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Reviews
Stealing Home (1988)
thanks for the memories
Stealing Home is one of the most underrated films of recent memmory. The inherent simplicity, interesting story lines and compelling character strengths convey a sense of nostalgia while at the same time testify to a strong line of family. The proponents of the critical acclaim of this film will assert that the flashbacks are convoluted, the character development flawed and the ending cliched and predictable. However, this is a film that succeeds on all levels. Mark Harmon plays a present day (1987) ballplayer whose professional career has been characterized by a series of failures and challenges, allegedly fueled by the suicide of a babysitter and family friend, Katie Chandler. (Jodie Foster) Foster's character is capricious and carefree in her approach to her own life and encouraging to Harmon's character, Billy Wyatt. The young Wyatt emerges as a unique talent with a flair for the game which is only precipitated as he ages. The unforeseen circumstance with his father (John Shea) and the complication with his AAA-ball experience fuel his dismay and disgust with his passion. Billy remarks throughout the film that "Katie was the one who reminded him that he was a ballplayer" and this holds true until the very end when he is reunited with his true love and passion. The imagery in the frequent flashbacks is very satisfying and the story line from start to finish is convincing. Harmon, Foster and Shea are a strong ensemble and the film overall is bittersweet, nostalgic and above all, heartwarming.
Simply Irresistible (1999)
sarah michelle gellar is wonderful
Simply Irresistible is such a thoughtful, engaging love story that one soon forgets that the ending will be as predictable as Sarah Michelle Gellar stealing the show with her radiant smile and the twinkle in her eye. The story introduces us to a would-be chef whose destiny seems to be the downward spiral of a family-run business that is quickly succumbing to the realities of modern-day food service and the end of the small, intimate operation. Gellar's character, Amanda Shelton, even in the face of seemingly insurmountable circumstances, keeps her hopes and sights high particularly when the stars cross and she meets her beau-to-be, Sean Patrick Flannery. Gellar's character is a image of Audrey Hepburn, both in her mannerisms and the way in which she navigates New York City. The scene in which Gellar's character exits the cab on Fifth Avenue at Tiffany's cried out for Henry Mancini's "Moon River" to be cued. As the love story progresses, Flannery's character comes to believe that Gellar is witch-like in her effect on him. A vanilla fog emanates from the small kitchen in Gellar's restaurant as she prepares dessert for her beau and as they subsequently kiss, they float to the ceiling. Finally, Flannery comes to realize that the effect that Gellar's character has on him is intoxicating; she represents all that is good and true and her cooking punctuates the sensuality of food. The imagery is wonderful, the scenery engaging and the music score fantastic. This simple yet beautiful love story will endure the test of time.
Down to You (2000)
Thoughtful and engaging
As someone whose teenage years are a fading memory, Down To You brought me back to my late-teen to post-graduate days. This story is thoughtful and engaging as our two stars struggle with the qualms and traumas of contemporary college life. Their lives see changes as they come to terms with the temptations and viscissitudes of college life; as their lives change, so does their perception of their relationships with each other. Inasmuch as they perceive a distance growing between them, their lives and dependency upon each other only grows as adolescence becomes adulthood. Freddie Prinze Jr. is a strong presence as he finally transcends the generations in this post-high school tale. Julia Stiles is an uncommon beauty whose poise and screen presence is refreshingly welcome. I recommend Down To You.
The Natural (1984)
One of my all-time favorites
The adaptation of Bernard Malamud's piece comes across in grand fashion as Robert Redford shines as Roy Hobbs. Inasmuch as the film is plagued by an undercurrent of dishonesty and deceit, (on the part of the team ownership) it reminds us all of what our national pastime used to be, in its best and purest form. Long before the days of strikes, salary caps and negotiations and belligerent acts of defiance, there was indeed a certain innocence and purity in the game.
The Natural, indeed, seeks to parallel the glory days of the sport, masked behind a fictional account. Roy Hobbs emerging to save the New York Knights from certain failure lets us see that heroes still exist. The story was above all a character study which sought to bring to life the trials and tribulations of an aging ballplayer with a unique gift. The Natural was brilliantly acted by a formidable cast (even by today's standards) and expertly directed by Barry Levinson. It will endure the test of time as perhaps the best baseball movie ever made.
Before Sunrise (1995)
Linklater again shows his gift for the art of dialogue
Richard Linklater's gift for the intricate mix of dialogue and characters once again shows through in Before Sunrise. Ethan Hawke and Julie Delpy are innocent, attractive and, above all, believable as two star-crossed lovers whose fate lies at the hands of the european train schedules. While the ending may diffuse those seeking a Hollywood story, this is one of the most genuine and heartwarming love stories in recent memory. The scenery and backdrop only complement an already wonderful story.
Take Me Home: The John Denver Story (2000)
a fair homage to John
While this account, from a creative standpoint, could have done more justice to John Denver, the events and places as they transpired provided a fairly true-to-life story of John's legacy. Chad Lowe was seemingly unfit to play the part of John Denver, as the mannerisms and lip-sync attempts were modest at best. The shining star of the production was Kristin Davis as Annie Denver. My biggest regret is that the sequences were filmed in Canada and not in John's hometown (and mine) of Aspen, Colorado. Additionally, two hours is not nearly enough time to chronicle the beautiful life of this artist.