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Reviews
Running with Scissors (2006)
Worth the time
I have read 2 of Agustine Bourroughs novels and I was, frankly, a little afraid that this one might be ruined by being re-cast as a movie. With this story in the hands of this director and this cast, my fears were groundless: it translated beautifully. I am sure that this is in no small part due to Burroughs personal involvement in the production, but greater authors have had their work ruined right under their noses, so it is a credit to both Author and creative staff that the engaging story remains intact. I think it gives a truthful depiction of what it is like to grow-up with mental illness in the family and also presents a metaphor for the craziness and dysfunction which is, at some level, in every family. The cast was all superb, especially Annette Benning and Jill Clayburgh. Joseph Cross and Joseph Fiennes were equally superb -- in fact, EVERYONE was so good I almost don't want to single anyone out. I will recommend this movie to friends.
Shortbus (2006)
Very Entertaining
I was afraid this movie would be too "artsy" or just plain weird, but It was very engaging and entertaining. I would recommend it to anyone who is mature enough to handle the sex scenes. The cast was attractive and skillful and the characters they portrayed were believable and easily identified-with. The sexuality was integral to the story-line and did not detract from it or seem to be just stuck-in for shock-value (as so many movies do.) The recurring video images (imaginings) of NY served to tie things together and was very artfully done. There were quite a few characters to keep track of and once-in-a-while I wasn't sure who was who in the club scenes, but generally it was pretty easy to follow. I would see the movie again and I will recommend it to friends.
The Grudge (2004)
A creepy experience
This movie made my skin crawl! I think it scared me as much by what it didn't show on the screen as by what it did. This film is proof that what is scary isn't necessarily gore and guts and boogymen per se, but rather one can be scared by reaching into the mind's repository of fears. It was nice to see Sara Michelle Gellar break out of the Buffy persona and take on a different character for a change. Jason Behr is sexier than ever as Doug. I sincerely hope that a sequel is being considered, since this move was part of a series in Japan. Oh-- and that creepy sound scares the hell out of me.