I'm generally patient with movies and will watch almost anything. My trick to get through dull stuff like this is watch 10-15 minutes at a time, take a break and come back to see if either my mood or the movie has "improved". Now I have sat down twice over a period of several months and tried to watch this thing, but gave up after about 45 minutes and fast-forwarded through it. Awesome cast, total disappointment.
Reviews
22 Reviews
Dumbo
(1941)
Really stands the test of time!
20 May 2003
Even after 60 years, the animation is still dazzling to watch! Love that pink elephant scene! But it's the story and songs that really get me. Can't get that "I be done seen about everything, till I seen an elephant fly" out of my head! My favorite song by far.
I do agree with one other comment that it is a bit dark, but it was made during a completely different era. I'm sure if it was made today, it would be more sanitized and more PC. But what I appreciate the most is the way the storytellers contrasted the absolute sweetness and gentleness of Dumbo with those who sought to exploit and humiliate him. Good down to earth rendition of good vs. not so good!
I do agree with one other comment that it is a bit dark, but it was made during a completely different era. I'm sure if it was made today, it would be more sanitized and more PC. But what I appreciate the most is the way the storytellers contrasted the absolute sweetness and gentleness of Dumbo with those who sought to exploit and humiliate him. Good down to earth rendition of good vs. not so good!
Daughter from Danang
(2002)
Great study in collision of cultures
17 April 2003
Warning: Spoilers
No director or screenwriter could have done a better job of portraying the very different ways Vietnam and the U.S. view family roles and responsibilities! (Plot spoilers ahead)
I really liked the slow way it evolved from being a heartfelt reunion to a family conference on how Heidi was to fit in with the rest of them. There was obviously a great deal of love and acceptance between Heidi and her family, but very real cultural differences put up a not insurmountable barrier between them.
Another comment chided Heidi for not be willing to help out her Vietnamese family by sending a mere $20 a month, but I believe Heidi did the right thing. Her Vietnamese relations were so poor and could have used so much assistance, that once that fountain opened it it would have been drained dry and Heidi had her own family to take care of and raise. It was very telling when her Vietnamese mother prayed that now her daughter could come and build a tomb for her own deceased mother. I did not see these people as being selfish or money-grubbing--that's just how they do things there. And maybe our society has gotten away from this type of familial aid because we have Social Security and welfare, but it is not Heidi's responsibility just because she is American and has money to pick up the slack.
I do hope she is able to go back with the her own daughters and husband and visit again. That door needs to be kept open.
I really liked the slow way it evolved from being a heartfelt reunion to a family conference on how Heidi was to fit in with the rest of them. There was obviously a great deal of love and acceptance between Heidi and her family, but very real cultural differences put up a not insurmountable barrier between them.
Another comment chided Heidi for not be willing to help out her Vietnamese family by sending a mere $20 a month, but I believe Heidi did the right thing. Her Vietnamese relations were so poor and could have used so much assistance, that once that fountain opened it it would have been drained dry and Heidi had her own family to take care of and raise. It was very telling when her Vietnamese mother prayed that now her daughter could come and build a tomb for her own deceased mother. I did not see these people as being selfish or money-grubbing--that's just how they do things there. And maybe our society has gotten away from this type of familial aid because we have Social Security and welfare, but it is not Heidi's responsibility just because she is American and has money to pick up the slack.
I do hope she is able to go back with the her own daughters and husband and visit again. That door needs to be kept open.
The Center of the World
(2001)
Tepid treatment on the politics of sex
16 March 2003
Gee whiz, didn't realize I was setting out to watch a soft core porn movie! Could have been a very interesting story. Unfortunately, the main characters were devoid of emotional depth and lacked any interpersonal chemistry. In the end the story had nothing to do with love or even attraction, but just the power (and violence) that some people exert over each other.
Thought the ending was perfect given the superficiality of the characters. Gave this 2 out of 10.
Thought the ending was perfect given the superficiality of the characters. Gave this 2 out of 10.
Tape
(2001)
Oh brother! Why are they talking each other to death?
4 February 2003
I sure hope this little indy trend of these pretentious "conversation" movies dies relatively soon. They are tedious to watch, and probably should just be made into a "Books on Tape" thing to listen to in the car. Not that I'd listen to it.
I'm sorry but the people I know simply do not talk to each other like this. The two male leads kept referring to how they were each other's oldest friends, yet they did not act like friends. I tried watching a similar type movie, Two Girls and a Guy, but got just plain bored.
I'm sorry but the people I know simply do not talk to each other like this. The two male leads kept referring to how they were each other's oldest friends, yet they did not act like friends. I tried watching a similar type movie, Two Girls and a Guy, but got just plain bored.
Fever
(1999)
Great little gem
1 January 2003
For its mere 90 minutes, this film packs a lot of punch. Intriguing, beguiling story ... excellent cinematography ... first rate sets ... solid, even direction ... all around good acting ... wonderfully ambiguous ending. Total treat!
Head On
(1998)
Sharp, excellent story-telling
20 July 2002
Truly a great little movie! The story moved at a good pace through-out and kept me very interested to see what would happen next. With so many movies these days, I keep checking the time because they are so terribly uneven and my interest is not held. Not with this one--very riveting and moving story. It did an excellent job of "showing" what our young protagonist (someone used the term anti-hero for him--I like that) was going through. Really liked the way the drug highs were portrayed. The voice overs were sparse--this film did not talk me to death or insult my intelligence by explaining everything. How very refreshing! Visually you went with Ari where he was going whether you liked it or not. I also really liked it because it was at times raw and visceral--life is like that sometimes for us, and for others like Ari, it's like that most of the time.
Hurray for the male frontal nudity! It's not only women that have beautiful bodies. Johnny only had a couple scenes, but he upstaged Ari in every one. What a remarkable character to throw into the mix! I would be friends with him in a heartbeat.
If you like movies about real people trying to figure out their place in the world, do yourself a favor and see this film.
Hurray for the male frontal nudity! It's not only women that have beautiful bodies. Johnny only had a couple scenes, but he upstaged Ari in every one. What a remarkable character to throw into the mix! I would be friends with him in a heartbeat.
If you like movies about real people trying to figure out their place in the world, do yourself a favor and see this film.
Urbania
(2000)
A great big "Wow"
22 May 2002
The first hour or so was intriguing and very creative, but a bit tedious to follow. Nice camera work to help us realize Charlie's mind was playing tricks on him. Interesting that the various urban tales were woven into the main story. By the time the movie reached its conclusion--it snowballed into a very powerful and mesmerizing story. Not so much of revenge as others have commented, but a tale of redemption.
Jesus' Son
(1999)
Solid little gem! Well worth a watch!
23 May 2001
I was totally disarmed by this wonderful movie! Most movies about drug addiction hit you over the head with the misery and destruction of the users. Yet this movie was about so much more--a whole host of characters marching to a different beat. This movie told it's tale in short snippets...I almost felt like I was eavesdropping or spying on the characters at various moments in their lives. Nice balance of lightheartedness and seriousness. Some truly great lines. When a nurse tells FH his girlfriend is comfortable now. He asks with total naivete: "Is she dead?"
I see that others here have problems with the title and the reference to Jesus. Not me. Aren't all of us (and esecially the world's "losers") just Christ figures waiting for redemption. It made me think of the line, the meek shall inherit the earth. The mystical touches, whether drug induced or not, were wonderful.
I see that others here have problems with the title and the reference to Jesus. Not me. Aren't all of us (and esecially the world's "losers") just Christ figures waiting for redemption. It made me think of the line, the meek shall inherit the earth. The mystical touches, whether drug induced or not, were wonderful.
The Virgin Suicides
(1999)
Terrific little number
27 February 2001
Wow...what a capitvating story! And one I have not seen yet in a movie. Breaking some new ground here with the story.
More than anything I got the sense the movie was floating or wafting by as the story slowly and evocatively unfolded. Left me with the same sense I got watching "Picnic at Hanging Rock." We see what is going on on the surface with the characters, and we get rare glimpses inside. But in the end you're left with just the mystery.
See this movie!
More than anything I got the sense the movie was floating or wafting by as the story slowly and evocatively unfolded. Left me with the same sense I got watching "Picnic at Hanging Rock." We see what is going on on the surface with the characters, and we get rare glimpses inside. But in the end you're left with just the mystery.
See this movie!
Oh, when will it come to my town?
3 January 2001
Anxiously I check my local movie listings almost daily. It hasn't come to my town and I can't wait to see Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon again on the big screen. I happened to catch it the day after Christmas in the DC area (hmmm, maybe I'll have to drive back up there). This is far and away the best movie I've seen in probably 5 or 6 years. I really want it to do well at the awards and I see it already is...I'm so pleased Ang Lee is getting the recognition he so richly deserves for this film!!!
Flesh+Blood
(1985)
Totally mystified by all the positive comments here on IMDB
21 November 2000
Have I stumbled into an amateur critic's twilight zone? This was one of the worst films I've seen in a long time. What a stupid, stupid story! I found it very degrading that the Jennifer Jason Leigh character gets raped and then plays nicey-nice with her captors. Am I missing something here? I did not find her actions noble or brave--just stupid. There was not one character in this movie that was three dimensional, they were all just caricatures. Forget this movie!
Random Hearts
(1999)
I'm glad I didn't pay to see this movie or I'd ask for my money back.
12 September 2000
Do you ever watch a movie and it gets to a point where it's embarrassing to watch? Can the characters be that stupid, I'm thinking to myself? Especially the Congresswoman. In this election year, has she not been taking notice of how media treats personal life issues?
I usually like Harrison Ford, especially when he's playing Harrison Ford. But like in Mosquito Coast, here he plays someone who is just a little out of sync with the rest of us. Don't get me wrong, the acting all around was pretty good. The scenery was good (D.C. points of interest). But the storyline and dialogue! Send them back to film school. Please!
I usually like Harrison Ford, especially when he's playing Harrison Ford. But like in Mosquito Coast, here he plays someone who is just a little out of sync with the rest of us. Don't get me wrong, the acting all around was pretty good. The scenery was good (D.C. points of interest). But the storyline and dialogue! Send them back to film school. Please!
Eye of the Beholder
(1999)
Why is everyone griping? I loved this movie and recommend it highly!
6 July 2000
What makes this movie stand out for me is that the story plays itself out beautifully with an absolutely perfect ending! It couldn't be any other way. No spoon-feeding to the audience going on here. I'm on the outside of this character play watching but never truly being allowed to enter, in a way the audience itself becomes the beholder also. Ewan McGregor is a chameleon, he can play absolutely anybody. One day he'll get an Oscar. Ashley Judd's character was immensely complex and at no time were we able to solve this puzzle. She remains a mystery even after the film is over--some folks can't handle that, I guess. It's refreshing to find a film that explores a very dark nature without making excuses or glamorizing it or making it abhorrent. It is what it is. And like Ewan, we want to see what will happen next. Watch this movie!
The Winslow Boy
(1999)
This is the rare film that could not be improved upon!
25 April 2000
A series of absolutely perfect scenes...crisp, engaging dialogue...ordinary yet intriguing characters interwoven into a seamless web...flawless acting, even down to the boy...great costumes...the best ending lines I've heard in years! I've seen this movie twice and found it just as enchanting the second time. I would not change one thing about this movie!
The Thin Red Line
(1998)
I was mesmerized by this beautiful and haunting movie!
15 April 2000
Because of the length of this movie, I set out to pace myself by watching about 40 minutes a night. I watched one hour the first night and then on the second night I COULD NOT STOP! What I thought would be my duty as a moviegoer turned into one of the most rewarding film experiences ever. I liked it much better than Saving Private Ryan, although they are not really of the same genre. The acting was terrific! What a wonderful, wonderful ensemble cast! The jungle and the island's native inhabitants were as much players in this picture. I didn't feel like I was watching a cohesive story so much as gently intruding on other's lives. This is a movie I give my highest rating and will see again! I am haunted by it.
Happiness
(1998)
I liked this movie, a raw and gritty portrayal of superficial people
3 February 2000
I usually have trouble handling this type of subject-matter (especially the pedophilia), but this movie was so over the top that it was almost divorced from reality. That's not to say, these things don't exist. They do, they do! I was very grateful that the film maker didn't show certain scenes, but just the suggestion of those scenes was rather disturbing. I liked this movie very much, but probably will not see it again. Very interesting portrayal of people who are totally ungrounded--that is, cut off from a higher sense of purpose and meaning. Superficial people leading superficial lives. Several of the characters had glimpses of insight into their situation, but clammed right back up. As the older father says after having sex with a female friend: "I feel nothing." GREAT line!
Dreams
(1990)
One of the most stunning film-going moments in my life
29 January 2000
I cannot say enough about Akira Kurosawa's Dreams. It is visually stunning and creative. It is sumptuous to watch--it stretches the imagination. For people who delight in remembering their own dreams, it is a treasure. There is also a nice variety in the dreams, drawing on Asian and Western themes as well as historical and contemporary cultural commentary. My favorites involve the peach trees, Van Gogh and the waterwheels.
Summer's Lease
(1989– )
intriguing story
22 January 2000
Intriguing story about an English family who rent a villa in Tuscany for the summer. Strange things are afoot and the mother/housewife of the family plays amateur sleuth. But it's done in such a very subtle manner--in the typical English manner. There is also a very stated undertone of marital unease that the wife and husband play to perfection. John Gielgud is TERRIFIC as the wife's father--he plays a socialist writer singularly preoccupied with shocking his family by his carefree attitude of love and sexuality--all this despite his advancing years.
The Flame Is Love
(1979 TV Movie)
quite possibly the worst movie I've ever seen
22 January 2000
I watched this movie because of the luminous Linda Purl and the dashing Timothy Dalton. Everything about it was awful--stilted dialogue, wooden acting, characters without depth, terrible directing. The worst part was when the French society types were actually part of a pagan cult and getting ready to sacrifice someone. I felt like I was watching a very poorly done high school production. Too bad I couldn't give it a negative score.
A Secret Affair
(1999 TV Movie)
fun, fun, fun
11 December 1999
Ok, so this movie is kind of hokey. But I still loved it. Janine Turner is beautiful, the Irish guy was a real dish and most charming. It's not deep, it didn't make me think. But for me, it was entertaining and fun. I've watched it several times.
Echoes of Paradise
(1987)
Solid movie about a woman in search of herself
11 December 1999
This film does not break any new ground, but the script and cinematography are solid and satisfying. Not brilliant--just very good. It is about a woman lost in the roles of wife and mother and in search of a greater sense of identity. If nothing else, see this movie for John Lone's performance as the traditional Balinese dancer. He is exotic, mysterious and unobtainable (I am reminded of his role in M. Butterfly). Very remarkable
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