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Weet Bix
Reviews
My Beautiful Son (2001)
Very enjoyable, must see for both sides of the pond
One of the best things about the film is the obvious cultural differences between the rich American and the 'common' Scousers. However, the relationship between Maureen and Jerry is also lovely to see, as is Walters as Sheila. The one thing that kinda throws the whole thing off is the secret at the end which gives renewed hope to Jerry's situation, as it does not really make sense considering the already given information. However, this is a minor blip, and it is an otherwise very enjoyable film, especially for those who have experience of US/UK cultural shocks!
Rocky V (1990)
Better than Rocky IV
Immediately after his successful fight in Russia against Ivan Drago, Rocky (Stallone) begins to suffer from brain injuries, and he retires with a push from Adrian (Shire) despite a challenge from the latest up and coming boxer, Union Cane (Williams). Just a few days later, Adrian discovers that brother Paulie (Young) gave power of attorney to their accountant, who has lost all their money. The Balboa family must auction off all their possessions and move back to their old rough neighbourhood. Rocky Jr. (Sage Stallone) enrols in Rocky Sr.'s old school where he's bullied, Adrian returns to her old job as an assistant in a pet shop, and Rocky reopens Mickey's old boxing gym. He soon acquires a protégé fighter from Oklahoma, Tommy Gunn (Morrison), who he begins to take to the top. However, Tommy is frustrated at the amount of time it's taking for him to get to challenge Union Cane, now world champion. Duke, a big promoter gets hold of Tommy and lures him with money, cars, and homes. Meanwhile, Rocky Jr. is angry at the lack of attention he is receiving from his father. After beating Cane, Tommy is faced with the allegation that it was too easy of a fight and that he'll never be as good as his former coach. The only way Tommy can get out of the shadow is to challenge Rocky, who refuses to fight him, although already hurt at Tommy's betrayal. When Tommy shows up at a bar where Rocky is, however, they launch into a street fight, and Rocky, obviously, beats Tommy.
Probably conscious of the similarities between the last 4 movies, Stallone has written a significantly different story here. For one, Rocky definitely retires and stays that way, plus it is more focussed on Rocky's family. There are echoes back to "Rocky", with several references to the Creed/Rocky fights and memories of Mickey (Burgess Meredith returns for this short stint). Soppy, predictable, and far-fetching, yes. But it is certainly a departure from the tiresome ROCKY IV. Designed as the last of the ROCKY series, the ROCKY V credits are a montage of scenes from the five movies, mainly from the first. Also features, interestingly, Sylvester Stallone's real son, Sage, as Rocky Jr.
The Prince of Tides (1991)
Great beginning
'The Prince of Tides' starts out SO good, with that nostalgic feeling, and that feeling that it's going to be such a great movie. Unfortunately, the love story between Tom and Lowenstein soon comes into play, and it's the love story that messes everything up. I didn't see that the forte of the plot was the love story...in fact it made me physically sick. I think it should just have followed the main plot of Tom seeking out his memory of his childhood.
The Prince of Tides (1991)
Great beginning
'The Prince of Tides' starts out SO good, with that nostalgic feeling, and that feeling that it's going to be such a great movie. Unfortunately, the love story between Tom and Lowenstein soon comes into play, and it's the love story that messes everything up. I didn't see that the forte of the plot was the love story...in fact it made me physically sick. I think it should just have followed the main plot of Tom seeking out his memory of his childhood.
Empire of the Sun (1987)
As powerful as its title
It's not often that a movie title is an introduction to what is to come in a movie. Just read the title "Empire of the Sun", and it evokes power. Watch the movie and be touched for hours afterwards. This is the first movie I remember ever watching...I was only 4 or 5, and at that age, you never really understand what's happening. However, I remember loving the music, that song that the boys' choir sang at the beginning was just genius. To have watched it 6 years later, at the age of 11, on the laserdisc, made me certain that it was the best movie ever made. It's right up there as my number 1 movie of all time.
There you go, short and sweet, quite the opposite of the movie.
Destination Anywhere (1997)
A must-see for Jovi fans!
Destination Anywhere is a great example of a collaboration of a group of friends. Kudos to Mark Pellington and Jon Bon Jovi for putting it together in such a short time. I doubt this would be very good for non-Jovi fans, however, it could be dubbed a long music video.