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wintermoss
Reviews
What Women Want (2000)
amusing -- but not perfect
i watched WHAT WOMEN WANT today for the first time all the way thru. when it got to the 3rd act, i suddenly realized i had seen a lot of this film before -- but i couldn't remember what happens in the end. that is not a good sign....
it is an amusing movie, bit it is weakened by an unsatisfying third act. i think the writer could have done so much more with it. but then again, maybe the writer did and the studio execs demanded a rewrite to make it more predictable. because that is what the 3rd act is. predictable.
there is a satisfying character arc. he's a jerk. he gains access to women's inner thoughts. he grows and changes.
on the other hand, so much of what goes on in the entire movie is predictable...including the women's "thoughts" that even a good third act might not have been enough.
let's just say that the movie had a great premise, mel gibson was adorable, helen hunt was good and i wish there had been more....
but it was NOT a waste of my time. it did amuse...and that was it's job....
White Christmas (1954)
as wonderful as ever!
i've just finished watching "white Christmas" for the jillionth time and loved it as much as i ever have.
it may have a weak plot, it may have continuity problems, it may not be as good as "holiday inn" or have any number of other problems.... but it has a lot that sets it apart and makes it the classic film that it is and deserves to be!
it is "true." it speaks to the real comradeship and love that men who have bonded in war feel for each other. (if you don't believe me, ask any namvet who understands him better--his wife or the men he served with.)
it presents men who are partners and who value each others opinions on how they run their business/act. it presents sisters who love each other--and are willing to give up their own dreams for each other. it presents a man who has served his country, is raising his granddaughter and now, in retirement, is about to lose everything thru the vagaries of weather.
all of these people are willing to sacrifice of themselves in order to help each other. they are human and admit to making mistakes...and then rectify them.
it is about love and caring and giving. it is the truest sort of Christmas story. it is about the TRUE spirit of Christmas.....
and it gets there in a very entertaining way...despite whatever flaws it may have.
the music is wonderful. the costumes are wonderful. the staging is entertaining.
it makes me smile and warms the cockles of my heart....... we have too few movies these days that do that. especially Christmas movies.......