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Reviews
Birds of America (2008)
An amazing cast slightly let down by the plot...
I give this 5 out of ten for a number of reasons. But mainly, because I was just disappointed in it. It was good acting, the camera work was good, but it just lacked luster and imagination...
I understand that the Birds thing in the title is a metaphor. No need to throw it in my face with constant pictures of birds and an annoyingly fake bird call track playing throughout the film.
Lauren Graham should have had a bigger part in the film. She was a good character, but she needed developing a lot more. She seemed a little one-dimensional at times. For any friends fan, I will quote Perry's character - "she's like a mother with no baby." This subplot needed to be developed more as well - felt like all of that was just skimmed over. Graham is an amazing actress, and her character deserved to be as good as she is.
Perry, as always, was simply fabulous. He managed to make a pretty annoying character (the slightly OCD, won't have a baby until he gets tenure, etc etc) into a likable, lovable one. His wit and charm as a person shines through to all of his characters, and he made this movie what it is, in my opinion.
The other actors were good as well, albeit a little unbelievable at times. I especially liked Ida (I've forgotten the actress' name, I apologise).
I really, really wish I'd loved this movie. I was looking forward to it so much, and had pretty high expectations, seeing as Perry and Graham are two of my favourite actors. But, it was a bit of a disappointment.
I would recommend watching it, but go in with low expectations, because it's not a fabulous film.
Miracle Run (2004)
One of the best films of our time.
After hearing about this movie from some friends who recommended it greatly, I was skeptical about how well they would portray the autistic characters. To my surprise (and relief), from the very first minute, I was enthralled. A beautiful, enchanting tale about a mother's fight to help her children grow up normally, Miracle Run captivates the audience, and shows the world that autism need not be a hindrance. The film teaches you of two brilliant young boys, stuck in the 'cage' of autism. In due course, these emotionally and mentally stunted boys learn to read, write and speak, heightening their obvious brilliance. After never really experiencing the effects and problems autism brings to children, I didn't know exactly what to expect. I knew embarrassingly little about it, and was worried that I would be out of my depth. Again, to my relief, the stunningly moving portrayal of the children brought light to the extraordinary world of autistic children, and made me realise that this wasn't an illness, as some see it, but more a part of life. The children play the twins beautifully, and don't resort to robotic, overplayed acting. Efron in particular plays his part to perfection, and his seemingly effortless performance deserves some sort of award. This moving and beautiful tale brought a tear to my eye, and has even brought me a new lease on life, as realisation struck that life is for living, and if these twins can do it, anyone can. Just an incredible piece of work, and I believe more people should see it. Stunning is the best word to describe it.
Friends (1994)
One of those shows that you can watch twenty times and still laugh.
I've seen each of the episodes of Friends roughly ten times, more or less. And, no matter how many times I see it, I laugh like the first time I saw it. The characters are likable (sometimes with the exception of Monica, but I think that was partly deliberate), their relationships are sweet and realistic (barring some unlikely pairings) and the plots are funny and adorable. If I had one complaint about Friends, it would be that the last two seasons were a little old and the plots seems slightly aged, but even then, they make you laugh out loud non-stop. Their are criticisms of the show, a common one being that it would be impossible for the friends to live in amazing penthouse apartments such as numbers 19 and 20. But, if they actually watched what they were complaining about, they will know that Mon's apartment was actually her Grandma's and that, as Chandler said "it was a frigging steal!" So I would recommend actually watching the material before they complained so much. Chandler Muriel Bing. He stole the show for me. Every line was delivered with wit and precision (the timing of the delivery of his lines was what I would call perfection). Everything that Perry said was witty, funny and charming. Every single character was portrayed as a real person (possibly with the exception of Phoebe, who was seen as a little outer-worldly!), with a big heart, and an even bigger personality. It's impossible not to love them.
Whoever describes Friends as base humour, or 'yuppie' comedy, they need to take it less seriously. Friends was never created to be the thinking man's comedy. It's a lighthearted, fun show for all ages. It does exactly what it says on the can. It gives you six friends, who you grow to live, laugh and love with.