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jma2000
Reviews
Festival in Cannes (2001)
Delish! Decadant! Truthful to the core!
Sorry that some fans didn't care for this film, I found it deliciously decadent and oh-so-painfully-truthful! It had all the schmaltz and flavor of a run down fan dancer. So delicate at one time, and now so abused. If you really desire to see the Festival as it is, then view this movie. Mr. Schell is excellent, as well as the gentleman that plays the sleeze-ball Kaz. Truly a remarkable film in that it makes you think/feel documentary. Ala Robert Altman and his unscripted dialogue. The audience in my theatre snickered half the film, and there were some real good laughs at some of the irony. Only drawback was the cameraman. He gave us a splitting headache whenever filming Ms. Aimee and Mr. Schell on the boardwalk. Otherwise, go see it. Enjoy!
Gosford Park (2001)
Tittilating, tongue-in-cheek twister of a plot.
The director/co-writer is the ex-husband of a dear friend and so I try an see most of his films and keep an objective eye out. This one was one of his best in a long time. Maggie Smith is to die for. She has such great lines. Its so wonderful to see the way servants were treated, the way the clothes were so carefully made. The humor was sprinkled in just the right doses - and the bottom line is that I simply must see this again. Too many things to digest. Every guest had such stories of their own. Kristin Scott Thomas was cooly beautiful and Emily Watson, sexy in her slip. Great mystery abounds. It simply has to have a second screening, to filter out all the subplots and get to the "who dunnit" part. This movie is "a keeper" - stays on your mind and makes you think. Congratultions to Mr. Altman. Kudos to the entire cast and crew.
Ocean's Eleven (2001)
Groovy excitement, enthralling stars, yet lousy ending.
Having read all the good reviews lately, I was anticipating a terrific film. Hate to be picky, but Julia Roberts' lips looked plumped up, and she's lost most of her appeal, sexuality and panache that she has shown in earlier films. I think they've 'over used' her. Clooney and Pitt do a great job, if you like them to begin with. Everyone is on the edge of their seat, but the ending was such a disappointment to me and my friend. However, it had great visual effects. My favorites were Andy Garcia (ooh that smile, however brief) and Mr. Reiner. So-o-o good to see him acting again. I know this isn't kind, but I kept thinking, wow, would Barbra really want to leave her honey, James Brolin, for our ever lovin' Elliot Gould? No way! All the characters were excellent, and more credit should be given to Matt Damon and the two loonies that wore numerous outfits to disguise themselves.
Happy Accidents (2000)
One of Marisa Tomei's Best Performances
The blurbs in the entertainment section of my local newspaper "raved" about this "sweet" movie. How correct they were. Shown only in Art houses, it is unfortunate that its available to a small audience. Both Ms Tomei and Vincent D'Onofrio were outstanding. Their give and take, the constant "mystery" of it, the endearing ways they showed one another their love. Great writing, and its about time we see REAL people reacting to, and discussing, time travel and if it could be possible. It keeps you centered, focused, and in no way can you leave the theatre. Each viewer has to decided if Sam Deed is "indeed" telling the truth, or if he's just suffering from a mental disorder; TLE. Its unbelievably exciting - right to the very ending. With all the garbage out there in "select theatres" across the USA, its a refreshing movie to enjoy and ponder. Keeps ya thinking, while you enjoy the romance. Great combination.
Whipped (2000)
If this is dating, then I won't be a part of it, thank yew!
It appears the writer, director managed to hoodwink the money people into distributing this tasteless piece of garbage. I normally don't pan a film, but this was embarrassing and completely disgusting. The dialogue was a stream of foul words, over & over. Amanda Peet is gorgeous, and I do understand the motive behind the plot. However, I've never sat with my girlfriends and discussed such sexual behavior to the nth degree, and never would I, esp. in a restaurant. Its as if the writer tried to encompass every "dirty" thing he could think of, and then pretend to spin a story around it, to validate this drivel. Its been a sad & sorry summer, for sure.
Deep Blue Sea (1999)
Exciting, fabulous effects, but so disappointing.
I can now see why Geena Davis got rid of Renny Harlin. He just cannot direct. While this could have been a close second to "The Perfect Storm", it lacked so very much that its frightening. This Saffron Burrows is terrible. She never seemed to know just how to respond to the scene she was in, not to mention her coldness, stiffness, and lack of theatrical skills. Poor writers: Kennedy & Powers must've cringed when they viewed the final product. It was totally absorbing, and so much "blood", that I'm sure it was a success in theory. But the acting was totally high school, and I cannot understand how that kind of thing can go unnoticed and allowed to be filmed and then have financial backers to boost it along. Pity.
Return to Me (2000)
Bravo, Ms Bonnie Hunt - you've proven a credit to your craft.
After several weeks of local movie "critics" expounding on other films that I thought horrible, what a blessed relief to finally see an outstanding, hilarious, emotional flick. This is one to see, to rent later, and to perhaps purchase. The friendly atmosphere of three generations was refreshing to peek into their lives for a short time. I believe David Duchovny can be our next Richard Gere, if he plays his cards right. Belushi was outstanding, and the senior gentlemen of the movie added such professionalism and class. Its a must see - and again, it probably needs to be seen once more, to catch the funny lines that are missed when laughing and poking your partner in the elbow.
Eye of the Beholder (1999)
Sorry to have trusted Ashley Judd; she picked a loser.
A very mixed up, non-sensical story. Too many gaps, too many unanswered questions. Consensus from other viewers agreed. No one really understood what was going on, besides Ewan being so obsessed with Ms. Judd. Its as if certain pages were missing in the script/plot line. Still trying to figure out who was the singer in the movie. Was it k.d.lang after all?