CheriePage Reviews

Dead Poets Society (1989)

Boy, feeling Joy.

[10/10 · 14 March 2024]

What's the real meaning here?

That poets and artists should get an equal stage of importance as all other "useful" professions like teachers and scientists? In this age of mass media and art funding they already do!

That people should stand up for their individuality and question authority? In this age of free speech and public debates they mostly do, even if organised violence still counts against unrestricted freedom.

What people have forgotten though, is the permission to enjoy life. This is different to having fun on an ego-trip, or following the common path of profit. Enjoyment requires sincere participation in life and society and reflection upon it's direction. What is the point of life if you can't enjoy it?

The protagonist as a young man drew his legitimate conclusion and unfortunately did not realize his alternatives of overcoming authority. The movie is as much a rare anti-establishment statement as Good Will Hunting (also starring Robin Williams) and as such unmissable, even after all this running time.

A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood (2019)

as vital as a water fountain

[8/10 · 26 July 2023]

Mr. Rogers wants children to realise they are someone, before they become someone like a profitable consumer. Yet, watching a TV show is already an act of consumption, when children grow up with working parents in a busy environment. Mr Roger's show is far too idealistic. It also educates about dealing with dark emotions like anger which will be primarily useful to boys, and it is not surprising the major conflict in the movie addresses the rage between a son and his father. Yes, educational TV shows for children are beneficial, and yes being friends with your neighbours cultivates social community, but in some neighbourhoods the only neighbour you know will be the TV show host in the metro, whom you may not see very often. And as soon as the kids are in school other values demand for priority and all that remains is but a peaceful memory of the kids we were, but the adults we were not allowed to become.

Good (2008)

Political Struggle with Command of Character

[9/10 · 21 July 2023]

Scholars have often been utilized for political purposes. Oppenheimer is just another dark example. Here it is a literature professor in favour of death assistance. This movie does not moralize about what is right or wrong. It does not even follow the chain of reaction, but one by one the raindrops fall randomly and at the end everybody is soaked in blood. In that way the movie is very realistic, because that is how events can accumulate in real life.

What is right or wrong is an ongoing process of lawmaking based on a majority vote. So if you disagree with the current law the question is can you resist the trend? Or as in the case of Prof. Halder, can you afford to resist at the price of giving up your career, giving up your family, giving up your well-being?

Some experts will be debating this movie in the light of the Holocaust, and arguing that pro death assistance is a step towards it. But that argument is only a utilitarian abuse of death assistance, as we watch Halders mother struggle with her sickness.

This movie really looks much further right into the character of the people who are in command. The real question to debate is What good is a and any system of command? When is a command necessary and when is authority just a majority voted trend we habitually follow. Prisons keep existing, and people go in for different reasons in different governments, yet we forget everybody is born human.

I praise this movie for avoiding to moralize any side, but the chain of command how things turn out could have been made more clear.

Only the Title "Good" seems to reveal the filmmakers' attitude, it should have been named "In Command".

There is little music in the movie, which is another discussion. In my opinion military music should be muted and entirely banned from battlegrounds.

Joker (I) (2019)

Multilayered socio-critique: a violated victim turning violent

[9/10 · 16 April 2023]

When people turn to comedy entertainment they are looking for happiness. For some this is a need to compensate for the profound unhappiness in their existence. This movie is very day-to-day street life showing where laughter is misunderstood, but not why.

The hero (Happy Joker) comes with a backstory of childhood abuse, which explain his development. Regrettably the scenes with his mother and father are very short. The movie's solution for both parents is quick. And it is too quick. The viewer is not given enough insight into the childhood events, and the acts and psyches of the culprits. Instead we lose even more sympathy for their victim.

In a third narrative layer we see the effect of the media on society and how showbiz comedy makes cents. The acting is creatively playful. The beautiful aesthetics of the camera is consistent and minimalistic throughout. There are some drops of blood raining down the screen, and they are shown as minimalistic as possible, but you will notice them. In the scenes where there is a musical score present it's from glamour showbiz.

This movie is very multifaceted and the complete opposite of a dumb violent horror solotrip. The hero is always in control of his violence and there is a reason behind every murder which is actually not madness. The big SORRY is the complete absence of mindful solutions. There are courts for culprits, seminars for low self-esteem, and pills for neurological disorders. And maybe other things like smalltalk and leisure so we could all become a little happier with the course of life. Getting help makes sense.

Father of the Bride (1991)

Steve Martin is seriously funny.

[9/10 · 6 April 2023]

Is it worth watching another kitschy Romantic Comedy? Some accidents were too absurd to be true. Some accents were annoying and incomprehensible. Yet Father of the Bride permanently follows the legendary comedian Steve Martin as father. And you keep laughing all the way through. And you keep loving this character, until the moment, when his daughter and her groom walk out the door without a single look back, without a single word of good-bye, without a single trace of gratitude for eighteen years. That is when you realise this RomCom was indeed worth watching, and then you bury in your handkerchiefs.

Moonstruck (1987)

Bohemian Marriage

[7/10 · 7 January 2023]

Central theme of this movie is Getting married. The promises given, the promises broken. Love with reason versus love with passion, and the full moon like emperor of the universe lighting up the night of Italian family ties. It is also rare to see an entire family involved, giving the big picture of this social rearrangement that marriage entails.

Central music of this movie comes from the Opera by Puccini, La Boheme, but the relation to the events of the story is unclear. The music is beautifully educated, but it could have been replaced with any other. Perhaps the closest interpretation is that Bohemians live upon a spontaneous impulse.

The movie was issued in 1987, and like many other movies then Nicolas Cage starrs in a sophisticated character drama, driven by dialogue. To me it is very regrettable that NCage's acting career has taken a turn to frequent violence and horror movies as of 7Jan 2023. I wish he would return to deeper waters.

Last but not least, it might be of interest to note that the other lead actor, Cher, does not sing in this movie, yet her dialogue role is remarkable.

The Pink Panther (2006)

So Glueso!

[10/10 · 11 November 2022]

Comedy can be so educational when you repeat a joke in several steps. Inspecteur Clouseau, sorry again, On-spec-tour Glue-so, Onspectour Glueso, that's faster. So, Glueso, today on Nov11 you are awarded all shining stars for slapstick that sticks, for wearing unwearable costumes, and for French tongue twisting that must have been the least appetizing part of acting.

In a role that has been ruined so well by the legendary comedian Peter Sellers, everyone would have been too afraid to burn his paws on writing a sequel, but not the daring legend of comedy Steve Martin. Pause for applause!

This Pink Panther sequel comes complete with a Pink Panther comic, the Pink Panther theme music newly arranged, and a no-pause-paced storyline on a catwalk in Paris and New York, globally alluding to the cult classic. Viewers from youngest to oldest will enjoy this movie, each in different ways. A true gem.

Missyou Glueso, hope you get the clue: we miss you, And for Monsieur Clouseau in French: Excellent !!!

(This review is an all original creation by the reviewer on Nov11, 2022.)

Minions: The Rise of Gru (2022)

Wear 3D glasses and fasten your seat belts!

[10/10 · 11 July 2022]

Being a fan of disco music the 2D screening got me dancing in my seat, but then in 3D all the action really came to life. Not a minute without a funny turn or cute quirk, at a speed so high you must absolutely fasten your seat belts! The characters are all beautifully rendered, each one with their own identity for fights and chases. But then beneath I had never before realised the spiritual side of kung-fu. A multidimensional experience of body and mind with lots of good music. Grusome!

Bohemian Rhapsody (2018)

deceptive bonus concert clip

[6/10 · 14 May 2022]

The DVD comes with "the complete Live Aid performance" as an extra, which made me believe apart from the biopic I would be seeing a clip of the real Freddie Mercury singing as an extra. But the clip is only a recreation of the 1985 concert again starring Rami Malek. Rami Malek's performance looks good, but the awful editing cuts down a lot of the stadium atmosphere, even intercutting with other locations. Then watching the original concert clip with Freddie Mercury elsewhere, I found a good resemblance, but the original singer is clearly stronger in his staging and interaction with the audience. Charismatic indeed. This deception and the numerous comments of Queen fans who have pointed out inaccuracies in the biopic (which I cannot confirm nor deny, apart from missing the Spanish opera duets period) have ultimately led me to buy a Queen concert DVD instead of this movie.

A Rainy Day in New York (2019)

smells of cow dung

[5/10 · 6 March 2022]

Another Woody Allen film means another well constructed psychological lesson in complications from sexual relationships. So in this film there are two women competing for one man. All three characters are presented with their own way of being. Yet the focus lies on Ashleigh, who is a countryside girl on her first journalist mission in the big city of New York. Obviously Ashleigh becomes entangled in deceptions of business and men who are merely out to exploit her naivety. And that is where this movie becomes an insult, depicting a countryside girl as nothing but the proverbial Dumb Blonde. As if city dwellers didn't need to eat, and certainly their feet never smell of cow dung. The script clearly lacks balance. On the positive side the three protagonists are fairly young and unknown, promoting a new generation of actors. The soundtrack is an enjoyable piano solo.

Dog Eat Dog (I) (2016)

Nicolas Cage talking through a profound psychogram of violence

[10/10 · 7 January 2022]

Some men make funny money, but never tell their joke. I can count on my mates in. We would all sooner eat a gun than spill ketchup over an innocent child. We're men of elegance, I cut the splatter, you'll die of laughter.

Reality becomes a surreal distortion of the soul, when I take drugs and drugs take me. Speed traps don't flash for flying Jaguars.

Different men do love women with different words, on glamorous nights wrapped in longhaired carpets. Ice always floats on top forming hexagonal rings. Lady, you s*ck. Do you?

Listen, guns talk faster than words on a long distance call, especially those worn by right or wrong people in uniforms. When Primetime discusses the barrels of justice, they let only winners talk, never sinners. Not my problem.

Before God all are equal, if only he wasn't bankrupt - Please forgive me. Take my hand on it and I will pray with you: Oh happy day, Troy.

The Public (2018)

It's gonna be a bright, bright, sunshiny day!

[7/10 · 14 October 2021]

Homelessness in winter can cost lives. The occupation of a public building as a night shelter appears to be a life saver, yet it is illegal.

Which is the greater good: public order or saving lives, and what do the media leave out in their reports?

The viewer must find his own answer, because the movie only asks the questions.

Regretfully, there is very little drama, that could give the viewer an experience of the hardship of homelessness or its alternatives. All figures are placed on the chessboard but the movie fails to entertain.

Don't pass on the issue though: Structures may be faulty, homeless may be lazy, but it all comes down to a person equal to you and me.

Terra Willy (2019)

EDUtainment: Jungle Survival Training

[9/10 · 29 March 2021]

Terra Willy is an intelligent and beautifully animated movie. Although it takes place on an unknown planet the lessons that boy Willy learns are easily transferrable to any jungle with unknown plants and creatures. The vegetation on the planet is of stunning detail and beautifully shot, there is a lot to discover. The scenes of problem solving and playing fun games are well balanced. Being separated from his parents Willy must also learn some social skills. The music is mostly subtle in the background. At the end of Willy's training he will use all that he has learnt in a short fight action scene, full of unexpected turns. Most of the movie is a discovery and survival training. It is easily comprehensible and fun to watch. Despite all the hazards it is a feelgood view suitable for all ages. There are many good lessons to learn from this French animation.

The Incredible Burt Wonderstone (2013)

A show of maliciously inflicted bodily harm

[1/10 · 22 March 2021]

The scene of exposing people to intoxicating gas without their knowledge reminded me of World War 2. In my opinion this should be subject of serious discussions only, and not be part of an entertaining show or movie, left completely uncommented. Censorship officers were obviously knocked out when rating this movie and greenlighting it for an audience of age 12. It belongs on the index of criminal offence movies. What the magicians do to harm their own bodies is their voluntary decision and may or may not amuse some viewers, but when they play it out on their innocent audience it becomes a criminal offence of maliciously inflicted bodily harm. It is very disturbing to see this movie broadcast without any control.

The Life and Death of Peter Sellers (2004)

You can call me Peter!

[2/10 · 12 February 2021]

Whenever you see Peter Sellers in a professional role in movies or interviews he really got his act together and it wasn't a small one. Becoming interested in this lifetime comedian I naturally came across this biopic, but none of the Peter Sellers genius is shown there. I had a suspicion about this biopic when I saw the trailer that it might be biased und unbalanced - which it is. I found the trailer unusually nasty, and the movie is no better. Made for people with a two minute attention span it cuts from bed story to film set, to an alleged nasty and misbehaving comment from Peter, to next bed story to next film set etc. After all a married couple needs to agree to have children, and any woman forcing a pregnancy onto an unwilling man is just as nasty as the opposite alleged case. Peter Sellers cannot be blamed for the laws of inheritance, why does the final scene even mention how much his children inherited in $ ? It explains the motivation behind the making of this movie, but at least some countries have opted for a more appropriate title, not abusing this talented man's name. In Italy for example it is "You can call me Peter"! I would have loved to be on first names with this man. This talent died much too early.

The Man with Two Brains (1983)

Happy brainy 75th Steve Martin !

[10/10 · 14 August 2020]

Here's the Neurotransmitter rating of The Man with 2 Brains:

Adrenaline: 10* for braindead crime.

Noradrenaline: 10* for headturning operations.

Acetylcholine: 10* for mastery of mind over matter.

Serotonine: 10* for singing with spirit.

Dopamine: 10* for high frequency brainwave oscillations.

Glutamate: 10* for a mind-twisting cult movie.

Endorphines: 10* for the comedical genius of Steve Martin.

In 2020 this movie released in 1983 is still THE best ever brain scan of what brains can.

Elvis: That's the Way It Is (1970)

Thoughtful Elvis at Work

[10/10 · 31 May 2020]

There is a journey before stepping on stage and it's not just the car ride. From the recording room with musicians to rehearsals with background singers, a concert is the climax of a musical development. Elvis Presley took his work very seriously and yet with a huge sense of humour. The documentary shows a very thoughtful Elvis at work backstage, and a very energetic Elvis in concert on stage. The only part missing from the work portrait might be Elvis in an interview with journalists. The 2001 restored version comes with a crystal clear picture and sound. Praise for the makers of this DVD, for making sense of the music business. Truly, that's the wonder of Elvis Presley.

Johnny English Reborn (2011)

unexpectedly unintellectual

[1/10 · 24 October 2019]

From Johnny English Part1 in 2003, Part2 in 2011 and Part3 in 2018 this one is by far the lowest in the Johnny English series, with actions so crude, one cannot even call them jokes. Being set in Asia the major line of attack involves body fights in JE2, but if not at the second punch, then definitely at the third punch anyone who can read this will want to switch off. On the contrary, I do recommend watching JE1 and JE3.

Whiplash (2014)

Whistleblower

[9/10 · 16 July 2019]

In an age where anyone with an airplane loyalty card and a whistle calls themselves a popular musician, this movie is a necessity to safeguard the foundations of music. There are two ways to the top, excellence or corruption. Whiplash talks about both with unmasked honesty. Whereas many gatekeepers to the stages of the world are corrupt, excellence must find a way to shine through. This way will be painful, as we watch the passionate jazz drummer student growing up in the class of a sadist and corrupt teacher. But the lesson is for reality and the result is a musician who truly knows his craft instead of defining his profession from applause. It seems appropriate that this movie has won a Sundance prize. I deduct a star from the rating for one-dimensional characters.

The Commune (2016)

communities are for teamplay

[2/10 · 15 March 2019]

This Danish movie is primarily a husband and wife drama going through a midlife crisis that turns more and more bitter. For the matter of tears and cries the scenes are extremely realistic. Yet, their drama would have unfolded in any social setting, the community is the movie title but not relevant at all. To my regret, the only reason to review this movie is to point to a much better one that demonstrates all the funny and positive sides of living in a shared home as in the French made L'Auberge Espanole, 2002.

Paris Can Wait (2016)

Savoir Vivre means Don't Fly!

[6/10 · 10 March 2019]

This calm roadmovie takes the viewers on a rural French sightseeing tour. The tour guide being an ex-restaurant owner and a charming lady-killer you can imagine what his endless smalltalk is about, served together with a bit of touristic edutainment. The tour guide is played by the French actor Arnaud Viard. Ninety per cent of the movie is spoken in English, and interaction with French hosts is in French. M. Viard speaks English very well, but it is disappointing to not hear more French in a movie that was shot completely in France. Bon appetit!

McFarland, USA (2015)

How to become a winner.

[10/10 · 2 March 2019]

Again, Kevin Costner stands for high quality. Unlike many sports dramas that celebrate the winners rising from ashes with much melodrama, this movie keeps its feet on the ground. Winning doesn't come overnight, but is a path of development for both parties: the runners and their coach. The quality storyline of McFarland follows this path, yet without boring repetition nor lengthy distracting side-plots. The cultural gap between the Hispanic runners and their American coach is at the centre of this development. If you want an ongoing 90min winner's high you may prefer another movie.

Mary Poppins Returns (2018)

Mary Poppins Returns in Retro Style

[8/10 · 24 December 2018]

54years since Julie Andrews has first enchanted viewers as Mary Poppins each and every Christmas Eve on TV this certainly is a legacy very hard to follow up on, but Emily Blunt has done well. Looking at the storyline the sequel viewers will notice many parallel scenes yet without exact copying, that give a sense of familiarity with the previous world. E.g. instead of a chimney sweeper we are now guided by a lantern lighter. Just as in Mary Poppins there is a vivid storyline that moves through different locations, so it really is interesting to watch. However I was very disappointed by some animation graphics, that looked like 1970s Disney animation. And despite all the songs being very crafted with words (perhaps a bit morally overloaded) and beautiful symphonic music there were some too many stage dances out of context. Last to mention I found the costumes were all in the old fashioned style of 1964, which I personally liked, although it clearly is not modern fashion in 2018. The moviemakers made very sure that the oldtime Mary Poppins viewers would remember and be familiar with the world they knew. So, will this movie become the follow-up classic? Only the wind knows.

Kingsman: The Golden Circle (2017)

Horror that should be on the no-show index.

[1/10 · 18 October 2018]

This movie should have gone in the mincer, instead of the people on screen....again and again on full view. And the mincer scene smiled at in the next...I do not understand how a film like this is available to broad audiences with top cast actors and not even rated adult only. In my opinion this film belongs on a no-show index for gross violation of human dignity.

Man Up (I) (2015)

Rory Kinnear alias Sean steals the show

[3/10 · 10 October 2018]

Verbal and visual diarrhoea is not a term I would usually use, except when it is appropriate as in this movie. Rated suitable for age 12 and up the viewer is safe from being soaked though. So displeasing and dramatically weaker from Act to Act I asked myself why I kept coming back to this chatterbox movie and discovered it was the hilariously funny performance of Rory Kinnear alias Sean, who should definitely be considered for a sequel in Amsterdam. Probably one of the few movies where the two main protagonists slide off the table, at which the third cast wipes up the mess - in every sense.