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Reviews
Villa des roses (2002)
A confusing little romance set in pre-WWI Paris
I watched the movie on DVD for the very first time yesterday, 2006-5-9. The movie seemed disjointed and confusing to me at times, and just did not sustain my interest (I paused it twice to check my e-mail). Mlle. Delpy was absolutely brilliant in two separate scenes with Dingwall: in the park and at the railroad station; these two scenes saved this movie for me. None of the other performers seemed too greatly inspired in their roles. Delpy was emotive, captivating, and with perfect dialogue throughout. Also on the positive side, I thought that the decoration of the scenes was well done, most remarkably the opening scene of the German infantry in the trench and then later the scene of the locomotives and the passenger coach at the railroad station. The picture post cards were very intriguing, with a real feel of the art of the period. I blame the root problems with this movie with one or more of the following: the director, the screenwriter or the editor. Watch this movie, if you are a J. Delpy fan ... pass on it, if you are not.
Lost in Translation (2003)
Connecting when disconnected
As many others had, I first heard of this exquisite gem of a movie at the time of the Academy Awards. I liked it for the same reason that I thoroughly enjoyed Richard Linklater's more recent "Before Sunset". It is cinematic ally rich. It is endearing and engaging. Bill Murray continues to show his improved dramatic talent, with comedic touches; Scarlett shines throughout. Any man or woman who has found themselves "alone" in a strange city will identify with the situation depicted. WARNING: single heterosexual men, do not watch this movie with your girlfriend or (even worse) fiancée. Married men, do not watch this with your wife. Trust me ... and disregard this warning at your own peril!
Before Sunset (2004)
Richard Linklater should be arrested for tormenting his audience!
As the movie began to fade to black ... as Celine's image dissolved away ... an angry wail went up in my living room. How could he (Director Linklater) do this, to tantalize and torment in such a rueful, and a cruel way!? Don't watch this movie without watching the prequel ("Before Sunrise"), first; you will be playing an oft confusing game of catch-up, I believe, if you do (i.e., watch these movies out of chronological order). I watched this movie three times before returning it. It is a gem of a movie, and the actors and writers should consider a third installment when the time is right ... not in any prerequisite number of years (i.e., nine for example). Here is my unsolicited vote for J. Delpy for an Academy Award for Best Actress 2004 for her work in "Before Sunset"! Her performance throughout was captivating, engaging, engrossing. Her display of anger while riding in the van was such that only a Frenchwoman can manifest and it was mesmerizing!!! If she doesn't receive at least an "Oscar" nomination, there should be an investigation into Francophobia in Hollywood. Buy the VHS/DVD!
Angels in America (2003)
Fast forward to Emma flapping her wings!
I could not finish watching this movie! What was the point? NPR had advertised this HBO movie/mini-series in heavy rotation awhile back and I was curious about the title. Well, not that kind of curious, OK!? Redeeming if only for some of the NYC cinematography, Mary Louise Parker's credible performance and Emma flapping her wings ... at one point each. Confusing, befuddling, and ponderous compilation of script ideas all mashed together. Did someone mention that this was a book, too? Al Pacino must have thought this was "Scent of a Woman, Part 2" or another "Godfather" installment. What was all the screaming about, Al? Meryl must have needed the money. Next time, if given the choice of watching "Angels in America" or doing the dirty laundry that I've been putting off, I'll choose the laundry. A much better choice in this genre is Amistead Maupin's "Tales of the City" shown on PBS in the early 1990s ... which I would watch again.
Atomic Twister (2002)
"Atomic Twister" ... ho-hum, except for Sharon Lawrence
If you are looking for an interesting and believable movie, keep looking and give "Atomic Twister" a pass. If you are a typical guy and/or a fan of Sharon Lawrence, then rent/watch this low-budget perplexing movie. Honestly, whatever acting talents that these performers may possibly have are totally overshadowed by the outrageous plot. This cinematic underwhelming devolves eventually into a showcase for the beautiful Ms. Lawrence's physical attributes, which are noteworthy. The cleavage shots of the babysitter are gratuitous, reflecting the tawdry side of Hollywood's enduring legacy. The attempt at any anticipation- building or credible character development by the plot is almost comical. The actors and actresses clearly needed the money. Sadly, Ms. Lawrence may have felt like she had to over-act all the way through this lame effort. Bottom line: a disaster movie that wasn't for devotees of the Lifetime Channel and bored men who are tired of clicking past too many shopping channels and we've seen all the shows on The History Channel, Discovery Channel, American Choppers, etc.
Before Sunrise (1995)
"Before Sunrise": the progenitor of Delpy's rise to mainstream stardom ... maybe.
I saw the movie again yesterday, on VHS, and in full-screen. It was my third or fourth viewing, all on VHS. I didn't know of the movie's existence when it was in the movie houses in the mid-'90s, and I was ignorant of Ms. Delpy until I saw her in "An American Werewolf in Paris" in 1998. Like another poster, my last girlfriend somewhat/somehow resembled Ms. Delpy, and in the wake of that cataclysm, out of a veiled curiosity I began buying Julie's movies on "eBay". WOW! Not only was (is) she stunningly beautiful (and that sweet French-accented voice ... mon Dieu!), but she exuded a true depth of talent in the portrayal of her characters. Since "Before Sunrise" has now begotten "Before Sunset", my belief is that JD will now be looked at seriously for more parts in Hollywood, and perhaps a shot at a break-through major role. Still, I want her to continue to pick and choose her venues, her roles and her characters wisely. Bon chance, Julie! My fear is that in the current national (American) state of anti-French sentiment, her origin and accent might be seen as poison to casting agents and producers. In my heart, I hope that this is not so, but who knows? Anyway, think of what France has given to us: the Statue of Liberty, the croissant and Julie Delpy! Oh yeah, and the Reneault, that's true.