jlwalker19-1 Reviews

Good Morning, Verônica (2020–2024)

Gutsy crime drama

[9/10 · 16 August 2022]

I just finished watching season 2, after watching season 1 over again to remind me exactly what happened.

There are a whole slew of things that happen in this TV series that are simply not plausible. But really, the subject matter, acting, and story are so compelling that it really doesn't hinder the viewer from watching it. Frankly I was spellbound throughout the series.

There are a lot of unexpected turns of events and there is a lot of suspense and drama. Definitely adult subject matter and not appropriate for children. The writers are quite courageous in tackling some difficult topics that many writers may tend to avoid. Don't want to give too many details away. But aside from the in your face abuse of women, this series touches on subjects such as fanaticism, femicide, cultic mind control based abuse, strange cultic religious beliefs and practices, and a plethora of sinister mafia based activity and infiltration of various agencies including police authorities.

Apparently some or maybe a lot of the subject matter is based on real events. It kind of reminds me of Eyes Wide Shut in that people wielding incredible power are doing extreme evil right under peoples' noses or behind the scenes and no one seems to suspect a thing. Or if they did suspect a thing they didn't live very long. Along comes Veronica who gets curious and starts her own investigation which leads her into discovery of crimes that stagger the imagination. In effect going in where angels fear to tread. As each horrific detail is discovered by Veronica, the deeper she gets involved, until she is in over her head. But somehow she musters up the resolve, courage and strength to not give up. She gets help along this hellish journey from some very courageous people.

The number one plus of this series besides the unique story line and suspense is the great acting by Taina Muller and she is a looker too. As others have said her acting itself actually gets better throughout the two seasons. Some of the other acting is somewhat uneven but overall very convincing.

I was glued to my TV to watch every second of it and it really kept my attention on high alert. Which is the mark of an entertaining TV series. Definitely the best thing out of Brazil that I have seen, and rivals many of the best foreign crime dramas from many other countries. The ending looks like it will result in a season 3.

Black Money Love (2014–2015)

Awesome TV series, great romance

[10/10 · 22 August 2021]

After watching all 164 episodes, the way Netflix divided them up, I read a bunch of reviews here. I would agree that if you are looking for something to criticize, yes there are legitimate things you can find. Implausible events, endless crying, tea drinking, same plot lines repeated over and over, scenes to drag it out further than necessary, things like that. But in what could be considered a very long movie, as in somewhere between 110 and 150 hours, some of those things will happen.

But here is the thing. Tuba B. She is simply phenomenal in this TV series. And so is her love interest Engin. They make the most handsome and beautiful on-screen couple ever! I loved it when they looked into each others' eyes. It didn't matter to me how long or often they did that. It never got old. The way they connected was so seemingly real, that apparently there are lots of people around the world who believe they are together in real life, not just on the set of this series. I can see how they could think that. And if it did happen I and probably millions of other fans would be thrilled.

This is a crime drama with a lot of soap opera and intrigue in it. But I never got bored. I have to say that I became more obsessed about watching this than anything I have ever watched, whether a movie or TV series. I thought all the actors were great. I could relate to most of their characters. But not as much as I could relate to what Elif as played by Tuba B. Was feeling at any given moment. I can't think of another acting job that continuously had me feeling everything that she was feeling. Her romance with Omer, played by Engin, is the stuff that dreams are made of. Every moment they are together is magical, even though they suffer through so many tragedies and betrayals of close friends, coworkers, and family, as well as their personal struggles with each other. It could be said that the most important aspect of this story is the concept of Love Conquers All.

I wasn't all that happy with the last few episodes, but they had to come up with some way to tie together so many separate plot lines, so I could understand that the writers had to find a way to end it. Although I would have kept watching no matter how many episodes they made. And I will no doubt go back and watch the whole series over and over.

Now that I am back looking for other movies and TV series to watch on streaming channels, I just cannot seem to find anything that holds my attention as much as this TV series did.

I have been falling in love with the lead actresses of countless movies and TV shows over the decades. But this actress Tuba B. In this TV series is in a league of her own. Of course she is beautiful in every way, but there is something about her hazel eyes that is mesmerizing. As well as her great voice, stylish clothes, long dark hair, and everything about her facial expressions and even body language.

Black Space (2020– )

A Unique story

[8/10 · 7 June 2021]

I can understand the criticisms of this TV series. Yes some of this story is highly implausible. However, I don't necessarily watch movies or TV series to get a pure dose of reality. I live reality every day. A lot of entertainment is just made up stuff that wouldn't happen, but allows the viewer to escape into the story anyway.

First of all, this is the most unique TV series I have ever seen. Second, it was very suspenseful and kept me guessing for most of the season. I was entranced by the events as they unfolded and couldn't stop watching. Some of the scenes were downright creepy, especially the ones with masks.

Even the last couple of episodes that I guess were supposed to wrap it all up were, well, I'm not sure how to describe them. Let's just say they failed to explain the basic question, "Why" and left a lot of questions unanswered. However I was hooked to the end and only guessed correctly once, which was that Libby, in my conclusion, was behind most of what happened, or at least right there involved completely as an accomplice. I think she was the one who used the voice modifier to put out the messages, although that is never really revealed in the whole season.

Will there be a second season? Maybe as Libby managed to escape somehow and walk away. Personally I don't think there will be another season, but if there is, I will definitely watch it. Flaws and all, I found this TV series very entertaining.

Also, just to mention it, I thought the actors did a great job, even if they did look too old to be high school students. The actors playing adults played their parts well too. .

The Water Diviner (2014)

What a great Russell Crowe movie

[10/10 · 21 March 2021]

I have never seen Russell Crowe in a bad movie. But this one is one of his best, maybe it is his best. The story, the script, the action, the cinematography, the way it grabs you by the heart. Whoever picked Olga Kurylenko is definitely a genius. She is absolutely radiant, her acting is very good too. She must be the most beautiful actress of the 21st century.

Really all of the acting is extraordinary. Too many names to mention. The subject matter is very important as this seems to be like a footnote in world history but it was a very significant battle followed by more and more killing. It shows just how senseless war can be. It also has a lot to ponder in the actions people will do out of love for their family.

Like Crazy (2011)

Romantic Love Story with Incredible Acting

[10/10 · 28 October 2020]

This is only the second Felicity Jones movie I have seen. She deserved every award she either won or was nominated for. It doesn't hurt that she is so incredibly beautiful and with such a wonderful British accent. Really both of the leads created realistic chemistry but it was severely disjointed due to the circumstances which drew them apart and back together several times. Incredible acting for sure.

There were emotions all over the place, more like the way true love goes than a lot of idealistic romantic movies. I had an international relationship myself and it was ended in no small part by the hassles and delays imposed by the American INS department, so even though mine was not as involved as the story here of Anna and Jacob, I could relate more than most people.

I thought the ending was very surprising at first, but after contemplating it for a while, it was good because after everything they had been through it was like the magic was mostly gone due to emotional exhaustion over time. They wanted to believe in everlasting love between soul mates but the bittersweet ending was a surprise for first time viewers. Of course the viewer is left to project their own ideas into whether or not the two lovers would ultimately regain what was lost, or whether it was lost for good.

The main thing I got from this movie other than falling in love with Felicity Jones, was that I was truly upset after it was over. Almost like I, too, was emotionally worn out from the highs and lows of the relationship. But in a way I cannot find the words to describe how devastated I was for hours after it finished. Despite that if you like romance you should watch this movie. Wouldn't say it would top The Notebook as the ultimate romantic film, but it did pull off a remarkable romantic story with a very heavy dose of realism thrown in. I really don't understand so many bad ratings for this movie.

Also all of the supporting actors were good, and the music and cinematography were very good. A movie I will never forget, and will no doubt watch many times if given the chance.

24 Days (2014)

Incredibly intense movie

[10/10 · 4 September 2020]

I have seen Schindler's List twice but will probably never watch it again. Saw The Birds Alfred Hitchcock and it creeped me out and will never watch it again. I have seen every kind of movie imaginable, thousands of them.

But this is one of the most intense movies I have ever seen. It seemed like I could feel what every character except the bad guys was feeling. By the last 20 minutes or so I almost cried. But I was in too much shock to even cry. Is there any other way to say it, this movie got to me.

Then to top it all off it ended at my bedtime. Don't think I will be able to sleep.

A gripping story, so realistic you feel like you are a part of it. The acting is just incredible. Been watching French movies for a good while and I like them better than what comes out of Hollywood. At least in this century.

You should try and make it through this entire movie because it tells such an important story. Anyone who may deny that Anti-Semitism exists anymore should watch it. Or anyone who knows it still exists.

Yes we may watch movies to escape reality but every once in a while we need to watch a real movie about real people to get a dose of true reality, to shake us out of our comfort zone. We need to pull our heads out of the sand and our fantasy world and experience some realism. It is cathartic for the soul.

The Party (1980)

Great teen movie, one of the best

[10/10 · 23 May 2020]

Not exactly deep philosophical concepts, but this film doesn't need all that. It is the timeless tale of teens coming of age and parent-teen relations.

Sophie Marceau burst on the scene with a great performance here. I wanted to become a teen again so I could fall in love with her character Vic and slow dance with her. So pretty, nice, sweet, wearing her heart on her sleeve, trying to cope with teen angst, first love, going to a new school, her parents' marital problems, dealing with her parents' rules, it's all there. Yes it is billed as a comedy and there were some very funny moments, like the one with all the fathers outside of the party trying to figure out how to get their kids out of there, when really the party is pretty mild. The great grandmother was a hoot, as she did her best to help Vic navigate through her first love, among other life issues.

It is a fair snapshot of an era in Paris that has come and gone. The eternal generation gap is played out, but people are forgiven and move on, which is a sign of hope for the current generation of endless cynics to perhaps learn from.

Very entertaining, and a very fun ride. Just watched it twice but will watch it many more times. They keep playing the same music but if they are going to do that they picked a really nice song. One that will kind of stick with you.

Make no mistake about it, though, this is Sophie Marceau's movie all the way. I just can't find the words to say how wonderful she is, as a beautiful woman, here a pretty teen, her great and versatile acting ability which even though we know she had some good training later on, here it seems like she was just born to act. Now it is 40 years later and she is just as enchanting as ever. And this movie has really lasted all these years without losing its appeal.

Firelight (1997)

A near perfect movie

[10/10 · 27 April 2020]

I was motivated to watch this movie because I am "catching up" on movies with beautiful and extremely talented French actresses, and Sophie Marceau is one of the best.

Stephen Dillane and Dominique Belcourt provide incredible skill in portraying their characters, and every character actor is credible, but make no mistake about it Sophie Marceau absolutely is astounding, superlative, phenomenal, or any other word you can come up with to describe her performance. It isn't just what she says or does, but how she portrays so perfectly through facial expressions her character's place in life as a repressed woman in Victorian England. When she can, she bursts forth with a smile, a tear, expressions of love or anger or pain or joy, whenever life presents her the opportunity. As the story progresses, she is allowed to express herself more openly. This is just pure genius, and it doesn't hurt that she looks wonderful doing it. I already watched it 3 times and each time I was completely overtaken with emotion and moved to tears. I won't mention what scenes but you will find out when you watch it. People say this movie borrows from Jane Eyre and other movies. So what? It is a marvelous story and portrayed so well, that the viewer dare not even look away from the screen for a single second. Not one thing is boring in this movie. Everything has a reason and there are no wasted frames or even seconds. This movie has one thing in common with The Notebook, in that no matter how many times I watch it, there is no way I will make it to the end without being moved to tears. It is a rather unique love story and I loved the ending.

I could watch this movie many, many more times, and enjoy every second of it. I truly believe I would find new things to notice that I had missed in previous viewings. Definitely a 10 rating.

Renoir (2012)

Enchanting is an understatement.

[10/10 · 22 March 2020]

For an American I have watched a lot of French movies. For the most part I have found them weird and most times I am just left scratching my head once the movie is over.

However, this movie made perfect sense to me. Perhaps most movies are meant to have the viewer relate to one character in particular. This movie allowed me to relate to all of the leading parts - the father and son Renoir and the hired nude model Andree.

While the direct relationship between father Auguste and son Jean played a major role, it was their common reaction to the presence of Andree that made this movie so special. The summary said that they were enchanted by her. Speaking for myself, I was in love with her from beginning to end. Yes she was young, presumptuous, impulsive, and driven, But she was real and all woman and lived her life strictly from her heart. Not just from a calculating mind. She shared her thoughts. emotions, and love freely and honestly without putting up any kind of front. And of course she was very beautiful.

She was naturally comfortable posing nude for the artist, even while others watched. The French actress Christa Theret later stated in an interview that her mother was a model for artists and her father was an artist, so she had an inherent understanding of how that dynamic works. She said that it was erotic but not overtly sexual. Even though in the movie it was made clear that the artist Renoir normally ended up having affairs with his models. That being so, it was easy to see how the son Jean would fall in love with Andree. Her level of femininity is simply off the charts.

I don't see how an actress of any other nationality could have played the part of Andree as well as Ms. Theret played it. Perfect casting.

Also, besides the interesting story and deep inner feelings of the main characters, this movie has great cinematography, showing the beautiful area along the French Riviera. It was also interesting to hear the famous artist articulate how he saw himself and his life and his philosophy about painting.

Tenth Avenue Angel (1948)

Another good movie for Margaret O'Brien

[8/10 · 26 January 2013]

OK, so it seems a bit cheesy and sentimental and all. So what. I like every movie that Margaret O'Brien is in. The viewer can see things through a little girl's eyes in New York during the Depression. She roller skates around and thinks that Tenth Street is her territory.

She idolizes the adults in her life, including her mother and aunt, and a potential fiancée of her aunt, Steve. As the movie progresses, Flavia discovers more and more little white lies that those she loves have told her. She has to deal with it.

I loved to see her interaction with her mother, played so well by Phyllis Thaxter, and all of the adults, including the blind man who sells papers and magazines. Of course Margaret O'Brien had to do at least one crying scene, one of her many specialties. She also can deliver a monologue with the best of them, in this case reciting a patriotic speech. She is just mesmerizing in that scene.

I teared up a few times and felt good when the movie was over. I don't see this movie as dated. Children have to grow up and move on from fantasies and stories that they have grown up with. That is timeless. I also appreciated the underlying moral to the story of getting answers to prayer and the importance of closeness in families.

Tess (1979)

Great lead actress and cinematography

[10/10 · 1 January 2012]

In great movies or literature, the audience or reader can readily identify with at least one of the characters in the story, more often than not the lead actor. In this case, I found it unavoidable to identify with Tess as played by Nastassja Kinski. What an inspiring performance. Even though I am of the other gender, I could identify so well with her character, and Ms. Kinski was just phenomenal in her portrayal of the character. Especially in considering she was only 17 years old during filming. Credit Roman Polanski for getting her training and for such expert directing.

Not only is the acting by Nastassja impressive, but she is visually stunning. Truly beautiful women don't need to constantly wear a smile to look so good. Of course she has all of the great attractive features of a European born actress with the expressive eyes and nice hair, but for me it is those wonderful pouty lips, along with a truly divine voice.

I haven't yet read the novel, but those who have say that this is a very good representation of it. It is such an engrossing story. I could not even let my eyes or ears wander from it. I suppose that those who are from the part of England where this is set in can appreciate some of the cultural aspects better than me. But the movie does communicate various aspects of the local culture very effectively.

Not to try and spoil the story, but one of the unforgettable scenes is when Tess is sitting on the ground outside, and utters the words "All is vanity." It seems as though the author Thomas Hardy is telling a story with undertones straight out of the Biblical book of Ecclesiastes.

The cinematography is fantastic and there are many other good acting performances as well. It certainly is not a particularly happy film or story, but a compelling one nonetheless. Highly recommended, with more than one viewing needed to pick up so many subtleties. Make sure to listen closely to every word spoken. It may be a slow moving movie for some, but it fits the mood of the story perfectly.

Lady of the Tropics (1939)

Great part for the beauty Hedy Lamarr

[8/10 · 22 April 2008]

I thought Robert Taylor was very good in Waterloo Bridge. Here, however, he just doesn't produce the chemistry the part should have. He isn't really bad, just in this case rather average.

On the other hand, the rapturously beautiful Hedy Lamarr is so perfectly cast in this role. She handles the language accents so well. This film provides an example that those who say yes she was beautiful but couldn't act, that that just doesn't hold water. Her acting here is really quite perfect for the part. The inner conflict of somehow knowing her fate yet dreaming that things could be different comes out in her subtle facial expressions. And of course she looks perfect in the nice dresses and hats. I could see why Bill was trying everything to stay with her and take her away from there. Oh how it is when an American man falls in love with a foreign beauty. See "Act of Love" starring Kirk Douglas if you can.

The other actors did a fine job in this movie as well. And of course the cinematography won a well-deserved award. How I prefer the black and white movies.

This is really an underrated movie with an underrated actress in the lead. I enjoyed it at least as much as her more famous movies. Sure wish Hedy, parts turned down aside, would have played in more top movies.

If there is one downer about this movie, it is rather sad. But the wonderful Hedy Lamarr singlehandedly makes up for it.

The Story of Adele H (1975)

beautiful but tormented

[10/10 · 30 December 2007]

I don't know how historically accurate this film is. However, it is a very powerful performance by Isabelle Adjani. In this movie she is simply one of the most beautiful women I have ever seen.

She plays the tormented daughter of Victor Hugo. She follows her love to Newfoundland, as he has been transferred there by his country's military authorities. He has broken off the engagement. However she pursues him relentlessly.

Very few films can match this one in the portrayal of obsessive love. The scenery is very beautiful and the acting performances very convincing.

I've heard this has been deemed a kind of cult film, for a certain following. I would think it would have broader appeal. It speaks to the hearts of millions of people who have become obsessive in their love for another person who does not return the feeling. A kind of ultimate unrequited love.

I could watch this movie anytime, over and over.

Act of Love (1953)

Realistic and Bittersweet

[8/10 · 3 December 2007]

A movie director and producer can take a direction either toward realism or toward some type of fantasy or horror. Many times movie watchers want a fantasy, something to take you away from your life and entertain. This movie has elements of fantasy. Who wouldn't want a quickly developing romance with such a beautiful French girl? But then reality sets in. Maybe some viewers would be sorry that reality ruined the fantasy. However, we have all watched our variations of the classic Greek tragedy. Act of Love is like a 20th century Greek tragedy. Maybe they didn't all live happily after, but we still could relate to the characters and their story. Maybe this is another movie where "We'll always have Paris."

Of course Kirk Douglas has probably never made a bad movie. His nuanced performance here might be under-appreciated by some. I thought it was just right for the part. We could feel what he was feeling. But then there is the French beauty Dany Robin. I don't care what the media voted her, I thought she was wonderful in this movie. Her eyes especially, so beautiful whether she was in extreme sadness or in a moment of sheer joy. So spunky yet so vulnerable. I only wish I could see her in more movies. Barbara Laage was also special in the early parts of the movie.

The many other bit parts are all played well. I also get the impression that while it is not a war movie in the classic sense, that the story and its setting played true. Liberated Paris just before the end of WWII was probably just about like that.

All in all, a movie well worth watching.

The Pumpkin Eater (1964)

A sad but well-acted movie

[9/10 · 20 September 2007]

Yes, indeed Anne Bancroft does one fine job of acting in this movie. Many nuances that will take many viewings to catch on to. Also, so many flashbacks and such that it is hard to follow sometimes just what chronological time you are watching during some scenes.

That being said, what struck me the most was such an accurate portrayal of a depressed person. Not only depressed but feeling trapped. The men parts were for the most part despicable characters, and there were plenty of awful women in there, too. So why should someone watch this movie? For one thing it is very interesting. And of course Anne Bancroft in some scenes was absolutely stunningly beautiful. Then other times her depressed states would make her look unkempt. Her ability to display so many emotions without uttering a word in many scenes was uncanny.

The abortion part of the movie upset me very much, but that is a part of some people's lives, part of real life. Certainly something that you can't take back once it is done.

So maybe we could just say this is a modern day Greek tragedy. With 60's clothes and decor. Maybe I should have watched it five more times before reviewing. But after once I was left with a lot of impressions.

With so many movies now made for young people to watch, it is good to be able to watch a movie for adults. One that engages the viewer with many emotions and how people make bad decisions then have to live not only with the negative results on themselves, but the negative results on others, especially loved ones.

The Invisible Circus (2001)

Never took my eyes off of the screen

[8/10 · 11 November 2006]

If I look hard enough, flaws can be found in this film, primarily with the script. I found the character of Wolf not totally convincing. However, those were my only "complaints." Because when this movie started on Cable, I was just going to record it and watch it later. However, from the beginning, with the eerie music and Cameron Diaz doing her spaced out 60's dance, I was riveted. I never got up until the movie was over. It seemed like I never even blinked.

The acting of Cameron Diaz and Jordana Brewster was excellent. The scenes were beautiful, the girls were beautiful, and the music was haunting and very touching. The story was quite unique and at times had a surreal quality. The viewer would tend to like the picture more if they had a good understanding of the state of mind of young people in the 60's and 70's, especially in America. Many of the scenes basically succeeded in showing something of that era that is hard to pin down. It was a bit more complicated than the simplistic statement that they wanted to change the world and ended up disillusioned, although that may be the most obvious aspect. Phoebe learns more and more about this as the movie progresses.

One aspect that didn't seem to be covered by the other reviewers that might bear mentioning, is the way the two daughters seem to drift through life after the death of their father. They both had adored him, and his presence had been a stabilizing factor in their lives and obviously he had loved them dearly. We read so much today about boys who lose their fathers too soon, only to lose their way themselves. This film covers the ripple effect of the loss of the father on the daughters left behind, first on the older sister Faith, then on to her younger sister. Their mother feels inadequate to try to be both parents. This type of dynamic is not covered in hardly any other movies, especially in so many different layers of plot and subplot. Phoebe's inner struggles of reality versus perceptions are gradually peeled away like layers of an onion.

Speaking of plot, this movie should rate higher than it has here. I kept waiting for some great conspiracy to be found out concerning the death of Faith. How it did resolve itself surprised me, even if others may have guessed much sooner.

Maybe not for everybody, but I could watch this movie many, many times.

The Notebook (2004)

Most romantic movie ever seen

[10/10 · 16 December 2005]

I have a macho friend who wouldn't be caught dead sitting through a chick flick such as "Message in a Bottle." However, this friend of mine told me that "The Notebook" was a movie he watched without any great expectations, yet when it was over he said it was the best movie he had seen in years.

My reaction was a little more typical. I cried more than once, but the most at the end. Lucky I was watching it on cable, so I wouldn't have to cry so much in public. But it wasn't such a bad cry. It was just having been blown away by this movie. I am not sure I can articulate clearly just how good this movie is. Yes, someone can always find flaws in movies if they want to get picky enough. But in the end, did the movie touch your heart? This one did for me in a way none other ever has.

This movie sets the standard on what romantic love is all about. Is it extremely difficult, with many arguments, separations, misunderstandings, and problems? Of course it is. And that is played out realistically here. Yet in the end, the good outweighs the bad by a landslide. Spontaneous fun, kisses and hugs, lying in each other's embrace, gazing into each other's eyes, slow dancing to no music, being in a boat or by the water, allowed to be yourself yet being together as one, never giving up, never stopping the flow of unconditional love, overcoming all obstacles. That kind of love is a miracle.

If you are reading through reviews of this movie, and have never seen the movie or read the book, just stop reading reviews, and see the movie. Forget the spoilers, the movie is better watched just fresh. Then, if you are not emotionally moved by this movie, you are either brain dead or something is really wrong with you.

Not trying to repeat too much of what others have said, but Rachel McAdams is not only cute and ravenously beautiful, but the whole movie is beautiful. Why it did not win the Oscar for best Cinematography is beyond me. But then I don't understand why it didn't result in several Oscar nominations and winners. Starting with Rachel McAdams, who to me made this movie as great as it is. However, that is not to undermine the other three main actors who were so perfectly cast in their roles. This is the love story for the ages. I didn't feel like I was watching actors. It felt like I was there, like I was any one of the four main characters. I was riveted to the screen.

I am a fan of old movies. Casablanca and the like. Which is a great romantic movie. However, The Notebook outdoes even that great classic in its portrayal of romantic love. I had become jaded over the years to believe that great movies were in the past. How refreshing to come across a masterpiece, and one made so recently! One last compliment. My hat is off to you, Nick Cassavetes, as no masterpiece of a movie becomes so without a fine director. Now I'll have to go and read the book.

Just Like Heaven (2005)

I was entertained

[9/10 · 25 September 2005]

Why is a movie starring the wonderful Reese Witherspoon labeled a chick flick? Seems to me any male would want to see it. The viewer cannot help but love her character in this movie. Motherhood and marriage must agree with her, as she has never looked better.

Of course the storyline is quite fantastic and not very realistic. But who cares? I get up in the morning to face reality every day. I don't need to see too much of it at the movies.

Mark Rufalo did a fine job of acting, but to me it was Reese's movie all the way. I wonder why our movie critics and voters for Oscars and such don't give much weight to comedic actors and actresses? It takes just as much talent, and actually there are in my estimation less who really pull off comedic roles well. Reese Witherspoon has done it many times, and doesn't disappoint here. Most modern so-called comedies to me are simply not funny. However, this movie did make me laugh. The guy who works in the psychic bookstore was hilarious.

But this movie isn't all about comedy. It does touch at the heartstrings of any member of the human race who feels left out, feels like they are missing it. Usually a movie has one person who the viewer can really relate to. In this case, both leads played people who I could relate to.

If constant special effects, extreme violence, streams of foul language, or total realism are for you, then perhaps you should skip this movie. For the rest of us who can enjoy a romantic comedy, I can't imagine not being entertained by this movie. I left it feeling great.

Lost in Translation (2003)

sad but oh so true

[8/10 · 19 April 2005]

I was up late but could not stop watching this movie. The acting was very good. Scarlett Johannson as Charlotte in this movie is the girl I would want to spend time with. I truly hated Charlotte's husband.

In regards to the time Charlotte and Bob spend together, I was reminded of the Art Garfunkel song, "A Perfect Moment". "For a moment you were mine." Charlotte and Bob share such special moments together, often times without saying a word. When they do talk they connect with each other on a very deep level. Other than "What About Bob" this is in my opinion Bill Murray's best movie. He is such a real character that the viewer can relate to.

If you want fast moving violent action, this is not the movie for you. But for true feelings and the universal search for meaning and happiness in our lives, and how we need to be able to connect with someone on a deep and loving level, and just have fun with them without any expectations, it really tugs at the heart.

I had to wonder when watching this movie if it really portrays what it is like for an American visiting in Japan. I would hope it would not be so disconcerting.

I could watch this movie over and over just to watch Scarlett Johannson. She doesn't wear much makeup and certainly doesn't need it. And silly me, I'm a guy but I just love her hair. Aside from my typical guy response, honestly it is a very touching movie. Maybe a kind of "chick flick" that a guy can relate to.