Reviews
Hook (1991)
A perfect movie.
After reading the above post, I disagree that Hook was primarily a children's show. I think it had plenty for both adults and kids. I was an adult when i first saw it and still think it's perfect. If there were mess ups in there i didn't see them, and thought the show was very well made. Robin Williams did a smashing job, Bob Hoskins is a wonderful character actor, and Julia Roberts was a great tinkerbell. All the kids were great little actors. I save Dustin Hoffman for last cause he was so awesome! But then Dustin always is.
Loved the show, watch it at least once a year.
David.
A Knight's Tale (2001)
loved the film
Yea my jaw dropped the first time I heard the modern music, (more so cause I caught the show the first time right before the dance and didn't like the song), but the first time they played one of the classics from mm my generation, I howled. I think had I known there was modern music in it I wouldn't have been shocked, at first.
But I got past the initial shock and would have loved the flick anyway. Big Heath fan, and I thought the innerplay between his character and his friends was great.
Loved the "We'll see you in the list" song.
fiannor (david)
Muriel's Wedding (1994)
Magic in Ozzyland
You don't have to be crazy about Australians, or live there to love this show, (though I'd love to). Muriels wedding is magic from the get go. There's something about it that makes me watch it again and again. Toni Collete is perfect, and Rachel Griffiths is more explosive than a 6 pack of shook up soda's. The acting never seems like acting, and the characters are a kick. It may seem a simple premise, but it's allot more than that.
fiannor
Nothing Personal (1995)
Tense, sometimes graphic, but interesting.
I don't normally watch this type of show, but the Irish background is what started me, and it was James Frain's part of Kenny that kept me watching it. Though mostly Irish myself, I don't pretend to understand the IRA, or any of the conflicts that went on there. And though it might be nice to understand it all, it's by no means necessary to enjoy the show.
I thought James Frain, & Ian Hart's roles were well balanced, and worked well together. Particularly Kenny's depth of character, of someone who in a long term situation seeing no certain end in site, but still not giving up on those that depend on him, or his loved ones he stands before. The end might be a predictable one, based on the history of what we know, and human limitations in a given situation, but is still effective, and moving.
I think the show adequately portrays the lives of people on both sides, caught up in a confusing maelstrom not of their own making, that snowballed, and theres no turning it off and walking away.
Cutthroat Island (1995)
Great Swashbuckler,
It was about time someone did a swashbuckler right, and I think that Cuthroat island fits the bill. No obvious backlot shots, dainty leotards and sissy foil props. These are full shots of real ships on location, and that's a cutlass in Geena's firm grip, the real steel choice of all self respecting pirates. And isn't she a cutie? I love the way she sells the captain in charge part. The action almost never stops in this fast paced movie. My only beef was the monkey. I started hiding behind a box of cereal or a beer every time he started his pat little smiling routine. After a while I just couldn't look at him any more lol. But we all have our eccentricities. It's a great swashbuckler, and i watch it over and over. And the supporting cast was great too. I wish they'd make more of these.
Shogun (1980)
A treasure every time.
Well like many others, Shogun fueled my first real interest in Japan. I watch it at least twice a year, and am always trying see something new, like a kid attempting to suck that one last drop from a soda pop. I inhaled the movie, as many did and I began studying it's language some time ago. When asked my interest in Japan in a Japanese course I once took, I said I watched shogun 36 times. I read the book too, and it was great. Every time I see the movie, I always get sad toward the end, cause I know it's coming and there's no more. I always wished Clavell had done a sequel, in the same time frame. Toshiri Mifune was wonderfull, and Orson Wells voice was perfect. The whole cast was great. The music was wonderful, but sadly I have never been able to find a soundtrack for it.
fi
Lawrence of Arabia (1962)
Words fail.
What could I say about Lawrence of Arabia, (my favorite movie of all time). Explanations would pale, compared to the affect the movie has. Go rent it, and watch what I cannot speak of, without doing a great injustice.
fi