star4573 Reviews

Chicago (2002)

Brilliant!

[10/10 · 20 September 2003]

This movie is brilliantly acted and wonderfully directed. Catherine Zeta-Jones superb portrayal of saucy Velma Kelly is matched against Renee Zellweger's equally manipulative Roxie Hart. Neither of these characters is worth redeeming, but the audience will root for them anyway.

Set in Prohibition Chicago, where jazz clubs are sheik and murder is a form of entertainment, Roxie Hart (Zellweger) is on trial for her life. Enter Billy Flynn (Richard Gere) a flamboyant lawyer more interested in manipulating the press than whether his client is guilty or innocent. Also features Queen Latifah as the warden who takes care of her charges...for a price!

The musical sequences are very well done, esp "Press Room Rag" and of course the signature "All that Jazz". Also, kudos to John Reilly whose "Cellophane" solo is heartbreaking poignant.

10 of 10!

Buffy the Vampire Slayer (1997–2003)

Excellent, Excellent, Excellent!

[20 September 2003]

Joss Whedon's brainchild of the helpless blonde who turns out to have all the power was a brilliant and wonderfully acted show. Every week, each and every episode was like a one hour movie, with all the drama, comedy, angst, action, romance, wit, insight, pain and turbulence that was better than anything "regular" TV could churn out.

The characters were wonderfully crafted, and grew from season to season. The Buffy and Co. we first met in Season 1 where not the same characters when the show bowed out. The viewers experienced the joy, heartbreak, and growing pains right along with the characters. The acting was superb, esp. Sarah Michelle Gellar and Alyson Hannigan. As Buffy and Willow, respectively, they taped into emotions and grew from teenage girls into confident beautiful women.

Thankfully, "Buffy" is available on DVD and reruns regularly on FOX channel. Episodes to look for include "Passion, Becoming Part 1 and 2, Band Candy, Earshot, Something Blue, Hush, The Body, The Gift, and Chosen."

Somewhere in Time (1980)

Saw this at Universal

[20 September 2003]

Universal Studios screened this movie on the lot last year as part of its classic cinema collection. I was fortunate enough to be a part of the screening and happily report it was "standing room only". And with good reason, as this movie is hauntingly beautiful and wonderfully romantic.

I recommend Somewhere in Time to anyone who is looking for a great cinematic experience. John Barry's musical score is excellent and so is Reeve, Seymour, and especially Christopher Plummer as Robinson.