In every sense of the word! A few years ago I decided to reread the Chronicles straight through from 1 to 7. I then saw this series of movies based on the books. I couldn't have been more pleased. They clearly did all they could with their budget, and it really doesn't matter that it doesn't all look realistic. Narnia is whatever you want it to be, and if for you that means huge, overdone special effects, go ahead and complain that this one doesn't have them. But please, PLEASE recognize that this movie, and the series as a whole, captures the truly magical feel of the stories with reverence and grace. Do you remember how the four children react when they first hear Aslan's name, even though they don't know who he is? That was depicted gloriously in the film. Lucy's love for and belief in Aslan is so pure and fervent. She and all the other children played their parts beautifully. The coronation scene is all formality, pomp, and splendor - until the children being smiling and laughing when the Narnians cheer for them! I'm getting chills just thinking about this movie and its beautiful score. I only wish the series went beyond The Silver Chair! 10 out of 10, because this movie makes me believe in Narnia.
Reviews
22 Reviews
Romeo + Juliet
(1996)
Depressing - not because of the plot line!
17 March 2002
Warning: Spoilers
Call me a traditionalist, a purist, close-minded, or what you will. I welcome it! This movie makes me wince. Go check out my comment for Zefferelli's Romeo and Juliet and you just might understand why. I don't care what people say about how this version makes Shakespeare available and accessible to the masses - I think of it more as throwing heaps of garbage at the masses. SPOILER WARNING: For crying out loud, Luhrmann changed the plot! Juliet is supposed to wake up *AFTER* Romeo drinks the poison and dies. What did Luhrmann hope to gain by rewriting Shakespeare?? All he got from me was disrespect. Zefferelli's version is *not* boring. It is a gorgeous film in all ways, with sumptuous costume, beautiful sets and FABULOUS ACTING. The love between Olivia Hussey and Leonard Whiting is far and away more believable than that of Danes and DiCaprio, for all their power to attract teeny-boppers to the theater. If you're a high school student being "forced" to read this play, I hope for your sake and the sake of literature that your teacher does not show you this version first. If you're "of the masses" for whom this movie was presumably written, do yourself a favor and don't watch it. If you're like me and truly appreciate superb filmmaking and traditional, respectful interpretations, for goodness' sake help me spread the word!
Quills
(2000)
Intense to say the least
6 January 2001
Warning: Spoilers
I saw "Quills" with a friend of mine, and after the film, she was saying that she didn't know if she liked it or hated it. I didn't really fall into either extreme, but suffice it to say that this movie is definitely an experience. Geoffrey Rush gives a brilliant, emotional performance, exquisitely portraying the Marquis de Sade's passion for life, for sex, and for writing. I agree with some others that the movie had a few plot holes and even some exaggeration, but I absolutely thought it was beautiful and sumptuous visually, with gorgeous costumes and countryside and imposing old buildings. The best thing about it was that the writers knew what would amuse modern viewers, whether by shock or pure wit. SPOILER WARNING Michael Caine, in one of the most sinister performances I have ever seen of his, made the doctor appropriately absurd to the audience, and I practically cheered when that poor wife of his (beautiful newcomer Amelia Warner) made off with the architect. In general, I would recommend this movie to anyone who's a real film buff - perhaps it's not perfect, but I think it deserves recognition for its overall composition. 9/10
Oh dear!!
5 January 2001
I've read this book probably 4 times, and loved it every single time. I'm afraid this movie has missed the mark. Well, no, it hasn't missed the mark - it doesn't even know where the mark is in the first place! First of all, these actors are nothing like I pictured the characters as I read. I may have pictured them somewhat differently from how Austen described them, but nevertheless I find it very hard to accept them as the characters in the book. They just don't fit. Second of all, why are there so many scenes cut out and new ones put in? It felt like I'd missed so much when the movie was over, and that it was rushed and incomplete. And all of her visions! Some of the scenes in this movie are very similar to those in John Gielgud's "Prospero's Books," which I know is lauded as brilliant filmmaking. However, here it just distracts from the story and creates an uncomfortable situation for the viewer. If you love Jane Austen, I would suggest not seeing this movie. Wait for someone like Emma Thompson or even Kenneth Branagh to do justice to it (although I hope he doesn't cast himself as Tilney!!).
Big Eden
(2000)
Touching and endearing
16 July 2000
I saw this movie at Outfest in Los Angeles - the editor is a friend of ours. Absolutely loved it, although some of the in-jokes flew right over my head! It really is a wonderful film, if slightly optimistic, with great, GREAT characters and a surprising plot line. This movie really needs to be picked up by a good distributor, and it's a real shame there aren't a ton more movies like it that are going through the public circuit. If you get the chance to see this movie, tell everyone you know to see it too, and hopefully it will get the recognition it so richly deserves.
The Cider House Rules
(1999)
Yes, Cider House RULES!
1 July 2000
Okay, corny summary...but I really believe it's true! I've never read the book The Cider House Rules, but this movie seemed to have really touched on something special. Granted, Tobey Maguire played this part exactly as he'd played "Pleasantville," but I think it fit the character. Michael Caine was simply wonderful - and aside from Robin Williams' for "Good Will Hunting," I've never been happier to see anyone win an Oscar. I could not for the life of me understand the hype over "American Beauty" with this movie in the running - it was more heartfelt, had a much better script and a better message overall, and most importantly, left me with a good feeling leaving the theater. The bittersweet predictability of the ending line was a wonderful incentive to cry. See this movie if you haven't already, and if you have, see it again.
The Miracle Worker
(1962)
One of the best films ever
22 June 2000
I bought this movie after having not seen it for a while, and watching it again was intensely powerful. I had never cried during the "water" scene, but I did this time. The scene in the dining room is magnificently filmed and exhausting to watch...to think Patty Duke and Anne Bancroft performed that scene every night on Broadway! Supposedly they wore multiple layers of padding. I don't know why they didn't create a new category for the Oscars that year, Best Double Performance in Leading Roles. They both richly deserved the Oscars they won, but I really couldn't choose between a leading role and a supporting role in that movie since Duke and Bancroft created such a beautiful and moving partnership. Having read a great deal about Helen Keller, including her own autobiography, I am still always amazed by her story and accomplishments. This movie is a brilliant testament to human strength.
Shakespeare in Love
(1998)
Deserves all the praise it ever got!
24 May 2000
I don't know why I haven't written about this movie yet...I just love it! This could possibly be due to my passion for "Romeo and Juliet," the most beautiful love story ever told. Only a few years ago I saw "Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead" in London, and was completely swept away by the genius of Tom Stoppard. I place his comedic strength on the same pedestal as Monty Python, with a little less wackiness and a little more sophistication. With that in mind, I knew going into the movie theater that "Shakespeare in Love" would be nothing short of brilliant. I wasn't disappointed. Watching all of the actors and actresses in this movie is always such a treat. Gwyneth Paltrow is positively radiant, pulling off a virtually flawless accent; Joseph Fiennes, while perhaps a bit hunky for the Shakespeare role, is wonderful; Dame Judi Dench brings a delicious, though far too infrequent, energy to the screen; and Geoffrey Rush, whom I had associated with dark and serious drama, is just so enjoyable in his role of the quick-thinking Henslowe. If you have a special love of Shakespeare, then "The show must --" "Go on!"
The Witches
(1990)
Scary!
24 May 2000
This could just be my weakness, but maybe it'll warn younger kids. The first time I saw this movie I was about 10 years old, and I had awful nightmares - Anjelica Huston's Grand High Witch really scared me! Unfortunately, this movie doesn't follow Roald Dahl's book precisely - you'll know what I mean if you watch it to the end. However, most of it seems to be pretty close to what he would have invisioned in that somewhat depraved mind of his. Like I said, I wouldn't really recommend this movie for young kids, but it can be interesting to watch from a literary point of view.
Guys and Dolls
(1955)
A few rough spots, but fun all the same
17 May 2000
Before I bought the movie, I listened to the Broadway recording many times to tide myself over. Overall, I like the original book a whole lot more. "More I Cannot Wish You" and "Bushel and a Peck" are my two favorite songs on that album! Most of the Broadway leads are better...i.e., they can sing...except that Vivian Blaine was a much, much better Adelaide. Overall, though, the Guys and Dolls movie is always enjoyable. Fred Astaire and Marlon Brando play off each other very well...and except for his voice, I can understand how easily Sarah Brown fell for Sky. He was a very handsome man! "Luck Be a Lady" explodes with energy and truly wonderful dancing, and again, Vivian Blaine is hilarious. I guess I'm biased towards musicals in general, despite a few flaws here and there. So what's a little cider in the ear?
Twelfth Night
(1996)
One of the best adaptations of Shakespeare I've seen!
9 April 2000
I'm in a Shakespeare class in school this year, and we watched two or three different movies/films of each play we read. We only watched a few scenes from this one after reading "Twelfth Night," but it made such an impression on me that I asked the teacher to borrow it that night. I loved the costumes, the scenery, the acting, and especially the musical arrangements of the rhymes Shakespeare wrote for Feste. And speaking of which, I don't know why some people didn't like Ben Kingsley in the role. I can't imagine anyone else doing it; he brought a certain special wistfulness to the part that I'm pretty sure only he could make believable. In any case, although I would normally be wary of Trevor Nunn (who overproduced Les Miserables along with Cameron Mackintosh), I was very impressed with his interpretation. 9.9 out of 10!
October Sky
(1999)
Heartwarming, lovely filmmaking
12 March 2000
I wanted to see this movie the minute it came out. Why, you might ask? Jake Gyllenhaal (Homer Hickam) has been a friend of my brother's and mine since elementary school, and I already knew he would be wonderful in it. Sadly, I only got to see it on video, but the effect was still incredible. Jake truly was wonderful in this movie, as was the rest of the cast.
The movie didn't get nearly as much recognition as it should have, probably because it didn't have great big special effects or huge publicity. It's a shame when that happens to a movie like this, because it really is a human story that can be related to on many different levels. If you want to be blown away, rent some action movie. But if you want to be moved and made to think, rent "October Sky."
The movie didn't get nearly as much recognition as it should have, probably because it didn't have great big special effects or huge publicity. It's a shame when that happens to a movie like this, because it really is a human story that can be related to on many different levels. If you want to be blown away, rent some action movie. But if you want to be moved and made to think, rent "October Sky."
Cold Comfort Farm
(1995 TV Movie)
Amusing, or diverting...not "such fun"
11 March 2000
I simply adore this movie! From beginning to end it shines with wit and hilarious depravity. Having read the book, I think it safe to say that this is one of the best transitions from page to screen. Everyone is perfectly cast in this - particularly Kate Beckinsale as Flora, Joanna Lumley as Mrs. Smiling, Eileen Atkins as Judith and Ian McKellen as Amos. Rufus Sewell makes for great eye-candy as Seth, and the virtually unknown Maria Miles is adorable as Elfine. Aunt Ada Doom, played by Sheila Burrell, constantly reminds us that "There have always been Starkadders at Cold Comfort Farm," and although it's probably best to keep it that way, she's in for a few surprises. Flora's dealings with Mr. Mybug, hysterically portrayed by Stephen Fry, are alone worth the price of renting this movie.
Flora's decision to go to Cold Comfort Farm after her parents die sets the tone for the rest of the movie; it sounds "Interesting and appalling...the others just sound appalling!" If you want a good chuckle, or just love good British humor, by all means, see this movie!
Flora's decision to go to Cold Comfort Farm after her parents die sets the tone for the rest of the movie; it sounds "Interesting and appalling...the others just sound appalling!" If you want a good chuckle, or just love good British humor, by all means, see this movie!
The Music Man
(1962)
A truly wonderful movie
8 March 2000
I have loved this movie ever since the first time I saw it, about 10 years ago. We taped it off TV, and it always had the end of "The Road Warrior" tacked on the start of the tape. That, of all things, became nostalgic to me...
In any case, "The Music Man" is a beautiful, heartwarming story with a great message. I have only one complaint about this movie, and that's the decision to cast Shirley Jones instead of the orignial Broadway Marian, Barbara Cook. Jones was a great actress, but Cook had the truer voice. Robert Preston, Ronny Howard, Buddy Hackett, etc, etc, are all so much fun to watch! I was in a high school production of "Music Man" last year, and we rented costumes from Warner Bros. Studios...many of us wore costumes that were actually in the movie! (I checked to make sure!)
I simply love this movie and everything about it; the patter songs, the love scenes, the Iowa stubbornness - it all holds a very special place in my heart, it and always will.
In any case, "The Music Man" is a beautiful, heartwarming story with a great message. I have only one complaint about this movie, and that's the decision to cast Shirley Jones instead of the orignial Broadway Marian, Barbara Cook. Jones was a great actress, but Cook had the truer voice. Robert Preston, Ronny Howard, Buddy Hackett, etc, etc, are all so much fun to watch! I was in a high school production of "Music Man" last year, and we rented costumes from Warner Bros. Studios...many of us wore costumes that were actually in the movie! (I checked to make sure!)
I simply love this movie and everything about it; the patter songs, the love scenes, the Iowa stubbornness - it all holds a very special place in my heart, it and always will.
The Man in the Iron Mask
(I) (1998)
Definitely flawed, but enjoyable
3 March 2000
I saw this movie on the big screen the first time. Back then I still had a thing for Leo, so that was part of the reason I wanted to see it, even though I didn't think he would do period very well. I was so right! Perhaps it was just someone's horrible script decisions, but his lines were extremely stilted and at some times just anachronistic. (Something like, "So, we're having difficulties with the Danish, huh?" I don't think so.) Other than that, he did do a wonderful job creating the contrast between Louis and Philippe. As far as the other actors were concerned, I don't know why they decided to cast Depardieu and Malkovich together, seeing as they both stick out like sore thumbs. Depardieu is the only Musketeer who's actually French, and Malkovich sounds like he just stepped out of a cornfield in Ohio. Aside from all of that, the scenery and costumes are quite stunning, and the story intriguing. I've rented this movie a few times now, to endure the mistakes and enjoy what was done right.
The A-Team
(1983–1987)
THE best thing to come out of the 80's!!
29 February 2000
I never watched He-Man, She-Rah, or My Little Pony. My brother watched The A-Team religiously; he and a friend would call each other during the commercial breaks to talk about the show! So, I always watched it with him. Little did I realize at the time the value of this show. Sure, it's campy, sure the episodes are somewhat formulaic. But that's all part of its charm! We would always wonder at the opening of the show (which, I might add, my brother could recite from memory) what kind of armored car they would make, how many guys would go flying when they crashed through a fence, or how many heartbreaks Face would pull off. Mr. T., Dirk Benedict, Dwight Schultz (which I never could pronounce) and the infamous George Peppard...man, what a team. I love it when a plan comes together!
Jungle 2 Jungle
(1997)
A truly enjoyable film
20 February 2000
I've seen this movie twice now, and I loved it both times. Tim Allen is wonderful. Sam Huntington is touching and very real as Mimi-Siku, Martin Short is hilarious, and Leelee Sobieski, who I've always admired immensely, is adorable. I must admit I thought this movie would be fluffy when I first saw the trailers, but I'm pleased to say I was wrong. A great family movie, 10 out of 10!
A Little Princess
(1995)
A beautiful, heartwarming story
15 January 2000
Okay, so this movie doesn't follow the book exactly. Usually I'm not in favor of that idea, but in this case, it's a masterful diversion. I love all the references to (and music of) India, and Eleanor Bron (yes, she was that lady in Help!) as the malicious Miss Minchin. I cry every single time I see this movie, in about 4 different places. Trust me, you'll find them all! Liesel Matthews is just wonderful as Sara, and Liam Cunningham plays Captain Crewe beautifully. Neat trivia: In case you didn't recognize her, Ermingarde (Heather DeLoach) is the "Bee Girl" from the Blind Melon music video. I recommend this movie to anyone who could use a good cry, or who simply loves well-made films.
Dangerous Beauty
(1998)
Beautiful, sumptuous, enthralling
8 December 1999
I simply LOVED this movie the first time I saw it, and I still love it every time I see it again. Catherine McCormack portrays the courtesan/poetess Veronica Franco sincerely and beautifully, and Rufus Sewell is, well, extremely handsome (check him out in "Cold Comfort Farm" too!). The premise of this movie was completely believable at all times for me. The only thing I would have changed about this movie was casting Oliver Platt. I simply can't STAND his trying to pull off a high-class accent when it's clear he's not British. That opinion has nothing to do with the rotten character he portrayed, by the way; he just didn't fit in. This movie actually helped me place "Ever After" in context. If I'm not mistaken, historically, the movies have the same Henry, although I would appreciate verification of that! :-) Overall, I give this movie 4 1/2 stars out of 5 for its near-perfection. This is the sort of movie that should be made (and seen!) much more often.
I Love Lucy
(1951–1957)
The best TV show EVER!
8 December 1999
There really is no comparison to "I Love Lucy." Lucille Ball was a comical genius, and Desi, Vivian Vance and William Frawley were the perfect foils for her talent, not to mention extremely talented themselves. Vance and Frawley each had backgrounds in Vaudeville, and it definitely shows. I have seen every single episode of "I Love Lucy" ever made, and multiple times each, including most of the "Lucy-Desi Comedy Hour" shows (which I don't think were quite as good, but were still quite funny). The show never fails to make me laugh hysterically, even if I've seen the episode ten times already. Everyone should sit down and watch "I Love Lucy" any chance they get because it really shows excellent TV work by all the writers, especially "Three Bobs and a Babe" (Bob Carroll Jr., Bob Weiskopf, Bob Schiller and Madelyn Pugh). No comedy series today could hope to come near what "I Love Lucy" accomplished in its relatively short run. It's an American classic which should continue to live on.
Romeo and Juliet
(1968)
This is how it was meant to be
19 September 1999
Score one for Zefferelli! Although he did have to shorten the play and change some lines, this is the closest that cinema has ever come to the "real thing." If you've only seen the latest version of R + J, do yourself a favor and see it done right. The two unknowns cast to play the title roles, Leonard Whiting and Olivia Hussey, are speaking Shakespeare with what seems like ages of experience behind them. I think everyone should see this movie at least once, even if they've never read Shakespeare, just because it's such a glorious testament to what film has to offer. And, if you don't see it for the honor it does Shakespeare, see it for the costumes!
(P.S. After you see this movie, see Shakespeare in Love!)
(P.S. After you see this movie, see Shakespeare in Love!)
The Sound of Music
(1965)
One of my all-time favorites
19 September 1999
I love this movie!!! The acting is wonderful and the music is beautiful, but those aren't the only things I love about it. One of the reasons I watch this movie again and again is because I simply adore seeing the love between Maria and Captain Von Trapp unfold. From the stern, cold way he addresses her in the beginning to his deep sincerity when he tells Maria that he loves her, the whole development is nothing short of magical. The children are all wonderful, considering (and I checked up on this!) that each of them were really about 3-5 years older than the ages they portrayed! Since I've seen the movie so many times, I've noticed a few picky little editing mistakes, but that hardly matters considering the great feeling one experiences while watching this classic.
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