guilfisher Reviews

A Face to Kill for (1999 TV Movie)

Yet another Crystal Bernard loser.

[29 October 2004]

Okay, so here we have yet another Crystal Bernard vehicle in which our heroine is disfigured (does some fairly good acting in the early part of film) who gets framed by her husband and sent to prison. Prison toughens her up and she gets into fights with fellow inmates and, you got it, gets even more disfigured. But, alas, our heroine gets that plastic surgery and a new face and after prison release goes after her husband who has since re-married. From there on it goes downhill and Miss Bernard turns in some bad acting. Typical story? You got it. Nothing new here. The horses look beautiful.

Unfortunately, Miss Bernard continues to wear these short skirts, that make her look cheap, and still sports that mop of hair that is annoying to look at. Won't someone suggest that she get a haircut? Is this lion's mane look supposed to be attractive? It went out in the 40s when the likes of Rita Hayworth and Veronica Lake held the glamor department. The one redeeming value in this soap opera is the appearance of Doug Savant. I wonder why he always gets the villain roles? He's a good looking guy, who I remember did another villain in MASQUERADE even opposite the handsome Rob Lowe. This is not the best in TV drama. Saw this on Lifetime TV. But worth watching Savant. Even though there's a bad torture scene upon some of the horses.

As Good as Dead (1995 TV Movie)

Pretty Awful

[29 October 2004]

I don't see the thrill in watching Crystal Bernard on screen. In this vehicle she impersonates a sex-pot. Her clothes alone, what there is of them, look like they shrunk on her in the wash. Her makeup is over the hill and she has this mop of hair that belongs in THE LION KING. Sorry, I just don't get it. Judge Reinhold has the male lead and I wonder why he did this loser. He's too good for this kind of trite written and directed by Larry Cohen. Then there's Traci Lords, the porn star which is why I wanted to watch it in the first place. However, she's only in the first part and sadly we are forced to watch Bernard the rest of the time. From 1-10 in TV movies I give it a 2.

Deadly Betrayal (2003 TV Movie)

Actress in Double Header

[28 October 2004]

In 2003 it was DEADLY BETRAYAL and in 2004 it was DEADLY VISIONS. The same leading actress, Nicolette Sheriden. The same boring performance. First of all, she plays the victim. In BETRAYAL she sleeps around while hubby is away fighting a war, and expects us to understand how vulnerable she was. Tough. You make your bed, you lie in it. It just so happens the guy she slept with is a common thief and turns out to be a murderer. In the second film , she plays the receiver of someone else's eyes, yes a transplant. Here she sees visions of past murders by someone. Once again our heroine decides to become detective.

What bothered me most, aside from the bad acting, was the perfectly coiffed Miss Sheriden, the overly made-up Miss Sheriden (she even goes to be in full makeup) and the obvious sexpot clothes she wore, revealing her form. She comes across a bit on the cheap side. Here are two films where I wanted the villain to win. BETRAYAL directed by Jason Hreno at least had believable performances by Andrew Jackson as the thief; Robert Seeliger as the hubby and Leni Parker, who I though quite good, as the best friend who told our heroine to forget it. VISIONS, directed by Michael Scott had an assorted pick of actors supporting our heroine, none of them outstanding in my book.

Like It Is (1998)

Well acted and directed movie

[27 October 2004]

I did like this movie. Directed by Paul Oremland, hopefully not his last, he brought truth and fine acting by a not so famous cast, to the fold. It was a low budget made film, but the writing, by Robert Gray, was top notch. It proves you can tell a beautiful love story without the glitz and millions of dollars. I think Mr. Oremland was in love with his story and his cast. He gave it such beautiful and heartbreaking moments. His interview on the DVD explains why he did the film and why he had such a strong connection in filming it. He also explained how he found the leading man, Steve Bell. Bell is perfectly cast as Craig, a young boxer from the skids who is not only fighting in sleezy matches but fighting his coming out as a homosexual.

He seemed so natural, they claim he actually had done some boxing in real life, you believed him from the start. Watching his opening up in his relationship with a pick-up, played by the beautiful Ian Rose. Rose also gave a truthful and lovely performance as he too found himself in his relationship with Craig. They played their scenes together quite well, including their nudity scenes.

Other cast members were Dani Behr, who played such a selfish girl-friend to Rose, I wanted to slap her. What a witch, and I use the term lightly. Then there's Craig's brother, well played by Chris Hargreaves,

who learns his brother is gay and supports him and his choice. Kind of brother every gay guy wishes he had. Roger Daltrey played another sleezy character in this film. I'm not quite sure whether I disliked his acting or his role the most. I didn't like him in this. I'm one who didn't know who he was. Not a THE WHO fan obviously. So I can't compare him to anything, but what he did in the film. Maybe Mr. Oremland felt he needed a name? I thought Daltrey overacted. But, that's a minor flaw in this wonderful movie. The story, acting and directing all make it worthwhile in renting the DVD. Go and do it like it is.

Dying to Love You (1993 TV Movie)

Frustrating film to watch.

[2/10 · 24 October 2004]

Okay, so this was made way back in 1993. Directed loosely by Robert Iscove and written loosely by John Miglis, it's supposed to be based on a true story. Hard to believe anyone could be so stupid and blind to the truth. For certainly it was obvious from the beginning that this dame was after all she could get.

Tim Matheson, looking somewhat older than I remember him, played the empty headed man who was looking for romance in his somewhat dull and empty life. Well, it came to him in the likes of Tracy Pollan, a somewhat vacant looking girl with kinky sex as her means of conquering her guys.

Come on, phone sex, even in the 90s was old hat. Can't believe someone would fall for that old line. But Mr. Matheson seemed to buy it. And it cost him plenty.

The hardest scene to take was when he finally threw the dame out of his apartment, putting all her junk in the hallway (IN FRONT OF HIS APARTMENT) and then had the stupidity not to change the locks. That's when I had enough of this trite movie. It made me want to wish the dame had tried it on me so I could have the satisfaction of telling her to take a hike.

I give this chestnut a 1 out of 100. That's how bad I thought it was. I guess you can't blame the actors. But they were awful. Did they actually try to play this with a straight face?

Unconditional Love (2002)

Terrific sleeper of a film!

[24 October 2004]

This 2002 movie, which I never heard of, came to me by accident through the rental DVD system. And am I glad it did. What a joy to watch. Hats off to PJ Hogan as director and co-writer with Jocelyn Moorhouse for giving us such a gem. It is on my favorite list along with the likes of MISS TATLOCK'S MILLIONS a classic 1940s film.

It was silly and yet touching with outstanding performances given by a stellar cast. Notably Kathy Bates, as the mundane housewife having been dumped by her husband; Rupert Everett, that absolutely gorgeous man, as a gay lover to a singing idol, played by the multi-talented Jonathan Pryce, boy can this man sing. Add a show stopping performance by a dwarf, the bombshell talents of Meredith Eaton, and those three English sisters, Lynn Redgrave, Stephanie Beacham and Marcia Warren (a hilarious scene in an Inn in England; Then there's Dan Aykroyd as the husband, Jack Noseworthy, catch his shower scene, as the son and husband to the dwarf, throw in Julie Andrews and Barry Manilow for spice and you get a first rate film of unconditional fun.

Hear No Evil (1993)

One of the worst thrillers ever!

[21 October 2004]

I blame the writing on this 1993 inept TV who-done-it. That credit goes to Randall Badat and Danny Rubin. Then add boring directing and you have a real bad movie. Even Marin Sheen, overacting a lot, can't save this bomb. D B Sweeney didn't seem connected to this. And Marlee Matlin, who hasn't done well since LESSER GOD, was horrible. Running around screaming, panting and being obvious all the way. Why is it when people are being chased and don't want to be caught, they scream all the way. It was so obvious where she was. Only an idiot killer couldn't find her.

I can't even give this silly nonsense any vote at all. It seemed a terrible film from the start. No redemption, no character development, no mystery, not even believable acting. I've seen good actors try to make the most of bad scripts, but this group didn't even try. Why does someone like Mr. Sheen and Mr. Sweeney even consider making a dud like this? Is the work that hard to find? I agree on a rating from 1-10 I give this a big 0!

The Broken Hearts Club: A Romantic Comedy (2000)

Straight playing gay

[15 October 2004]

I guess it's the thing with actors these days. When you play your first gay role. It seems most of them have at one time or other. Sometimes they pull it off. Matt Damon in MR RIPLEY; Gayle Harrod in QUEER AS FOLK; Jude Law in WILDE. But there are times when it doesn't work as in this film. Director Greg Berlanti, who wrote and directed this movie, pulled a completely straight cast into the roles. I guess what bothered me most, aside from some of the typical gay themes we've seen over the past 10 years, is the lack of depth in any of the characters. A combination of bad writing and lackless acting didn't help matters.

Of the cast Billy Porter pulled off some decent moments. At least I think he's the one. The yuppie type with glasses? Who found his ex-lover again in hopes of getting back to a real relationship. Veteran John Mahoney, of FRAZIER fame, had a small role, and didn't really show us any of his acting talents. Not much in the role, as written for him. Too bad. I would have liked to see more of his background and relationship with his piano-playing partner. The Purple Guy. However, he'll never make a drag queen. Too funny!

Zach Braff came close to playing gay. Or maybe it was the bleached hair that did it. Far from his hit series SCRUBS. Timothy Olyphant, Dean Cain, Andrew Keegan, Matt McGrath and Justin Theroux, all straight, did not impress me. Good looking, yes, but no hutspuh. Then there's the beautiful Michael Bergin, fresh from BAYWATCH, looking gorgeous as a movie star we'd all like to spend some time with. It wasn't a question of being or acting gay. It was a fact of just being a handsome hunk.

I know there are lots of comments ripping this movie apart and some praising it for it's honesty. I'm sort of in the middle, like the theme of the film.

In the middle of representing gay characters and gay life. I wonder if anyone has ever thought of casting a gay film with gay actors. Would be interesting to see it's effect.

Ben & Arthur (2002)

One-Man Show

[14 October 2004]

In this 2003 student-like film, you'll see the name Mraovich throughout. I guess it's all in the family, eh? Holly Mraovich in a small role, Chris Mraovich and Robert Mraovich writing original music. Sam Mraovich stars, directs, writes (script and music), does the casting as well as the cinematography and editing along with Chris Mraovich. Wow, Sam, you did take on a lot of responsibility. You must have felt this was something that needed to be seen. I do congratulate you on your efforts. Their aren't enough young people venturing into making original films these day.

First of all, get a good story. Do some more research in choosing your selections. If you write your own, get more than one opinion before filming. As an actor, I felt you could have done better. If you're going to go naked, go naked. I felt there was much uncomfortable posing on your part. Too bad that your co-star, Jamie Brett Gabel, wasn't naked. For he was something to look at. Nudity can be exciting when photographed well. It wasn't in this flick. Even in your first kissing scene, you seemed stiff and awkward in the delivery. What a natural thing to kiss a beautiful guy like Jamie. I say go for it. I've done some kissing scenes with another guy and enjoyed the closeness of them.

Most of the rest of the cast were bad actors. Not getting good direction for one thing and not able to pull it off for another. As a casting director, you could have done better. But listen, it was your first film, right? You learn from everything you do. Take this lesson and move on to better scripts, less performing and more solid direction. Good luck!

Eden's Curve (2003)

Dark Moody Artsy Film

[14 October 2004]

Okay, let's start with that this is a time piece of the 70s. Let's add this is a true story, God forbid, and taking place in rural Virginia. That's three strikes against this movie in my book.

Director and cinematographer Anne Misawa tells a tale so depressing that it really got me quite angry at the conclusion. There was no compassion, no thoughtful revelation and certainly no credit to human forgiveness. Instead of bringing some enlightenment to the tale, Miss Misawa decides to slap the viewer in the face and certainly increase homosexual distaste and violence. Thanks, Anne, for taking us back to the witch burning era. I'm sorry, even "The Crucible" had it's credibility and understanding. Check out "Latter Days" for this day and age gay stories of revelation.

Jamie Hall is credited as Assistant Director. Did he/she have any vote as to the process? The photography was sometimes impossible to follow. Mostly shot in fuzzy out of focus texture. What was this purpose? Except to make it hard to follow.

This is 2003 folks, not the 1800s. Certainly filming should have more quality than this. I hated the cinematography. Jerry Meadors and Hart Monroe can take the writing credits. Even though they make a point of saying at the end of the picture that it's based on true events, what is the purpose? Usually when you bring a story of such tragedy to the public, you should make a point. I saw no point with this. Only to depress us to the point of frustration. If this is a tribute to those depicted in the story, these writers must have either hated the tale or wanted to capitalize on the shock value. They didn't succeed in either case.

Now to the cast: Fortunately the choice of the casting was quite good. Sam Levine as Peter, Julio Pervillan as Ian and Bryan Carroll as Billy all brought believability and humaness to their roles. You felt they were trying to make the emotional focus honest and caring, even without the writers help. Trevor Lissauer as Joe, the heel, and Amber Taylor as Bess, his cohort, were well cast as the selfish hurtful friends that were bent on destroying any sensitivity that stood in their way.

I don't recommend this movie. In my thinking, it is taking the gay world back decades. It certainly is not making choices for our young teens and college students in coming out and being who they are. Instead it slaps the entire movement in the face. I ask the director and writers, if they dislike homosexuality that much. Don't see this. If you do, understand, the purpose of this type of film, even with good acting, is to bring despair to those struggling with their problems.

A Step Toward Tomorrow (1996)

Fine acting!

[13 October 2004]

This is an exceptional movie. I usually am wary of Judith Light and her tearful performances. She is always crying in every film she makes. But here is one where you'd think the tears would be gushing. But they aren't. Either the director watched her carefully or she did this on her own. Where there could have been crying jags, there wasn't. As though she felt the focus should be on her children. Good for you, Judith. Both boys were well played. Beautifully played.

The moment for me was in seeing Christopher Reeve in the small role of a wheelchair bound man who helped the young boy understand he wasn't alone. This film was shown a day after Mr. Reeve's passing. So, to this viewer, it had much more profound depth in it's message. For surely, Mr. Reeve spent his lasting years in trying to bring attention to us all as to the needs to those stricken with this paralysis. It was bittersweet and very hard to watch at times. My heart goes out to the Reeve family in their loss. I applaud the message being told in this film and the courage Christopher Reeve lived to his final days.

Guilty Hearts (2002 TV Movie)

Soap Opera with some bad casting

[6 October 2004]

This 2002 mini series was shown tonight and I wanted to watch because I like the work of Treat Williams. It was directed fairly well by Marcus Cole and written by JB White ("The Beast") and Steven Siegel ("K-9" series). I found the mistake was in the casting of Marcia Gay Harden as "the other woman". First of all she's totally unattractive as to woo the likes of Mr. Williams, who remains one of today's hunks. Someone should have cut those bangs. She looked like Morticia from The Adams Family. And to top that she walks around with one expression on her face. For Treat to reject Jennifer Dale, his lovely wife, for the likes of the plain jane looks of Harden was hard to swallow.

If you put aside Harden's performance, which is hard to do, as she monopolizes most of the film, with close-ups, mind you. Gary Bassaraba was very good as the husband of Harden and you wanted to tell him to tell her to "get lost". He keeps forgiving her. Why? She was cheating on him. Then she walks out on him. And we're supposed to have sympathy for her? Please.

Add that talented lady, Olympia Dukakis as Harden's mother, John Bourgeous, the Reverend who kicks Harden out of the church (don't blame him) and Lawrence Dane, another fine actor, wasted in this flick.

All in all, a boring film saved by the presence of Williams, Dukakis, Dale and Basaraba.