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Reviews
Semana Santa (2001)
Lots of Power but much less PUNCH
This movie has lots going for it. I only wish it had come together better.
Several of the performances are subtle and command our full attention. Alida Valli is stark and quietly brilliant as Dona Katrina as she tells her gripping tale from the war. Feodor Atkine is both confused and valiant as he searches for answers to the murders committed by the man in red. While other roles are too subtly played or bungled entirely. Mira Sorvino is adequate as the reflective outsider who is haunted by her past. Olivier Martinez, gives a one dimensional and overplayed role as the tough cop, solving crimes on the mean streets of Sevilla.
The cinematography is rife with scenes from Sevilla's rich historic architecture and the contrasts in light and shadow give this film a brooding quality. Filming from various angles during the Easter pageant lends depth as the police narrowly miss observing the murders first hand and totally miss their motive. The action scenes however, often appear as if happening in some other story and don't fully connected to the movement of the plot.
I did find this film worth watching to the end if only to find out "who dun-nit". Watch it when you are feeling somber and a little confused.
The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants (2005)
Light-hearted Tale with some exceptions
This film is a fair adaptation for the screen. It is sure to satisfy those interested in all the excitement that the book has generated. I'm not so sure it will be found truly satisfying by those of us who read the delightful book. My complaint lies in the changes in the writing. Most of the characters' story lines are similar to those in the book, however, I'm disappointed in the alteration of one of the main character's "adventure." It is retold with in a simpler, more traditional romantic style. It lacks the quirky and edgy style the author brought to us in her telling. Real life is like that whether you are 15 or 50. I believe that the original version would have stood up in the movie and added a more realistic quality to the film.
The In-Laws (2003)
Hilarious farce...what a romp!
A great Friday night video. We enjoyed it immensely. It was just the right thing to see after a long week in the salt mines. Pop some corn and sit back for the laughter. Douglas is over the top and Brooks is a perfect foil. This duo's work reminds me of the old Lewis and Martin films. The cast does an excellent job of not overtaking the two leads. I'm not sure how Candice Bergen reined in, but she did. The stunts are excellent, we especially enjoyed the jets whizzing away from the action scenes. The character playing Tibideaux, the smuggler, had just the right touch of humor and malice. You will want to see more of the two who played the prospective bride and groom. GO RENT IT NOW!!!