiting for someone to answer sparks the examination of how different communication was in a World where an answering machine didn't yet exist.

Also worth mentioning is the filming style. Cinematography was spot on. I started crying at the first shot of DC from the air. So glad Affleck didn't employ the popular "hurky jerky" filming method while shooting Argo. Though the times portrayed in the film were frantic I appreciated the subtle, patient portrayal of a story that unraveled like a spool of thread.

As a 6 year old child in the midst of a decaying marriage, and really, the start of my parents divorce, the Hostage Crisis is forever etched in my mind as a time of change not only in the World but also in my house. By the time we got to Day 444 I was in single parent home headed by the father. Was very poignant for me personally when a character in the film says that kids.."they need the mother." That they do…but they also don't need to be in a house full of fighting and tension all the time either.

I challenge those of us old enough to remember that time to not be transported to who we were and what we felt back then; I challenge those too young to remember to learn about that time as see how years later repercussions still echo in our World today.

Job well done by all.

Remember Me (I) (2010)

Life Lessons are the Hardest to Learn

[14 March 2010]

Have you ever noticed how some people can teach you life lessons about who you are what you hold dear? Have you ever passed a stranger and wondered what tragedy they've endured in their lifetime? Have you ever asked why me...or better yet, why NOT me?

Life lessons are often the hardest to learn and you never know who's going to be the instructor. Sometimes it's an actual teacher who fulfills that role. Sometimes it's a friend. Sometimes it's a parent. And while you could argue that we really already know deep down the things these instructors reveal to us, it stands to reason that a reminder now and again about who we are and what we hold dear can and should serve as wake up call or guiding light as we navigate our lives.

And this film, well, I think it reinforces that the inner revelations we oftentimes try to ignore, deny, suppress, and trivialize should be recognized. And valued.

Thoughtful and touching, the film resonates after the lights come up. It's been a long time since a film followed me home.

Kudos to the writers and the cast. Well done all around.

Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason (2004)

A bit different from the book but entertaining nonetheless

[15 November 2004]

I really enjoyed the film however I didn't think the story was a smooth as the first Bridget movie. Elements of the book were used throughout the picture; however I have to say I was disappointed that the scene of Bridget interviewing Colin Firth was cut out. I think it would have been humorous to see who was cast as Colin in that portion of the movie. Also, I thought it was odd that we only saw the diary once during the picture and that was right at the beginning. Touché I guess. All in all a good movie….sad that there probably won't be another. The soundtrack was great too and will be promptly added to my Christmas list. Firth and his brown eyes always get me and I look forward to seeing more of him in the future. PS - How long does it take to pick up a British accent? Would so love to be able to speak in such a refined manner. =0)