jimbeaux101 Reviews

Jacqueline Hyde (2005 Video)

Eeekkk!

[3/10 · 7 November 2005]

Sorry, but Jacqueline Hyde (get it??? - Jack L and Hyde - Jekyll & Hyde) has some of the worst acting this side of hardcore porn, not to mention a script apparently written by a first-grader with undiagnosed learning disabilities.

Jackie Hyde inherits an old mansion by a grandfather she never knew she had. Guess who? Yes, an inventor of the special formula that slowly takes over one's body and mind - yes, that Mr. Hyde!

Despite some nice skin scenes, this film fails to register any feeling or emotion other than uncontrollable laughter.

As much as poor Jackie tries she just can't stay away from granddaddy's special formula and the result is an hour and half of wasted time.

Sylvia (2003)

Destiny Fulfilled

[7/10 · 30 April 2004]

I confess I'm not a fan of Gwyneth Paltrow, don't much fancy contemporary poetry, and really dislike sniveling as a personality trait. I'm not even sure why I watched Sylvia; perhaps some kind of punishment for past sins . .. Yet, here it is: I'm really glad I did. The film is not flawless, but in its claustrophic and pedestrian way, it gives real insight into the mind of a human being on the descent. Gwyneth Paltrow, in my opinion, has never been better. She gives a sad, surreal yet forceful performance. One can't help feeling Sylvia's pain and one can almost justify her final act. There are wounded birds just born wounded birds. Perhaps Sylvia Plath fulfilled her destiny. At any rate, I was moved by her plight.

Shattered Glass (2003)

This Glass is More Than Half Full

[7/10 · 30 April 2004]

This is a brilliant rendering of an all-too-true story of deception and cover-up in modern journalism. In the late 1990's the magazine world witnessed the quick unraveling of Stephen Glass, a writer for The New Republic. Glass contributed many first-rate and well-praised articles for the edgy and respected magazine; but, because of a rare slip-up, over 25 of the 41 pieces he authored were revealed to be wholly or partially fabricated. To top off the already-fascinating tale is Lions Gate's sensitive production. Hayden Christensen, Peter Sarsgaard, Hank Azaria and Chloe Sevigny bring their unique talents to this sad footnote in journalistic history. Especially chilling is the Billy Ray direction which juxtaposes Glass speaking to a journalism class with the disintegration of his facade at the magazine. I was riveted by this wonderful film and recommend it to anyone interested in the mind of a disturbed man

House of Sand and Fog (2003)

House Barely Standing

[10/10 · 30 April 2004]

I'm inadequate to express all I feel about this magnificent film. It is the cinematic embodiment of a modern Shakespeare tragedy. Yes, it's over the top if you consider it with the same standards you ascribe to most movies. But, in this case, all the sadness, all the horror, is perfectly understandable in the context of this displaced Iranian family. And above all, acting, the most expansive of art forms, is taken to new places by Ben Kingsley. All the actors are to be commended, but it is Kingsley who gives the regal authenticity needed to pull off such a mammoth tale. Once again, he proves to be the consummate pretender. The House of Sand and Fog stands tall and proud in one sense; and in another it's barely standing. I won't soon forget it.

Elaine Stritch at Liberty (2002 TV Special)

A Star Was Born

[10/10 · 30 April 2004]

Gut wrenching is one of those descriptive throwaways too often used insincerely to pump up the ego of some mediocre talent. Not so in the case of Elaine Stritch: At Libery. I defy any lover of the theatre to remain in his seat at the conclusion of this two and a half-hour journey of theatrical brilliance. The experience truly is gut wrenching! Ms. Stritch is that rare bird who makes the stage a living, breathing organism. Without props or scenery we are privileged to hear her express her incredible love for life and the spotlight through songs, musings and memories of her six decades in show business. When she is finally able to put down the bottle and begin her career anew, we breathe easier, with the same joyous simplicity that she faces her life sober. This is a once-in-a-lifetime journey that makes the whole world look right. That Ms. Stritch is in her mid-70's means the incredible feat is all the more special.

Blue Car (2002)

Step on the Brakes

[7/10 · 30 April 2004]

Watching Blue Car is like being in the middle of one of those scary dreams in which you're treading around corners slowly, knowing that danger is somewhere and that it's gonna get you soon, you just don't know when. You can't stop watching, even though you know the ending, because it's so damn pretty and it makes for that pins-and-needles feeling that reminds you you're alive.

I wonder if the producers provided psychiatric assistance to the cast on an ongoing basis. This has to be one of those films that require the actors to carry their characters home with them.

Great performances, sad movie, it hurts to watch it. Still, I'm glad I did.

P.S. Your Cat Is Dead! (2002)

Lucky Cat!

[2/10 · 30 April 2004]

Question: How many unlikeable people can you fit in one film?

Answer: As many as appear in P.S. Your Cat is Dead.

Rarely has a movie with such potential turned out so badly. The acting is atrocious. The usually adept Steve Guttenberg, who also directs this debacle, is, to put it kindly, horrid. The once magnificent Shirley Knight is reduced to a bad cartoon character. The rest of the cast should remain nameless.

This tale of a down-on-his luck actor/writer on New Year's Eve confronted with a gay burglar who's ripped him off many times before just ain't funny, and it's not even fun!

Even the direction is off-center. Filmed in closeups, with odd angles and missing body parts, this is a splash of color with no substance and nowhere to go.

I guess this is supposed to have a happy ending and we're supposed to end up wiser. I'm not. Just older. Oh, and P.S. - the cat is dead! P.P.S. The cat is lucky!

Moon Over Broadway (1997)

When the Moon Hits Your Eye ...

[8/10 · 30 April 2004]

An edge-of-your-seat thriller for the theatergoers among us, "Moon Over Broadway" is the documentary record of Carol Burnett's return to Broadway after a 30-year-stopover in Hollywood. Will "Moon Over Buffalo" make it to Great White Way? Will the critics accept Burnett back into the Broadway fold? Will the damn thing make money for the Landesman's and their co-producers?

In 1997, Ms. Burnett took on the task, along with noted thespian Philip Bosco, attempting to make Ken Ludwig's mediocre farce palatable to the theater crowd deeply buried in the over-the-top world of Andrew Lloyd Weber. And work overtime they did! What is most fascinating here is seeing Ms. Burnett and Mr. Bosco uncertain of their own talents. Often we find Carol unsure of herself, attempting to justify acting choices that really don't matter much when you have such a weak vehicle. The constant `new pages' cause her to worry that her years of improv in TV fare have left her unable to keep up with the rigors of molding a finished product. And then there's Bosco uncharacteristically bellowing as he realizes the laughs just aren't there.

It's a treat to follow these two, along with director Tom Moore and the playwright, from first reading to closing in New York, all taking place in just a bit over a year. I saw the show on Broadway. Since it's closed a long time ago you won't have the chance. Not necessarily a drawback! This film is much more entertaining and will keep you on your toes wondering what hurdle these professionals will next have to overcome.

Private Parts (1997)

Not So Private Parts

[7/10 · 30 April 2004]

Howard Stern is my guilty pleasure. I mean, I know he's often politically incorrect, but also know that it's mostly a schtick for radio. While it's fashionable to dislike him for his mysogony, he's still manged to remain on top for many years. I like him. I think he has a good heart. I even like this movie, not as much as I thought I would, but Stern definitely comes across as a caring human being with a slightly skewered view of the world we live in. I believe he made this movie to give himself some credibility and it works on that level. When it's funny, it's hilarious and when it's corny it's sweetly so. It lacks a certain ooomph, and of course, the breakup of his long marriage shortly after the release of the film leaves one to believe there's more to the story than what's shown on screen. Watch it for the laughs; there are many!

Raising Victor Vargas (2002)

Sorry, but ....

[2/10 · 31 March 2003]

.... this movie basks too much in its own innocence. It doesn't tell a story; it's more a big time snooze fest. While the actors are all personable, the story is so trite and goes nowhere. I think Victor Rasuk has great charisma, but deserves a real film from a real storyteller.

Prozac Nation (2001)

Ugh!

[1/10 · 12 March 2003]

I saw this film about a year ago at a special screening. Afterwards, my friend and I were asked to participate in a discussion. Most everyone disliked the film intensely. It is/was extremely disjointed and introduced themes and people and did not follow up with either. Michelle Williams (Dawson's Creek) gave the best performance in the film. Jessica Lange was so miscast as Ricci's Jewish mother. First of, she was much too old, considering she was supposed to have borne this college student as a teen herself. Her accent was incredibly bad. All in all it was a miserable experience. It will be interesting to see this again, a year later and hopefully much revised.