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The Michael J. Fox Show (2013)
Don't come to the show with preconceived notions and you will be pleasantly surprised!
I wanted to like this show... AND I DO! The show is clever and funny. It is something that begins to grow on you if you give it a chance and put aside any preconceived notions about the show trying to simply exploit the disease angle. That is the obvious angle so they do not shy away from the topic and address it in the pilot.
It is great to once again see the clever comedic timing of Michael J. Fox that I love and remember. Yes, it is important that the show explain that he has Parkinson's and how he and his family are dealing with it, but there is so much more to the show than that one topic.
Michael J. Fox is all grown up now and works as a newscaster with a family. He comes across as a loving warm dad who does not necessarily have all of the answers but really loves his family and it comes across in the show.
One closing comment; try and give a few episodes a chance at least to get to know the characters and get a sense of the writing style before you make a final call. I hope it stays on and they continue to not shy away from "politically incorrect" and challenging topics like they've done so far.
Arna's Children (2004)
A true dichotomy; the film profiles the best and worst that humanity has to offer.
"Arna's Children" is indeed a very powerful movie. The message transcends ethnicity, religion, and class. Arna proved the futility in stereotyping. She showed love and compassion to Palestinian children, not as a Jew, but as a caring and compassionate human being.
Arna and Juliano showed the Palestinian children that if no one else cared, they did. They created the theatre as a positive outlet for creativity and expression. They let the children know that they mattered. Above all, they proved that someone loved them enough to want them to experience the joy and laughter of childhood in the midst of such utter chaos.
To see this movie as glorifying Palestinian militants is to be naive and miss the whole point. What the movie does do is show the ugly and chaotic side of living in an oppressive police state through the eyes of children.
The film brings home the detrimental aspects of how one often reaps what they sow when using violence and oppressive force to solve problems. It reminds us of how today's feeble and fearful child too often goes on to become tomorrow's angry and militant young man.
Lady in the Water (2006)
M. Night Shyamalan fan not very impressed
I am a big M. Night Shyamalan fan who respects and enjoys his personal revivification of the Twilight Zone era story telling genre. The Rod Serling influence is evident in his grand story telling technique that is usually punctuated with a bait and switch revelation moment of true insight (what I term as the cold-chill moment).
M. Night is unlike most of the "Hollywood suck-up types" because of his willingness to take creative chances with his story telling regardless of whether or not the story seems formulaic enough for potential box-office gold.
Having said that, I think his latest endeavor has much to be desired. First of all I must agree with a previous member who said his role in the movie went a little overboard. It is fine when he has a cameo appearance but in this movie, his character role was a little distracting. I kept hearing people whisper... "that is M. Night." And "By the way, did you know that is M. Night?" However, I can not criticize his actual acting ability since it was good.
The other point that became a little drawn out and predictable was the way the characters had been mistakenly identified... Movie viewers know what I am talking about here. The "guardian" turned out to not really be the guardian, and the "healer" wasn't really the "healer" and so forth. The misidentification of roles theme got a little old really quick.
All in all the acting was very believable especially by Giamatti. However, from an entertainment value standpoint, I was a bit disappointed with the movie. I felt the movie was a little on the long side. It is very unusual for me to watch the clock at any M. Night movie.
Considering all the negatives I was put in the unfortunate position where I was happy to finally say: "the eagle has landed!" Movie viewers understand and know the pun was intended.
Click (2006)
Great movie! Honestly expect to laugh and cry....
This has become my favorite Adam Sandler movie of all time. The movie has some very funny original scenes and some very deep and poignant moments that I wasn't expecting.
Christopher Walken's performance is great. I can't see anyone else pulling off this type of character while Adam Sandler has proved once again his ability as a believable dramatic actor.
One thing that I wasn't expecting, however, was to be crying like a baby during some scenes. The best way to describe this film is a combination of "It's A Wonderful Life", "A Christmas Carol" and "The Family Man." The movie has a more powerful message than you might expect wrapped in genuinely funny moments.
I have read some critic reviews (R.E. to be specific) and think that some of them should lighten up. This movie is pure entertainment. Don't focus too much on the types of jokes ... you'll end up missing the whole point of the movie.
This Is Elvis (1981)
This is one of the best documentaries I've ever seen!
"This is Elvis" is an interesting and fantastic documentary to watch even if you are not an Elvis fan.
As an Elvis fan, I am very critical when it comes to inaccuracies about his life. I found this documentary to be very accurate and honest with the way it told the story of Elvis' life. The blend of actual Elvis footage along with very believable reenactments makes the documentary flow with continuity and excitement.
In addition, the song selections that accompanied the various video sequences were always right on the money. It was like watching Elvis' life story being told through entertaining and poignant music videos.
One thing I respected about the documentary, although difficult to watch, was the way the creators did not try to candy-coat the details of the sad way Elvis' life began to spiral down a self-destructive path during the 70's until his untimely death at the age of 42.
All in all, "This is Elvis" is a very entertaining, empathetic, and honest look at the life of Elvis Presley; the American Icon who rightfully earned the title as the King of Rock 'n Roll.