Reviews

My expectations were way off on this one. Given the publicity about the list of distinguished political figures who would comment, I expected an intellectual, hopefully enlightening discussion about the value of international cooperation and responsibility to improve chances of survival for the human race. Instead, this documentary pushed a lengthy series of "fear" and "hate" buttons garnered from recent human history. When one of the commentators suggested that we had to address the environment that breeds terrorists, he was cut off with a dismissive, "We'll get to that later" so the discussion could move to more sensational and frightening topics. This mini-series did shamefully little to live up to its title.

At first blush, *Tully* is populated with farm-life caricatures played by actors you may never remember seeing before. I sure didn't know any of them. These caricatures quickly become well-acted characters the audience cares about. Then, before you know what's happening, these are real people letting you eavesdrop on their lives and secrets. They are strong individuals, each with his/her own hopes and hangups. Few headline-capturing, everyone-knows-them stars could have captured the raw emotional depth and complexity of this family --- their very stardom would have gotten in the way. Kudos to writer, director, actors -- and casting -- for a top-rate, moving film. Rarely are we privilege to such a deft portrayal of the contrast between individual human vulnerability and our necessary protective shells.

This is one of those movies that is difficult to categorize. Is it a musical? Well, sort of. It's satire, and it's poignant. The music and dance offer a delightfully surreal contrast to a storyline that skillfully navigates a razor edge between beautifully intense drama and melodramatic comedy. The music-dance numbers satire big-budget musicals and showcase talent while they entertain. Assuming the leads did their own dancing (which ain't necessarily so--I mean, how often have you seen Christopher Walkin dance???) I was astonished. I had no idea these actors were so versatile. This goes down as one of those "off-beat" movies that touches my emotions while engaging my mind and providing entertainment like pecan pie--so rich you don't want it too often, but you keep coming back.

This film really had me going. Intriguing mystery, a hybrid of Courage Under Fire and General's Daughter -- but that was okay. The film was working and that's what counts. Unfortunately, the plot line took two turns that dropped my satisfaction by three rating points. The second to last twist was telegraphed, trite, and so weakly justified that it didn't work. The final twist left me speachless with unanswered questions. Too bad the writer and director didn't spend more time on wrap up explanation and less time unraveling the multiple views of truth.

If you suspend that moment of disbelief, this movie brings some genuine laughter. Unfortunately, you have to do a lot of suspending--a lot more than with the first movie. The mature (or at least maturing) Elle who emerged at the end of Legally Blond seems to have had a disappointing relapse. Glad I saw this movie and I got some stress-relieving laughs, but I wouldn't recommend it to anyone unless they have seen the first one and enjoy silliness.

Of all the versions of Christmas Carol floating around, this is the most satisfying--bar none. George C Scott brings originality and humanity to the role of Scrooge, a feat rarely accomplished for a story so oft told. The ending makes "social sense" whereas some adapted versions magically erase all life-long social distinctions. No matter how many versions you've seen--see this one. You'll toss the others as trite.

This version of the oft-told story adds depth to both the characters and the times to weave in an interesting cultural history approach. Can't comment on the accuracy of the cultural blending of French and Saxon, but at least this version makes the effort. While there are some clear-cut villains, the movie goes beyond the usual paper-thin, all-good or all-bad characters. A wonderfully refreshing experience. PS: I found the portrayal of Prince (soon-to-be-king) John brief but riveting.

On the surface, this is a S-T-R-A-N-G-E movie that keeps you guessing. But NOW--try viewing it as a metaphor for the class struggle. It climbs right off the screen! This is definitely not a used plot with new sets and different faces. James Spader shows his versatility as an actor.