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Reviews
Ray Donovan (2013)
Doesn't add up. Spoilers
Spoilers. I loved this show, but have problems with it during this most recent season. First, I don't know any daughter that would help her mother commit suicide. Also,considering how Terry keeps with his religion, I really don't see him helping Abby commit suicide. Another big problem - they really did a character assassination with Avi. What next? Lena becomes radicalized? Ray poisoning that kid was too much. Screaming at his daughter??? The writers better fix this, or I will stop watching.
Amy (2015)
Heartbreaking beyond words
I have known my share of addicts. Even though Amy was famous, she was no different than any other addicts. I am glad the film makers showed her as not just an out of control addict. She knew what she was which is what makes it even more heartbreaking. She was a kind, beautiful lost soul. May she RIP and find the peace she could not find on this Earth.
Prometheus (2012)
I guess in the year 2093, they don't have any pre-flight protocol
Apparently, a corporation that was willing to spend a trillion dollars on an expedition to find other "life" in the universe, didn't bother to spend any money on the viability of a crew for such a mission. It becomes immediately apparent that one of the crew members, the "geologist" (who, by the way NEVER gets any rock samples), exhibits extremely anti-social behavior. It boggles the imagination that this extreme character flaw was not detected in any pre-flight examination. Also, the "biologist", whose job, just by his title, should be excited that they actually find a life form (even if it is dead), absolutely freaks out at the first sight of said life form. The two of them react so unbelievably ridiculous and start crying that they want to go back to the ship. They also have what is supposed to be a "meteorologist" on board who apparently cannot see that an extreme weather situation is approaching. Even a local TV weatherman has better skills than this guy. The absurdity continues when they "bag" this dead head in what appears to be a zip-lock bag. Even more ridiculous is how they "examine" this head when they get back to the ship. There are so many examples of the stupidity of this crew, that IMDb doesn't give me enough space to point them all out (the "surgery" that is performed and her super-human ability to run, jump, etc. afterwards...the guy who just opens the door after the Captain says something appears outside of it, etc.etc.etc. Are there no quarantine procedures in place on this ship other than a flamethrower? I could go on and on and on. The only interesting part of this movie was when they wake up the huge, really pale guy from his hypersleep chamber. It doesn't take this guy but a few seconds to figure out what I have pointed out above, as he immediately starts killing them off. I guess I expected a better movie considering that Ridley Scott was the director.
Amadeus (1984)
Deserving of all the praise
The late Roger Ebert's 2002 review of this film is spot-on. It's a movie about genius and poisonous envy. I recommend watching this movie when you can be uninterrupted and have the sound up. This movie is different....your expectations can ruin (or alternatively, surprise you) of watch you see (and hear). The music is as much a star in this movie as the actors. I have no idea how historically accurate it is, but that doesn't matter. Salieri is furious at God...how could HE possibly have this (what he considers to be a vulgar and moronic boy) produce such beautiful, transfixing music???? His envy, and his fury at God ruin the rest of his life (which is another aspect of this movie that is worth thinking about). I highly recommend this movie. Your time will have been well spent.
J. Edgar (2011)
Expected much more....
I give this film a 5 out of 10 simply because of Leonardo DiCaprio's acting. He did a great job....the story, however, is quite boring and doesn't portray anything that we don't already know. It is my opinion that Hoover was indeed a closeted homosexual, but in all reality, who cares?? It makes perfect sense that he would have been "closeted" given the times and attitudes, etc. All his fanatic interest in the sex lives of others would be expected as well, given the fact that he was unable to express his own sexual feelings. I certainly expected more out of a Clint Eastwood movie. Hoover was a very strange and weird man...the movie could have been a lot more interesting.
Tombstone (1993)
Val Kilmer steals this movie
I am not a fan of westerns. I have no idea if this story is accurate about the subject matter. However, this movie is worth watching. All the performances are well done, but Val Kilmer IS the reason to see this. I don't understand the rules for being nominated for an Academy Award (probably more "politcal" than anything), but how he wasn't even nominated demonstrates questionable procedure at best. Kilmer is absolutely superb. I get the sense this was supposed to be Kurt Russell's movie, but Kilmer steals the show. Doc Holliday was obviously a very educated, intelligent man, but was well aware of his flaws and doomed fate. If for no other reason, watch this movie for Kilmer's performance.
Jaws (1975)
Still a great movie
I first saw this movie when I was 15 years old and it took decades before I could go into the ocean any further than just my ankles. I had never been exposed to any kind of violence as a kid, and when I saw a man get eaten alive, I almost had an anxiety attack. Kids are different now. That kind of thing is no big deal to them. When I watch this movie as an adult, I see it differently. The biggest difference I noticed was that when the mother on the beach realized it was her son that did not come out of the water, my heart broke for her. In my opinion, this movie has lost nothing in the 36 years since its release....it's still a great movie.
Beauty and the Beast (1991)
Absolutely wonderful !!
This movie is so well done, there aren't enough adjectives to describe how good it is. A strong willed, warm hearted girl makes the ultimate sacrifice by taking her father's place as a prisoner in this "Beast's" castle....and that's only the start. The animated characters and the musical numbers are spectacular. When the Beast finally learns how to love someone and get someone to love him is enough to move you to tears, as well as when Mrs. Potts sings the signature song. It is no fluke that this animated movie was nominated for an Academy Award. No matter how old or young you are, you will definitely enjoy this movie. Very much recommended, even with the scenes involving the showdown between the awful Gaston and the Beast.
Grey Gardens (2009)
Fantasy vs. Reality
How can anyone watching this not feel anything but compassion and pity for these two women? Neither are mean or evil.....they just refuse to accept reality. The acting performances of Jessica Lange and Drew Barrymore are extraordinary. These two women descend into a world where (among other delusions) they don't even understand that their house is completely unfit to live in, and that it is perfectly acceptable to have raccoons and cats living in your house. It's a great study of what co-dependency is all about. You really can't even get upset with the two sons...how can you reason with a woman who will not listen to simple common sense? One of the best parts is that it is based on a real story. Jessica Lange and Drew Barrymore are outstanding. This film is definitely worth watching.
Camelot (2011)
So far, not very impressive
I've watched the first two episodes of this series and must say that I'm not very impressed. However, my opinion is forever biased against any portrayal of this story because of the excellent and thoroughly enjoyable 1981 movie "Excalibur". There are simply just too many flaws with this current series. The actor portraying Arthur is poorly cast. Will this series explain how Excalibur got thrust into the ground in the first place? And, why in the world is Merlin running through the countryside after Morgan poisons Uther? He's a sorcerer. He actually has to "run" to try and save him? Anyway, like I said, I am forever spoiled by the much more interesting Excalibur. Maybe the upcoming episodes will be better than the first two.
Cat on a Hot Tin Roof (1958)
One of my favorite movies
This movie has always been one of my favorites. The story and acting are top notch. Every single actor is wonderful. Burl Ives makes such a great and believable "Big Daddy" (nothing like the lovable Snowman in Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer). The actress portraying his wife is equally as believable as being married to a very powerful and overbearing man. "Sister woman" is so vindictive and spiteful, that it is wonderful to hate her character. Gooper makes a great performance as the insecure older brotherwho knows both parents prefer their younger, mess up of a son portrayed by a brooding and bitter Paul Newman, who may or may not be gay. Considering the movie was made in the 1950's, one can understand why his likely homosexuality could not be portrayed as written in the book. And then, there is Maggie the Cat, beautiful and undeniably sexual. Elizabeth Taylor plays her perfectly as the frustrated wife who loves her husband very much, but cannot make the connection with him that she so craves. The fighting and back-biting amongst the family members when they realize that the very rich Big Daddy has a terminal illness is very, very believable. This movie is a must-see.
Legion (2010)
You have got to be kidding
The theology in this movie is so unbelievably bad that it defies description. The offenses this movie offers up are so numerous, I will only comment on the worst one of all. AS IF GOD NEEDS ADVICE OR DIRECTION FROM AN ANGEL (OR ANY OF HIS CREATIONS FOR THAT MATTER) IS ABSURD AND RIDICULOUS (cap locks on purpose). This movie COULD have been interesting, say perhaps if Michael and Gabriel were in fact demons pretending to be sent from God. I can see most of mankind falling for that lie. How in the world did an actor like Paul Bettany agree to do this movie????? Go ahead and see this movie if you want to shake your head in disbelief and disgust.
Sherlock Holmes (2009)
Thoroughly enjoyable
I have never seen a Sherlock Holmes movie, so I have nothing to compare this version with. I found Robert Downey, Jr. to be absolutely amusing and very entertaining. I sensed a "Captain Jack Sparrow quality" in his portrayal. I liked how they made the Dr. Watson character to be smart and not some bumbling fool. I've read some of the other reviews, and I'm having a hard time understanding how some can just flat out criticize this movie. To each his own, I guess. The plot is a little far fetched, but so what? After all, it is just a movie. I highly recommend seeing it. And, by the way, the credits at the end of the movie are enjoyable as well. Well done.
The Passion of the Christ (2004)
This move is Gibson's interpretation
The brutality of Gibson's interpretation of Christ's final hours is well known to Christians, especially Catholics. I was raised Catholic, and the priests/nuns, etc. made sure we understood what happened during the last hours of Christ's life. The brutality in this movie is so overwhelming that I could hardly stand it, however, since Gibson is Catholic, I understand why he wrote it this way. I really had a problem with the opening scene, however. I have gone back and re-read the scriptures about Christ in the Garden of Gethsemane, and no where does it say that Satan appeared to him at that time. I could have overlooked this, but what I cannot overlook was when Satan asks Him "Who is your father?" Satan knew perfectly well who He was and who His father was. The temptation in the desert, the 40 days/40 nights, is also well known to Christians, so for this line to be in the movie was completely unbelievable. In any event, the movie does pretty much accurately present Christ's terrible sorrow in the knowledge of what was about to happen to Him, of why it had to happen, and His acceptance of God's will. I disagree with the claims of anti-Semitism. Number one, He was put to death per God's will, and number two, the people who put him to death perceived Him as a threat and did not want to lose their power/authority/position etc. Overall, if you can stomach the brutality, this movie is definitely worth watching.
Good Will Hunting (1997)
Well Done
Matt Damon and Ben Affleck deserved the Oscar for their wonderful screenplay, especially when you consider how young they were when they wrote it. They created a simple story that wonderfully illustrates how wounded a soul can get. I love how they show how people are introduced into a life that gives them an opportunity for help. Robin Williams does a wonderful job and thoroughly deserved his Oscar. The scene where he gets Matt Damon's character to breakthrough and come face to face with what the root of his problem is is wonderful, and I cry every time I see it. I also love the scene where Matt Damon's character's instincts are shown when he quietly watches when his friend, Ben Affleck's character, tries to pick up Minnie Driver's character. Matt Damon's character quickly realizes that his friend has walked into territory where he is out of his league, and I love when he jumps in and shows his loyalty to his friend and completely embarrasses the arrogant guy from Harvard. In any event, a great film and very well done.
Scrooge (1970)
Thank you very much !!
This is one of my favorite movies of all time. This rendition of Dickens's A Christmas Carol is absolutely marvelous. Albert Finney plays old Scrooge perfectly. There are so many great moments in this film....when Scrooge yells at himself and calls himself a "fool" when he lets his fiancée walk away...when he drinks the "milk of human kindness" and gets all giddy...when he participates in the game his nephew and friends are playing (obviously forgetting that they can't see him), and so on and so on. The Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come is particularly ominous. I believe God himself would be smiling to see Scrooge's joyous transformation. This movie is not to be missed.
Scrooged (1988)
Scrooged
This is a great rendition of Dickens's story. I enjoy reading Roger Ebert's reviews of movies, and usually agree with him. However, I completely disagree with him on this one. I think this film captures the very essence of the original story. He thinks Frank Cross is too mean. Isn't that exactly the point? It is also absolutely hilarious. The casting is excellent. Carol Kane is a stand out as the Ghost of Christmas Present. Frank Cross's transformation is excellent. I love how Bill Murray allows himself to get emotional. And, little Calvin's "miracle" is so poignant, it brings tears to my eyes every time I watch it.
A Christmas Carol (2009)
A Christmas Carol
I've seen many versions of A Christmas Carol, and this one is surprisingly, and disappointingly, terrible. I was stunned at how bad this version is. It has no soul, heart, and does not at all capture Dickens's story at all. The pace is way too slow. I found myself saying, "get on with it already". I like Jim Carrey, but he is all wrong in this. I like Gary Oldman as well, but he is all wrong in this as well. I seem to be in the minority in my opinion. I suggest watching Albert Finney as Scrooge, Bill Murray, Alistair Sim, Michael Caine, etc., but just skip this version all together. I ordered it as an "on demand" and could not believe I paid to watch it.