Change Your Image
marsoullis
Reviews
O (2001)
low-quality modernization
First of all, the makers of "O" were a little overzealous in being true to the original story Othello (as even the title will attest). I'm a purist by nature, but making the story totally identical yet throwing in so many modernisms to it made it confusing. The acting wasn't great at all (how they got Martin Sheen...it's only to his folly, I guess), the sex was ridiculous (were they even trying to convince the audience it was more than simulated?), and well, such a dismal story is not at all worth retelling in the first place. Don't see it -- if you must see something then catch Fishburne and Branagh in the film version of the original Shakespearean story.
The Testaments: Of One Fold and One Shepherd (2000)
8.3 out of 10... 111 votes, go figure
This show made me rather sick to my stomach.
"I felt the Spirit." 'Yeah, I felt it too." "Yeah... now let's make out!"
One would think, out of all the great stories shared in the Book of Mormon, that good ol' Kieth and the gang could've actually picked one of them to depict. But no, there's no smooching in the Book of Mormon. And it's inevitable -- the defamation of many Saints will in part be executed through the Hollywoodization of America. More power to 'em, I guess.
We don't need no history! (We don't need no history!) "Testaments" on DVD! (Testaments on DVD!) We don't need to read the book! (We don't need to read the book!) Saw this show and now we're hooked! (Saw this show and now we're hooked!)
OK enough cynicism. Let's be honest with ourselves and get back to the basics.
Billy Joel - A Matter of Trust: The Bridge to Russia (1987)
Billy Joel never dies...
This is one of the best "rock'n'roller" documentaries I've watched, if only to watch Billy Joel, not only on stage, but touring the U.S.S.R. in 1987. He's more than just a tough-looking New Yorker who jams on the piano -- this show brings out his love for his family and for the people whom he entertains. He is seen in many settings, between walking around Red Square meeting people, paying homage to significant Russian musical artists of this century, spending time with this unique people and culture, answering questions they have about America and the rock'n'roll genres taking place there, and visiting sites with his ex, Christie, and their daughter Alexa Ray. He wears no mask like so many artists these days do -- he doesn't pretentiously try to hide the person he is. Of all things, "A Matter of Trust" also contains easily the most entertaining clips of him performing in front of large audiences I've ever seen. Between "Only the Good Die Young", "A Matter of Trust", "The Longest Time" a capella, him solo on the guitar singing Bob Dylan's "The Times They Are A' Changin'", him tipping over a large electric piano during "Sometimes A Fantasy", and just jamming out alone with his band the fantastic "New York State of Mind", the man never stops short in displaying the greatest performance ever seen. This is a must-see for all fans of the Piano Man, and for all lovers of good rock'n'roll in general.