Reviews

I have been watching our DVD box set of the 1982 mini-series, "The Life And Adventures of Nicholas Nickleby" again.I had avoided the 2002 version until this evening when it appeared on TV. I think a good job was done in getting this massive production into 2 hours. I pretty much like the cast in the film, but was appalled when I found that Barry Humphries played Mrs. Crummles! What an insult to Lila Kaye, who was the perfect Mrs. C. BTW, I'm also in the process of re-reading my copy of Dickens' book, which also confirms that Ms. Kaye was right for the part. Alan Cumming was as always, delightful & perfect for his role. It was worth the time just to enjoy those eyes & that devilish smile.

I read the book first & am looking forward to the last disc in the series, which is coming to me from NetFlix. I think that the adaptation to the screen is excellent, even though some things have been changed. The changes & additions of characters have enhanced the story, in my opinion. Barbara Parkins's portrayal of Martinique woke me up to what a fine actress she is. The acting overall was remarkable. I could see the "change" in Harry (Harvey Jason)when it happened on screen. What a fine actor. The sets & costumes were beautiful & elaborate. So many good actors in the series! By the way, Blair Brown's interview was most enjoyable. What a classy series. I don't know how I missed it the first time around.

Having read the book, I feel that the screenwriter did a magnificent job in conveying the story & characters. Almost 900 pages of a very complex novel were captured in a clear, understandable way. Michael Keaton's performance in particular, was as my husband said, "Awesome". This is no surprise to us because he has always been so versatile. I noticed that although some of the scenes in the book could have been shown as they were written, very graphic & difficult to watch, they instead played to our imagination, which for me, is enough, & pointed out the Class of this presentation. Too many stories on TV are played for sensationalism, without regard for the viewers' sensibilities. I can see Emmys in this series' future.

The excellent combination of the featured players made for an odd & entertaining film. Very "Indy". I plan to watch it again. Keaton is always great to watch - natural acting style, and those facial expressions & body language! I laughed out loud at the kiss he gave Bebe Neuwirth. She's another fine actor, and can do anything (have you seen her dance & sing on Broadway?). Griffin Dunne & Robert Downey, Jr. were delightfully eccentric. RDJ is one actor I'd watch in ANYTHING), as with Keaton. They always provide something outstanding to enjoy. The men in our family are Yankees & football Giants fans, and truly devoted, but I now believe that people can get overly obsessed with a sports team, after having viewed this film.

Good film. Full of surprises and suspense. I wouldn't miss a Michael Keaton film, because he always entertains and never disappoints. People who viewed this in theaters had the elevated sound, which would have had me jumping out of my seat, several times. I watched the DVD version, with the perks including Geoffrey Sax & Michael Keaton in a dialog. Most informative and interesting. The appealing boy who played Keaton's son did a good job. Good young actors such as he amaze me - they're better than the adults, many times. Michael Keaton relates so well to kids - I've seen it in several of his films. Not only that, but whenever he plays an emotional scene, he gets me involved, without fail. The guy's an excellent actor, and I'll bet he's his own man, when it comes to the projects he chooses. This is a film worth watching, whether you accept the premise of the plot, or not. I'm skeptical, but it must give many people hope and peace, so that they can go on with their lives after losing a loved one.

Excellent film & actors, which I've told all my friends & family about. First, I didn't know the story was based on fact. The humiliation and cruelty that these girls were subjected to made even me want to become violent against their attackers. Shocking & sad, I'd hoped for a happier ending (see first sentence), but I know that life isn't always that way. This is a good time for people to see this or watch it again, since cruelty is all to prevalent in our world. I happened to watch this on TV, an alternative to watching our President make another boring insincere speech. I'm glad I did. I think. At the end of the film, I was spent and heartsick because of all that the girls had to endure.

I love his work. He's an excellent actor, and has such a flair for comedy! He's especially effective with kids - he must have an affinity for them. I just watched Quicksand on TV, and his every facial expression and body language are not to be missed. I'd been waiting to see this film, and found it very suspenseful and interesting. My favorite films of his are probably all of them, especially Johnny Dangerously, Duplicity, My Life, Jack Frost(saw it recently, and again, at the end, he made me cry), Beetlejuice (he really let loose with his wacky side in this one), Much Ado About Nothing(he can do anything!), Mr. Mom, and I'm so looking forward to the new films in the works. It's good to have him back, but for this viewer, I never get tired of his "old stuff". To top it off, he reminds me of our younger son - expressions, body language, etc. You know that I love him for that!

Kenneth Branagh instills his own vigor into this film. It was visually beautiful, music wonderful, and acting, the best. How could one miss, with Branagh, Emma Thompson, Brian Blessed, et. al? I always enjoy it, also, because it has one of my favorites, Michael Keaton, as Dogberry. That man has so many talented sides, that it's always satisfying and delightful to watch his actions. Such scenery! Branagh has thought of everything in this one. He is another actor whose films I always make it a point to see. A true artist. I remember Emma Thompson from when she had a weekly television comedy show. Another example of true talent, which she displays in every role she plays. Denzel Washington never fails to be convincing, and his movies are a must on my list, also.

I watched Live From Baghdad again last evening, and it's still exciting and of course, relevant. That the story is true, is spine tingling, and one wonders if he would have stood his ground for a story under the circumstances. Michael Keaton always captures the essence of the character (I wonder what Robert Wiener thought about his performance), and carries the audience along with him. I'm a fan, and watch all his movies multiple times (Multiplicity?). He's excellent every time. He can make you roll with laughter, or sob your heart out. I wish there were more movies, and I look forward to his current projects.

Helena Bonham Carter was deserving of her Emmy Award, as well. I would watch the film again, the plot and characters are that interesting.

We just got home, after seeing this film. I'm exhausted! Mel Gibson has outdone himself and most anybody else, with this effort. His directing and the acting are excellent, and the actors fit their roles perfectly. The scenes between Jesus and his Mother were most moving to me. The settings are just as we all imagine them to be, I expect. The music is beautiful and sets the mood in every scene. Even the length of the film is good - only two hours. So often when there is great hype, the film doesn't live up to expectations. We were well pleased. For my husband and me, having read many reviews, along with the progress of this movie to the theaters, we thought we were prepared, but it was even bigger than anticipated. I've read David Denby's (negative) review in The New Yorker magazine, and wonder what is wrong with him. To call The Passion anti-semitic is a mistake. It was People and Religion who were the culprits (any Religion could have been involved). Everyone should see this. And it seems that this is what is happening. The shows here have all been sold out today. Way to go, Mel!

As usual, Michael Keaton delivers an excellent performance. Whether the scene calls for humor, pathos or action, he's your man every time. I watch his face and body language closely in every one of his films, and he is always up to the demands of every role. He is as good an actor as any of the most celebrated stars, past or present, but is underappreciated. Also note his loyalty (or that of others to him), in employing the same people for assistance in many or most films. This is a guy who will bring you to tears with laughter or sadness, just in the way he portrays the character. His scene in his superior's office when he thought his career (and life as he'd known it) were over, was excellent - subtle, but he brought out how a person in the position would feel. Yes, this is a light movie, but heavy on quality, because of Michael Keaton. I'll continue to watch, enjoy and be amazed at his work, time after time.

My husband bought the video set shortly after we viewed the series for the first time. I play it every year, at Christmas. Being great fans of Dickens's works we are thrilled and delighted every time with the entire production, from the excellent acting, staging, music, etc. No one could wish for a more perfect cast.

I just saw this movie on TV, and watched mainly for the appearance of Michael Keaton, one of my favorite actors, who always does a great job, whether in a comedy or a drama. This film is well worth watching, in particular for Robert Duvall's performance, and his mastery of the Scottish accent. When I first heard him speak I had to look twice, to be sure it was "himself". What a heartwarming, and exciting film it is! Even if you're not a soccer fan, there is plenty of action, along with the heart and humor. Most entertaining.

I have watched Johnny Dangerously more times than I can count. Aside from loving Michael Keaton's work, this film stands out as one of the funniest I have ever seen. "Johnny's" personality and swagger are delightful to begin with, and the comedy lines produce laughter with tears in the eyes. My kids told me about this picture first, and I am indebted to them. Whether he's doing comedy or drama, Michael Keaton has my heart.

I don't ordinarily go in for "dying" movies, but Kiefer Sutherland is so talented, I made an exception. He was excellent in this film, bringing the character to life in a most believable way. I also like Kyra Sedgwick, but all throughout, I kept picturing Julia Roberts in that role - they're so much alike, in my opinion. I always love to watch Stockard Channing, who consistently gives a fine performance. She was the shining light in "Grease", which was otherwise pablum. Her scene in BTRD with Sedgwick, where they shouted curses at each other was hysterical!