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loueva
Reviews
Los amantes del Círculo Polar (1998)
Movie equivalent of a Bullfight
Any film buffs willing to watch a foreign subtitled movie please see if your local Blockbuster has Julio Medem's LOVERS OF THE ARCTIC CIRCLE. Actually the film has a minimum amount of subtitles as it is mostly visual. It is in Spanish.
One of the more romantic films I have seen in a while, Medem plays the film medium as a classic bullfighter plays with the animal. There are moments of throat clutching intensity and I found myself glued to the screen as it unfolded. Two warnings, the film is put together in pieces and requires some time for the story to unfold and the ending will either soothe or kick your heart.
The Prophet's Game (2000)
Some Deja Vu Here
I saw the DVD version of this mystery/thriller. I must say that Dennis Hopper and Stefanie Zimbalist are highlights of the movie but it kind of ends with their performances. Hopper shows he can act with his face and develop the unsaid script. Zimbalist is a revelation as she portrays an aging, slightly dumpy vice cop who has about had it. Remembering her TV work I gained respect for her acting and personal strength in avoiding face lifts et al. The movie is a bit formula although it has its moments. I cannot determine if the director feels the audience remembers "Psycho" or has forgotten it, but there are references. Many scenes are too long and others, especially the finale and tie in explanations, too short. People who like the serial killer genre with game playing and shock effects will probably like it. It is nice to see Michael Dorn without his Star Trek makeup but his part is much too small. How much mystery can there be when you are almost through the movie and Sandra Locke has not shown up yet? The DVD is full screen, sharp, but a little grainy on my system and DTS sound is an option. Overall a disappointment but Hopper and Zimbalist are worth every penny of rental money.
Almost Famous (2000)
Experience a Flashback
Saw ALMOST FAMOUS at the movies. For all rock music fans of the 70's this is required viewing. Try to go to one of those new movie houses with good sound, it will repay you. Sit back, relax, light 'em if you got em and enjoy!
I think I saw many of my old friends in this movie. Unlike me, they have not aged.
The recreations of events have BRAVEHEART and SPARTACUS qualities.
My last word: DONT DO DRUGS!
Titus (1999)
I want more Taymor
For those of you who admire Shakespeare, for those of you who like Fellini, for those of you hung up on Grand Guignol. I recommend strongly that you put your legs in motion, run to buy or rent, engage the eyes and brain and experience TITUS.
It is an adaptation by Julie Taymor(Of Lion King fame)of Titus Andronicus.
Those of you unfamiliar with the play may be surprised to find that gore and violence are not 20th Century inventions.
Shakespeare was just beginning his career when he wrote it and all of the tissue disruption proved boffo box office. He had arrived.
Taymor does an excellent job of adapting such a vehicle to modern tastes without losing its historical roots. Almost three hours in length, it flies by and the emotional payoff at the end is worth every film rental or purchase penny. I wish I had seen this in a theatre for its impact would have been much more powerful with a bigger image.
Anthony Hopkins and Jessica Lange star and they and the rest of the cast are extraordinary. But my main hat is off to Taymor. I will even see The Snipe Hunt if she will direct it.