pjh0704 Reviews

The Nativity Story (2006)

Lovely film contains spoilers

[10/10 · 5 December 2006]

I had a completely different reaction to this film than a previous reviewer who thought it lacked impact and was bland. I was drawn into it from the beginning and left surprised at how strongly it affected me. I felt that the Director was trying to not only "tell the story" that so many of us know and take for granted, but was trying to convey it as it probably was, especially culturally and emotionally.

As a viewer familiar with both the standard story and the historical and theological debates and sticking points, what really mattered to me is exactly what Catherine Hardwicke, the director, apparently favored - Herod's obsession with not losing his power (he had to be obsessed in order to order babies murdered) and how that obsession caused him to completely miss the entire point.

He was not wise. The Magi gave him the answer concerning the prophecy that he feared and, in doing so, realized by his hypocritical reaction that he feared the prophecy. Hardwicke also gave us, I believe, a strong Mary. But, she reminded us that Mary was YOUNG. She also did not present a romanticized view of Mary's and Joseph's betrothal, but what is probably a more realistic one.

Theirs was an arranged marriage. Joseph could have accused Mary of adultery and she may have been stoned. I thought that both Mary and Joseph were well cast. What young girl wouldn't have been confused and perhaps resentful of her arranged marriage when she still wanted to play and have fun? Yet, she grew throughout the film to love her child, her husband, and humankind. ("He is for all of mankind.") I also appreciated the reminders of what reality must have been like for Joseph. A beautiful young couple to watch together and the baby chosen for Jesus was stunning. Loved the story, loved the film. Extremely worthy effort. It will go in my permanent collection.

Invincible (2006)

Such a great film

[10/10 · 4 October 2006]

I gave this film a 10 rating which is highly unusual for me. But, upon reflection, I could find NOTHING wrong with it. The actors are perfectly cast. The musical score is great at transporting you back to the day. The scripting is wonderfully low-key and seemingly true to life. There is no overwhelming sentimentality, yet there is also no unnecessary violence or foul language. In short, it's perfect.

Wahlberg can consider this one of his shining moments. As can the rest of the cast. I'm not even a football fan. But, after reading strong reviews, especially about Wahlberg's performance, I took a chance and went. On my "Mom's night out." I was thinking "If this stinks, then I've wasted a night that won't come around for another week or two." I came home and told my husband "Honey, we've got to see this football film together." He looked at me as though I'd lost my mind. If they made more sports films like this one, then I'd go. I'll be buying the DVD. For the whole family.

The Ant Bully (2006)

Well Worth Viewing

[8/10 · 30 July 2006]

I really don't get the negative reviews for this movie. I'm in my forties, so is my husband. Our children are three and eleven. We all loved this movie. I'll buy the DVD.

I liked this movie as well as A Bug's Life, if not better. Why? The message that it's okay to be yourself and that you don't have to simply accept bullying is delivered in a more laid-back way. A Bug's Life and Toy Story, by comparison, are frenetic.

The actors voices and characterization are terrific. All in all, I think the visuals at the end of the film - sort of a funky, hieroglyphic narrative - help to sum up this film's appeal or lack of appeal, depending on the nature of the viewer. If you genuinely prefer faster-paced, more "in-your-face" type of movies (and I realize that most American film viewers do these days), then you will have to acclimate a little to this film. But not much. It's plenty busy.

What it also is, however, is charming. Toy Story was charming. So was the first Shrek, in its own quirky, slightly perverse way. The Ant Bully, in my family's opinion (and we go to a lot of movies), was just what we needed for a Friday night of family entertainment. We had some really good laughs, enjoyed being together, and left feeling upbeat. The audience seemed to enjoy this movie very much. There was a lot of laughter and many people stayed to watch the colorful visuals at the end.

If you don't like this movie, then perhaps you need to learn to kick back and relax a little more often. We found it to be well worth viewing and it will certainly receive a lot of travel time viewing in our car once it's released on DVD. I saw that Tom Hanks was an Executive Producer. Thanks, Tom.

The Lake House (2006)

Modern day classic

[10/10 · 1 July 2006]

Suspend disbelief, ignore the math, and luxuriate in a pure love story. This one is a keeper and, unless I miss my guess, will become a classic. Wish they made more like this one. The characters are believable and real despite the time difference aspect. The point, in my opinion, is not the the time difference in years, but in other ways. Some things are timeless, others are not. How can we know for sure?

There's so much to love about this movie. Sandra Bullock is lovely in this serious role, with just enough of her wry humor from time to time while Keanau Reeves is simply irrestible - strong, vulnerable, unabashedly loyal, but never, ever a wimp.

This is one of those movies that you want to watch over and over and never tire of, if just gets better wtih time.

Madea's Family Reunion (2002 Video)

Much better than Diary of a Mad Black Woman

[8/10 · 20 March 2006]

I rated this movie on two levels. The first, as a genre movie. That's the 8. This is the most relevant, in my opinion, "black" movie that I've seen in years. It's a "dramedy," as some people like to label them.

Perry tackled serious issues in "Diary of a Mad Black Women" which first introduced Madea. I enjoyed that film as well, but didn't find it nearly as level, consistent, and "true" as Family Reunion. Diary was also melodramatic in comparison, which is ironic considering that Family Reunion more consistently tackles heavy situations. Madea seems to have found her groove this time around. The ensemble cast also seem better attuned to one another and more certain of where the plot is heading.

Parents need to know that the situations in Madea's Family Reunion are more numerous and more adult than in Diary of a Mad Black Woman. However, there was nothing that I could not have discussed with my eleven year old and I overheard one woman telling a young boy "Don't ever hit a woman" following a scene in which a young woman gets slapped hard by her fiancée.

This one definitely carries a message. Kudos to the writer, director, and actors for having the guts to be a part of this project. It's not "up" on gangsta culture at all and calls for a recognition of the sacrifices of those who went before. Who could argue with four generations of women?

If I were rating this on a scale of movies in general, then I'd have given it a 6 or 7 due to some of the vulgarity, mostly stemming from the half-senile brother of Madea (who had lost almost all of any of his dubious charm from the first movie) and the lecherous men at the family reunion. Surely there are more endearing, uplifting black patriarchs that Perry can pull from than this crew. He nails the best and the worst of the women perfectly.

As the only white person attending the night I saw this movie,I was interested in the reactions of the other moviegoers who were all African American. Or I tried to be. I enjoyed the movie so much that I usually forgot to notice.

The women laughed. A lot. The men laughed a lot as well , but since Madea rules this movie, then it didn't surprise me that we women in particular found her solutions to truant foster kids, crotchety old men, and abused women enjoyable. During the family reunion when a table of old geysers are leering after the nubile daughters of their kin, one female audience member loudly said "That's nasty." I thought the same thing. However, it's probably also true and Perry seems intent on keeping his characters true, warts and all.

All in all, my hat's off to him. This is a film that every teenager in America should see in English, Drama, and/or Writing class. The applications are endless and the discussions would, no doubt, be interesting. Send us more, Mr. Perry....and Madea.

Oh yeah, Cicely Tyson is still as regal and as down-to-earth as ever. God, it was good to see her.

Big Momma's House 2 (2006)

Good, Clean Fun

[7/10 · 10 February 2006]

I howled at Big Momma's House. Did the same at BMH 2. If Lawrence does not genuinely enjoy playing this character, then he certainly deserves an Oscar because once he puts on that suit, he and Big Momma are "One." Does the plot make sense? Sure. As much sense as most other comedies of this type. Mrs. Doubtfire? The Pacifier? Deuce Bigelow? Most of Adam Sandler's films? Big Momma can hold her own, honey.

The sight gags in this one are even funnier than in the first. The Bo Derek beach scene had the audience rolling in the aisles. And that was just one of many. I especially liked the friendship that developed between Big Momma and the mother of the family she nannies for. Did anyone notice the mom's southern accent? It was a refreshing change from the humor that is usually milked from between outspoken black females and prissy white females. Good for you, Big Momma.

But Big Momma still does some funny ragging on white culture, as well as just yuppie culture of all colors. I don't agree at all with the poster who wondered why Martin Lawrence tries to portray an action hero. Personally, I thought Martin looked extremely fit in this film and found his stunt work and role as an FBI agent very believable. I found it to be a definite positive for the film as a whole.

Nia Long is feisty and as funny as she's allowed to be. On screen she and Lawrence work well together. The kids in this film are very, very good. Even the dog is funny. It's more of a feel-good movie than the first one and as a mom who plans to now take her kids, that's fine with me.

The bottom line: Lots of laughs if you're the kind of viewer who enjoys screwball comedies that aren't artsy and if you enjoy humor that plays upon cultural differences and experiences. Personally, I love Big Momma and would welcome her at my family reunion any time.