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sleeny
Reviews
A Walk to Beautiful (2007)
Breathtakingly beautiful
This movie is sure to make everyone in the audience feel like their worst day could never compare to the lives of these 5 Ethiopian women who are the modern day lepers. Cast off by their families and villages, they live in exile, unable to make a living or socialize.
Without spoiling the end, I was beyond moved by their stories. I feel that I've been changed forever by getting to know these 5 women, and feel privileged to have been allowed to share their stories with us.
While their stories of transformation are dramatic, the filmmakers have managed to show the brutal reality of these women's lives without being heavy handed. In fact, there is a level of subtlety in how they address the political and socioeconomic factors that contribute to their plight. This is the anti-docutorial.
Words cannot describe how amazing the cinematography and soundtrack are. The scenic shots are sweeping yet not overblown. The score hits all the right notes without tugging at the audience in a manipulative fashion.
Bottom line: This is a must see for anyone who lives near the Quad in NYC.
13 Going on 30 (2004)
Cutest movie I've seen in a while
Just what I needed -- a feel good movie that doesn't dumb down to the lowest common denominator. And I didn't see the "have your cake and eat it too" ending coming. The only shortfall was that I wish Gary Winick had put in more "I can't believe adults are so freaky" references other than laughs along the lines of "put away that thing." Jennifer Garner certainly has the acting chops to handle more kid in the body of a grown up moments had they been presented. So I guess I didn't totally love the script. Mark Ruffalo's mellow subtlety was surprising, since the role could have been interpreted over the top. I hope this movie does well so that we get to see how versatile Ms. Garner truly is, beyond her super spy role, and now this adorable sweet treat of a feel-good movie.
Happy Accidents (2000)
Romantic Comedy Reborn
Brad Anderson has achieved what directors such as Garry Marshall ("Runaway Bride") and Joe Roth ("America's Sweethearts") have unsuccessfully attempted in recent years -- make an astutely romantic movie which is laugh out loud funny at times yet manages to touch that spot in our hearts that holds out hope for the love of our lives to walk around the corner and into our lives. "Happy Accidents" keeps you guessing throughout the movie without any condescension about the fate of the characters' relationship. And makes one wonder why Vincent D'Onofrio is not more sought after by directors...his "is he or isn't he" subtlety proves him to be a better actor than one would have expected from the lovesick lobsterman seen in "Mystic Pizza."