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oandafan
Reviews
A Beautiful Mind (2001)
I really wanted to like this movie.
After sleeping through such over-rated tripe such as "In the Boring
Bedroom", I was looking forward to seeing this movie. But I'd forgot
that it's a Ron Howard movie, which means that any edge is dulled
to the point of ridiculousness. Only this director could take such a
fascinating story and make it so safe and cuddly, it's the feel good
crazy genius movie of 2002! With very little basis in reality- I heard
the author of the book interviewed on the radio, and it was fun
listening to him try and find something good to say about this
movie- I found myself watching the extras, waiting for some sign of
life. Well filmed, well performed, safe and ultimately a tv movie.
Lantana (2001)
Lovely.
Very well done Australian independent film, which shows that great acting and writing can overcome a fairly contrived script, in this case (obviously) based on a play. The plot is fairly standard rondalay of 'mates', one of them ends up dead, who did it? But the acting- in particular Anthony LaPaglia and Barbara Hershey- is superlative. Puts this years sad crop of American Indy films to shame. Worth seeing.
Moulin Rouge! (2001)
Dazzling but empty.
I enjoyed it, yes, but really it's the oldest corniest story in the book
re-told as a music video with lots of in jokes. I must admit that Jim
Broadbent singing "like a virgin" is the only version of that dreadful
song I'd ever buy. This director is a genius, I'm sure, and his vision
is zany and fascinating, but it left me feeling like I'd just got off a
roller coaster- dizzy but in need of some nutrition.
The Others (2001)
Ho-hum.
I'm surprised to see this getting such a good rating, I wasn't
scared at all, was barely interested, and frankly could care less
about any of the performers save the older Irish maid. I found the
children unbelievable, Nicole Kidman shrill and remote, and the
whole thing a film school exercise that had lovely music. Wait for
the video.
Sexy Beast (2000)
At last, a good film from 2001.
A true 'indy' film, this one has great performances, interesting plot,
dark twists, and an energy and vitality that are missing from the
rest of the lot this year. Ben Kingsley and Ray Winstone make this
movie work beautifully, and the director and writer both did a
wonderful job. Go out and see it!
The Laramie Project (2002)
An okay film filled with familiar faces.
This screened at Sundance last night to a receptive if mute crowd. Clearly the story is worth relating, it's powerful and true, but did the director have to cast every single role with a recognizable face? I mean, really, you spend have your time saying "Oh look, it's the guy from 'Armageddon'", or "Hey, it's Easy Rider!" and you lose sight of the story. Perhaps it's the only way this guy could get his movie made, but it's a little distracting, sort of like 'The Love Boat", or those old Towering Inferno movies, that were 'chock o' block with stars!'. I wish he's just told the story simply with less famous faces. Also, the camera work seems kind of lazy, like there wasn't any thought about where to put the camera to best tell the story. All in all, I thought it was okay, but could have been really good.
Charlotte Gray (2001)
A boring disappointment.
I haven't read the book, but unfortunately I saw this film, being a big Cate Blanchett fan. Well, I still remain a fan and don't blame her for this 'spy game' drek, but still, what were they thinking? How can they make a story like this boring? Variety called this movie "bland and dour", I'd have to add silly. Billy Crudup's weird little attempt at a french accent made me giggle at times, and there is absolutely no chemistry between the leads. I liked the villain, Anton Lesser, and some of the camera work held my interest, but for the most part, wait for the video.
Rushmore (1998)
Very clever.
I enjoyed this "independent film" very much, it's clever and fun and subversive. Bill Murray is the best he's been in years, and the kid who plays the lead is heartbreakingly funny, like a child Charles Grodin. The teacher subplot was of less interest to me, she seemed a bit of a sipher, but overall I'd give this an 8 out of 10. I look forward to his next film!
The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (2001)
It's worth it.
Just go. Stop reading all these reviews, let yourself be swept up in the magic of film once again! Even if you haven't read the books, (or perhaps you have children who will tell you the whole story!) it's simply stunning, and I look forward to the next two installments!!
Le fabuleux destin d'Amélie Poulain (2001)
Charming and dark.
I won't go into the plot, you can read other reviews for that, I'll only say that I loved it. It wasn't all sunny and roses, it had a definite sting but the lead actress made it all worthwhile, she is quite stunning indeed. Go and see this, it's the best France has come out with in a few years.