Reviews
Cold Sassy Tree (1989)
Didn't anyone who made this movie read the book???
This movie was so badly put together that I don't even want to spend time explaining it. Suffice it to say that Olive Ann Burns would roll over in her grave if she knew the way her fabulous book had been butchered. So many pivotal things from the book were altered or missing that I'm convinced that no one who worked on this movie consulted the book. Too bad, because the actors are talented people. If you haven't read the book, then definitely miss this movie. If you have read the book--miss it too. Of course, you can always watch it just to see what Love Simpson's hats really looked like. The choice is yours.
She's All That (1999)
Disappointing
I rented this movie with high hopes and the thought that was foremost in my mind at the film's end was "that was a waste of time." The commercials and promos made it look really cute. I was very disappointed by the characters. Freddie Prinze,Jr. is undeniably adorable, but his character is so spineless. Rachael Leigh Cook's character is so snotty that I couldn't feel the sympathy I know the director wanted me to (maybe it is because I remember her annoying guest appearance on Dawson's Creek.) And, that scene with the pizza was disgusting. The only characters with any life and spunk were the siblings of the two main characters--Kieran Culkin as Laney's brother and Anna Paquin as Zach's sister. Unfortunately, they weren't enough to save this movie. That is just my opinion, but I have no desire to see it again or recommend it. And if you're someone who loved the movie, please don't post a comment saying I'm stupid or don't know what I'm talking about. I do. Different strikes for different folks, I guess.
Hugo Pool (1997)
Refreshingly different!
This is a fun movie! It was nice to see a movie that didn't remind me of something else. Alyssa Milano, Cathy Moriarty, Malcolm McDowell, and Sean Penn were great. A special applause to Patrick Dempsey, who shows that acting is more than just saying words. I was very touched by his performance and the bond formed by Floyd and Hugo. All in all, an unusual fun movie with a "quirky gait." Rent it and you won't be disappointed.
La putain du roi (1990)
The King's Bore
I'm anxious to see Timothy Dalton in anything he does, but this movie was not worth my time. I hung in there until the end more out of optimism that it would improve than enjoyment. Basically the king is a controlling dog and Jeanne is a, well, you know. This movie is going into the "waste of my time" category. If you want to see Timothy Dalton at his finest, rent the BBC production of Jane Eyre--now THAT is a film.
Pleasantville (1998)
A phenomenal film
Pleasantville is an extraordinary film, one that stirs up as many emotions in the viewer as those being felt by the characters. I agree with other people who frowned at some of the immorality in the movie, but I don't agree with some of the comments which said that people in the movie only turned color when they were "sinning." They turned color when they were experiencing deep feelings for the first time. When did Mary Sue/Jen turn color? When she had delved into a book for the first time. When did Bud/David turn color? When he stood up for someone that he cared about. Then there is the bathtub scene. Maybe I'm way off, but I don't think that Betty actually "you-know-what." I think that her oohing and aahing is supposed to make us think that she is before we realize that she is really oohing and aahing at the colors she is seeing. It is all a question of interpretation and point of view, as is everything in the movie. It is about our most human feelings and how we choose to address them. Do we deny our feelings and live robotic, ignorant lives or do we acknowledge our feelings and nurture them? These are questions that all of us must ask ourselves. If you haven't thought about these things before, this film will bring those questions to the surface and make you put your own life under the microscope. It is truly a marvel that draws you in as much as the two 90's teenagers.
A Little Princess (1995)
A wonderful film
A Little Princess is a beautifully made film--one that was truly unappreciated at the box office. Putting Sara's stories parallel with what is happening in her own life is very imaginative. Liesel Matthews does a wonderful job portraying Sara as a smart, sensitive girl who, though very wealthy and well-liked, is still humble, compassionate and always thinking of others. Words don't do the movie justice--just go and rent it!
The Secret Garden (1993)
A beautiful cinematic experience
The Secret Garden is a lovely film that truly restores your faith in movie-making integrity. It echoes the beauty and simplicity of movies of the past and is still entertaining. The casting is excellent and I particularly like the way the wind blowing through the leaves in the garden always make it look alive--almost like it is speaking in a voiceless way. Definitely a film that the whole family can enjoy again and again.
Shadowlands (1993)
A beautiful love story
As was mentioned in another comment, the fact that this is a true story only adds to its profundity. Anthony Hopkins and Debra Winger are wonderful together, although they seem like a very unlikely couple at first. I've watched it several times and always come away touched and impressed. It has the classic quality of a movie of long ago. You won't be disappointed.
Jane Eyre (1996)
Not the Jane Eyre you know and love...
As someone who loves the book, I rented this movie last night to compare it to the story and to the BBC version with Timothy Dalton (which is about as close as you can get without actually reading the book.) And, although the William Hurt version is lovely, the director took way too many liberties for the sake of artistic license. If you've read the book you'll find yourself saying "it isn't supposed to happen that way" again and again. I started counting how many differences there were and I came up with about 20. I would suggest renting the BBC version first (4 hours but totally worth it) and then renting this one to get a different "spin" on the story. (Or save yourself $3 and forget about this one and watch the BBC one again!) After you see the BBC version you'll realize that nobody, but NOBODY can portray Mr. Rochester better than Timothy Dalton. In short, I've seen about 4 different versions of Jane Eyre searching for the best one and, folks, this isn't it.
Jane Eyre (1983)
Simply the Best
As a Jane Eyre enthusiast for several years, I have seen many adaptations of the novel. Most are just simple 2-hour movies that gloss over key points from the book in the name of time and artistic license. This film, however, brought alive my mental imagery when I read the book. Timothy Dalton is magnificent. He encompasses Mr. Rochester's character inside and out. Zelah Clarke is also impressive as Jane. The more I see other versions of the novel, the more respect I have for the BBC film. I give it my highest recommendation. You won't be disappointed. Just remember to keep a hanky handy for the last 1/2 hour!
FairyTale: A True Story (1997)
Who are we to say that fairies don't exist?
"Fairy Tale" is a wonderful, sweet movie with some deep philosophical undertones. Kids will enjoy it for its fantasy elements and adults will appreciate it for the way it challenges what grown-ups "believe" to be true. All of the adults in the movie are searching for something to believe in, something to fill a loss they have experienced. The children, however, don't need to wrestle with themselves because they trust what they have seen as the truth. Any adult who sees this film will harken back to those innocent days when believing in fairies and gnomes was so easy. They will start asking themselves when the transformation to adulthood took place. What does it really mean to be "grown-up?" And as a little P.S., the 2-second, uncredited appearance of Mel Gibson in the film is quite a nice touch too.
The Great Escape (1963)
You've never seen anything like it!
I highly recommend this movie to anyone who is looking for a film with an incredible cast and a captivating story. Rarely in a war movie are we shown the prisoner's point of view after a long time in captivity. The detail that is shown in this film about the escape process and all the people, thought and preparation that is involved will mesmerize you. And, if you can't get enough, then I also recommend Jean Renoir's French film, The Grand Illusion, which is similar, but not nearly as good as The Great Escape. After seeing The Great Escape, you'll want to run out and rent anything that stars Steve McQueen. And you will never forget this movie--I promise.