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Reviews
Their Eyes Were Watching God (2005)
Screeplay missed some important key features of the book...
If one has not read the book _Their Eyes Were Watching God_, then the movie was probably wonderful. Unfortunately, for those who have read the book, it is obvious that the screenplay writer missed some important aspects of the book-- or for some reason chose to omit them. The plot in the movie revolves around Janie and her love affairs, however, what is most important to Janie, in the book, is feeling loved and accepted not only by a man, but her community.
Janie is a "light-skinned" African American and is treated different because of it. The book addresses a caste system that was prominent at the time that Hurston wrote the book. This important aspect of the story was not addressed in the movie. This is just one of many "aspects" that was not addressed.
On the up side, the casting is superb. Halle Berry is perfect for the part of Janie. She is beautiful and strong while being sensitive and vulnerable. Michael Ealy is a wonderful Tea Cake. What chemistry!
All in all the movie is-- OK. Hopefully, it will entice the viewers to read Zora Neale Hurston's fabulous book.
Peter Pan (2003)
Classic Tale with Modern Effects-- Brilliant!
What a fantastic movie! I loved the movie and my kids loved the movie. The movie is an adaptation of a classic story that remains true (mostly) to the original plot. That's hard to do with a 100 year old story and make it exciting for kids in 2003-04. The director, Hogan, made it fun and exciting (and sometimes sappy) for all to enjoy. I found myself thinking back to my childhood- wishing I could fly! "Peter Pan" is not a beauty contest-- it's not suppose to be (However, Rachel Hurd-Wood is a pretty girl with a very pretty smile and Jeremy Sumpter is absolutely adorable). Both of the leads were just phenomenal actors! Olivia Williams is stunning and plays a perfect, beautiful mother. Jason Isaacs is an absolutely slimy and terrifying Hook-- loved him! Tinkerbell, too was a treat! She was beautiful and funny. I am so glad that she was an imp of a fairy instead of cute and sweet (like Julia Roberts- love her, hate her Tinkerbell). Jeremy Sumpter will forever now be Peter Pan when reading the story -- that is how good the movie is.