Reviews
The Joy Luck Club (1993)
It made my mom cried...
Joy Luck Club is one of those few movies that can literally run your tears dry if watched in an ideal environment, free from distractions and unnecessary talking typical found in home movies. This movie depicts the stories of four Chinese mothers and daughters whose experiences are told in parallel fashion that is original to say the least. The presentation style is very effective and the transitions from one mother to another is smooth and cohesive. The piercing clouds morphed to feather in the opening scene accompany by the thematic score and narration is very artistic. I was amazed at the details of the emotional spin-off this movie creates. The best thing about this movie is the story telling. From the symbolic checkmate over her chess champion daughter to "know what you're worth" dialogue, this movie is high energy in a subtle way. The theme of the movie is reiterated through the four families and woven together beautifully. To be honest, this is a serious movie and if you're looking for a good laugh, this is definitely not the one to pick up. This movie may not appeal to everybody but those that do, they'll love this movie. Can't hurt to give it a shot.
Little Big Man (1970)
What a pleasant surprise...
One night while channel flipping, I thought I saw a familiar face but too young to be recognized without a second look. I double check my vision and was convinced that the young boy in the movie was Dustin Hoffman prehaps in his early twenties or late teens. I saw him at the Academy Awards (98) this year and his complexion has changed a bit given the thirty years difference. From Little Big Man to Rain Man, Hoffman will be forever be immortalized as a Hollywood legend. Little Big Man is an exceptionally well done movie (the cast, the direction, and the great acting of Hoffman, chief Dan, and of course the sexy Faye). This is more than a movie, it was an adventure of a lifetime. You are pitched into his world and feel his every joy and every agony as he progresses through every stages of his life. Some say cats have nine lives but I think Little Big Man must have at least a hundred. This movie centers around the hostilities between the White Men and the Indians with climatic event "The Last Stand". Without giving away the movie, I must say the line "Run Sunshine run!! Run!!" captivated my soul. The movie is like a good book you just can't put it down. I recommend this movie to everyone.
Good Will Hunting (1997)
Greatest movie to come along in a long time...
I vehemently disagree with anonymous from Vancouver, Canada. Good Will Hunting truly shines in our lackluster times of modern Hollywood movies. Matt Damon reminds me of Pacino of the 70's. He is a young and a very talented actor that can hypnotize his audience almost at will. This movie could not have been successful without the supporting cast of Williams and Affleck. Driver may not be the "Cameron Diaz" but she is certainly a talented actress. The scene at the lake with Robin Williams' "uncut" extended performance is just jaw-dropping. The amount of depth in the character development and the complexities of the plot spun by this movie is just simply amazing and sensational. This movie is an exclamation point. Good Will Hunting stood out from the crowd without a question. Overall, I love this movie and would recommend it to everyone.