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kathygclawson
Reviews
The Majestic (2001)
One Word Summary-Wonderful
Jim Carrey did it again! It won't be long until he has an OSCAR to sit along side his GOLDEN GLOBE. In THE MAJESTIC, Carrey plays a screenwriter who is attacked during the MacCarthy era. He decides to just get in his car and drive, after having more than a few drinks. He goes off a bridge and the story really begins. He is found on the beach near a small and nearly forgotten Southern California hamlet. Upon waking, he has no memory of who he is. The kind old man who finds him, thinks he has seen him somewhere, but isn't sure. He takes Carrey into the town where it becomes clear he is a ringer for a young man who died in WWII. Not knowing who he is, seeing what he thinks is himself in photos kept preserved by his Father, played by Martin Landau. He takes on the task of giving the town it's life back. First step? re-open The Majestic, the movie house his 'father' had let fall to ruin after his son's death. (Did I mention his son's body was never found?) But, alas, after meeting the love of his life and bringing the town back to what it had once been, all good things must end. Carrey regains his memory. I'll not give away any more of the plot for those of you who have yet to see this film, but I think it is worth watching over and over again. It is about self discovery, loyalty and most of all, self respect. It's high on my personal list of MUST SEE FILMS.
K-PAX (2001)
This Film Is Generally Misunderstood
Very few people I know who have seen K-PAX, understood or liked it, when, in my opinion, it is the best film to come out of Hollywood since Forrest Gump. The concept behind K-PAX is simple. A man suffers a horrible and overwhelming loss, one his mind refuses to accept. He, in course, tries to take his own life. Instead he survives, but has literally become another person. Prot from the planet K-PAX. This is not a case of split personality, Prot and Robert Porter are two very different beings. You witness Prot preform things in this film that are beyond all human capability, yet, it seems to never explain why or how. THAT is when you, the viewer, must use your greatest resourses, imagination and common sense. Prot can see Ultra-Violet light, he can come and go as he pleases. HOW is this possible if he were once as human as you or I? Medical Science has proven that we only use about 10% of our brain for everything from memory to bodily functions. It is my opinion that Robert Porter awoke after trying to drown himself, with the ability to use 100% of his brain capacity. And no one knows exactly what we would capable of if we could all tap into 90% of un-used brain matter. Prot WAS an Alien, one from Earth! The only person alive with the ability to use all of his brain. Let us not forget Bess. After nearly five years of being Prot, Robert Porter wanted out, he wanted to face and deal with his loss, and, he did, after doing so he passed his gift to sweet little Bess and she vanished without a trace. This film had OSCAR written all over it, but the Academy overlooked it. I highly recommend this film to anyone who dares to dream and uses their imagination. Kevin Spacey and Jeff Bridges are magnificent, as is this film.
Jack the Bear (1993)
MAGNIFICENT!
DeVeto gives the performance of his career in this lesser known film. A period piece set in the early 1970's, about a widower raising two young boys alone. His wife is killed in an auto accident shortly after storming out the house because she and Jack had an argument. He blames himself, and turns to alcohol. A touching and comic film that did not get the attention it deserves. This is a must see.
Jeffrey (1995)
It didn't get the credit it deserves.
Jeffrey is the story of a young gay man, who, in this day of AIDS, decides to give up sex, and the very next day meets the hunk of his dreams. Steven Weber, Michael T Weiss and Patrick Stewart give Oscar worthy performanscs in a film few even know of. It is not truly a 'gay' film , but one about the confusion of true love and the heartbreak of loving some one who is ill. It will bring you to the brink of tears, and then make you laugh. I highly recommend it as a must see.
Doing Time on Maple Drive (1992)
"THE film for examples of a dysfunctional family
All I can say is that this film is great and a must see. As a side note, The Truman Show is billed as Jim Carrey's "FIRST" dramatic role. Watch this and see how wrong that is. He was nominated for an Emmy. It is an eye opener you won't soon forget.
Dominick and Eugene (1988)
This film is a shining star no one has noticed.
Ray Liotta and Tom Hulce shine in this sterling example of brotherly love and commitment. Hulce plays Dominick, (Nicky) a mildly mentally handicapped young man who is putting his 12 minutes younger, twin brother, Liotta, who plays Eugene, through medical school. It is set in Baltimore and deals with the issues of sibling rivalry, the unbreakable bond of twins, child abuse and good always winning out over evil. It is captivating, and filled with laughter and tears. If you have not yet seen this film, please rent it, I promise, you'll be amazed at how such a wonderful film could go un-noticed.
The Changeling (1980)
The best horror film ever made
This film has a wonderful cast and it's plot line is chilling. It's simplistic approach to the supernatural makes for blood chilling terror. George C Scott is magnificent as John, and Melvin Douglas is cast in one of his best roles. This is a must see for any horror film fan. I give it 10 stars.