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Ygraine
Reviews
The Parent Trap (1998)
A wonderful re-make
As with other critics, I have a special place in my heart for the original movie with Hayley Mills. However, this is a re-make that really works. It has been updated for the 90s very well, while still being a very sweet picture. Lindsay Lohan is what makes it work so well, with others very well cast. Of course, the original snag in credibility still holds: what parents in their right minds would just walk away with one baby apiece and never want to see the other one? But if we suspend disbelief, as we must do at times anyway, this is an enjoyable movie. To her credit, Lindsay does better with switching accents than Hayley did (although Hayley was so lovable that we were willing to overlook that). Check out Simon Kunz, who plays Martin, in "Four Weddings and a Funeral"--completely different character, this guy is great. I think this one is on its way to becoming one of the comfort movies that I watch when I'm feeling bad. Even my 17-year-old son liked it. My husband loved it.
The Prince of Tides (1991)
A good attempt at adapting Conroy's magnificent book
There is no use criticizing some of the things about this movie, such as the relationship between Susan and Tom, because they are very much a part of the story as originally written. Tom sees the relationship as redemptive for him and ironically he sees it as part of healing his broken marriage. Some people say that it does not cross ethical boundaries because, technically speaking, Tom is not the patient. But that is quibbling, because Tom is in great need of help, and Susan gives it to him. Also, the stuff about New York vs. the South is very much a part of the book. As for other things that were Streisand's choices, one thing I can say is that she identified very stongly with the Susan character, and that character really did suffer. Who is to say that Barbra hasn't suffered in her life; it's pretty arrogant to make that kind of cheap shot. Kate Nelligan is younger than Nick Nolte; that is why she got an Academy Award nomination, because she played the character at different ages so well, no sexism here. You can't put everything into the movie. Yes, the dolphin part was very cool, but if people really want to go into this story, they should read the wonderful book. Haven't people figured out yet that people who live in sumptuous apartments can suffer just as deeply as those who have come close to starving? It's a powerful story, just please read the book!
The First Great Train Robbery (1978)
Good movie, gives a good impression of Victorian England as well as being suspenseful
Some people say that Crichton's books do not make for good movies. In this case it is not so. Crichton became fascinated with Victorian England, and was able to educate the public in a very useful way as well as write a suspenseful story. The movies does not really educate in the same way, unless you rent the DVD and listen to the director's comments. But the movie gives a very authentic feeling of Victorian England and has good pacing for the suspense aspect of it. I love movies based on true stories, and this one is one of them. We know all about exactly how it was done because the main character was caught, told the court everything, and then audaciously escaped! One really important thing that Crichton says: the great majority of crimes are never solved. Something to chew on.