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Reviews
The Time Shifters (1999)
I liked It
This was a lot of fun to watch, and was actually thought provoking. Good for family or adult viewing. Interesting concept, good execution, attractive characters, exciting scenes. My wife, 13 year old son, and I were captivated...
American Beauty (1999)
Entertaining but Superficial
Younger viewers do seem to like this better. I am 47 and found it a bit incoherent. My daughter was more enthusiastic. Is there a message? If so, it is very unconvincing to me. But maybe I'm just an old baby boomer fogy...
La vita è bella (1997)
Great Story
A thoroughly enjoyable and poignant film. While certainly not believable in its details, the story flowed seamlessly so that I thrilled in the jokes and surprises which had been set up. I was thoroughly captivated while watching the film, as were my son and wife. This is no easy task -- my wife usually falls asleep, and my son is no fan of subtitles! After it was all over, I felt inspired. Benigni's character was successful in being himself and doing the right thing in a fun way, even if it was risky. That is how I want to live my life...
American Playhouse: A Raisin in the Sun (1989)
3 Worthwhile Hours in the Younger's Apartment
This movie is almost 3 hours long and the only setting is inside one apartment. Amazingly, it is fantastic. It's like going to see a live play. The quality of the writing and the acting (especially Danny Glover) is enough to make the film supremely entertaining and uplifting.
Todo sobre mi madre (1999)
Transvestites, Nurturing, and Lots In Between
I found this to be an enjoyable and interesting film. It got me thinking about transvestites and nurturing and a lot of stuff in between. The cinematography and music were excellent. Most of the characters were well intentioned, though many were reckless or vice ridden. However, the heroine was above that and provided inspiration.
Anna and the King (1999)
Old Fashioned Hollywood Epic
This is definitely Hollywood -- stunning cinematography and amazing transformations, vast simplification and glossiness. I found it disturbingly implausible at times and borderline insulting to the Thais, who have banned the film. What was insulting? That one white woman could be so much smarter than the Asian women in the story. That the King would be so interested in a white woman, as if he had no intellectual equals among his own people. Also, the movie was rather predictable in the way it played upon my emotions. Nevertheless, it was stunning, touching, and thought provoking -- well worth seeing.
Being John Malkovich (1999)
Disappointing
Somewhat thought provoking, but not very satisfying upon contemplation. Some good gags, but the movie loses rather than gains momentum. Goes on too long, considering that a real conclusion never comes.
Why is this getting nearly unanimous rave reviews? There is no clear message. What is the purpose of the film? To get us thinking about celebrity, movie making, sexual obsession, immortality? Lots of teases, but no clear focus...
Jules et Jim (1962)
Left me Cold
The characters seemed incredibly stupid and two dimensional. The cinematography seemed amateurish at times. The movie was depressing, without any sort of redeeming virtue, as far as I could tell.
American History X (1998)
I was totally absorbed and touched by the film.
I had never heard of this film until it was recommended by my 18 year old daughter. I was totally absorbed and touched by the film. Enjoyed the cinematography. Norton's acting the best.
Urban Cowboy (1980)
Great Honky Tonk Flavor
Another entertaining Travolta dance flick! GREAT MUSIC, mood, and scenes. Debra Winger is beautiful! Like "Saturday Night Fever", this macho film features extremely improbable scenes of beautiful women falling for Travolta and almost begging him to have sex with them.
La Bamba (1987)
Classic Americana
I was too young to know much about Ritchie Valens. So this was actually educational, in addition to being entertaining. Excellent music and acting.