Very dated, rather trashy movie based on the book of the same title. I saw it on Bravo about a year ago, and a flash of Kerr's hair was enough to induce me to watch it. I was fascinated. Kind of like watching Ricki Lake, which I thought I outgrew. Strange, and creepy, nevertheless just a bit of fluff.
Reviews
19 Reviews
Sense and Sensibility
(1995)
Beautiful, moving, and true to Austen
29 December 1999
Austen is my favorite novelist of all time. Thompson's adaptation is beautiful, especially considering that this movie is only about 2 hours long. Ang Lee drew out wonderful performances from every one of the cast.
Alan Rickman impressed me the most. All right, so Colonel Brandon's a lot more of a Byronic hero than Austen portrayed, but Marianne (Winslet) doesn't see it until very late. At any rate, this film has made mer very much a fan of Rickman. Elinor (Thompson) is careful, guarded, yet passionate. Marianne is lovely and impetuous, a perfect contrast. The supporting cast sparkles, just like the movie does. See it!
Alan Rickman impressed me the most. All right, so Colonel Brandon's a lot more of a Byronic hero than Austen portrayed, but Marianne (Winslet) doesn't see it until very late. At any rate, this film has made mer very much a fan of Rickman. Elinor (Thompson) is careful, guarded, yet passionate. Marianne is lovely and impetuous, a perfect contrast. The supporting cast sparkles, just like the movie does. See it!
The Scarlet Letter
(1995)
Strayed from the book; even worse, made no sense whatsoever
29 December 1999
Indians?! Excuse me? Did the person who adapted the screenplay even check out Cliffnotes to see what Hawthorne meant the plot to be?
I wouldn't mind as much if the movie had been titled differently. It's just plain disrespectful to use the name of a classic if you mean to change the whole point of the story. Moore was many things Hester shouldn't have been. Hester is a beautiful woman, a romantic, who loves but also knows, deep down, that her sin hurts herself as much as anyone else. Moore lacks any of the depth that Hester Prynne ought to have. And the ending? Pfft. Don't watch this. Read Hawthorne's book, it'll do you some good.
I wouldn't mind as much if the movie had been titled differently. It's just plain disrespectful to use the name of a classic if you mean to change the whole point of the story. Moore was many things Hester shouldn't have been. Hester is a beautiful woman, a romantic, who loves but also knows, deep down, that her sin hurts herself as much as anyone else. Moore lacks any of the depth that Hester Prynne ought to have. And the ending? Pfft. Don't watch this. Read Hawthorne's book, it'll do you some good.
The Man in the Iron Mask
(I) (1998)
The Musketeers were great. Ahem.
27 December 1999
Leonardo wasn't terrible, mind you. Not as Phillippe. As Louis, he seemed terribly annoying and just a brat. Of course, that much I can forgive since the character ought to have been something like that. Yet his performance is very unappealing in direct contrast to Byrne (D'Artagnan)who smolders here; Depardieu (Porthos), who is evidently the comic relief; Irons (Aramis) who is as dashing as his character ought to be; and Malkovich (Athos) who is always terrific. Yet this whole flick was not as fun to watch as the other recent Musketeers film.
Toy Story 2
(1999)
Best children's movie in a long, long time...
27 December 1999
So go see it! The plot is wonderful and, I promise, full of surprises. The characters are as hysterically funny as ever. Buzz Lightyear is as dashing as ever, Woody's still your best pal, Mr. Potato Head's as crazy, and Jessie was a fabulous addition. Don't forget to stick around for the bloopers!
Les Misérables
(1998)
Did we really need another one?
27 December 1999
First of all, read the book. It's huge, but one of the best novels I ever read. Probably much better in the original French, too.
Now, the movies wasn't bad on its own. Liam Neeson was a very good Jean Valjean. Fantine, though, played by Thurman, was not as pitiable as she ought to have been. Danes was a decent Cosette, but I seem to mostly remember her shrieking at her 'father.' Javert, played by Rush, was excellent. I did not understand exactly why Valjean was running away with a smile-- all right, he's free. But he's not really, which seemed to be one of the many points of the novel. Eh, bien.
Now, the movies wasn't bad on its own. Liam Neeson was a very good Jean Valjean. Fantine, though, played by Thurman, was not as pitiable as she ought to have been. Danes was a decent Cosette, but I seem to mostly remember her shrieking at her 'father.' Javert, played by Rush, was excellent. I did not understand exactly why Valjean was running away with a smile-- all right, he's free. But he's not really, which seemed to be one of the many points of the novel. Eh, bien.
Hamlet
(1996)
Best film version of the play, ever
27 December 1999
Definitely worth watching over and over again. Beautifully directed, and you won't soon forget Branagh bounding around manically, as Hamlet-seemingly-gone-mad. Winslet plays a heartbreaking Ophelia. The best actress of our generation, folks, right there. Julie Christie is a beautiful queen. You'll see many familiar faces, notably Billy Crystal as First Gravedigger. All right, so it's the full-text, 4 hours long. If you ever felt the slightest pull of appreciation for Shakespeare, you'll enjoy this film.
Pride and Prejudice
(1995)
Best adaptation of a novel, ever
27 December 1999
It's six hours long, and I am very glad it is. The cast is excellent, the screenplay is wonderfully true to Austen, and the cinematography, as well as the costumes, are terrific.
Ehle is a beautiful, witty, vibrant Elizabeth Bennet. She delivers her lines naturally. Her affection for Jane and her father, her suppressed exasperation at her mother and other sisters, her sympathy for her best friend, Charlotte-- all are very real. Her scenes with Mr. Darcy, played by Colin Firth, are absolutely unforgettable.
Firth is, by the way, an outstanding Mr. Darcy. He is alive, he is brooding, he is wonderful. Oh, I'll stop gushing. He is an excellent actor, and each time I reread the book I can hear his voice.
Applause for the costume designers!
Ehle is a beautiful, witty, vibrant Elizabeth Bennet. She delivers her lines naturally. Her affection for Jane and her father, her suppressed exasperation at her mother and other sisters, her sympathy for her best friend, Charlotte-- all are very real. Her scenes with Mr. Darcy, played by Colin Firth, are absolutely unforgettable.
Firth is, by the way, an outstanding Mr. Darcy. He is alive, he is brooding, he is wonderful. Oh, I'll stop gushing. He is an excellent actor, and each time I reread the book I can hear his voice.
Applause for the costume designers!
Exit to Eden
(1994)
Book, movie, all pretty bad
27 December 1999
Warning: Spoilers
I have always thought _Exit to Eden_ Anne Rice's worst book. Yes, worse than _Belinda_ or even all three _Beauty_ books. It seemed as if she was almost preaching at us about how freeing S&M can be for all of us. The characters seemed to experience a lot of tumult, but really didn't feel at all deeply. Then she marries Lisa off to Elliot. I'm not sure what S&M advocates thought of that, but it seemed too traditional an ending and basically trashed the point of every preceding page.
The movie's worse. I adore Paul Mercurio. "Strictly Ballroom" is one of my favorite movies ever, but-- he seemed to be just eye-candy here. Why, oh why, hasn't he been really acting since? Dana Delaney was beautiful, but she didn't seem at all fierce, dangerous, as I would have hoped big bad Mistress Lisa would be. While O'Donnell and Akroyd were fun to watch, that whole added on plot was terrible! Why move the focus off Lisa and Elliot's relationship? Why not take all the bondage/S&M seriously, instead of making it a joke? Rosie O. in a leather suit, hopping off the set? Lord have mercy on us all.
The movie's worse. I adore Paul Mercurio. "Strictly Ballroom" is one of my favorite movies ever, but-- he seemed to be just eye-candy here. Why, oh why, hasn't he been really acting since? Dana Delaney was beautiful, but she didn't seem at all fierce, dangerous, as I would have hoped big bad Mistress Lisa would be. While O'Donnell and Akroyd were fun to watch, that whole added on plot was terrible! Why move the focus off Lisa and Elliot's relationship? Why not take all the bondage/S&M seriously, instead of making it a joke? Rosie O. in a leather suit, hopping off the set? Lord have mercy on us all.
Strictly Ballroom
(1992)
Never has a movie been so completely engaging
27 December 1999
From beginning to end. Wow. This is the best Baz Luhrmann film, without a doubt. I've seen it maybe half a dozen times. The characters are hilarious, but even the most obvious parodies are real. They're all so absorbed in their crazy, strange, fantastic world of dancing, you can't help but get absolutely involved in what transpires onscreen. Fran's (Morice) 'transformation' is done very well, and she is possibly the only sane person in a world of over-the-top loons. Scott (Mercurio) is astoundingly handsome and believably self-involved. Go see it!
Walkabout
(1971)
Some of the best cinematography I've ever seen
27 December 1999
Australia is beautiful, though of course for the girl (played by Jenny Agutter) and her small brother (Luc Roeg) one can see how it would be hell. There seemed to be stretches of nothing in the movie, though, then things would just happen. The plot seems to be desperately trying to make a point, but I'm not certain what it is. The relationship between the English girl and the Aborigine boy on his "walkabout" was poignant and very well-played. The little white boy was a perfect foil for his sister, and is probably what keeps her sane. The end is terribly baffling, so don't expect a real resolution here.
The Scarlet Pimpernel
(1999–2000)
Fun, though perhaps you should read the book after seeing the movie...
26 December 1999
Just so you're not put out as so many who _have_ read the book seem to be. Sir Percy was wonderfully cast (Richard E. Graves! Can you believe he was Bob Cratchit in TNT's "A Christmas Carol"?) I started giggling helplessly every time he gave that I'm-no-fop grin, and he really was a lot of fun to watch. As for McGovern, well, she's all right, but some of the dialogue she has to say! Especially in the company of Chauvelin! What happened to Lord Tony made me want to spit nails, though Ffoulkes was quite nice....What was this Minette supposed to be? (Emilia Fox looks quite different from her bit part as Georgiana Darcy in A&E's Pride and Prejudice.) It had its moments, for sure, but-- where are all those disguises that the Pimpernel does so well? It wouldn't have been too hard to do. Oh, well.
Little Women
(1994)
Great adaptation of a classic
18 May 1999
I really did enjoy this version of 'Little Women.' It was charming, funny, sad-- everything you want it to be. Don't recommend it if you need a quick action-fix, though. Winona Ryder was a wonderful Jo-- there are things going on in this girl's face that, seriously, can only be captured on film. That _ugly_ line was very, um-- untrue? Kirsten Dunst was a fabulous Amy, but Samantha Mathis was too cool and insincere. Susan Sarandon was great, but as someone else said, her lines as Marmee were just platitude after tired platitude. Claire Danes was a sweet sad Beth (I cried! I cried!) Christian Bale was a hot Laurie. Gabriel Byrne was wonderful but well his German accent was off. (Or am I just too used to his own Irish brogue?) When I first watched the movie in the theater, I remember walking out, heartbroken, that Jo did not find Laurie to be her soulmate. Now, though, having grown up _a little_, I totally understand her attraction to the German professor of philosophy.
Emma
(1996)
Pretty decent adaptation of Austen
29 December 1998
So it's not entirely true to Austen's book. It's hard to do a movie adaptation of the work of ANY author of that time, especially while keeping the movie length under two hours.
Paltrow has a near perfect English accent, and is a charming if silly Emma. Jeremy Northam is much too good-looking to play Mr. Knightley, but his acting is up to par. All the other parts are well-played, too. Deviations from the original book are to be expected, but seeing the movie after reading the book does make the story seem more alive and feasible.
Paltrow has a near perfect English accent, and is a charming if silly Emma. Jeremy Northam is much too good-looking to play Mr. Knightley, but his acting is up to par. All the other parts are well-played, too. Deviations from the original book are to be expected, but seeing the movie after reading the book does make the story seem more alive and feasible.
Strange Days
(1995)
Astonishing and surreal.
23 December 1998
Cameron may not be the best movie director of all time, but he just may be on the top-ten list. Although "Titanic" was on a much grander scale, this one seems to be better-formulated.
Angela Bassett delivers a mind-blowing performance as the no-nonsense, sculpted Mace. Ralph Fiennes' Lenny is altogether convincing, with only one small problem, and at first you aren't sure if you like him or not. You either love him or can't stand him. Juliette Lewis, as Faith-- what's with all those clingy silver clothes? This girl can certainly act, but doesn't really do much of it here. Lenny's obsession with Faith is just too difficult to grasp. The final scene of this movie-- let's say it is trademark Cameron, and leave it at that.
Angela Bassett delivers a mind-blowing performance as the no-nonsense, sculpted Mace. Ralph Fiennes' Lenny is altogether convincing, with only one small problem, and at first you aren't sure if you like him or not. You either love him or can't stand him. Juliette Lewis, as Faith-- what's with all those clingy silver clothes? This girl can certainly act, but doesn't really do much of it here. Lenny's obsession with Faith is just too difficult to grasp. The final scene of this movie-- let's say it is trademark Cameron, and leave it at that.
The Godfather Part III
(1990)
Not a masterpiece as the other two were, but an effective end to the saga
23 December 1998
This movie is, the consensus seems to be, great as movies go, but not quite up to par of Part I and Part II. I should have to agree. Sofia Coppola really truly should not have gotten the part as Mary. The only positive thing I can say about her is that she has nice hair, which is not much, is it? Andy Garcia, well, he was not bad but could have been much better. There are a couple of moments when he seems to have forgotten his lines. Is this Coppola's fault for letting us see it? And is he (Garcia) really strong enough to continue the Corleone empire? The movie doesn't quite let you make your mind up. Pacino is, as always, faultless, this time as the ageing Michael. Talia Shire is better in this movie than she was in the other two, though maybe this is because she is more involved in the actual plot.
The Philadelphia Story
(1940)
Sometimes what we don't see can make a movie. . . .
23 December 1998
Hepburn, Grant and Stewart are three of the best actors of all time. Hepburn is radiant as the snooty but changing socialite. Stewart is endearing as the wannabe writer turned reluctant tabloid journalist. Grant is marvelous as the reformed ex and a recovering alcoholic.
Although the Oscar went to Stewart, who did a fabulous job delivering witty lines with bite, it seems to me that Grant (oh Cary, we will miss you!) steals the show. Throughout the scenes, one is never sure quite what he, as Dexter, is thinking. Dexter is smooth and also ever ready with a ripping rejoinder, but there are moments in which, without speech, startling revelations are made through the medium of the screen. It is difficult to describe, but most Grant fans will understand. All I can say is, watch this legendary film if at all possible.
Although the Oscar went to Stewart, who did a fabulous job delivering witty lines with bite, it seems to me that Grant (oh Cary, we will miss you!) steals the show. Throughout the scenes, one is never sure quite what he, as Dexter, is thinking. Dexter is smooth and also ever ready with a ripping rejoinder, but there are moments in which, without speech, startling revelations are made through the medium of the screen. It is difficult to describe, but most Grant fans will understand. All I can say is, watch this legendary film if at all possible.
The Godfather Part II
(1974)
Perfection
3 November 1998
Robert De Niro is so good an actor that his name itself has become a word in our language. (A good actor, of course.) The way the stories of Vito and Michael are linked is seamless. Al Pacino is not only my favorite actor but also much too good-looking for his own good. The moment he realizes who the traitor is- WOW. That instant captured on film-- it is immortal.
The Godfather
(1972)
Damn good
3 November 1998
Truly the best movie of all time, except for perhaps Part II. Marlon Brando is unforgettable. Al Pacino as Michael Corleone- probably one of the better performances on film. Ever. The cinematography is gorgeous. The end comes together very nicely, though the loss of Michael's innocence through his first hit is heartbreaking.
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