jjr3929 Reviews

The Magic of Ordinary Days (2005 TV Movie)

The Best Since the Sarah, Plain and Tall Series

[10/10 · 3 February 2005]

**** May Contain Spoilers **** Quite bemused by the recent array of Hallmark presentations, their plots questionable and their characters unappealing, I anticipated this time a decent film previewed in the Hallmark Video News. I always liked arranged marriages story lines because of the awkwardness and the development, and I hoped this would not disappoint.

And it did not.

I agree with so many previous posters: the settings -- time and space -- are beautiful, the characters respectful to each other, including parent to child and child to parent, and the slow, easy development of the relationship between Ray and Livy. The casting is perfect.

In a DVD extra, Skeet Ulrich spoke of the need for body language as a means to communicate -- and this is the outstanding feature to this film. Notice all his facial expressions -- raised eyebrows, slight smiles, reddened or full face, turns of the head, and so forth. Their not touching and sideways glances are so expressive. Mare Winningham's looks of concern, worry, or joy are great.

And the dialogue adds to the high quality: his gentle correction of her when he says, "Our farm," and Martha's reply to her husband's expression of love at her party -- "I know." Plus all the other words spoken -- the two friends at the church -- "How'd you meet?" and their looks when Ray, Livy, and covered cake left, one craning her neck -- Slim's tribute -- great.

So a huge thank you to Hallmark and a plea for a sequel that maintains this perfection -- no surprises, just more of this extraordinary "ordinary" story -- with, of course, the same cast. The Sarah series maintained the integrity, parts one through three -- so it's been done well before.

Jane Eyre (1997 TV Movie)

Not for Jane Eyre (novel) and Dalton (version) fans

[8 December 2004]

The Timothy Dalton version has no equal, with lines directly from the novel.

The garden proposal scene is heartfelt, especially the "I want you to pass through life at my side, to be my second self and best earthly companion."

The Cirian Hinds version lacks this wording and impact. I agree with a previous poster: the kissing scene was awful.

Hinds' portrayal of Rochester reminds me of the way abusive husbands are in films -- brutal, loud, nasty, unlikeable. He shouts, he shouts, and he shouts. The scene near the end when Jane is refusing St. John Rivers' proposal seems hurried. Lacking is the mysterious exchange in the novel and in the BBC version. It reminded me of Michael Crawford's angry Phantom.

Hinds was so superb and so pathetic (as he should have been) as Michael Henchard in The Mayor of Casterbridge (what an outstanding version!) that I named my cat Henchard and I posted his will -- powerful, as written by Thomas Hardy.

Samantha Morton kept making faces throughout Jane Eyre, and I did not like her at all -- the actor, that is.

My thoughts are that the cast viewed all the other Jane Eyre films and decided: we shall be different. Even the voice inflection will be altered.

Owning just about every film version (I think one before the Welles-Fontaine version exists) and different copies of the novel, I

kept comparing and contrasting.

Ferndean was too palatial, and Mrs. Fairfax's appearance, too startling.

This ranks way, way down on my list.

Garden State (2004)

Waste of Time and Money

[2 September 2004]

We were two of three people in the theater, and with no one behind us and beside us we were able to stand up from time to time just to keep from screaming at the dumbest film we have ever seen.

I think the script was penned by about 15 persons who were handed blank sheets of paper -- to write anything regarding these characters. Then all these chapters were gathered, with a few rewrites to connect the stories. That's how horrid this film is.

The differing speeds of the film were arbitrary -- as in, HUH, what's the purpose for that? So many scenes were stupid, ditto the props and the costuming. And what's with the leading male character's red, red lips? The abyss, the sneak-peeks, the gerbil set-up -- everything was so forced. And the dialogue -- not to mention the vulgarities -- was awful.

Upon leaving, we asked the one other viewer her thoughts. "Heavy," she replied. So I guess that's it -- we were just too dumb to appreciate so esoteric a film.

At one point, the screen was dark and quiet. We thought that was the end. What a disappointment when "action" resumed. I know we could have left, but we did not fathom that this would continue to descend into the trash it is.

I went just to see Peter Sarsgaard -- pardon the spelling. Anyway, we did get to see previews for three Jude Law films.

The Village (2004)

Trick or Treat

[5 August 2004]

****SPOILERS***

I agree with those who did not like this film. When "those we do not talk about" first appeared -- the one whom we saw briefly --he looked like someone dressed in a Halloween costume. I was very eager to see this film because of "The Sixth Sense" and all the hype. Looking back on M. Night Shymalan's film, I note that they are becoming dumber and dumber. The only way for him to redeem himself is to give us a film without any surprises and twists.

Adrian Brody's character was offensive and annoying, and the girl who played Ivy (---- Dallas Howard) was too confident to play a blind girl running through the unknown woods. Joaquin Phoenix played a very dull Lucius -- what was there to love?

All the plot holes could fill an entire website. A few that bothered me are -- how did Noah sneak out that gigantic "monster" costume with those silly things sticking out? Who grew the cotton for the clothing? Who tended the mulberry trees for the silkworms for the ties? In addition to those neat rows of perfect cabbages, where was the rest of the food supply? What if a window broke? Who supplied this place? And will everyone intermarry eventually? The colony began with only seven or eight adults! Wouldn't you forever hold it against your parents that you had to use an outhouse -- wear crummy, heavy clothes, lose your teeth, frolic with the same group of people day after day, and not have access to modern medicine and hygiene products?

What -- no airplanes, helicopters, even birds -- flying above this Village!

The film was entertaining so I do not regret paying to see it.

The 4400 (2004–2007)

What are they breathing on Earth to make themselves so cruel?

[15 July 2004]

I just encountered this series, and I find it interesting to watch while I am on the computer. We are in a mid-summer stormy week so what the heck: we cannot go outside without being depressed. Having read a few comments, I do agree wholeheartedly with those who think the blond girl is creepy and Lily's husband is awful. **SPOILERS** Already a court order in hand, he crushes Lily's hopes. Only 11 years passed, and he turns his back on her. May whatever she is carrying rise up to seek some sort of revenge on such a you-know-what. I love predictions that come true because the viewer sits and waits. I wonder why Michael Moriarity's character -- Bailey or Dailey -- did not show any puzzlement when e-mail was mentioned. The student's situation is weird. My friends would have found him fascinating. I am hoping this is on DVD eventually, for I know I shall be missing some episodes. To those who compare The 4,400 to Close Encounters, one of my all-time favorite films, I say hurray. I always wanted to know about those returnees so this present film is an insight. I never saw The X-Files; therefore, I cannot compare and contrast. Does anyone know the schedule for this series? Sorry for the choppiness of this review. 'Tis summer, and my brain is on a needed break. I anticipate lots of comments on The Message Boards, especially from those who saw The 4,400 from its inception.

Catch a Falling Star (2000 TV Movie)

"I have a splinter in my butt."

[12 July 2004]

I just finished watching this painful Sunday film. My son was married on Saturday, and I was too tired to leave the couch and to click the remote. What a simple, predictable story. I never liked Sela Ward, who is one of the worst actors ever. Even a ton of red lipstick does not help. Anyone who knows mill workers, especially steel workers, sees the flaws in this. First of all, a steel town is not a charming, storybook place to live. Bowling, community theatre, a cozy dinner place at film's end were silly. In this economy Hollywood money would not save a dying industry! And the workers in line for splinter-in-the-butt removal and other such ailments -- dumb, dumb, dumb! Hiring her as a nurse in a steel mill where serious accidents DO happen was unreal and dangerous. And that white-haired, panty-waist Ben -- was that his name? What a crummy job acting! His supposed-to-be dynamic speeches and serious looks were hilarious, and Ward's portions were miserable. Near the end when the assortment of characters was-were speaking - ugh! How bad was that? And Fran -- horrible acting. What a way to end a perfect weekend. This destined for a tour of Lifetime film is awful so do not waste your time. It was not even sleep-inducing -- way more painful than "a splinter in the butt"! I cannot believe I actually wrote that stoopid word I never say. See what this did to me. Avoid this garbage.

The Notebook (2004)

So-so film

[1 July 2004]

I did not read the novel; if so, then, perhaps, my comments would be more positive. ***POSSIBLE SPOILERS*** Ryan Gosling as Noah was great, but his lying on the pavement, that is, the street, and his hanging with one hand from the ferris wheel were too outlandish. The house transformation was totally unreal: nothing could be salvaged from that wreck. Rachel McAdams (Allie) was all right, annoying at times. Why didn't her nylon stockings have seams? Her father appeared clownish. "Lon" was on a Lifetime presentation which portrayed him as evil so I could not see him in any other way.

My biggest problem is with the casting of James Garner and of Gena Rowlands, both excellent actors. In this film, however, they were not the characters. They were James Garner and Gena Rowlands. Some unknowns would have been better in these roles.

What was wrong with Edmond? Did the novel reveal his problem? He looked strange in the glimpse we got of him.

Too much time was given to their youth, and the rest just was not developed. I realize time constraints. Why was all that time given to that street scene? The Walt Whitman allusions seemed trite, too easy as a connection. Was the renovated house the nursing home? And when she fed the ducks, why did they not overpower her and Noah?

To the writer who questioned salons in nursing homes: many places do have beauty shoppes within for the residents' use.

An okay film.

Fahrenheit 9/11 (2004)

We were speechless at the end.

[10/10 · 28 June 2004]

What a crowd for a Monday, 11:00 a.m. performance. The ropelines from the weekend were still up. The audience, from the responses at certain portions of the film, seemed to be anti-administration -- that's anti-administration, not anti-American and not anti-military. Nowadays a person must explain himself lest he be falsely labeled. At the end we all left, in silence and in disgust. Thanks to Michael Moore and his staff. I would like to see a film that counters the contents of this film. If you viewed Fahrenheit 9/11, you know that is impossible. Where would a Republican find, for example, a woman whose house was just bombed thanking the Americans? Who among the senators and the representatives will be telling the camera about all their children serving in the military, esp. Iraq? How will the connections among the Saudis, the Bushes, influential corporations otherwise be shown? One of the most disturbing images was the actual recruitment of non-elite teen-agers by US Marines. Was that real? How was that filmed? One line to a teen-aged boy: "May we cross you off our list by talking to you now? What is your name?" What list? Was that real? How was the footage acquired? It was so like telemarketing: a response to every response. Scary! The most amusing part in addition to those silly faces was the Bonanza segment. A sickening scene was the make-up one, especially Paul W.'s styling his hair. So much went into this film, and so much, if not all, will remain with the thousands of viewers -- the bloodied, mutilated arm of the young boy, the swaddled, dead infant, and the agony of the mother whose soldier son returned home by way of a flag-draped coffin. And she was not able to have any kind of access to The White House! A great film.

Salem's Lot (2004)

After Fear Factor, vampires are not scary anymore.

[23 June 2004]

I agree with so many others on this board. Vampires just do not scare viewers; they appear rather cartoonish at times: those glowing eyes, the sharp movements of their heads, the traditional revealing of the fangs, and the expected bite on the neck.

The crawling on the ceiling looked as though the camera was turned. I think we've all done that with our camcorders, especially while taping high school basketball games in some medium-sized gyms. Although "The Master" was outlandish in the 1979 production, I eagerly anticipated Barlow's appearance in this one, and I was disappointed.

***SPOILERS*** Creepy were the holding up of the mother by her hair and then slapping her face to cause a twisted, broken neck. And, please, tell me the name of the wedding planner. An elderly person tells Father Callahan that he or she is getting married "tomorrow." Then the next day the bride is awaiting her groom in a church all decorated for a wedding, the pews included.

And why not, as a writer asked, carry many crucifixes -- and gallons of holy water -- to save oneself from the undead? I missed the first few minutes of Part One; therefore, the ending was not clear. What happened to Ben Mears to land him in the hospital? Please answer in the message threads.

Contrasted to the 1979 Salem's Lot -- the 2004 one with its silly Afghanistan references and the comment about doctors' not having a certain appendage was too forced, even for a vampire film. Give me Danny Glick and that frightening character in the rocking chair, both from 1979.

Something's Gotta Give (2003)

Do not eat while watching this film.

[24 April 2004]

Having worked in the gardens all day, I anticipated a relaxing evening with this film and some junk food. Those love scenes -- all of them -- between the different age groupings and then the older ones together were sickening. What does anyone -- young, old, or decrepit -- see in Harry? Dr. Mercer characterized Erica as the greatest playwright ever, and then she tapped out that hurried, stupid play that featured "The Dancing Henrys"! Yes, those endless crying scenes about which I had been warned were mute button-worthy, and the film was way too long. **Spoilers** The whole Paris scene was idiotic, Marin's auctioneering job seemed unreal, and the nude scenes were haunting, in a very, very bad way. Diane Keaton is one of my favorites, but in this film she was annoying in every way. Jack Nicholson's character was a slime-ball, and his looking downward at himself was disgusting. How did Marin find her supposed-to-be schlub husband so quickly; she was three months pregnant when Harry sought her. Eating lemon doughnuts while watching this film will cause severe nausea.

The Passion of the Christ (2004)

Mel Gibson's influence

[25 March 2004]

The Venerable Anne Catherine Emmerich's meditation, The Dolorous Passion of our Lord Jesus Christ, influenced Mel Gibson. So many details were "seen" by this mystic.

Dismas, the thief who repented, is described -- even the way Jesus gathered him to take him to Heaven.

Demons and vipers that surrounded the cross are detailed. So if you really liked Gibson's story-telling, graphic, violent, and chilling, then look up the book on-line. Since Gibson, in spite of some box-office failures, is so confident, both in his spiritual life and in his career, he was able to make such a bold film that will probably reappear every spring season, just as the silent film "King of Kings" used to .

The King of Kings (1927)

"I didn't know they had cameras in those days!"

[26 February 2004]

My sisters, our brother, our friends, and I went to the theater to view "The King of Kings," free but with a free-will offering. The film was an annual event for us, a must for Holy Week. Everyone in the theater became engrossed with the film. For years I marveled at the events, that blind child, the beauty of Mary, and the softness of the portrayal of Jesus. When the blind girls' eyes were opened and His image appeared before her eyes and our eyes, we were all silent -- and misty-eyed. It was so real to me that I said to myself, "I didn't know they had cameras in those days!"

Growing up, I never forgot this film which by then was not being shown ever again. I searched and searched for "The King of Kings," and I was thrilled when I did purchase it. Since its impact was so great upon the mind and the memory of a child, I recalled everything in the film. And, except for my knowing that it was merely a film, the impact was the same: the breathless wait for Jesus, the dove with Mary, the fear of the high priest, the scene with Judas as he hanged himself, and so on. I am able to see now the melodrama of it all, but this film played an actual role in my religious formation. I consider it a treasure.

Tomorrow I shall attend a screening of Mel Gibson's "The Passion of the Christ," and I already know that this recent version will never measure up to that wondrous, silent film that is part of me. Gibson's film comes with a warning for parents and their children. "The King of Kings" shared its message, one not to be forgotten when seen in the context of an era when wide-eyed children were just that -- children, not miniature adults.

Freaky Friday (2003)

Complete Suspension

[25 February 2004]

To watch this film one has to suspend all belief, not just concerning the transfer of mother to daughter and daughter to mother but also the everyday happenings. Nothing about Freaky Friday rang true. Three examples are -- the easy entrance into the faculty room in order to change the two tests, the quick altering of "Anna's" exam, and the mere "fact" that the mother in Anna's body was in the proper seat in the classroom shown. Add to that Tess was totally unaware that one of Anna's teachers was a former suitor of Tess. And does anyone carry around all those communication devices?

At first, I thought the young son was sweet; then the film depicted him as some mouthy monster who, along with his sister, controls the whole family, including the dullard about to become the step-father.

I never, ever liked Jamie Lee Curtis, who would not be a "star" without her parents' names. In this film she seems way too old for the young kids, and Mark Harmon should be helping with grandchildren -- his own.

Lindsay Loman was really good in "The Parent Trap," but after seeing this film, I conclude that she has not grown one iota as an actor. She played the role of Anna still as the twins in TPT -- everything the same except for that preposterous musical role. Was that the worst form of voice- and music over! Nice music for a wedding - ugh!

As an escape this film is all right, especially since a neighbor loaned it to me. All I lost was time, but then I was sorting papers anyway.

***SPOILER*** Why would anyone accept Jake? Kiss the mother and then the daughter just 'cause he felt something stirring inside of him! Creepy. And who invited him to the wedding? People just do not show up at wedding receptions. I would have said Bye to that loser.

Wouldn't being in your parent's body scar you for life?

The Santa Clause (1994)

A fun film

[25 February 2004]

Since I have been sharing my now-grown children's films with my young, sweet neighbor, he selected for me some films that he owns. One was The Santa Clause. Not a Tim Allen fan -- I always avoided his television series -- I was hesitant to view the film. I know he'd ask about the film, so I watched it, and I really liked it.

The character played by Allen finally accepted all the situations into which he was propelled. Finally, a youngster who is not a brat -- that was a huge plus for my enjoyment. I cannot take mouthy, whiny kids. Charlie was a boy who was enchanted with the holidays as many of us were so many, many winters ago. Neal and his traditionally goofy sweaters made for a recurring joke -- humorous with no double meanings.

****SPOILERS**** Yes, the ending was predictable, but so are all holiday stories for families. Some have inquired about the much-wanted Mystery Date game. "THE DUD" was supposed to be the loser date: while the other dates were dressed in "cool" fashions, the Dud wore slacks and a shirt -- maybe a sweater -- he had short hair, and he was a decent looking boy. My daughter and her friends saw nothing wrong with the Dud, except for his name. Seeing a game like this again brought back a sweet memory.

A few leftover questions: did Scott kill Santa? why wasn't the mother concerned about the whereabouts of Charlie after Santa was apprehended by the police -- Neal reassured her by saying Charlie was okay -- he was on the roof at the time, and Laura was not even concerned enough to look for him -- how did those children with the elf ears reach the town? and how about spending more money to make the reindeer look real?

I recommend this easy-to-view film. Even with spring a few weeks away, it was a super diversion.

Happenstance (2000)

A reflection of our lives

[18 February 2004]

Having watched this clever film, all of us can relate to its message, and we can discuss the whys of our lives -- and, perhaps, we shall become somewhat dizzy during that exercise.

This film, with the exception of the male nude scene, would be ideal for a classroom; it would serve as a springboard to a great discussion. Recently I thanked an "old" boyfriend for his decision to attend a certain college to which I, also, applied because of him. He did not attend, I did, and, of course, I met my future husband there.

"Happenstance" must be watched in one sitting since the cast of characters is rather large in number, and their lives are intertwined. I forgot all about the security guard with the dog and later the bug. Fast-forwarding slowly the DVD allowed me to refresh my memory; I watched this film over a period of three days; therefore, I did forget a few encounters.

This is a fun-film to keep in mind for some light mental exercises. I agree with some other posters: the man in the park did not have to tell the viewers the point to all this.

Good film -- stay awake for all of it.

Far from Heaven (2002)

Watch the DVD version with commentary by Todd Haynes

[17 February 2004]

This is a film that when rented is one the viewer will sit through from the beginning to the ending because it is a really good story. Then listening to writer and director Todd Haynes' comments about the lighting, the influences, and his personal touches makes this a must-see film. One unnecessary comment was his telling the listener that Julianne Moore, as Cathy, was wearing a wig. That was so obvious, and it detracted from the reality to her character. And the viewer was able to guess by Ms. Moore's girth that she was pregnant.

I, myself, was in a northern high school in the late 1950's, and some of the attitudes toward "coloreds" was true, but the ones that showed the scowls of the "whites" while Cathy and Raymond talked in the art gallery were rather silly. After all, he was shown speaking with another woman there, and nobody else cared. In my high school senior class, the black students were few -- about six of 200 -- however, they ranked at the top scholastically, athletically, and socially. Our class president was an African American, and all of us were super close. The only down-side was that we did not and could not date each other. But then our parents did not favor us dating outside of our religious affiliation and even our ethnic groupings. Those were the times.

******SPOILERS********** so that part was not so true, and I did not chastise myself as being closed-minded on that issue. I did, however, recognize my bias and innate ignorance about Dennis McQuaid's choice of lover, and I was stunned. So many of us still do have a ways to go even though we think we are accepting of lifestyles that differ from our own. So I applaud Haynes for exposing my ignorance on that issue. I always thought I was open-minded; I accepted one and not the other so I was wrong about myself.

Dennis Haysbert as Raymond was excellent in this film. The barrier set up by others between him and Cathy was tragic. The "innocent" words of her son when he talked about the assault on Sarah show that the two families will never blend. How sad times were in the 50's, and how hopeful they are becoming 50 years later. Yes, this quiet film with its beautiful lighting and retro-font for its title is one for discussion, and I plan to purchase the DVD and to share it with others.

Mystic River (2003)

Second Time Around

[4 February 2004]

While watching The Golden Globes Awards, I was surprised with Tim Robbins' nomination for this film. Robbins is one of my favorite actors (Shawshank, Bob Roberts, the Player), I already saw Mystic River, and I did not recall his being in the film -- that's how good his performance was. With his weight gain, his stooped appearance, his lost and dejected look, and his sadness, he did not look like himself -- and that was not because of make-up. He really deserves an Oscar.

That is the main reason I went to see this film again -- to observe Robbins. My companions for both viewings liked Mystic River, especially the performances of the male actors. The female actors as the wives were not real. What's with that silly phone-calling wife? And Sean/Kevin Bacon allowed her to keep their baby whose name he did not even know! Jimmy/Sean Penn was excellent.

Doesn't every eastern town have a section like that featured in this film? That familiarity was a plus, an easy way to become absorbed deeply in Mystic River.

***SPOILER*** And, Kevin Bacon, not all of you got into that car! No one suffered as much as Davey. What was the reason for the cross on the ring? Am I correct that the wearer was a you-know? Didn't the Mystic River area have a hardware store stocked with sandpaper and paint for the characters' houses!

Calendar Girls (2003)

The setting is well worth your time and money spent

[24 January 2004]

The middle-aged viewer, the usual make-up for this audience, will be wistful for those wonderful days of years ago USA. Yorkshire is breathtakingly beautiful, and this lovely setting is so alluring -- nothing like it anywhere else in the world. Shakespeare was right about his beloved realm. O, to walk with your friends there!

This film is a real charmer, a respite from the wintry weather we are experiencing. My favorite photo is the group one, with the bare backs of the women seated before -- is it the organist?

The trip to L.A. and the appearance of Jay Leno in this film are negatives -- harsh and loud. ****SPOILER**** I liked their at-first disappointment at the low turn-out, only to discover a throng of press people. I cannot stand pouty kids who express anger at their parents whenever parents decide to get a life that does not include their ungrateful brats. The husband who is featured in the tabloid should have expected that type of coverage. Go back to your plants, husband, and think about the money your clever wife will be sharing with you.

This is a fun film which deserves the praise given it.

How does one yearn for a place (Yorkshire), never visited except in novels?

House of Sand and Fog (2003)

Faithful to the novel **SPOILERS**

[23 January 2004]

Having read this book for a book club, I was very eager to view this film. Our group agreed that Kathy was the despicable one. Her boozy behavior and her unkempt appearance contributed to our characterization. In Dubus' novel, (to us) she seemed always to be vomiting, smoking, drinking, stalking, and, to be kind, fornicating. The film portrays her a little bit more sympathetic so the audience may feel sorry for her losing the house.

The treatment of Colonel Bahrani and his family by Lester was an excellent example of how some new citizens are treated. The fear of deportation and subsequent execution propelled them into the action taken.

****Spoiler**** The horrific ending caused audience members to gasp. Although I knew the ending, it was still shocking in its presentation.

And,yes, reality had to be suspended somewhat, but what IS the reason for "going to the movies"? Don't we all need a break from wintry weather and income tax forms?

Our end of film comments included criticism of Kathy for living in such a messy house surrounded by a peeling, falling-down fence.

Ben Kingsley was superb in this role. His character was noble, courageous, proud -- and defeated. He did not choose the easy way; what agony.

Cold Mountain (2003)

Rather Disappointing

[20 January 2004]

The only reason I went to see this film is Jude Law, whose presence and looks did not disappoint me. The film, however, was okay, not brilliant, not excellent, not really special.

The positives to the film are as follows: The Civil War scenes were realistic because of the dirty, filthy uniforms and the death, death, death. This played very well to the anti-Iraq war crowd, displaying the stark realism of war, any war. The other cast members had dirty fingernails, and life appeared harsh. The absence of blacks was unsettling -- this was the South, after all. I know that large plantations were not shown, but that small band of running-away slaves did not suffice. I agree with another poster that Renee Zelwegger was Mammy "Ah has spoken!" Yokum -- way over the top and just plain dumb! The forced shadowing of The Odyssey was too much for me -- I did not like that at all. Those naked women -- unnecessary. Nicole "blank actress" Kidman -- her make-up stayed on -- unreal. For us vegetarians (and vegans) the slaughter of animals was/is disgusting!

Some negatives are included above.

A wee bit of trivia: This film is directed by Anthony Minghella, who directed one of my favorite actors Ralph Fiennes in "The English Patient." Fiennes starred in a version of "Wuthering Heights," as the best Heathcliff EVER; in "Cold Mountain" Kidman and Zellwegger are reading "Wuthering Heights" and mention Heathcliff .

The back and forth from present to past were ineffective, for the mood swings for the viewer lessened the impact of the scenes.

28 Days Later (2002)

Directions for Watching the DVD

[8 January 2004]

Z-zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz (rewind); Z-zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz (rewind); Z-zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz (rewind); Z-zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz (click).

This was so boring: characters going from here to there, crazed and angry people in fast speed, and a huge, neatly-pressed fabric message. I always thought "in the blood" was just an expression. How did rage get into the blood, and why was it contagious? Would that work for sweetness? Arrogance? Can't you see a film with all haughty people, snubbing each other! How about shopping "in the blood"? The malls all crowded, and fights abound for that last paper shredder -- Naw, that would make me snooze, too. Check out the alternate endings, especially Frank in the story-board. Save your money on this one.