Change Your Image
Hitchcock and Kubrick Lover
Reviews
Monster (2003)
Short and sweet opinion
Ok..so I'm tired of hearing of the Aileen Wournos murders...the story is dead and buried...I didn't find the movie to be that interesting and controversial...but Theron's performance is worth the price of admissions and controversial enough...bravo for one of hollywoods most beautiful actresses to go that full out...At this point...I hope it's either Nicole or her that takes home Oscar...
Marci X (2003)
Underrated tongue in cheek-comedy.
Lisa Kudrow does get type-casted as the ditz far too often. If you look at her character, she's not a ditz...she's sometimes a little nutty, but she pulls off the perfect Jewish American Princess. Damon Waynes, who is somewhat overshadowed by the rest of the cast plays the rapper very well, promoting sex and violence in all his songs. Christine Baranski of course is always straightlaced funny. She plays the senator that is suing Kudrow's ailing father's company. I was a little upset that Jane Krakowski got her own billing and the other two of Marci's friends were after her, probably just because of her Tony win and recent Ally McBeal success, but she had just as big a part as the other two and they were left at the end of the leading cast list. I think the person that absolutely steals the movie in all the scenes she's in is Sherie Rene Scott who plays Marci's best friend, Kristen. She is so funny and plays a great airhead. People know Sherie Rene Scott from the role of Amneris in Broadway's Aida, and her roles as Cathy in Off-Broadway's Last Five Years and Debbie in Off-Broadway's Debbie Does Dallas. She has an amazing voice and nice to see her on the big screen with a fairly big part. She steals the show from most of the cast if she's in a scene. I thought the movie was hysterical and you kinda have to have a stomach for religious and racial jokes. it's funny and I recommend!!
Far from Heaven (2002)
Brillance
Todd Haynes really outdid himself here. He captured every aspect of seemingly perfect 1950's connecticut. The acting was flawless, Julianne Moore has always been a favorite, and shows such depth and is amazing...but the real wow for me was Dennis Quaid in the film. Absolutely astonishing. Most young people (ages 16-25) will probably not enjoy this movie only because it deals with a time that they're not familiar with and they're not moved. I am 18 and saw this with some of my peer friends. They HATED it, they're also not familiar with the time, and were very unmoved by the characters. This movie says alot and trully gets down past the surface where everything was seemingly alright in the 50's...but Todd Haynes portrays it in a very dark way, yet still keeping the freshness and happiness of 1958. Breathtaking. Run to see it.
In the Bedroom (2001)
Speechless.
This movie was a work of art. From the very innocent, happy, tranquil beginning to the tranquil ending, it held my attention, especially with all the action, conflict and drama on the way. Nick Stahl portrayed a very nice, likeable, gentle High School graduate having an affair with a married - soon to be divorced woman, Marisa Tomei. Stahl was incredible, and as usual so was Tomei. Spacek and Wilkinson played his parents, they were both INCREDIBLE. Spacek deserved the Golden Globe that she won - and that was pretty tough rivaling Nicole Kidman for "The Others", Wilkinson? -- Why was he neglected at the Globes?? He was truly amazing. The use of silence in this movie was suspenseful, a great director, with great acting, and a great storyline. It was an experience. **** / *****
Torn Curtain (1966)
MISUNDERSTOOD CLASSIC HITCHCOCK
It is bad to judge Hitchcock movies. Look at all the masterpieces the man has on his filmography list -- from the classic Secret Agent and 39 Steps to Rebecca and Lifeboat to Strangers on a Train and Psycho to The Birds and Marnie. The man NEVER had a BAD movie. Torn Curtain possesses all aspects of classic Hitchcock -- interesting locations, clever storyline, suspense, humor, stellar acting, stars, music, among other features. Perhaps this movie was criticized on pre-production. Julie Andrews was under contract and her shooting time was very limited. This posed a problem for Hitchcock who had to rush into production. Hitchcock also had a problem with his newly trained actor Paul Newman, who would always have it his way or the highway. Torn Curtain is highly supsenseful and on DVD is a gem. Presented in widescreen it also features the trailer, a documentary, and scenes with Bernard Herrmann's unused score. Thank god Herrmann didn't get the job to score this movie -- as much as Herrmann proved to be perfect for classics like Vertigo and Marnie (known as his best) -- he was way out of his league here. Torn Curtain was very ahead of it's time dealing with suspense, romance, and the Cold War. John Addison performed an excellent score fitting the movie well with the recurring theme that can either make you jump or cry. Andrews was excellent (good to see she can also do straight movies without music), as was Newman and the ensemble. See it on DVD. ****/*****
The Man Who Knew Too Much (1956)
UNIQUE -- Worth it for Doris Day...
Doris Day has put in great performances in Teacher's Pet, By The Light Of The Silvery Moon, Young At Heart, among others -- but all are the same light comedy, musical, or musical comedy. This let her been seen as an actress. When she learns her son has been kidnapped you want to cry with her she's so great. James Stewart puts in his usual great Hitchcock performance but is blown off the screen with the strong presence of Doris Day. Hitchcock performing his magic again with the artful murder scene in the Morocco Marketplace and the chilling suspenseful climax at the end at the Royal Albert Hall. The funny thing is Doris Day never won an Academy Award, surely this among all her other performances could have won her an Oscar. A Hitchcock gem. ***1/2/*****
You Can Count on Me (2000)
Simple, but SPECTACULAR!
Laura Linney well deserved the Oscar nomination. Her role as a single mother - still struggling between her teenage life and adult life was beautifully written. The movie makes you be thankful for what you have, and learn to understand and relate to people that are different. Mark Ruffaldo is also excellent, as is Rory Culkin and Matthew Broderick in supporting roles. Broderick is hysterical. The movie gets you from start to finish. ****/*****
Moulin Rouge! (2001)
The most refreshing movie I've seen in YEARS! OUTSTANDING PERFORMANCES! AND KILLER SOUNDTRACK!
Nicole Kidman is Satine. For the 2 hours we sit in our chairs we are blown away by Nicole Kidman's amazing acting talent as well as her killer singing voice. Ewan McGregor performs the role of Christian perfectly, packed with an amazing singing voice. The film is the hit of 2001, a box-office and merchandising smash. The Soundtrack since May 2001 has been on the best-selling list for months. The film has had three radio smash's, the film's hit song "Lady Marmalade" by Cristina Aguilera, Pink, Lil Kim, and Mya - "Come What May" by Kidman and McGregor, and VH1 and radio hit "Elephant Love Medley" by Kidman and McGregor. The story is amazing for a musical. What more can be said. It was one of those few films that has given me goosebumps during and after viewing. *****/***** for Nicole Kidman and *****/***** for the film.
Duets (2000)
Flat, overshot, pointless.
I had received "Duets" from a friend to watch on DVD. She said it was "cute". I can see where she gets "cute" from. I personally don't like movies like this. The movies hit song "Cruisin" by Huey Lewis and Gwenyth Paltrow is enjoyable. A person in the film that really saves the movie is "Coyote Ugly" star - Maria Bello, who's kinky, fun, way of life helps add a few laughs to the movie. The emotions between Gwenyth and Huey are flat and uninteresting. I think Gwenyth is a great actress. She was excellent and well-deserving of the Oscar for "Shakespeare in Love", she was wonderful in "The Talented Mr. Ripley", as was "Emma", among many of her other films. I found this part -- unsuiting for her. Don't get me wrong she could sing the role!! -- but here is a movie with lesser-known actors and there is Gwenyth Paltrow -- a star. I think she got talked into it by her father (director, Bruce Paltrow). Another thing I DIDN'T like was how Scott Speedman (TV's "Felicity")never sang, i was waiting for some love theme duet between him and Maria Bello -- but he has a purpose in the beginning of the film -- but then his character is good for nothing. He is a good actor and has alot of unseen talent, but the role was all wrong for him. All-in-all the characters are unmemorable and I'm sorry I just don't enjoy comedy that gets laughs by killing someone and being on the run from the police and people dying in the end. Some movies are comic that way -- but this movie was flat all the way through and you were left unmoved at the end.
Emmanuelle in Space (1994)
PAUL MICHAEL ROBINSON and KRISTA ALLEN shine.
Allen plays Emmanuelle. The beautiful woman who meets and falls for Haffron (PAUL MICHAEL ROBINSON). He is one good looking guy. And She is one hot babe. They hit it off well and continue to have great sex through the 7 part series. I think it will be a tragedy if this show doesn't come to america. They tried to rope the 7 episodes in an hour and a half tape. It didn't work out. I want to see all 7 episodes uncut. The sex scene choreography is great. And Kudos to Paul Michael Robinson and Krista Allen for being so great with nudity. They ARE NOT shy. Allen is already a rising star and we should start hearing more about her soon. As for Paul Michael Robinson he has the potential to become a great actor. He can act, he's great looking, and will show nudity (how many actors can you say that about). I read someone said that the leads lack charisma. It's the best charisma I've seen in these kind of movies. ATTENTION!!: LET'S START A GROUP STATING WE WANT EMMANUELLE IN SPACE BROUGHT TO VIDEO IN 7 PARTS UNEDITED!!!!
KRISTA ALLEN RULES!!!
PAUL MICHAEL ROBINSON!!!!!---YOU RULE!!!!
Topaz (1969)
A MUST-SEE UNDERATED HITCHCOCK.
You must see this movie even if you have before. You must see the DVD version, offering the widescreen version and about a half hour of deleted footage that had no right being deleted in the first place. Many important scenes and dialogue were cut for the video release, and haven't been put back in until recently. This is an very underated Hitchcock movie. It contains all the suspense that Hitchcock enjoyed. There are NO STARS in this movie. I can see why it failed at the box office because it's lack of star power. Although the actors are just as good as any superstar. Actually I believe it to be more REAL to see lesser known actors and actually masterful on Hitchcock's part. It's the story of the Cold War, during the days of the Cuban Missle Crisis and the secret spy ring -- Topaz. Great performances and masterful direction. ****/*****. Avoid Maltin's documentary of the movie on the DVD! -- What an arrogant critic.
Dracula (1931)
Masterful
If a Dracula movie was remade like this one, it would be a hit. The 1992 "Bram Stoker's Dracula" was gory and overly long. This "Dracula" had no blood and was masterfully filmed, with closeups of Dracula eyes. In the same way, the movie is corny and campy. Yet Dwight Frye played a great role as the lunatic slave to Dracula, Renfield. Bela Lugosi was a masterful Dracula, with a certain charm to add to Dracula. Helen Chandler was at times funny to watch her panic but was overall good. David Manners was also good, but very FAGGY as Jonathan Harker. The movie was very enjoyable and very good to see on the new DVD with the new score by Philip Glass. ***1/2/*****
The Others (2001)
Heartpounder, thriller, masterpiece.
Critics raved about The Sixth Sense -- Critics raved about What Lies Beneath -- Now critics are RAVING about "The Others". A dark tale of a religious fanatic during WWII, taking care of her two photosensitive children and a dark, isolated old house. Nicole Kidman spells the word ELEGANCE. Yet in this movie she is done up very plain. Her accent is FLAWLESS. Kidman has been BLESSED with a gift and is showing it well this year in particular. First with the blockbuster story/musical of "Moulin Rouge" where Nicole was able to show her SINGING talents as well as ACTING talents. The people are anxiously awaiting "The Hours" starring opposite Meryl Streep and Julianne Moore. "The Others" is no normal ghost story -- but a psychological drama/thriller about a woman's fear and deterioration as she starts to fear her secluded house is haunted. The director is a visionary. Setting his scenes inside only by candlelight -- and the fog adds an amazing effect. The dark sound and haunting score make it the more eerie. I always try and imagine other actors or actresses in certain roles to see if their performances are worthy of awards or attention. Nicole Kidman has baffled me. I can't for the life of me see anyone portraying the role any better. The movie is better in all aspects than "The Sixth Sense" and "What Lies Beneath" (both of which tried to frighten with ARTIFICIAL scares). "The Others" never reverts to special effects for scares, only tense scenes, haunting music, amazing cinematography, stellar acting, breathtaking direction and ATMOSPHERE. Oscar Worthy performances by Kidman, director - Ammnebar, art direction, lighting, cinematography, among many other areas. Run don't walk to "The Others". *****/*****
Pearl Harbor (2001)
May I PLEASE say that this was 3 hours of pointless GARBAGE!
Ok -- The movie was only made to show how great the special effects are at Disney. The succeeded in showing that they have great special effects, yet nothing compared to the years critical and box-office blockbuster "Moulin Rouge". Pearl Harbor drags on miserably with an all-star cast including Cuba Gooding Jr., Ben Affleck, Josh Hartnett and Jon Voight.
May I say that the story of Pearl Harbor was pathetic -- how can you make a 3 hour movie about something that occured in only a few minutes. And then for extra whipped cream they added a stupid, pointless love triangle -- not a spark of chemistry between any of the actors. "Enemy At The Gates" had an amazing story line with a great love triange between Jude Law, Rachel Weisz, and Joseph Fiennes. This love story seemed as if it was just thrown in for a little more "drama depth" between the characters - because the characters were so unrememberible and flat.
And the ending??? It made it seem like Ben Affleck had won the war-- I'd rather see the Japanese win, than him!
Pearl Harbor will just be another movie that is loved by the people when it comes out -- but will soon vanish into the back of Beuna Vista's film closet. Please take my advice and avoid this movie at all costs. This is the movie that most critics raved...."UNIMAGINABLE".
15 Minutes (2001)
What a dark, disturbing movie -- with a twist.
If this isn't considered the crime movie of the year -- I don't know what is! Edward Burns and Robert DeNiro are excellent in this 2 hour adrenaline rush! It keeps you on the edge of your seat. With so many twists your BLOWN AWAY! Very dark story about 2 killers that videotape they're murders and the homicide and arsenal officers on their trail. Kelsey Grammer adds some laughs, with the killers stealing many scenes. It's one of those movies that layers different genres in one - Action -- comedy -- thriller -- Yep - ***1/2/*****. Well worth the watch.
Voodoo Academy (2000)
Worth the watch, anyone will enjoy it.
The movie does have corny dialogue, yet funny -- an interesting story line -- yet not scary -- can be creepy. And an incredible cast. I do not agree with some other comments I've heard about the movie. Being a male -- and straight -- people may find it funny how I ENJOYED the movie. There is not a bit of male or female nudity in the film. When the cast masturbates or caresses themselves it is nothing more (if anything less) of what men do at sleepovers with other guys. Straight guys shouldn't be bothered about this movie. I did see the DVD uncut -- as far as the homoerotic tones -- there were more in Boogie Nights -- and MEN LOVED THAT MOVIE. Voodoo Academy scores a ***/**** rating in my book -- missing the last star only because of the thin story. The cast is believable and KUDOS to the director for painting a realistic picture of what guys do when they're together or in college. Men and women (gay or straight) will like the movie. I was especially pleased with the rising star Riley Smith. Very talented.
Mulligans! (1998)
ABSOLUTE FUN!, PERFECT CAST
Although the only REAL cast members are Tippi Hedren and Marcia Rodd, they are perfect together. Hedren won an award for her portrayal of Dottie. The plot summary says it all, must see the movie. I don't know why IMDb does not have a link to it. It is available at www.Amazon.com. It is 23 minutes of pure fun!! See the movie, never on TV but too funny to miss. It's great to see a star like Tippi Hedren playing a slapstick role. Fans of Tippi's work know she has put in shining performances in Hitchcock films (especially "Marnie") as well as films such as "Roar", "Tiger by the Tail", and "Harrad Experiment". It is wonderful to see that Hedren can play any role. And she is gorgeous!!
All My Sons (1948)
I FELT IT A DISAPPOINTMENT
Maybe it's because I played Chris Keller (the Burt Lancaster role) in the play. I don't agree with many of the comments. I feel that Mady Christians stole the movie. She reprised the role on film after starring in the Broadway cast. First of all, I'm not trying to put other actors down -- but Burt Lancaster, I feel as if he went about the part the complete wrong way. Lancaster has always been one of my favorite actors. When I saw him in this, I was disappointed. I felt his performance was lukewarm to say the least. Robinson as the father is terribly miscast. First of all, how can someone so good looking as Burt Lancaster come from the offspring of 5'2" Edward Robinson? I felt that the script adaptation was pathetic. Alice and Georges Mother is dead? In the play she plays (never seen) a more vital part of the play. Louisa Horton playing Alice wasn't BAD, but wasn't GOOD either. Howard Duff though a very small part is very good. I feel the script to Miller's All My Sons is most certainly superior to the movie adaptation. Miller must have been pulling his hair out, the script to the movie and I think everyone will admit to this was VERY UNARTHURMILLER-LIKE. I felt it a disappointment.
Hannibal (2001)
I have to say I don't agree with the other comments.....:)
I found the movie very good. It was nothing compared to Silence Of The Lambs...but if I was reviewing it I would give it a good two and half or three stars. The acting was superb. Anthony Hopkins was so wonderful he didn't use the same old tongue sizzling noise...he added new phrases like...okey dokey and things like that. Julianne Moore was AMAZING!! I liked the fact that she didn't try to BE Jodie Foster. I would have like to see Jodie play the role but I think she was right that the script was too gory and that her character wasn't the same. Ray Liotta was excellent. I don't want to spoil the movie so I won't say what scene he was the most excellent in...Dinner anyone?. The story line was exceptional. A little gory but we might have needed it! I think all together it was a very well put together movie...and after reading the book...i'm glad it butchered some of the scenes out. Very good movie. Not as good as it's prequel.
Unbreakable (2000)
I DUNNO...i expected much more.
Now, I'll say it now...I didn't like "The Sixth Sense"...but at least that movie went somewhere!!! This whole movie was BS...just to show that another kid remarkably alike Haley Joel Osment could pull of just as good a job. Excellent job to the kid that played Willis's son. Honestly I believe that Bruce Willis is good in some movies. Some movies I just think he's wooden, and I thought he was WOODEN in this one. They wasted Robin Wright Penn's part because she is such an excellent actress I expected more like Toni Collete's wonderful performance in Sixth Sense. And Samuel L. Jackson, his part was so poorly written...and the way the movie ended was just horrible. If i was a critic i would give the movie maybe a half a star on a good day. It just didn't have a good plot. There were really good opportunities for it but it just failed to me. See the Grinch and 102 Dalmations...Glenn Close was amazing as everything else she does.
102 Dalmatians (2000)
GLENN CLOSE PULLS OFF ANOTHER FLAWLESS PERFORMANCE
Definatly this movie would have been a failure if Glenn Close and Oddball weren't in it. The french actor will scare the kids and they won't know what's going on...he was awful. And her studdering sidekick didn't pull off as good as a job as i expected. When Close and Oddball weren't on the screen the movie definatly sank like the Titanic. Alice Evans and the boyfriend acted like some Junior High play. Close once again was amazing. And wears her costumes so beautifully and her strong beautiful face is Cru"Ella". She is and amazingly talented, beautiful actress.
Emmanuelle in Space (1994)
PAUL MICHAEL ROBINSON and KRISTA ALLEN shine.
Allen plays Emmanuelle. The beautiful woman who meets and falls for Haffron (PAUL MICHAEL ROBINSON). He is one good looking guy. And She is one hot babe. They hit it off well and continue to have great sex through the 7 part series. I think it will be a tragedy if this show doesn't come to america. They tried to rope the 7 episodes in an hour and a half tape. It didn't work out. I want to see all 7 episodes uncut. The sex scene choreography is great. And Kudos to Paul Michael Robinson and Krista Allen for being so great with nudity. They ARE NOT shy. Allen is already a rising star and we should start hearing more about her soon. As for Paul Michael Robinson he has the potential to become a great actor. He can act, he's great looking, and will show nudity (how many actors can you say that about). I read someone said that the leads lack charisma. It's the best charisma I've seen in these kind of movies. ATTENTION!!: LET'S START A GROUP STATING WE WANT EMMANUELLE IN SPACE BROUGHT TO VIDEO IN 7 PARTS UNEDITED!!!!
KRISTA ALLEN RULES!!!
PAUL MICHAEL ROBINSON!!!!!---YOU RULE!!!!
The Beach (2000)
A 1/2 Good Movie...
Although the plot didn't grab me, I thought that Leonardo DiCaprio was excellent in the movie. He captured the character of Richard's frightened side and easy going side. This is the first movie I saw with Leonardo DiCaprio in it where I said...WOW to his acting. Although I believe the story line didn't materialize as well as it could. I also think that the movie could have been more successful if the shark bites were not as graphic, the shots weren't as graphic and the sex scenes weren't as graphic, I'm sure it would have been a PG-13 movie. The movie was a total sellout to many girls and women because Leonardo DiCaprio spends mostly the entire movie shirtless, in a towel, in a bathing suit, or in low cut pants. I thought that the movie tried to hard at times...and for a movie that was in production as long as it was...I expected a little more. But Leonardo DiCaprio was excellent. O...and I don't know why IMDb recommends "Full Metal Jacket" for people who liked this movie. "Full Metal Jacket" was a Stanley Kubrick masterpiece still watched and enjoyed by people all over the world...as within a few years "The Beach" will be forgotten along with Leonardo DiCaprio's excellent acting. I await anxiously to see what he will put out in the theaters next. Overall...*** / *****
Drop Dead Gorgeous (1999)
IF YOU DON'T FIND THIS MOVIE HYSTERICAL...YOU'VE GOT SOMETHING WRONG WITH YOU!
Kirstie Alley is utterly hysterical in this satire about beauty pageants. Alley plays Gladys Leeman a beauty pagent has-been that is running the 1995 Sara Rose American Teen Princess Beauty Pagent for Mount Rose, Minnesota. Alley's phony daughter, Rebecca (Denise Richards [hysterical]) is competing in the pagent along with Amber Atkins (Kristen Dunst) and other girls. Dunst definitely has more talent than Richards and the movie is absolutely hysterical on showing what is happening up to the pagent night. Many hysterical scenes are within this movie and by far this was the funniest movie I've seen in a long time. Watch for the funniest scene where Richards dances with Jesus on a crucifix.
Alley is hysterical as the Mount Rose Beauty Pageant commander with her country accents. Ellen Barkin is hysterical as Kirsten Dunst's mother and the melted beer can attached to her hand. Denise Richards is hysterical as Alley's daughter playing the phony, Christian girl. Allison Janney (my god she can act...she was awesome in "American Beauty" as Ricky's mother too) plays Barkin's hysterical friend with her great one-liners, and Kirsten Dunst was hysterical as the intelligent, Beauty Pageant, "trailer trash" tenant. The movie was hysterical! SEE IT!!!!!!!!
My Score...****/*****
The Bone Collector (1999)
AN ALLTOGETHER GOOD, SUSPENSEFUL, AND ENTERTAINING PICTURE
Angelina Jolie was absolutely AMAZING in this movie. It tells the story of a crippled ex-cop and a cop in training on trail of NYC's notorious serial killer. The story depth goes as deep as the masterpiece "Silence Of The Lambs". "The Bone Collector" is a truly suspenseful movie with many plot twists. Angelina Jolie was amazing in this and if you like her acting...I really recommend "Girl, Interrupted" where she received an Academy Award for her excellent acting. The crippled cop is played Denzel Washington, who is also good. A bright part of the movie is Queen Latifah as Washington's nurse who is excellent. Angelina Jolie brings to the screen a dramatic role as Jodie Foster did in "Silence Of The Lambs". The plot unfolds toward the end and is truly a must see movie. My score...****/*****