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Reviews
The Way We Were (1973)
So Simple Then....
What a classic, delicious and beautiful movie! Streisand and Redford are just wonderful as the film follows their stormy but passionate relationship through the years. Redford is gorgeous as Hubbel Gardner. He is meant for this role of the campus king but the story is smart enough that he is flawed. Streisand gives a GREAT performance a Katie Morosky. She is the opposite of Redfords golden charms. It's not until the second half that we see her character in full bloom. She is tortured by her love for Hubbel and her strong political convictions. Streisand plays this passion so real you feel it's a documentary of this character. The pairing of Streisand and Redford is brilliant. They look gorgeous together and Streisand's sexual heat for him is scorching! This kind of movie could not and would not be made today. It is so special and beautiful with no desire to be anything but a tragic love story. It ended up being a GIANT hit!! Icing on the cake for this classic!
The Guilt Trip (2012)
Not Guilty
Of course Barbra hits all the right notes as Joyce. There is a sadness in her eyes that reaches out and grabs you. Even though she looks so young with that flawless skin and her flashy blue eyes, you still feel she is "motherly" enough to be convincing..
Based on a true story, it started out being called "My Mother's Curse" (Streisand liked that title better) and focused more on her sons failure at relationships and how that related to his Mom. It was changed to a more "easy going" feel and the title was changed to The Guilt Trip. Barbra is a natural at comedy. She never feels forced or technical like when a Meryl Streep tries to be funny (which is rare) and you see Meryl's wheels turning. Barbra just lets the moment dictate the mood. That is true comedy talent. Letting the situation fall over ones performance and the piece is driven by the truth.
YES.. this could have been a GREAT film if it went for the drama (like a Terms of Endearment). Imagine if it went up to Joyce's death (as the real life character met with a tragic death from pancreatic cancer) and the sons journey became a complete catharsis? Like Aurora's was in Terms of Endearment. As it is... it is a fun and charming little film with a nice amount of touching moments. It has the taste not to over do the antics (the steak eating scene was from real life as well) and the sense to know Streisand's strengths.
Seth was OK... would have liked a bit more from him. He feels a bit tight. To his credit, his scenes with Barbra feel natural and there is that built in feeling that they are actually Mother and Son.
This film was overly reviewed when it first came out. Critics were writing about it like it was Hamlet and they were disappointed it didn't live up to past Hamlets.. If they reviewed it for what it was and not been so dramatic, it would have better served the public.
Up the Sandbox (1972)
Beautiful
This has always been one of Streisand's best. There is something behind her reaching and searching beautiful eyes. Not too many stars have what this woman has. She is such a breathtaking combination of opposites and they all work in this film beautifully! The colors and lighting enhance the surroundings and compliment Streisand's gorgeous face. Like YENTL, another great film, Barbra can just look a certain way and say a million words. She is passionate and like no other. Thw supporting cast is also stellar. They don't miss a beat. It's also fun to see a few sit-com stars sprinkled here and there. Also a brief Anne Ramsey scene in the abortion clinic. See this film if you have depth and are not limited. It is worth the time.