Reviews

Although the premise is very good, the stories are engaging, and the acting (both human and canine) is as much as could be asked, the extreme, naked violence makes it hard to watch. I'm not someone who applauds gratuitous violence, but this is not gratuitous--the stories really do call for it to make the point. Knowing that, however, does not make it easier to watch. Well written and directed, it's not for the faint of heart.

As a memeber of JASNA, i can affectionately and honestly say that this is a much better adaptation of EMMA than most things out there. The Gwyneth version was pretty empty and trite, but this captures the complexities of Emma Woodhouse's character, and the transplantation to Beverly Hills works very well. Both a good teen movie and a respectable literary adaptation. Another big score for Amy Heckerling.

Definitely not Best Picture-worthy. The story of the Scots struggle against and defeat at the hands of the English is a story with loads of Romantic potential, but Mel Gibson makes this a sad, sentimental and unbelievable cup of syrup.

This is simply my favorite of the Kirusawa-Mifune collaborations. If you're going to watch "A Fistful of Dollars" at any point, i suggest watching it first, then "YOJIMBO". "FoD" is a very good movie, too, but this is so much better, it will pale in comparison. (no pun intended)

By all means DO NOT USE THIS FILM FOR A VALENTINE'S DATE!

I love Nick Cage. Yes, it's that fluffy-girly part of me that finds his thinning hair, soulful eyes and strange teeth endearing, but I also just like his work (as long as it isn't for Jerry Bruckheimer). But the script for THE FAMILY MAN, with it's horrendous, leaden dialog, so thoroughly beat down any real chance his acting had, it wasn't even worth viewing for his sake.

Tea Leone is an actress even worse than the two-dimensional, Gwyneth-preen-and-clench variety. On one hand i guess her character could be called feisty and playful. On the other hand (the one you reach after you count to 5 on the first hand), I'd have to shoot her if i were actually trapped in a house with her. Bad, wooden dialog (not her fault); bad, wooden acting (her fault). It's not that she's considered a "beautiful" woman, either--I find myself wondering if I'm just _jealous_ of her, but no. Cameron Diaz is a favorite, and she's MUCH prettier than Leone. It's that Leone is a thin and intrusive personality with the finesse of a salami.

The film is insulting to both urbanites and suburbanites; everyone in the city is rich, ultra-modern and sterile (except for the grateful servants of these people), and all the women look pre-fab. Everyone in New Jersey bowls, has bad lawn ornaments and seems to *like* having the Barcolounger in the middle of the room. Did i mention the really, really bad dialog?

Lastly, I had absolutely no belief in these people's love/passion for each other. Please spend your money on something meaningful, like breast augmentation.

Saying you don't notice Kevin Costner I think is one of the highest compliments that can be paid him. He makes great sports movies, but in most other things I get the feeling he's out of his normal water. Especially when he's trying to do an accent. But he was good! I actually didn't mind him trying the Kennedy-speak, and except for that one big clunker in the beginning (hide behind something heavy), it wasn't distracting.

Bruce Greenwood does an excellent as JFK, and Steven Culp as Bobby is almost as impressive. The tension and matter-of-fact cinematography makes it riveting, and even though you know how it ends, you're holding your breath along with the rest of America.

While this may be a little bit insider--the main thrust of the plot is the Big Shot Movie People coming to the old-fashioned New England town--the stereotypes are hysterically funny. William Macy, Philip Seymour Hoffman and Alec Baldwin are great. I'd never seen Rebecca Pidgeon in a comedy before (that i remember), and she was excellent! Do see it, it's funnier than a lot you'll find out there.

It wasn't even GOOD male bashing. There are no words for it. I'd much rather watch LOGAN'S RUN for the 50th time, or PIGS! Maybe kick back, drink some kerosene and have a little smoke. Sandra Bernhard is so harsh, she's long since left off being funny.

One of my favorite films for the year. Wilde was truly one of the greatest wits ever to speak English. Although previously derided as a "chick flick" by certain of my compatriots, by the end of the film they were as enthralled as I. Rupert Everett is outstanding, as were Minnie Driver, Julianne Moore, Cate Blanchett and the poor man whose name I just can't remember right now... but Wilde was the star, with as many twists and turns as the audience could stand. I loved it!

Stoppard's writing is phenomenal, the costumes are exquisite, the action is entrancing (great sword fight), and the players are--perfect. Joseph Fiennes is passionate, tender and believable as Will, and though I am definitely not a Gwyneth fan, I must admit I think she was wonderful. Even Ben Afleck is perfectly cast as the Big Name Actor wheedled into the production in order to cement a deal with the Money. The cast is almost a BBC Top Ten, which could be very tacky, but the ease and grace with which they play together is comforting and natural. It's worth a $9 ticket plus the $1.50 service charge to order over the phone. I want more!

Best story since Beauty, and better in some ways. The heroine was so active, so clever and strong, she is a great role model for girls. I thought Eddie Murphy, although funny, detracted somewhat from the story by being so loud and abrasive, but Merchandising has to have something to make into fuzzies for the kids. No songs to rival Gaston's song in Beauty, but a wonderful show.