This was an excellent performance by the two lead actors, Kirsten Dunst and Jay Hernandez. Their actions and situations were gritty and real, and they seemed very much like real un-Hollywood type characters throughout. And wow ... this was truly a great illustration of the strength of genuine love despite imperfections, despite society's view of what's right and what's wrong and what's successful and what's not. And most of all, I was greatly struck by the illustration of how belief in a person (and love for a person) whom others find unacceptable or unlovable can so powerfully TRANSFORM that person. The Kirsten Dunst character goes through a rather big change, a change that you would've thought impossible, but she pulls it off believably.
Reviews
9 Reviews
A Simple Twist of Fate
(1994)
A wonderful well-written and well-acted film
20 February 2006
I have always enjoyed Steve Martin. It doesn't matter what he's in; I just admire his talent and I've been downright crazy about his humor since I first saw him do that "King Tut" thing back in the 1970s. Here, he tackles a more dramatic role with so much warmth and sincerity, and he even manages to inject some comic moments in his typical style.
To know that he also wrote this screenplay is not surprising, as he's a gifted writer, as well. The story in this film is tremendously life-affirming. If nothing else, it illustrates how even the most serious or threatening situation can turn around, just like that, in the blink of an eye. As with M. Night Shyamalan's "Signs," Christians might be thinking of Romans 8:28 when they see this film -- how events, good or bad, are so often intricately orchestrated to a better end that we really can't see coming.
My favorite point in the film is when Steve Martin's character, having just been robbed of the fortune he's amassed in gold coins (he stored his cash in these coins rather than in a bank), sees this sweet toddler girl wandering aimlessly into his home as an event that was simply meant to be, as the "gift" he is given because his money has been taken away. His faithful perspective is greatly rewarded.
To know that he also wrote this screenplay is not surprising, as he's a gifted writer, as well. The story in this film is tremendously life-affirming. If nothing else, it illustrates how even the most serious or threatening situation can turn around, just like that, in the blink of an eye. As with M. Night Shyamalan's "Signs," Christians might be thinking of Romans 8:28 when they see this film -- how events, good or bad, are so often intricately orchestrated to a better end that we really can't see coming.
My favorite point in the film is when Steve Martin's character, having just been robbed of the fortune he's amassed in gold coins (he stored his cash in these coins rather than in a bank), sees this sweet toddler girl wandering aimlessly into his home as an event that was simply meant to be, as the "gift" he is given because his money has been taken away. His faithful perspective is greatly rewarded.
Dallas: J.R. Returns
(1996 TV Movie)
Tough to watch our favorite stars age, but still a good watch
16 January 2006
Well ... that old J.R. didn't really commit suicide -- he's back in action: He returns from five years in Europe and, fresh off the plane, he visits Cliff at the offices of Ewing Oil and, of course, promptly tells him he's going to take his company back. Bobby, meanwhile, is at the now-empty Southfork, feeling lonely as a widower but enjoying a great relationship with his son Christopher. Bobby decides to put Southfork up for sale. He runs into old pal Julia Cunningham, and the two go out. Christopher is intrigued by Julia's charge Pamela (who is actually Pamela Cooper). Cliff is negotiating the sale of Ewing Oil to competitor Weststar and Carter McKay.
J.R., about to lose his treasured home and his just-as-treasured company, enlists the aid of Harv Smithfield's lawyerly niece, Anita (played by the saucy Tracy Scoggins of "The Colbys"). Together they discover a secret codicil in Jock's will that leaves stock in a computer company to John Ross -- and that stock is now worth big bucks. It can only be claimed, though, after J.R.'s death. So what does he do? Hmmm ... you can probably guess ...
J.R., about to lose his treasured home and his just-as-treasured company, enlists the aid of Harv Smithfield's lawyerly niece, Anita (played by the saucy Tracy Scoggins of "The Colbys"). Together they discover a secret codicil in Jock's will that leaves stock in a computer company to John Ross -- and that stock is now worth big bucks. It can only be claimed, though, after J.R.'s death. So what does he do? Hmmm ... you can probably guess ...
Dynasty: The Reunion
(1991)
Enjoyable
4 August 2005
I was, like any other "Dynasty" fan, happy to see the cast back after a couple years away. This reunion movie answered some questions (rather indirectly) from the series' cliffhanger as to who survived the balcony scene, etc., and certainly delivered on the catfight quotient (who would have thought feathers could fly like that?). The recasting of Adam was a disappointment; Robin Sachs just didn't have the zest of Gordon Thomson (who had taken over the wonderfully zesty role of Mason Capwell on NBC's daytime soap "Santa Barbara"). But the return of Al Corley, who frankly, was always three times as HOT as Jack Coleman (and I'm not even gay -- or male!) as Steven just about redeemed that.
The storyline with the Marshalls and Jeremy Van Dorn was fair, but Sammy Jo! Oh, we were so disappointed in the direction Sammy Jo went with this one! She was voted BRBTV's most matured character over the course of the series run, evolving from a sleezebag opportunist into a smart businesswoman, but here in the reunion movie she de-volves back to just about zero. Yikes.
The storyline with the Marshalls and Jeremy Van Dorn was fair, but Sammy Jo! Oh, we were so disappointed in the direction Sammy Jo went with this one! She was voted BRBTV's most matured character over the course of the series run, evolving from a sleezebag opportunist into a smart businesswoman, but here in the reunion movie she de-volves back to just about zero. Yikes.
Dallas: War of the Ewings
(1998 TV Movie)
Extending the "Dallas" legacy a few years longer
13 June 2005
Warning: Spoilers
"Dallas" fans must have enjoyed the inside joke at the beginning of this second reunion movie for the popular CBS primetime soap: Bobby is shown in his famous Dream Season shower scene, turning around and saying hello -- but it's Sue Ellen he's greeting! And this time, the shower scene is actually the dream, and it's J.R. who thankfully wakes up! J.R. is now the owner of Weststar Oil, the largest independent oil company in Texas, while Ewing Oil -- now owned by Bobby and Sue Ellen -- is right behind it. J.R. decides he'd like to get Ewing Oil back. Anita Smithfield is at his side again (returning from the first reunion movie). J.R. finds out that Ray's ranch might have oil under it, and he thinks this could get him the collateral he needs for a loan to do the Ewing Oil takeover.
Carter McKay, meanwhile, has an offer for Sue Ellen that he says will make Ewing Oil even bigger than Weststar. J.R. spends part of the movie trying to feed conspiracy theories to Sue Ellen about Bobby to drive them apart. Jennifer Jansen of Jansen Oil seeks advice from J.R., and he's thinking she might be a nice distraction for Bobby. Cattle rustlers force some gunplay at Southfork, and various attempts are made on J.R.'s life.
The movie does deliver on all usual fun stuff that "Dallas" fans look for (J.R.'s connivin' and dealin' and all that), though it's a bit painful to see our beloved stars aging.
Carter McKay, meanwhile, has an offer for Sue Ellen that he says will make Ewing Oil even bigger than Weststar. J.R. spends part of the movie trying to feed conspiracy theories to Sue Ellen about Bobby to drive them apart. Jennifer Jansen of Jansen Oil seeks advice from J.R., and he's thinking she might be a nice distraction for Bobby. Cattle rustlers force some gunplay at Southfork, and various attempts are made on J.R.'s life.
The movie does deliver on all usual fun stuff that "Dallas" fans look for (J.R.'s connivin' and dealin' and all that), though it's a bit painful to see our beloved stars aging.
Dallas
(1978–1991)
A groundbreaker, in so many ways
11 June 2005
"Dallas" created some HUGE TV moments ... J.R. Ewing's shooting, the "Dream Season" and Bobby returning in the shower ...
Beyond that, though, I especially loved the writing of "Dallas," particularly in the working of J.R.'s various schemes, both at the Ewing Oil offices and offsite. He was just-plain the master manipulator, and while I don't encourage anyone to aspire to this kind of mastery(!), it sure was FUN to watch him in action! Yikes! The way he executed those deals seemed to set the show apart from rivals like "Dynasty."
I enjoyed the way the show evolved in the later seasons. In the last two seasons, in particular, there seemed to be this sophisticated edge that avoided insulting the viewer (as sometimes the campiness of "Dynasty" could). While "Dynasty" was busy being flashy (and hey, I liked that, too -- I was a teen when it originally aired, after all), "Dallas" was playing the game just a bit cooler, calmer, a touch more complicated. Plus, Jeannie aside, Larry Hagman was BORN to do that role. Meow!
Beyond that, though, I especially loved the writing of "Dallas," particularly in the working of J.R.'s various schemes, both at the Ewing Oil offices and offsite. He was just-plain the master manipulator, and while I don't encourage anyone to aspire to this kind of mastery(!), it sure was FUN to watch him in action! Yikes! The way he executed those deals seemed to set the show apart from rivals like "Dynasty."
I enjoyed the way the show evolved in the later seasons. In the last two seasons, in particular, there seemed to be this sophisticated edge that avoided insulting the viewer (as sometimes the campiness of "Dynasty" could). While "Dynasty" was busy being flashy (and hey, I liked that, too -- I was a teen when it originally aired, after all), "Dallas" was playing the game just a bit cooler, calmer, a touch more complicated. Plus, Jeannie aside, Larry Hagman was BORN to do that role. Meow!
The Dukes of Hazzard
(1979–1985)
Can anyone ever really get enough?
11 June 2005
OK, I'm a junkie. I just can't help myself. I watched the "Dukes" episodes when they originally aired, built a website for the show in the 1990s, watched the show again on TNN (when it was the NASHVILLE Network, you understand), wrote a book companion to the show, and now, as the show is airing again on CMT, I'm STILL watching the episodes again!
Was there any other TV show like it? I don't think so. "The Dukes of Hazzard" was a one-of-a-kind. You can watch these episodes over several phases of life and maturity -- and still find value in them! Holy cow.
I was always, of course, impartial to Flash, Rosco's hound, as well as the rarely appearing brother of our dastardly Boss Hogg, Abraham Lincoln Hogg, the "white sheep" of the family. And you could always appreciate the country values the Dukes always espoused ... be good to your neighbor, thank the Lord before meals, don't lie or cheat or steal.
"The Dukes of Hazzard" is not rocket science, it's not deep or profound or socially redeemable or whatever else. It's just plain heckin' fun!!!!
Was there any other TV show like it? I don't think so. "The Dukes of Hazzard" was a one-of-a-kind. You can watch these episodes over several phases of life and maturity -- and still find value in them! Holy cow.
I was always, of course, impartial to Flash, Rosco's hound, as well as the rarely appearing brother of our dastardly Boss Hogg, Abraham Lincoln Hogg, the "white sheep" of the family. And you could always appreciate the country values the Dukes always espoused ... be good to your neighbor, thank the Lord before meals, don't lie or cheat or steal.
"The Dukes of Hazzard" is not rocket science, it's not deep or profound or socially redeemable or whatever else. It's just plain heckin' fun!!!!
Dynasty
(1981–1989)
A show that made its own mark in television history
11 June 2005
Although ABC's "Dynasty" really began as a response to the wildly popular "Dallas" on CBS, the show became so much more over its original U.S. run, from 1981 to 1989.
While "Dallas" had a bit of the earthy element of the ranch and the land and their value (think Miss Ellie) mixed in with the big-bucks oil industry, "Dynasty" was all glitz, all the time. After the show found its way during the first season, and Alexis arrived for the second, the characters went great guns in their portrayal of '80s capitalism and high living. We all wanted to watch. Maybe, in a way, we all wanted to live those lives. But would we, really? Hmmm ...
Being a chick, I enjoyed the **fashions** and the intrigue as I watched the show originally in the 1980s. I was a teen who hadn't yet experienced the big world out there yet, and I think the show appealed to a lot of people my age for that same reason. I'm thankful that the show has been released on DVD now, because I talked to so many fans over the years who desperately longed for the videos (back before DVD)!
While "Dallas" had a bit of the earthy element of the ranch and the land and their value (think Miss Ellie) mixed in with the big-bucks oil industry, "Dynasty" was all glitz, all the time. After the show found its way during the first season, and Alexis arrived for the second, the characters went great guns in their portrayal of '80s capitalism and high living. We all wanted to watch. Maybe, in a way, we all wanted to live those lives. But would we, really? Hmmm ...
Being a chick, I enjoyed the **fashions** and the intrigue as I watched the show originally in the 1980s. I was a teen who hadn't yet experienced the big world out there yet, and I think the show appealed to a lot of people my age for that same reason. I'm thankful that the show has been released on DVD now, because I talked to so many fans over the years who desperately longed for the videos (back before DVD)!
Santa Barbara
(1984–1993)
A soap unlike other soaps
11 June 2005
"Santa Barbara" was unique in its wonderful wit and humor. One of the show's creators, Bridget Dobson, commented in an interview before the show originally aired that soaps should be "fun" to watch. She and her husband, Jerome, definitely created a show that was FUN to watch over its original U.S. run, 1984 to 1993.
From a sardonic, Shakespeare-quoting less-favored eldest son, to a killer neon letter "C" sign, to a "Carnation Killer" and much more, "Santa Barbara" played things quirky in the world of daytime soaps. This was a cleverly written show that did not insult the intelligence of its viewer, and often seemed to even poke fun at itself. Thankfully, it hits its stride with Emmy Awards and quite a lot of attention.
We mourn the loss of a great show, but thankfully, it has aired in other countries since its U.S. cancellation. (I would have never believed I would turn on the TV in my hotel room in Amman, Jordan, in 1996 and find a "SB" episode from the mid-1980s! Beautiful!) SoapNet, please take note ... the fans are out there ... Air it, and they will come!!!!
From a sardonic, Shakespeare-quoting less-favored eldest son, to a killer neon letter "C" sign, to a "Carnation Killer" and much more, "Santa Barbara" played things quirky in the world of daytime soaps. This was a cleverly written show that did not insult the intelligence of its viewer, and often seemed to even poke fun at itself. Thankfully, it hits its stride with Emmy Awards and quite a lot of attention.
We mourn the loss of a great show, but thankfully, it has aired in other countries since its U.S. cancellation. (I would have never believed I would turn on the TV in my hotel room in Amman, Jordan, in 1996 and find a "SB" episode from the mid-1980s! Beautiful!) SoapNet, please take note ... the fans are out there ... Air it, and they will come!!!!
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