Aleona's Reviews

The Godfather (1972)

6/10

25 August 2001

Warning: Spoilers

***Spoilers Ahead***

I read the book by Puzo before I saw the movie made out of it. I loved The Godfather in writing. I thought the characters were well thought out and portrayed. When I rented the movie, I knew that there is no way to give the whole story in four hours and make it interesting so I looked for characters and the way they were illustrated. I looked for the way relationships were passed on to the viewer compared how it was done in the book and after all this I was very disappointed.

I can forgive the movie for omitting histories about people like Luca Brasi and Al Neri. I can even forgive them for not working more with Johnny Fontane even though it was a great story that tied in well with the portrayal of Don's relationship with his Godson and how he expected to be repaid by people close to him. The movie skipped characters like Nino, Kay's parents and her background, the doctor and several others, but after all, the movie is not supposed to be a book word for word.

The Godfather had great cinematography. The scenes were beautifully picked and shot. My favorite is at the end when Michael stands as Godfather to his nephew and people are getting shot all around, that was amazing. The music was cheesy most of the time, but if that was my main complaint, I could still call this movie to be great.

What appalled me beyond belief is the horrible portrayal of Michael and his relationship with Kay (unfortunately it only gets worse in the 2nd movie) and complete lack of the mother's presence in the movie. Her and Kay develop a relationship. Kay becomes super Catholic and goes to church with her every morning. She ran away from Michael with his kids at some point because she was angry with him. And Michael was patient and never lost his temper with his wife. However, he was also very proud and when he returned from Cicily he did not go to her because did not expect to find her still waiting for him. And the movie failed to illustrate how much Tom Hagen was an outsider to the family. The Don lost some of his power because of Tom and that is why Michael removed him from the post.

I thought that Sonny was portrayed well as were Connie and Carlo. I thought that oranges as a foreshadowing device was a great idea. The ironies illustrated in the movie like the beginning of a movie with "I believe in America" are all good things that made this movie stronger. However, it lacks depth and complexity. I don't understand how one can understand what is going on in this movie without reading the book first.

This movie is considered to be America's best and that should be left on its conscience.

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Bounce (2000)

5/10

Typical Hollywood flick

20 July 2001

Predictable -- Not for a minute was there a doubt that this movie

was going to end the way it did. What happened to at least making

it look like there is suspense?

No character development --- Both Paltrow and Affleck stayed the

exact same people that they were at the beginning of the movie.

Characters don't have to change or become opposite of what they

used to be at the beginning, but some sort of progress in maturity,

in life lessons, in anything would be nice.

Typical -- Hollywood strikes again. There is nothing wrong with

cute date movies, but some quality would be nice. Not asking for

much, just a little bit of thinking that one would need to do after he

walks out of the movie theater. Unfortunately, one line of wise

words in 2 hours is not enough.

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Dangerous Liaisons (1988)

A bad attempt to make a French movie

19 July 2001

Even if we forgive the fact that the book is different from the movie

and that some liberties should not be taken by a screenwriter. But

even if all that aside, this still does not explain lack of character

development, lack of emotional charge through the movie and lack

of French manners and ways of life that should be a background to

any movie set in France. Who ever hoots in a theater in France?

What music teacher (not that he is a music teacher in a book)

could challenge a nobleman? What about just the general charm

and etiquette of French nobility that despite all of their wickedness

is still the predominant mask? Where was that? Perhaps John

Malkovich was the wrong actor to try to display a combination of a

seducer and a charmer all at the same time. As far as Michelle

Pfeiffer, well she is beautiful as always and she fit the role she

was given..her typical role. The virtuous, sweet woman who tries to

control things but fails. This is her role in every single movie she is

in and she is good in that role, but unfortunately does not go any

further in developing it. Keeanu Reeves is terrible and

undeveloped as a character and I can't believe the only point of

Uma Thurman was for the nudity. I mean she can act and they

could have made her into a stronger character to illustrate all the

emotions and changes she had to go through. As far as Glenn

Close, I also thought that the emotional load of the movie, of her

character was not passed on to the viewer because of her weak

performance or weak writing. This movie could of been great if

made by the French who could not only understand the novel

better but also allow the viewers to taste France and that time

period in all its beauty and bitterness. To make people feel the

function of women as victims and at the same time see that not all

was quite that simple. This movie was made in two dimensions

and it needed at least one more in order to live up to the novel.

However, it turned out to be a typical, wanna be Blockbuster flick

with a little bit more of an interesting story line.

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Tomcats (2001)

3/10

Simple

11 April 2001

A movie aimed at those who like mindless entertainment. Personally it is not my style because even a comedy should leave one thinking about the greater meaning. Tomcats is full of crass, stupid humour that is good for a couple of laughs. Is it worth the two hours? For me, it wasn't, but if you like an uncomplicated, predictable plot with undeveloped characters then it will suffice. Don't be expecting anything wonderful. Some have compared this movie to American Pie, but I have to disagree because American Pie really did present certain realities about the American life, while this movie may begin to try, but fails miserably. There are several overdone scenes (like the ones involving the librarian) so that for me was annoying. Of course, Hollywood uses beautiful actors and actresses to get people to come and watch the movie. So in my opinion Tomcats is the stereotypical Hollywood comedy for which Hollywood is known and loved especially in Europe...

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Widow of St. Pierre (2000)

10/10

Spectacular

11 April 2001

I loved this movie! It moved me, made me laugh and cry and appreciate love, hate, and compassion. Juliette Binoche is the narrator of this story, she is the one who presents the events from her perspective, but incorporates other into it. This movie has wonderful symbolism that is expressed in so many ways. Whether it is a horse, a ship, or people marching, the different expression of movement and the implication of each and everyone of those is vividly portrayed. Also Binoche's view and adoration of her husband and her compassion to the prisoner is so real, so touching. At times, the viewer along with the narrator seems uncertain of feelings expressed toward Jean and Neel and the camera plays with the viewer's mind allowing him to suspect the worst and be pleasantly surprised. This movie has a very gloomy setting, but really the feelings expressed, the magnitude of love is so powerful that the dull surroundings do not strain the viewer. I thought this movie was phenomenal because it expressed the best of human nature in such real ways. It showed that not everything is black and white, not everyone is jealous and vengeful and finally people do have a sense of obligation and honor. I would strongly recommend this movie to anyone who is up for a serious, beautiful and sad movie.

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Gladiator (2000)

5/10

The Academy bows to what Hollywood is ridiculed for

11 April 2001

First of all, Gladiator is NOT an epic!!!! I know there are sites that claim that historically it is true, but let's be honest...no emperor will ever fight a Gladiator. EVER!!! No matter who the Gladiator really is, just imagine Spartacus fighting the emperor. Umm...no!

Second of all --- there is no way Gladiator deserved the Oscar for movie of the year...Sure it deserved to get all the technical decorations and computer animation and whatever else they did to make the Coliseum and all the special effects, but BEST MOVIE?? Is the Academy on crack?

Third of all -- there was no strong acting...NONE!! There were some touching scenes and some beautiful scenes of nature and blood for that matter (if you find that thrilling), but not one actor did a wonderful job acting...They were all predictable. Of course the girl loved the hero and the father didn't love the son, etc., etc. A cliche on top of cliche is all this movie is made of and then it gets an Oscar. Well at least next year the Oscars will be better because they couldn't possibly screw up more this year.

And lastly, when I leave a movie theater, I would like to have something to think about because of a movie I just saw. Some sort of a greater, bigger picture. Here we had a point that being dishonest and weak fires back! That's an original! And it certainly take three hours to deliver that point to the audience. I am not even arguing for good movies to be recognized because given what I think is good may not be the standard for everyone else, but let us not recognize something that is unworthy of it. I was also disappointed in Russel Crowe because I did not expect him to go from LA Confidential and The Insider to crap like Gladiator.

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Return to Me (2000)

5/10

Date movie

11 April 2001

OK so this isn't Oscar worthy or an all time flick, but it had its good moments and for those of us that love Mini Driver and think that David is hot, well what more can you ask for?

Anyway, in all seriousness, it really is an OK movie. I personally thought that the best part of the movie was all the comments made by the older generation. All the jokes were sad, but true in so many ways. They way they took care and loved Grace and supported and overprotected her was just so cute and real in many ways. True there wasn't much thought in the plot, and it was very predictable, but it is interesting to think about someone getting a new heart and how it affects them and the person that they are. Oh and the Aquafina scene was funny as were some other ones.

So even though the characters are typical and the plot is predictable, it is a nice, easy going movie. A feel-good movie category is probably appropriate. I would recommend it especially if you are a guy and want to prove to a girl that you can watch sappy movies.

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Pay It Forward (2000)

Gets interesting responses from different critics

22 October 2000

As the rest of the population of this country, when I saw the cast in previews, I knew I had to see this move -- and so I did. Like expected, I cried and like expected I walked out of the theater with food for thought.

Today, I opened several sites to see what other people thought of this movie and their responses and the diversity of opinions stunned me. People said it's manipulative and it forced them to cry. So manipulation of emotion was it's biggest "downfall" and the great acting was it's biggest plus.

So let's think about this...Hollywood exists because it attempts to command our emotions and we all rave about it in every other review. When Titanic came out and swept the Oscars, it was BECAUSE it made everyone cry at the end and because the make up was outstanding. Somehow though, the plot of a sinking ship and a cheesy romance did not seem mundane, but the idea that a child is not being cynical of the world is lame. What conclusions are we coming to? To the idea that every single point in a movie has to be resolved and preferably with some blood so it doesn't cause anyone any tears.

What so many of us lack is the ability to feel. To feel pain and happiness and sadness. If Pay It Forward brought it out in you, why trash it? Embarrassment? Lack of ability to think about the reality of life? So many movies that were so much worse then Pay It Forward have received praises from very respectable critics, but this movie is all of the sudden is manipulative. Every movie is, because if it doesn't touch you, it didn't meet it's goal.

Sure, the screenwriters played to the emotions of the audience. Perhaps they went too far in the closing scene, but that does not make it a bad movie.

What I would like to know is why the negative outburst. If somebody knows, drop me a line.

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The Tao of Steve (2000)

Was it really that good?

14 September 2000

When I walked out of the movie theater, I thought The Tao of Steve was a great movie. It was funny, it was unusual, it had some good points in it. But....

Weren't the actors a little too simple? I mean they make Dex sound deep and philosophical, but really is he? Or is he using a couple of really old tricks that seem new? Or what about his follower? The young boy who is trying to be as cool and wonderful as Mr. Steve McQueen. He has no character. He is there to idealize and imitate. Is that really how people act even when they put someone on a pedestal?

And of course, the girl. The one that plays hard to get and then falls for him making him, the hero, change his ways. Isn't that a little old? Isn't that what's overplayed in every cheesy romantic comedy ever made?

So to sum up, you get a small theater to play a cute movie that does not make it big, you therefore think it's wonderful because it's too good to be playing on the big screen, but you get the same quality as any AMC typical movie. Then we all sit here and go on about how deep and thoughtful this movie was. Was it? I think not.

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Erin Brockovich (2000)

OK, nothing special

14 September 2000

Cleavage, cleavage, cleavage. If you are a guy, you should love this movie just for that. Oh and if you are a feminist, it got that great "guy stays at home to take care of the kids" plot going for it. The movie itself is ok. It tells the story, makes you laugh once or twice. What else do you want? I mean this is a scam that lawyers and journalists deal with. So it can get only so exciting.

Julia Roberts is pretty and has some great outfits and comebacks. So, overall, it is just a movie. Nothing extraordinary.

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Bring It On (2000)

Fake

5 September 2000

Pretty girls in short skirts attracts audience and they should stick to that. Music was upbeat, dancing was great, but really, why fill it up with cheesy dialogue and attempted humanity.

Boohoo, a rich girl steps off her pedestal and tries to help the one in a poor neighborhood and honestly expects her to accept your benevolent gift. Naive and simple minded, not mention fake and unrealistic is all I can really call this movie.

Oh and the brief shots of girls on other team looking worse the the ones that the focus was on is just lame. I mean, they are cheerleaders, they look good, it's a given. I can't say I went into the movie theater thinking I was going to see something great, but I was at least hoping for a movie that would make me want to get up and dance, but it really couldn't even do that.

I thought this movie was really a waste of a lot of good dancers and that's about all.

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Gone in 60 Seconds (2000)

4/10

Why all the famous actors?

26 July 2000

I thought that this was one of the best action movies I have seen in a long time. First of all, it got your adrenaline up, which to me is important. Second of all, it depicts American love for cars and life style in a very accurate way. The way Cage talks and names cars and begs them to be good to him, all that is very specific to this country's culture and if you've ever been to Los Angeles, it makes even more sense. The movie points out that a car is more important then money, then women, then sex and though, not many will agree that it's a positive description, it is true of many people's feeling about it.

Now, the question I have, is why did they stick this movie will all these famous people. Robert Duvall, Angelina Jolie, Nicolas Cage were all in there, while just putting in Cage would of been sufficient for attracting people. Jolie was barely on the screen and considering her last performance in Girl, Interrupted, you would think she would get more air time. Perhaps her role would of been good to give to some new actress seeking publicity because it would of made her career, but for Jolie, it seemed to have been a waste of time. Also, I can't really say that any of the acting was superb, which was surprising considering the excellent cast that the producer had to work with.

Overall, I thought the movie was very good. The action, the cars, etc. Just be careful when driving after the show, make sure not to pull any of Cage's stunts from the movie. They probably should of had a warning while rolling credits, "Do Not Try This At Home".

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The World Is Not Enough (1999)

7/10

Great Introduction

26 July 2000

This may sound unbelievable, but The World Is Not Enough was my introduction to James Bond and I couldn't ask for a better one. The graphics, the music, the stunts, the suspense and the classic Bond was all in the movie.

Of course, there was no deep, moving plot, but what can one expect? This is a pure action/thriller type of a movie. James Bond has become a genre of its own and it is something American cinema can be proud of. Oh and the song by Garbage was an excellent addition to the movie. Interesting idea that people's names are only one letters, well the names of the "good guys".

If you want a mindless, pretty thriller, this movie is definitely for you.

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National Lampoon's European Vacation (1985)

4/10

Can we say overdone?

26 July 2000

I have to admit that I like movies that make fun of Americans. I think they are great eye-openers to how others perceive our cockiness. However, this specific movie did not impress me in the least bit. It was overdone, overplayed, had too many stereotypes and too much stupidity. Sure, the idea was probably to take every generalization to the extreme, but this time it went too far. If all the funny moments were used separately, it would have been funny, but a mindless comedy like this, just ridiculed itself. Many of the stereotypes presented are undoubtedly true, but this movie lacked talent which made Americans seem ridiculous even more.

However, I will say that the Big Ben scene was very funny and the only stereotype that I felt was done right was that of American teenagers. Love problems, phone obsessions, food, etc. that was presented with some accuracy.

Other than that, go to Europe and see for yourself what this movie was trying to show but failed.

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The Story of Us (1999)

7/10

Good, but with flaws

26 April 2000

Interesting presentation of a weak marriage, with excellent performance by Bruce Willis and a mediocre one by Michelle Pfeiffer. Willis shows a very dynamic person who is both playful, sentimental and serious if he has to be. He is a wonderful father who connects with his children on a deeper level then one would imagine.

Pfeiffer on the other hand, plays on overly stressed out mother,who talks about her old self that Willis once fell in love with, and points out the moments that made their love possible, but she does not act them out. And when she does, she goes too far in it. Her last speech seemed fake, insincere and over exaggerated that it made me sick.

Overall, if you ignore the less then satisfactory acting at times, it is a sweet movie which gives you plenty to think about. Oh and don't see it with someone you are having problems with...Only people in stable relationships can endure this movie together and not get into a fight about it, because everything that's argued is so real and so true, you forget that it's just a movie.

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Skokie (1981 TV Movie)

4/10

Purely factual

14 March 2000

If you are a lawyer or a judge that is interested in a documentary movie that talks about a case and what happened, this you will like Skokie. There really isn't any great acting in it, in fact a lot of the dialogue of Kaye is cheesy and overly dramaiszed. Most roles are one dimensional and overplayed, but the director did convey the message of the trial and the consequences that followed.

If you need to do a report on the Skokie trial, and you want your research to be somewhat entertaining then this movie may serve you a very good purpose, other than that I wouldn't recommend it.

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Double Jeopardy (1999)

6/10

Almost made it to a category of a good thriller

6 March 2000

Tommy Lee Jones once again stars in a thriller where he ends up being the hero. A mother, tries to find her son and punish her husband who she suspects framed her for the murder of him. Practically no blood, some predictable suspense, some not so predictable. Average movie as a whole, but an enjoyable one.

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The First Wives Club (1996)

Entertaining At It's Best Moments

6 March 2000

Is this some cheap attempt to imitate a one dimensional Big Chill? The best friend who committed suicide brings good friends back together? Doesn't seem too original to me, but it is VERY different from the Big Chill. For starters, Big Chill is an excellent movie, and First Wives Club is a picture you see once in your life and move on.

First of all, what happened to the development of characters? Some depth is too much to ask for. Diane Keaton wears the same exact thing once again, and Goldie Hawn had to use part of her real life in a movie character. This movie just seemed to lack any sort of three dimensional characters. Then, some lines were good, especially Bette Midler's comments. However, about half way through I was personally bored. OK, so what next? How else are they going to get back at their husbands for their unsuccessful lives, was the general thought going through my mind.

This movie was entertaining, but there were more cheap laughs then actual content. If you are looking for an incredibly light and thoughtless movie, this is it.

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Hanging Up (2000)

And the purpose of this movie is....

27 February 2000

OK, Meg Ryan is once again sweet and practically perfect, except for the fact that she is a stressed out woman. She is a perfect mother, an obedient wife, a caring daughter, selfless and successful (except in her driving). The other two sisters have characters too. Do they develop? One word -- NO. Is there a plot? A message? An idea that is at all unique? -- I did not see one.

Was two hours really necessary to show how three sisters fight over who loves who more and then see them bond when they realize they are equally egotistical, even thought they all have good intentions? Some depth would of been nice, but that was too much to ask.

The flashbacks were a nice touch as was the conflict with the mother. The producers should of focused on that rather than on three sisters fighting in the present. The phones were cute, even though exaggerated.

There are plenty of good movies with all three of these actresses, unfortunately, this is not one of them.

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When Harry Met Sally... (1989)

9/10

Sweet

27 February 2000

First of all, this is a great date movie, second of all, it is a wonderful comedy, and third of all, it is an overall an excellent picture.

Meg Ryan and Billy Crystal make a hilarious couple. The orgasm scene is irresistible. I still roll on the floor of laughter when I see it. Great lines, great music, great actors and a very sweet plot.

This movie warms my heart, it makes me believe in romance and that there is hope for obnoxious men. This movie made me attempt to believe that men can grow up. Of course, it is a movie and it could be an exception. The old couples talking was cute but not really necessary even though I understand that it was all building up to the last scene, the movie would not have suffered much without it.

This movie is a classic, the Casablanca talk just ads to it's classiness. See it, if you haven't already.

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The End of the Affair (1999)

Powerful

15 February 2000

The End Of the Affair is one of the most beautiful movies I have ever seen. The imagery and the different themes are interwoven in a such a way to make this an incredible movie.

And perhaps this movie is as much about love and hope as it is about war and what it does to people's mentality. How it turns them to or away from God, how it makes them hold on to everything they got with jealousy and passion because the fear of losing it is so real. The war, of all things, makes people realize how exactly important love and hate are, and how fragile relationships are. The war was one of the main themes of the movie and everything else went from there. The affair, the lovers, the husband, the priest, all were instruments of war...their actions were dictated by the bombs falling down, and once that was over, so was a major part of their lives, so was the affair.

Is war good or bad? The answer is easy, but not in this movie. See it, hopefully it will effect you as much as it has me.

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The Beach (I) (2000)

Surprisingly Good

15 February 2000

I admit that as I was walking into the movie theater I was very hesitant about seeing a movie with Leo DiCaprio and even more hesitant about seeing a gory movie. However, I was pleasantly surprised with DiCaprio's performance and amazed by the way the director portrayed Richard's transformations and stages throughout the movie.

The gory part of it...yes it was bloody. I closed my eyes for all the close ups of blood, however I do admit that it was probably necessary for it to be there so that the right message could be conveyed.

What is the message? I asked myself over and over again as I walked out of the movie. Is it about how hard we try to be unique, but then end up being same as everyone else, or do our experiences still matter even if we do wind up being what we feared most. Richard can be paralleled to Tarzan at first glance, or he can be more accurately seen as Holden Caufield. The cocky attitude, the need to break free from the ties of society, all that is there. The island, the hidden world, perhaps is all Richard's imagination, and everything that happens to him there, is the sad realization of truth and reality.

Many themes and threads are drawn through this movie, much food for thought...or so it was for me.

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The American President (1995)

Best date movie!

18 December 1999

If you are looking for light humor and funny dialogue this movie is definitely for you. With beautiful actors, the plot isn't anything deep or Oscar winning, but it is sweet and good to see in order to be cheered up.

Although this movie lacks some depth, it is brilliantly played out and just that is worth seeing. Of course, my favorite part of the whole movie were sharp exchanges between the President and his girl friend. Not to mention, this movie is very patriotic in the best sense of the word.

Whether you are looking for romance, a laugh or anything else, this maybe a movie for you.

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Sliding Doors (1998)

5/10

Cute

8 December 1999

I did not expect this movie to be deep and it was not for me. I thought it was a wonderful, warm comedy. A good date movie. It presented an interesting concept of one decision completely changing one's whole life, but wasn't very good at presenting it. Nevertheless, I enjoyed this movie for the laughs and the wonderful quotes.

Go see it, but don't expect an Oscar winning movie or too-good to be true acting-neither is there. I had a great time watching this movie and it does still give you something to think about it.

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American Beauty (1999)

10/10

This will leave you speechless

17 October 1999

Before I went to see this movie, I heard a lot of comments about it and they were all very positive. When I saw it, I realized why so many people are raving about it and claiming that it may be the best movie of the year.

American Beauty is a very unique movie in that it presents so many characters and lives that seem to have one thing in common and that is unhappiness, however all characters function so differently that you can't even tie them all together while you're watching the movie. This picture doesn't provoke tears or panic, it doesn't keep you up all night with nightmares, but when I left the movie theater, I was deep in thought about what I saw.

This movie is amazing in all the contrasts of beauty it presents, the characters that are supposed to be beautiful but are not and vice versa. This movie can be looked at from a million perspectives, through a million eye pieces and each and everyone will show you something different. Between plot twists and mystery and pure astonishment at human feelings, anyone can realize that this movie is truly a masterpiece.

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