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Reviews
Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee (2007)
What a Letdown
I remember reading Dee Brown's book when I was about twelve, and being stunned by how powerful and moving it was. So when I saw that HBO was making a movie of Bury My Heart, I was thrilled.
And then I actually watched it.
Why they chose to take such a complex story and cram it into a two hour movie is beyond me -- they certainly could have made it a miniseries, a la Band of Brothers, or something. All the heart and soul of Brown's book is lost in this movie.
And I know Adam Beach is a popular actor if you're casting a movie that calls for young, good looking Native American guys, but he only has two facial expressions: happy or snarly, and that's it. Even Aidan Quinn, whom I normally adore, was totally wooden in this. The magnificent Wes Studi was horribly underused; he appears for about 60 seconds of film.
Such a shame that an amazing story had to be turned into a disappointing production.
Holes (2003)
The Best Movie out of the Disney Studios in a Long Time
I know it's supposed to be a kids book, but I admit, I read the book Holes last summer, even though I'm 34. Well, my 5th grader left it laying around... anyway, as soon as I heard it was coming out as a movie, I was a little anxious. Let me tell you, I took the kiddo to see the movie, and was totally blown away. The kid actors are awesome, particularly Shia LaBoeuf, who plays Stanley Yelnats. He has a very real quality to him, and makes you just want to hug him and tell him everything will be ok in the end. The film is very true to the book, and neatly intersperses the story of Stanley and Camp Greenlake with the tales of Stanley's great ancestor Ilya Yelnats, and the legendary bandit, Kissin' Kate Barlow and her doomed love, Sam. Adults will recognize a good many of the grownup actors in the movie (Tim Blake Nelson as Dr. Pendanski is terrific), and your kids will love the action and humor. Note to other parents - this is a perfect family film: no profanity or nudity (although there is some mild violence). It's a movie about friendship, loyalty, and how sometimes, things just all sort of fall into place.
The Sopranos (1999)
The Best Reason to Have HBO!!
I pay ten bucks a month to watch the Sopranos. I mean it. It's the only thing I watch on HBO, but I can't cancel the service because then I will have to miss Tony and the boys every week. I genuinely look forward to watching the show -- I am a late arrival, having started watching at the beginning of the second season. The actors are astounding -- from the late, great Nancy Marchand, and her portayal of the monstrous Livia, to Edie Falco as Carmella, who is probably one of the most under-rated actresses ever. Of course, James Gandolfini is incredible, and even though he is chubby and balding, he is downright sexy, even in those undershirts he is always wandering around in. The writing is brilliant, and it is amazing to me that the writers can make a group of people who are really not that nice seem so likeable. Even Christopher has appeal, and he's a jerk ninety percent of the time. I love that Tony and Carmella are real people. They put the "fun" back in dysfunctional!
Highlander: Endgame (2000)
What a letdown!!
OK, I am a huge fan of both the series and of the original movie. I had hoped this would be a way of tying the two together, or maybe just a good story. Alas, it was not to be. This movie was poorly written and there were some glaring inconsistencies. The whole idea of the Sanctuary could have been really good, but just looked dumb, like some bad heavy metal video. And what was the point of sending Duncan after Kell, when Methos is 5000 years old and has kicked a lot more butt? In addition, throughout the series it was always made clear that Duncan had never been married, although he had come close a few times. It seems that this was conveniently forgotten so as to introduce the Faith/Kate storyline. Some very fine actors were seriously underused. We didnt see enough of Donnie Yen (Jin Ke), and Joe Dawson and Methos were only on the screen for a few seconds apeice out of the entire film. I was terribly disappointed by this movie. It's not the worst I've ever seen but I just kept waiting for it to get better, and it never really did. Four stars out of ten!!
This Is My Father (1998)
Nice movie, fine acting, beautiful scenery
If you are looking for a movie with guns, sex, car chases or serial killers, this is not the movie for you. On the other hand, if you want a film that focuses more on story than anything else, This Is My Father is worth checking out. I had never heard of this movie but I really like Aidan so I thought I'd watch it. His portrayal of the tragic Kieran O'Day was so moving, and you can't help but cry at the movie's pivotal ending scene. Steven Rea is brilliant as a sexually repressed hellfire-and-brimstone priest, and all the supporting actors do a fine job, but it is Aidan Quinn who really shines. My only real problem with this movie is that while Fiona comes across as an adult woman, she is supposed to be a teenager, and they probably could have used a younger actress in the part. Also, the side story about the nephew and the local girl could have had some potential, but was never really developed. All in all, it was a very nice movie, and worth checking out. If you like this one, rent Songcatcher as well -- another good flick with more story than hype.
Rob Roy (1995)
Is there anything Liam Neeson can't do?
This is one of my favorite movies of all time -- it far outshines Braveheart which made more money and got more attention. Liam Neeson is just exudes manliness in this movie, and if I was Jessica Lange I'd have been liftin' me skirts all the time too. Her portrayal of Mary McGregor is just beautiful -- turns out Mary is just as strong as the man she married. Tim Roth is a little exaggerated as the evil Archie Cunningham but still manages to be believable. I think the two most underrated actors in this film were Eric Stoltz as McDonald and Brian Macardie as Rob Roy's younger brother. The scene in the woods where Cunningham is pursuing MacDonald is simply agonizing to watch, and brilliantly filmed. MacArdie's compassion for Mary McGregor when he learns her secret is so moving, you just want to cuddle the guy and pat him on the head. The final swordfight between Rob and Archibald is amazing, one of the best movie fights I've ever seen -- yes, it's bloody, but death tends to be. Rent this! If you are a Brian Macardie fan, check out Kidnapped.