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Reviews
Holes (2003)
A wonderful film for all ages
For a children's film our entire family enjoyed watching this story. My niece, Carmen, who is 8 now wants to own a copy and my 21 year old daughter who also liked the film had read the story in school. As for my husband he has watched it on a couple occasion by himself. Together or alone it is a film that makes you feel good. Shia LaBeouf gives an excellent performance. He and Khleo Thomas have a chemistry between them that make the characters believable and make you root for them. Jon Voight is perfect in the role of "Sir" and Sigourney Weaver is just evil as the warden. It is a wonderful tale of commitment,honesty, love and determination. The characters draw us in to their families both at home and in the work camp. We root for the underdogs and champion a cause. Children learn about prejudice, deception and what can happen when you least expect it. Most of all it teaches children to hold to their promises and live life to its fullest no matter what obstacles may get in the way.
Tank Girl (1995)
What a great comic!
If you like comic books, you'll love "Tank Girl" the movie. Lori Petty is hilarious and the perfect fit. I couldn't imagine anyone better. The style and direction of the film make it a cult classic! I have been a fan of British humor for quite a while and this is just one form of it. If you come in to this film ready for a fun ride it will take you on one. If you haven't seen the unedited version there are deleted scenes that add a certain twist to the film. Life is too short...you have to laugh once in a while!
Almost Famous (2000)
The music weaves a wonderful picture of the time and place of this film
What more could you want from a film that tells the story of abandoned youth and innocence, but to be surrounded by good music and flavorful words. Cameron Crowe tells this story, loosely based on his life, of a 15-year-old boy who becomes an author for Rolling Stone Magazine and tours the country with a "B" level band looking for that perfect story. On his journey William (Patrick Fugit) finds love, laughter, friendship and a key to his future. Surrounded by such talent as Frances McDormand, Billy Crudup, Kate Hudson, and Phillip Seymour Hoffman, Fugit plays well to their expertise.
Some of McDormand's lines are most memorable with quotes from Guerta and lines such as "I can't go on...Rockstars have kidnapped my son." The words flow with authenticity and the cadence of a symphony. Crowe is also masterful in weaving the music from one scene to the next and has created a plethora of memories in song.
Serendipity (2001)
Too many cynical people in the world today
Serendipity...I went to meet an old friend for drink that had just moved back in to town. I was running late, parked at the opposite end of the street where I always parked and missed them. I ran into another friend who asked, me to fill in on a dart team. Then I met a man who was at the next board and talked with him all night. At the end of the night I was walked to my car by one of the guys. On the way home our paths crossed again. To make a long story short we crossed paths again, and the next day he asked me to marry him. I waited two years and we have been married for twelve years. Unfortunately yes, I was in a relationship when we met. It does happen! Even though I thought this film had a few problems. I liked the actors, the story and for gosh sake stop being so cynical everyone!!!
Boys Don't Cry (1999)
Well done, well done.
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I sponsored both "The Brandon Teena Story" and "Boys Don't Cry" in Film Festivals. I thought that "Boys Don't Cry" was a superb film. It deserved the Oscar that Hillary Swank won. She gave a wonderful performance.
This film showed the insensitivity of people in authority and the common thinking in this country, that anyone who is different deserves what happens to them. Hate is a very common word in the English language. Unfortunately, people have stood around passively for too long and it is consuming the world. As we have seen in Kimberly's telling of the story Brandon was accepted by some,but those that felt threatened responded either with hatred (the two killers) or with passivity and acceptance(the mother and friends). The bullies rule in this country and have for many years. Hatered is alive an well in the USA. When John Trotter is hanging out with Brandon they are fine. When his masculinity is threatened he must show his power to mask his fear. Rape is a crime of hate. What was done to Brandon Teena was unacceptable for men and women.
I am a heterosexual woman and any crime against another human being is intolerable. Unfortunately, hate crimes have been allowed to flourish in this wonderful country as well as others for many years. Until people stand up against them we will have more. These films are a way of getting this information out to the people. There are many forms of hate crime and they can be as obvious as blowing up abortion clinics, lynching people because of their skin color, beating someone for their lifestyle or as seemingly innocuous as obscenities toward someone overweight, cutting someone off on the street because one thinks they cut them off first. A Hate Crime is just that HATE.
I am amazed at some of the comments I have read by others on this site. Someone who watches this movie for "the great rape scene" is disgusting and yes, wouldn't have enjoyed this wonderful piece of work. Shame on you for thinking that any rape is suppose to be enjoyable. You sir, need help and are truly the sick F*#@!
The American Astronaut (2001)
The western is alive and well in outer space!
What a fun way to spend a few hours. Corey McAbee is innovative in his thinking and creates a fun piece of film. What do you do when you travel from outpost to outpost. You stop in at your favorite bar, see a few old friends, listen to some music and pick up hitchhikers. When you finally get on some solid ground where you can relax you have some strange adventures. Space travel, traditional western film styling of good guy v. bad guy and musical numbers. What more could one want. Loved it! Loved it! Loved it!
Following (1998)
An act of voyeurism...but who's watching who?
I first screened this film in 1998 as a film festival entry. I immediately gave it my vote for selection. It is a wonderful twist on what can happen to you when you think you are in control. Christopher gives us a glimpse of what is going on but, keeps us guessing by showing us the sequence of events in flash backs. How did he get where he is now? What is really going on? These are the questions that hold your attention. This is a film that is cerebral and finally acknowledges that film goers need something more than heavy pyro and big car crashes. It is a breathe of fresh air for the film industry. If Hollywood is looking for some innovative thinking Christopher Nolan is the man to bring it.
Dinner Rush (2000)
A saucy visual
Bob Giraldi has give the world a feast of entertainment. The fast paced movement of the film and the superb acting hits the mark. The delicious performances are offered by the likes of Danny Aiello, Edoardo Ballerini, Kirk Acevedo, Mike McGlone, Vivian Wu, John Corbett, Polly Draper, Summer Phoenix, Ajay Naidu, Jamie Harris, Sandra Bernhard and Mark Margolis. Most of the story is set in Giginos a family owned, if you get my drift, trendy, New York, Italian eatery. Aiello is the owner and is ending his reign in the other family business, bookmaking. The food preparation scene of the critics meal(Bernhard)is alone worth the cost to get into the film. If you have a chance to see it on the big screen it is pure eye candy and even on the small screen you will consume it with delight. If you don't walk away from this film wanting to eat, even with the violence, you have missed out on this tasty morsel.
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone (2001)
The kids will love it!
I took a 7-year-old girl who had never read the books, a 17-year-old girl who had read all of the books and a 44-year-old man...my family. They all enjoyed the film, but had different opinions. The 17-year-old thought it was missing something and hoped that people would read the books before seeing the film. Her creative vision differed from Columbus. The 7-year-old was glued to the screen and didn't utter a word, the 44-year-old was enjoying watching the girls react and found it amusing. I enjoy Chris Columbus' films, but this one seemed to be lacking finesse. Though the story was told well it just didn't feel quite right. Then again, evil vs. good, witches, and trolls what more could a girl want on a Saturday afternoon.
The Lathe of Heaven (1980)
One of the Best films of the '80s
When I saw this film I was very impressed by Bruce Davidson. He brought a purity to the role. Being a member of the sci-fi community I have often asked people about this film and I am surprised by how many of them have never seen it. I think it was a wonderful interpretation of the book.