Change Your Image
Alix Rant
Reviews
Janice Beard 45 WPM (1999)
Sweet & Unusual
I really enjoyed this film. Is it a masterpiece? No. But it's unpredictable, well directed and the acting is excellent.
I rented it because I love Rhys Ifans, and I think Eileen Walsh is truly one of the best actresses I've seen in a while (she stole Magdalene Sisters). I didn't regret the rental, and even kept it for my husband to see too. He felt the same way. Try to see this if you can. It's a great little sleeper!
It's about a girl who's father dies while she's being born, which naturally affects her mother in a profound way, causing her to become agoraphobic. Janice grows up trying to help her mother, and finally decides to get her a unique therapy. The problem is she must LEAVE her mother and go to the big city in order to save enough cash for the therapy. Sounds dark and sad, but it's not. Janice has a wild imagination and a knack for losing jobs. She's also got a great attitude. Rhys plays a unique role - is he a good guy or a bad guy? You have to figure it out!
Buffalo '66 (1998)
Funny & Touching
Buffalo '66 is one of my all time favorite films. I found it sincere and frighteningly personal. I thought it took quite a bit of mettle for Gallo to present this film the way he did. The performances of Ben Gazzara & Angelica Huston were brilliantly understated, and Christina Ricci will probably never have the opportunity to put in a more fascinating performance. I felt you couldn't help but like her, and I enjoyed the way they left her prior life a mystery. Her reactions to Billy Brown's bizarre behavior are priceless and so authentic. Kevin Corrigan is brilliant as "Goon" a/k/a "Rocky".
It's great from start to finish, and it inspired me to start my career as a screenwriter/filmmaker and possibly actor. Thanks Vincent!