Reviews

Okay, this is a "good" film in that it is character driven, a bit like "Happiness" with its three sisters story (which is far superior). The worst of it--Emily Mortimer doing full frontal nudity, totallly gratuitous and robbing us of character development. Her character asks the man she's slept with to critique her body. Hey, instead of showing us the whole thing, which makes his critique invalid and distracts us from the extreme masochism of the request, how about just showing us her facial reactions to his "butt not round enough," "tit too droopy"? Wouldn't that be a more powerful way to go? This is not a daring move; it's ineffective and takes away from the story. HOWEVER, the good part is, if you're unlucky enough to have a borderline female in you life, Catherine Keener gives a dead-on portrait of this perpetually unhappy, toxic species. Something therapists can point to and victims can learn from. I'd recommend seeing this film just for that particular educational value, as well as some of the strongest writing.

What a disappointment. Stick with House of Games or The Spanish Prisoner or Glengarry, etc. Better movies about making movies have been made (The Stuntman for one) and I just didn't think this was funny. It was tedious and some terrific actors couldn't save it. Pass.

Unlike the McMartin trial, there are no questions here. These folks are pure and simple child molesters. A very good adaption from a very good, large volume, so kudos to the screenwriter for boiling it down. Clayburgh and Davis are great as child shrinks. Again, character drives the story of child molestation in a daycare home. See it and weep, and learn.

This film is certainly not run-of-the-mill. The director of Shawshank Redemption shows how, once more, he knows how to tell a story. The soundtrack is one of the best in creating mood and ambiance, communicating without telegraphing. The casting is great and Tim Matheson is what he's best at--a TV actor who fits the small screen as well as, well, some guys fit their jeans. He's watchable. The first time I saw it, the end was a total shocker. After numerous viewings, it's still one of those compelling tales, admittedly not deep, but filled with little details and nuances, like a good Stephen King short story. Definitely deserving of at least a loyal cult following.

Here's TV doing true crime the way it should be done--slowly unfolding plot through character, threading the cops and perps stories together, good courtroom drama--it's spellbinding. Farrah Fawcett is exceptional as Diane Downs, the woman who manages to kill one out of three kids. The two surviving kids are also stand-outs, especially the small daughter who must choose whether or not to testify against the monstrously narcissistic Downs. John Shea is also good as the D.A. A must-see for crime buffs.

This role is actually a good one for Veronica Hamel--her iron edge serves her well as a prostitute who is in therapy to try to figure out what she really wants out of life. It doesn't preach and manages to rise above the "she was molested as a child and so is mastering the trauma through hooking" formula that TV and Howard Stern like to swear by. And the therapy sessions are actually pretty good. Don't miss it if you have two hours to kill.

This is a vibrant, life-loving, funny film--and if it offended some people, so the better. The family in the film are strange birds and provide entertainment for nosy, judgmental neighbors, so I'm sure they'd understand. And at last, an attractive older woman (Olin) who has an affair! Great cinematography, great cast. This is one of those films you either "get" or you don't.