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Reviews
Sweet and Lowdown (1999)
Thanks for another special moment Woody
So this film isn't "Stardust Memories"? Everyone is always so disappointed when Woody doesn't match his finest hour with each film. Give up the comparisons to "Manhattan" people, and enjoy this stuff while Woody is still active.
Sweet and Lowdown is a wonderful film, a sweet story about a cranky artist and the girl who steals his heart. I fell for it. I think most people will enjoy this.
I'm convinced that Woody is content to make these types of sentimental films now. He has nothing to prove to anyone anymore. That said, I think his 90's output is as consistent and enjoyable as the earlier decades, though perhaps not as important. Let's face it, if the man never makes another film, he is still the greatest American director of our time. Sweet and Lowdown is another little treasure to put on the mantle. Not his best work, and not his worst. But it made me feel great for a couple of hours. Once again, I thank the Wood-man for providing some genuine entertainment in a sea of putrid Hollywood event-movie crap.
Dogma (1999)
Sure, religion sucks, but this film isn't much better..
Smith hit a home run with "Chasing Amy", but strikes out big with this disappointment. There is none of the biting wit, none of the intellect. There is no deep message here, only a little praise of faith. We don't Kevin to preach the faith message to us, we need him to make us laugh.
He even manages to make Chris Rock UNFUNNY. That in itself is more of a "miracle" than the story in this mess. The only redeeming factor is casting Alannis as God. That was a really nice touch.
Go out and rent "Chasing Amy" instead.
Venice/Venice (1992)
One of my all-time favorites
This is a wonderful film: Funny, romantic, and sentimental. Fans of Jaglom will love it. If you are new to Henry Jaglom, you are definately in for a surprise. Jaglom is a true independent, rejecting big Hollywood money and the compromises and garbage films it produces. You can expect originality and honest writing. He typically allows the actors to improvise, giving the films the feel of an Allen picture. But he's not trying to be Woody. He doesn't need to. Jaglom's films are an American treasure in every sense of the word. He may never be widely known, but that's fine with his fans. He's our secret.
A Safe Place (1971)
Think "Annie Hall" crossed with "Magical Mystery Tour"
Wonderfully bizarre and experimental piece of work for which Jaglom should be very proud. Welles and Nicholson are great in this head game. Let yourself go when you watch this--experience it--this is not a "movie"--this is a trip!! You will get as much out of this as you allow yourself to take.
Wandafuru raifu (1998)
Terribly disappointing
This film is a critical darling, I listened to Roger Ebert call it one of the years best. Sorry Roger. This IS a wonderful story/concept, but a very disappointing film. Every opportunity for exploration, emotion, or simple cleverness becomes a missed opportunity. There is little here that is compelling. You meet characters who have just died, and you meet the people whose job it is to guide them to their destiny. None of the characters develop much, their stories are nostalgic drivel at best, and boring at worst. The best part of the film is the slap that it takes at organized religion by proclaiming that there is no hell, everyone "ends up here!" I give the filmmaker credit for taking a shot at moralism. I wish I could say more for the film itself--because this COULD have been a great one.
Déjà Vu (1997)
A truly wonderful film
Love and mystery. Imagination. This is one of Henry's most accessible films, one which should appeal to a wider audience. It is a well rounded story from beginning to end, and quite rewarding. I left the theatre with a smile from ear to ear.