songbird2882 Reviews

Pan's Labyrinth (2006)

a gruesome adventure

[8/10 · 24 February 2007]

This film was very much everything it promised from the trailers, and also very unlike what it seemed. Reminiscent of the Chronicles of Narnia, it seemed to be child's movie in an adult world. Its theme seemed to be similar, that children's magic is often accompanied by grisly realities. A child's fantasy that should not be seen by children, and only adults can handle watching, if that. In that way it is very realistic, even though there are impossibilities and moments of complete magic and abandon. At times shockingly grotesque, and at others haunting and lilting, it is a movie to enjoy and be afraid of. Children absolutely should not see it.

Mona Lisa Smile (2003)

You'll love it if it's your type of movie

[7/10 · 10 September 2006]

If you liked Dead Poet's Society, The Emperor's Club, Music of the Heart, Mr. Holland's Opus, or if you are in love with the 50's, you will like this movie. If, like me, you have experienced the camaraderie of all-girls school, you will love it. The acting is fairly poor, especially on Julia Robert's part, she is the same character as in countless other Julia movies, and Julia Stiles disappointed me in comparison to her other performances, which are usually quite good. Marcia Gay Harden is wonderful, as well as Kirsten Dunst and the supporting cast. But while this movie is not amazing, it completely captures the essence of all girls school, growing up and becoming a woman, female friendship and love. Embarrassingly enough, it touched me to the point of tears. So if those sorts of stories interest you, this movie is beautiful. And watch it by yourself if you're embarrassed about crying during silly movies. By the way, this movie has nearly nothing to do with art.

The Cave (2005)

entertaining and that's all it needs to be

[8/10 · 10 September 2006]

I give this movie an 8/10 because for what it is and what it is intended to be, it is excellent. The Cave is not trying to win an Oscar, not are they trying to be artsy, profound or give you an emotional experience that you will want to tell your grandchildren about. It's just a science fiction sort of horror movie, that is good at what it did. The acting was not fabulous, neither was the script, but it thoroughly entertained me, and did keep me on the edge of my seat, and it did make me invested in the fate of the characters (an all too common horror movie flaw). It was interesting, and had enough of a surprise ending to leave you thinking about it (for about five minutes, which is all most movies can hope for). So I say, if you want a science fiction/horror movie, watch this one. It will satisfy.

What Ever Happened to Baby Jane? (1962)

Deliciously Creepy

[9/10 · 5 September 2006]

This movie was the perfect blend, of eeriness, plus psychosis. There was plenty of the eerie, with the black and white, simply a shot of the house gives goosebumps. And the psychosis of both sisters is well developed. It is a disturbing film without a doubt. Bette Davis' performance was flawless, completely engrossing as the perverse, disturbed Baby Jane. Joan Crawford's acting was almost as good, although she lacked a depth of character that's only revealed at the end, but should have been present through the film. While actors definitely don't want to play the third act, at the end, after the final twist, everything should finally make sense and fall into place as the credits start to roll. Instead, Baby Jane left the audience wondering and confused, since there was nothing in the whole of the movie, most noticeably lacking in Joan Crawford's performance, to make it make sense in the end.

Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest (2006)

wow...great *sarcasm*

[6/10 · 15 July 2006]

this comment will contain spoilers, because i cannot contain what i feel about this movie. it was completely and utterly un-amazing. just that. it was rather dull. too long. and if Elizabeth had just slept with jack about an hour sooner (even though there was actually no sleeping involved since it's a Disney movie) the whole film would have concluded in an hour and half, the proper length for a movie. the special effects were quite spectacular, i give them that, and the acting not bad. but with a total cliff-hanger at the end, and a confusing/meandering plot that involved too many symbolic items and new pirates and ugly barnacle men, i had to give it a 6. the worst part was, i saw it with two friends who absolutely adored it. the movie successfully made me not care about the fates of any of its characters.

Tristan + Isolde (2006)

so much better than I expected-it was fabulous

[9/10 · 23 June 2006]

"Before there was Romeo and Juliet, there was Tristan and Isolde". Now, that tagline turned me off. I thought, here is another sappy love story with two modern hotties trying to act period and failing. But it is so much more than that. The love between Tristan and Isolde is at times enviable, at times pitiable, and at times so erotically charged, so tragic, and so inevitable that you completely forget it's a movie. The acting was very good, and it was nice that there were no famous actors clouding up the screen with ego. The actors stepped aside for the story, the plot and the history to come through. It is NOT another Romeo and Juliet, a story about a teenage crush that goes too far. This is a story about the true nature of love, and how it both can save and condemn.

What Lies Beneath (2000)

when a horror movie gets too long

[7/10 · 23 June 2006]

When a horror movie gets too long...it loses its momentum. The first half moved along nicely, filled with traditional scary movie tricks and euphemisms, but which are all still scary none the less. Some might say that the horror movie is a very specific science. When you go outside the borders of its realm, the movie might fall apart. That is what happened in What Lies Beneath. It lost its momentum. Suddenly the story shifted, and nothing of the first part remained at all. It was as if the first forty-five minutes to an hour were a different film. While Michelle Pfeiffer was superb, her eerie blue eyes and ethereal paleness were not enough to frighten. Harrison Ford failed at his role as the disbelieving husband. All I can say truly positive is at least it didn't follow the now very-told story of the woman who didn't know she was dead. The car accident was ever just a car accident.

Crash (I) (2004)

Basically amazing

[10/10 · 2 June 2006]

This movie was phenomenal. Some may think that there were not enough Asians in this racially charged film, but we must keep in mind that the Asian population is not very large in LA. Lots of really good irony, and double standards, and hypocrisy. It makes you think about your own prejudices and how deeply they can lie so you don't realize you're prejudiced. It was very emotionally charged and very affecting. You also learn about the potential for change and learning from mistakes and experiences. This is a movie than can potentially change your life. We believe that if the entire world saw this film the world would be a different place.

Gangs of New York (2002)

Okay...so what was the story really about?

[8/10 · 2 June 2006]

There was no dialoug. How were we supposed to know what the plot was, what the characters were thinking? The script was appalling, we couldn't even understand that Leonardo DiCaprio's character's intentions toward Daniel Day Lewis', or how Cameron Diaz featured in the story. Was she supposed to be a love interest, or just a girl/prostitute sort of character? Too big of a budget and too much blood and not enough real substance. And also too long. Martin Scorcese is normally a brilliant director but he disappointed hugely here. The cinematography, and the historical context was very good and redeemed it somewhat. And it had a really amazing theme song, "Hands That Build America".

Pearl Harbor (2001)

Disappointing Epic

[5/10 · 2 June 2006]

This movie severely disappointed me. I was expecting an epic romance, a wonderful war movie with maybe even a little bit of social commentary on current/impending wars going on at the time of the film's production. I missed seeing it in theatres, which was probably a mistake, since the movie had exceptional special effects and very good (if not gimmicky) cinematography. The production aspects of the film were probably the only thing the movie excelled at. The acting was appalling. Kate Beckinsale failed to make any clear choices for her character or her motivations, and the two men served as great eye candy but really nothing more. It all added up to a cheesy love story about love carrying on through all and conquering all, without believing, at any time, that anybody was really in love at all.

The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (2003)

a let down

[6/10 · 22 April 2006]

This movie was way too long!!! That's simply all there is to say. I loved the first two Lord of the Rings, but this movie failed to culminate this trilogy. With its five possible endings, the audience was dying to get out of the theatre by the final end. I have never seen people jump up so quickly as soon as Peter Jackson's name flashed on the screen signaling the credits. All in all, good acting, and fabulous special effects but it strangled itself in its length. Furthermore, it felt like the character development fell after the second movie. If they're watched in a row, Aragorn's attitude and character changes dramatically between them, when there are supposedly a couple of days chronologically. Same can be said for the hobbits and the Rohan characters. See it by all means, but this movie failed to live up to everything I expected as an end to this fabulous series.

Doctor Zhivago (2002)

a perfect Zhivago

[10/10 · 16 March 2006]

I watched this movie on accident actually, sending someone else to rent "Dr. Zhivago" for me, and he returned with this mini-series, I of course intending the 1967 classic which I love. I gamely watched the re-make anyway and was absolutely thrilled! This version actually had dialog! I hadn't realized how much an actual plot line or character development had been missing from the old one, but I was amazed at how well these characters were developed, lovingly acted and portrayed, and while I have not read the book, it appeared to be a good adaptation. Hans Matheson was a much better Zhivago than Omar Shariff, though I didn't think I would ever find myself saying so, and all the other characters were well-cast. The only disappointment to me was Sam Neill, who is one of my favorite actors. While his performance was solid, I didn't feel that he brought anything extra to Kamarovsky. Even if you love the classic, as I do, give this one a chance.

Junebug (2005)

not a comedy

[8/10 · 16 March 2006]

This movie was sensitive, so real I felt uncomfortable and naked by it, and very quiet. A comedy, it was not. I had rented it after seeing the cute and quirky clips of Amy Adam's performance as Ashely at the Oscars, SAGS and Indie Spirit Awards. This movie was painfully self-aware, unsparing and almost painful to watch. It made me so very conscious of humanity and the basest aspects of it that all of us experience. It reminded me of my favorite quote from The Breakfast Club, "All of us are bizarre. Some of us are just better at hiding it." Junebug did remind me slightly of What's Eating Gilbert Grape?, Marvin's Room, The Royal Tenanbaums, among others. But it is unique to itself. A definite must-watch.

The Merchant of Venice (2004)

Unimpressive Shakespeare

[5/10 · 14 January 2006]

This was not a good adaptation of Shakespeare. The acting was palatable, but the Shakespeare in this movie was entirely lost. The music was straight out of Shakespeare in Love, the costumes were unimpressive, the dialog thinly scattered, plot threads left dangling at the end. Decent enough film, but a disgrace to Shakespeare. The Semitic nature of the film was well-portrayed and Al Pacino's performance was masterful but compared with their earlier work, Jeremy Irons and Joseph Fiennes' performances appeared lazy, and half-hearted, pretty much like the entire film. It felt like it was thrown together and the play was under-appreciated by the director during its adaptation. I hardly had the feeling I was watching Shakespeare.

The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe (2005)

Over-hyped

[7/10 · 14 January 2006]

I had been told by everyone I know to go see this movie, my friends, my teachers, my dentist, someone at the grocery store. All of them told me it was at parts deeply profound, very entertaining and a "beautiful" movie. Now, I will admit I was engrossed, I was entertained. I had no concept of the life outside the theater for those two hours. But this movie was definitely over-hyped. There was no element of the beauty that was promised and it was most definitely not profound, or moving, and it did not change my life in any way. Maybe if I had heard overwhelmingly positive reviews I would have expected less and liked it better.

Prime (2005)

Naughty and Nice

[6/10 · 17 November 2005]

This movie was hilarious and also somewhat disturbing. Being the daughter of a therapist, I will never think of any relationship in the same way again, for fear of that person being one of my mother's clients. If either of your parents are a psychologist or in the mental health field, DO NOT UNDER PAIN OF DEATH SEE THIS MOVIE. Otherwise, it was filled with naughty humor that had me laughing out loud and squealing and the love story was moderately touching. The format of the movie felt like any other chick-flick or romantic comedy from recent years, and the music left something to be desired. This is why it gets a six. Also, the Jewish jokes got very out of hand.

Gorillas in the Mist (1988)

Surprisingly Good

[8/10 · 17 November 2005]

My father actually was the one who rented this movie for me and insisted that I watch it. Apparently one of his all-time favorite movies. Remembering my reaction to The Natural, I wasn't very excited. I like Gorrilas. I'm not a Sogourney Weaver fan but I found her likable, engaging and her acting heartfelt. The footage of the gorillas is breathtaking, as well as the scenery. It reminded me of Out of Africa and Anna and the King at the same time. It's an important film to see, even if it was a little boring, because it reminds people that endangered species are still problems and that we can make a difference. It has inspired me into helping the environment more, and being more focused on Mother Earth.

Garden State (2004)

Real Life Script

[10/10 · 17 November 2005]

The screenplay to this movie was so real I felt like someone had been listening in on my life. While the plot and cinematography was pleasantly artsy and out-there, all the dialog was breathtaking real and down to Earth. Zach Braff and Natalie Portman had good chemistry and their scenes' language was only topped by their amazing eye-contact. With a fabulous soundtrack that is my favorite CD of the year, this movie receives a 10. Well worth watching. If you liked Eternal Sunshine of a Spotless Mind, you should see Garden State, and if you liked Garden State, definitely watch Eternal Sunshine. I'd heard mixed reviews about Garden State and wasn't sure I wanted to see it but I was so connected immediately into the movie by the interesting imagery, and very intriguing beginning. At one point I actually started crying, even though the movie isn't very sad, just because I felt like a movie had finally captured how most people feel and can never express.

Doctor Zhivago (1965)

Only worth seeing because it's a classic

[5/10 · 27 June 2005]

The first time I saw this movie, it was 1 o'clock in the morning, so naturally, I was fairly impressed. Upon a second viewing last week, some months later, I was highly disappointed. Omar Sharif is irritating as Yuri Zhivago, and while Julie Christie plays the part of Lara well, she also is slightly irritating. The chemistry between the two is non-existent, which certainly makes it easier to miss the point of the movie. It should have been at least an hour shorter, and this could have been accomplished merely by eliminating the 'prologue' and the 'entr'acte'. These sections of pure music seem too old for the movie's production date, like Dr. Zhivago is trying to become a classic without actually being one? I'm not sure, but this epic is over-rated. And the 'Lara Theme'? Why is it in every music box made this half of the century? Say the words Dr. Zhivago and the only thing that comes to mind is that obnoxious theme.

Gone with the Wind (1939)

A golden age of cinema masterpiece

[7/10 · 27 June 2005]

There is nothing more wonderful than a sweeping romance from the 30's or 40's. Better still in Southern Belle costumes and fakey Southern accents. Some people find fault that Clarke Gable fails to deliver his Southern drawl, and that Vivien Leigh's is decidedly English (her native country) but I find it unimportant. This is a movie that today people sneer at, think it's cheesy and fake and overblown but in the end, if you let yourself get carried into the emotion, you're in for a treat that's seldom experienced. There's nothing I like better than the soaring music, full-scale orchestra like all old films, and the dramatic lighting changes. Olivia de Havilland's acting never ceases to amaze me and I study every flicker in her face and eyes. She is an incredible actress, and is still radiant today. Vivien Leigh overtakes Scarlett, takes Mitchell's character, portrays her well, and gives us more to Scarlett than an empty head, greed and flirtatious airs. Leigh makes Scarlett human, and viewers identify with not only the protagonist, but the three supporting roles as well. We see bits of ourselves in Scarlett, Rhett, Melanie, and Ashley and at the same time love and hate them for it. The same goes for the movie. There are mistakes surely, which we correct in our mind, but it adds to the charm of this classic, that it's flawed and loved because of it, just like its heroine, and just like humanity, which Mitchell and Selznick so well portray, and we still embody today.

Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (2004)

Quirky comedy, with intelligent message

[9/10 · 27 June 2005]

This movie was a little confusing at first, and then about half-way through everything made sense and an entertaining, worthwhile movie suddenly became profound and very poignant. Kate Winslet was charming and affecting, and even Jim Carrey was all right, though I generally don't like him. All the acting was superb, and the dialog witty and the movie had a nice progression. Not a good date movie, as after viewing, I found myself delving deep into my own memories and questioning the turning points in my life. It's intelligent and odd, but likable, and I think even those who stray from the independent or quirky style films will find a place in their heart for this one.

Cold Mountain (2003)

an epic

[10/10 · 8 June 2005]

This movie moved me more than I was expecting, and I was fully prepared to cry. The acting mainly carried this film, with superb performances from Jude Law, Nicole Kidman and Renee Zellweger, as well as the supporting cast. These actors portrayed characters so intensely human that they lingered the remainder of the night with me, and I had trouble shaking this war drama. The costumes and cinematography were also magical, but didn't get carried away with themselves. They didn't take focus, but added to the whole effect. Cold Mountain could never become my favorite movie, as that title will always belong to The English Patient, but it's in the top five. The story itself was well developed, and stayed fairly unpredictable. I did not find myself guessing what line came next. A heart-wrenching story about humanity and war. In fact, this movie was so strongly real that it was barely noticeable it took place in the 19th century. It seemed to apply to all times.

Kingdom of Heaven (2005)

not what I expected

[7/10 · 8 June 2005]

Not bad overall, though I must admit the trailer made me believe it would attempt to be moving, sad, dramatic and end up being hilarious like last year's Troy. Instead I was surprised to find Kingdom of Heaven to be a gruesome display of gore and found myself wondering if there were any other possible ways to kill someone using a sword, knife, of flaming object. Orlando Bloom thankfully looks more like a man in this movie, and his acting has improved. I was disappointed in Liam Neeson's performance as Orlando's father, I felt he was rather one dimensional and seemed to be making a cameo appearance. Jeremy Irons was very good, as was the supporting cast. Unfortunately, the movie lacked plot, meandering from place to place until it found direction about 1 hour and 40 minutes into the film. Perhaps if they had maintained more historical accuracy the story would have fallen more into place.

The Phantom of the Opera (2004)

beautiful

[10/10 · 21 April 2005]

Now, Phantom will always be better live in my opinion, because I'm a theater geek and I don't think anything can ever beat live theater, but Emmy Rossum was lovely and innocent as Christine, her singing was good, and her eyes were so expressive, and both she, and the Phantom turned in very in depth performances. Raoul was rather a disappointment, but still good. The costumes were phenomenal and the musical score and sound was wonderful, if you missed it on the big screen, you really missed out, because the spectacle was overwhelming, though just the singing alone is worth a rental. Every change from the original London musical were done with taste and reason, although I did miss some parts, especially some pieces of songs that weren't essential to the plot, but enjoyable for me. Too long? Maybe a little.