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Reviews
Apocalypto (2006)
A Spectacular and Exceptionally Realistic Masterpiece
Aside from all Hollywood politics and recent comments made in bad judgment by Mel Gibson, this film is one of the most creative films I have seen in many years. Gibson's ability to mentally and visually stimulate an audience is ever present in this epic. Taking unknown people and molding them into the emotional characters they portrayed must have seemed an impossible task...but it worked! The acting was unbelievably realistic...the scenery was breathtaking...the pain and desperation was felt...the sub-titles were brief, descriptive and easy to follow. It was painful to see a culture dying from within. It should make all of us stop and remember where we've been and wonder where we're going. My best wishes to Mr. Gibson in the success of Apocalypto.
Beowulf & Grendel (2005)
Visually stunning...Excellent adaptation...
Thinking my hair would turn gray before this film gets a US distribution, three of us made a 195 mile trip yesterday to Montreal to see this film. It was certainly worth it. The scenery alone of this desolate and land and the adverse weather conditions added greatly to the feeling you were standing with them on the black beaches of Iceland. Putting this ancient poem to film was certainly a difficult task but I don't know how it could have been presented any more accurately without completely loosing the audience. Sturla did a tremendous job in presenting this tale. It needs to be seen more than once as some people will miss some of the dialog first time through. Great mix of story with humor, anger, sadness and questions our human nature regarding revenge. Casting a very handsome and masculine Beowulf certainly worked for me but my heart broke for Grendel. As with any other picture, each person has their own opinion. Ours was very favorable.
Liberace (1988)
Wonderful performance by Andrew Robinson
As this picture was produced in 1988, these comments come 17 years later. This picture just showed on TV here in NY (USA). My mother was a Liberace fan as were many other women of her generation. This man was wonderful part of my childhood. His performances were so spectacular and over-the-edge. He was a true showman. The movie portrayed the many aspects of his life that people did not want to acknowledge at that time. The performance by Andrew Robinson was masterful. He looked and acted so much like Liberace it was hard to believe it was not Lee himself. Liberace was one of the most flamboyant entertainers in show business history. His style will never be duplicated.
Dear Frankie (2004)
A breath of 'fresh air' from Scotland
This beautiful story is painstakingly woven with expressive silence presented just at the right moment and manages to portray life's awkward moments in a very understandable manner. As difficult as it must have been to bring the feelings of these characters to screen Shona Auerbach did it in a tactful and almost flawless way. It was hard to believe that Jack McElhone (Frankie) was acting. His ability to portray a deaf boy was astounding and grabs at your heart strings. Emily Mortimer successfully portrays a traumatized mother who shelters her son from the hard truth about his father and in the process, digs a hole that she struggles to get out of. The Stranger, Gerard Butler, (what a heart-throb!) visibly transforms from a person filled with apathy, disassociated and emotionally disconnected from any personal involvement to an individual who opens his heart and allows his feelings to unselfishly flow with sincere tenderness and compassion. The view of the bay was breathtaking! If you're tired of seeing movies filled with violence and lack of intelligence, Dear Frankie will reinforce the fact that there are still good films made. Sometimes you just have to look hard to find them. This film deserves wider release!
Hostage (2005)
One of Bruce Willis' best performances
This action thriller keeps you on the edge of your chair with a twist around every corner. The beginning credits were presented in a unique manner which transitioned quickly into the film. Bruce Willis portrays his character so accurately ...in the Bruce Willis way..as only a veteran actor can and you can be assured "Hostage" will become one of his most notable films. His emotional range was tested time and time again and he passed with flying colors. Another noteworthy mention should be for Ben Foster in his role as Mars Krupcheck. I almost felt sorry for him. His tormented and demented character came through so vividly in his glaring eyes. The overall performances by all cast was excellent...even the Beagle. Thanks for the adrenaline rush.
The Phantom of the Opera (2004)
Mesmerizing! - A work of Art!
I'm not going to nit-pick this motion picture. We went to be entertained and we were. I have seen the stage version in NY City and did not expect the motion picture to be an exact duplicate and thank goodness the movie put a refreshing light to the story. It is a tragic love story so to have the Phantom be young and half good looking (as the other half of his face didn't look too good without the mask)was a teasing. Gerard Butler's strong voice put his emotions into his music showing anger, passion, intimidation and jealousy...plus on the screen, you could see these feelings in his eyes without the use of binoculars. I for one hope this role launches his career upward. I am thoroughly enjoying the sound track of the Phantom as this comment is being written and plan on purchasing the DVD when it becomes available. I don't understand why a lot of movie critics have put-down this spectacular undertaking. Maybe they just enjoy giving good ratings to some of the junk out in theaters today. It is great to see a love story, sad as it was, that had no nudity or profanity. A first class picture. Hope some of those film critics find new jobs.