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RRRhonda9
Reviews
Moonlighting: Atomic Shakespeare (1986)
A Very Funny Take on The Taming of the Shrew
I loved the "Moonlighting" series 20 years ago, and although I now know that Bruce Willis and Cybill Shepherd did NOT have the personal chemistry that they had on screen, I still value the series. It was quite ahead of its time--and I think that helps to make the series timeless! This particular episode, "Atomic Shakespeare" is an abbreviated "Taming of the Shrew" with Willis as Petruchio and Shepherd as Katharine.
This casting is, of course, ideal; the minor players (series regulars) also do a great job.
The late Sterling Holloway (recognized by my AP English students as the voice of 'Winnie the Pooh') narrates the love(?) story/comedy like no one else could.
I highly recommend the entire "Moonlighting" series, but particularly this episode from the third season, "Atomic Shakespeare."
Stranger Than Fiction (2006)
A Delightful Surprise
I loved "Stranger Than Fiction" although I admit I went in with mixed feelings. I'm not a huge Will Ferrell fan, but I was intrigued by the premise of a life being narrated by an authorial voice.
I had seen enough previews to have my interest piqued, but then I read a few negative reviews. I generally trust the "movie viewer's review" over those of critics, but the mix of comments had me feeling a bit cautious as I plunked down my money for a Saturday matinée. I was very pleasantly surprised! Dustin Hoffman and Emma Thompson are both delightful in this film--not that I would expect anything less from either of them. Maggie Gyllenhaal was also terrific. A restrained, less over-the-top Ferrell was also very good.
I don't know if you'll find a most original premise for a film, and I truly think it "works." I laughed and actually got a little misty eyed on a couple occasions. It was sweet, funny, original and I highly recommend!!
Tristan + Isolde (2006)
Anachronism
Am I the ONLY one bothered by the fact that Isolde reads Tristan poetry from the 17th century? That LOVELY poem she reads during their first days together and at the end of the film is JOHN DONNE, who lived 1572-1636 (or close to those dates). The poem is titled "The Good Morrow." Otherwise, I thought that this was a truly LOVELY film; and I plan on buying it when it hits DVD for my British Literature classes! I love the boy who plays young Tristan--he was in "Love Actually" and did a fabulous job! Overall, I thought the film had strong performances, although James Franco's English accent came and went throughout the course of the movie!! Rhonda