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Reviews
Follow the Sun (1951)
A Wonderful Golf Movie
I gave this movie a 10 rating, not because it was that good of a film (it wasn't), but because to me it brings back memories of my teenage years. I saw this movie when it was released in 1951. I was 15 at the time and interested in nothing but golf. I watched the movie three times. I would have watched it over and over had it not been removed from the local theater. Even at that young age, I was a student of the game. I was intimately familiar with Ben Hogan, Sam Snead, and all the other great names in golf at that time. I had even seen most of them play in person in tournaments. I even fantasized about becoming a golf pro. I played golf whenever I could. Unfortunately, in the 40's and 50's, money was tight. And parents didn't pay a lot of attention to their children's career goals, especially if they involved becoming a sport's figure. My dreams were dashed early. Thank goodness, I can still watch FOLLOW THE SUN and relive my teenage fantasies.
Keeping Up Appearances (1990)
Outstanding entertainment
I've been watching this British comedy for about 10 years now; first on PBS and then recently on BBS. I'm sure I've seen all 44 episodes; most of them more than once; some of them three times or more. And I've never gotten bored with a single one. It's true that some of the plots were pretty much repeated over and over. But, still, watching Hyacinth, Richard, Daisy, Onslow, and all the others always gave me a chuckle. I've seen them so many times now that I feel I know each character personally. I wish I could have attended one of Hyancith's candlelight suppers, or spent an afternoon watching TV with Onslow, or gone for an afternoon drive with Hyancith and Richard. It would have been a scream. Situation comedies, British or American, don't get much better than "Keeping Up Appearances".
Cavedweller (2004)
Life as it is; not as we want it
This is a nice movie in spite of the low rating that viewers have given it. And I'm not surprised that it got such ratings. Most Americans would not like this movie because it doesn't have enough action. This is a movie about real life relationships, past and present; about how different people adapt to changing situations; and about how life's decisions are made. This is a movie about how real people live, what they say, and how they love. I especially liked the ending. I think most of the acting was good too. I thought all three of Delia's daughters did a fine job. I especially liked her youngest daughter, Cissy; wise beyond her years. I can remember her from "The Blue Car". I was so frustrated with Amanda's rote religious jumbo that I wanted her mother to grab her and give her a good shaking. But if you love someone enough, I suppose you often put up with that sort of thing.
The Getaway (1972)
A great movie
This is one of the best movies I've ever seen. I've probably watched it in its entirety at least five times...maybe more. And each time it gets better. Ali McGraw and Steve McQueen are very good as a husband/wife team. The plot, with a nice twist or two, is fantastic...and even reasonably believable. Sam Peckinpah does a fine job in directing this thriller. And the excitement of the bank robbery, chases, and shootouts keeps you on the edge of your seat from beginning to end. The ending is really great. Slim Pickins and Sally Struthers play nice minor roles too. What's not to like? Don't let the 1972 release date scare you. It's so much better than the 1994 remake. There's something for everybody. I give this a 9/10.
The Junction Boys (2002)
Keep film in historical perspective
This is not a very good film. The acting is bad, the storyline is weak, and most of the Texas A&M football players look the same. I had trouble remembering who was who. Actually, I only watched this movie because, first, I'm an avid college football fan and, second, I'm a student of the history of college football. I clearly remember the year when "Bear" Bryant went to Texas A&M to rescue Aggie football from the cellar of the Southwest Conference. It was a surprise to most everyone that he took that job. He had been very successful at Kentucky. I didn't know about the "Junction Football Camp" until years later when I started reading the accounts about it. The story is now legendary. I just had to see the film. I was disappointed.
Bad Santa (2003)
Way too extreme
At times, this was a funny movie. It had some great lines. But the writers could have done a much better job and turned this from a mediocre film into a better than average film. First, there was far too much profanity. I'm guessing that half of the words from Willy's mouth were profane. Billy Bob Thornton's talents were definitely wasted in this film. Two, the storyline was weak. It was just too unbelievable and goofy. There was potential there for a much better plot. And, three, was it necessary to show all the nudity and the fornicating? I don't know why the Hollywood types think that the American movie-going public wants to see and hear the worst in people. All in all, I gave this a '6' (out of 10). Without Tony Cox, it would have only gotten a '5'.
The Company (2003)
It sure isn't another "Chorus Line"
The only reason I rented this film was because I liked the movie "A Chorus Line" (1985) and I thought "The Company" would be much the same. Well, it wasn't. There was little character development, virtually no story-line, and terribly disjointed and confusing. (I was even disappointed in Neve Campbell, and she's one of my favorite actresses. Most of the time I couldn't even recognize her.) There was lots of dancing, however. And I mean lots. So if you're into that, then you will probably love this film. (I suppose that's why so many people give this movie a "10".) But if you're looking for something in addition to just dancing, don't bother. I can only give it a "5".
Brigham City (2001)
Not a bad film in spite of.....
This is not a bad film in spite of having to endure the LDS propaganda. I suppose that having the film set in Utah among the Mormons does add something that makes it a unique mystery. What really bothered me about the film, though, was the sheriff's actions in having all the houses in Brigham searched. What was he thinking? It doesn't matter what his motives were. This was a blatant violation of the Bill of Rights (Fourth Amendment), the basis of our freedom. Poor Steve. Not only can illegal searches result in humiliation, but they can also be used to suppress opposition to those in authority. Surely, that doesn't happen in small communities in Utah.
Bruce Almighty (2003)
This is a bomb.
This is a bad movie; really bad. The plot is silly, the acting is weak, and there is nothing funny about it. I watched the whole thing from beginning to end and didn't laugh a single time. In fact, I didn't find one thing in the movie worthy of even remembering. Most of the time I was trying to figure out why Jennifer Aniston and Morgan Freeman agreed to do this film. They must have gotten a bundle of money out of it up front. They were both overpaid. I know why Jim Carrey is in it. This is a film suited to his silly antics. Well, it turned me off. He didn't even do a good job.
Taboo (2002)
I can't believe I watched this movie.
I'm embarrassed to be writing this review. I say that because those of you reading it will know that I sat through the whole thing and that is embarrassing to admit even to strangers. But I just had to warn those who read the viewer comments on IMDb before they watch a film not to watch this one. It's the least I can do. This is a bad movie! Trust me. The plot is goofy. The acting is amateurish. And the directing, camera work, sets, costumes, etc. are all second rate. Let it go.
Gangs of New York (2002)
Disappointing
Who's idea was it to give Leo Dicaprio the lead for this film? I would like to know the reasoning behind that selection. Maybe it was the same person who decided that Cameron Diaz should have been given the role of Jenny. Neither one of those two had any business being in the movie. Was New York really that horrible in the 1860s? I'm going to have to do some research to find out. That's really the only thing I got out of the film - an interest in New York during the Civil War.
O Convento (1995)
What a waste of time
This is one of the worst movies I've ever seen. There is no plot, no action, no laughs, no "food for thought". Further, the characters are terribly dull and the acting just mediocre. From the very beginning, I never did understand what was going on. And after about 15 minutes, I didn't care. The ending was the silliest thing I've ever witnessed. Anyone who says this is a good movie must either be getting paid or else is trying to impress someone. No one, and I mean no one, who enjoys movies could find a single redeeming quality in this bomb.
Happy Accidents (2000)
What a loser!
My husband rented this film and promised me that it was a "chick flick" and that I would enjoy it. Wrong! It may have been a "chick flick". But I thought it would never end. It was much too long for the plot. And while I'm knocking it, let me also say that it was much too complicated. I never did completely understand why Sam came back to the present time and the call that Ruby made to Sam's dad. Btw...my husband didn't like it either. He fell asleep early on.
La Belle Noiseuse (1991)
A fascinating film...but soooooo long.
I liked this film. I really don't know why. I'm not sure that I understood what it was all about. Maybe you had to be a painter or French to fully appreciate it. But I am sure that it's not a film that you want to watch in one sitting. It takes awhile to get through it. I feel sorry for anyone who tried to watch this in a theater. I think the acting was good...maybe better than good. I don't know why, but I really enjoy French films. Maybe that's why I liked this one. If it had been an American or English film, I probably wouldn't have lasted more than an hour. I think what I liked best was to watch Frenhofer at work. I was utterly fascinated to watch him create such beautiful sketches of the human body on a blank canvas. I don't think I ever took my eyes away from the film as he was drawing Marianne. Creating a form from just lines and varying shades of gray is amazing to me. I also enjoyed watching him ready his studio and gather all his supplies as he prepared to sketch. To me, this film more a lesson in art than it was entertainment. I would think that anyone with the slightest interest in art would enjoy this film immensely.
Walking to the Waterline (1998)
What a surprise!
I found this movie quite by accident on the Independent Film Channel on day while I was channel surfing. I didn't get to see all of it that first time...but I made it a point to watch it in its entirety when it was on again. I loved this movie. I wouldn't give it a 10. But I would definitely give it a 7. The one thing I liked about it was its realism. This is the way people are...and this is the way people behave...and this is the way people look. The character development was outstanding and the plot was believable. The shore scenes were also wonderful. I would highly recommend this film to anyone.
Playing by Heart (1998)
Wonderful film
This is such a wonderful movie...good character and plot development, excellent dialogue, and some really nice surprises. It reminded me a lot of Magnolia. I don't remember this film playing in the theaters...but I guess it did. When I saw it on TV recently, I couldn't believe I missed it or not even heard about it. How does a movie have such great actors and actresses in it and be so entertaining and not get more publicity? Go figure.
Girl, Interrupted (1999)
Wonderful acting makes a wonderful film
I really loved this movie. The acting by everyone was magnificent. Although Winona Ryder is one of my favorite actresses, Angelina Jolie stole the show. She deserved to win the Academy Award for her marvelous performance. Any weakness in this film was in the plot, which at times lost its realism.
Eyes Wide Shut (1999)
Very entertaining movie
This is a very entertaining movie. Good casting, excellent plot, interesting situations, and lots of beautiful people in various degrees of dress...or maybe I should say undress. The acting wasn't bad either...although this was not a strong point. I believe the film was about three hours long, but it moved along so nicely I hated to see it end. I would recommend this movie to anyone...women included.
The Runner (1999)
Bad Decisions
This is a movie about making bad decisions. Ed continually gets himself in trouble because he can never make a right decision. Every time he puts himself in a position of getting out of a jam, he puts himself in a deeper jam by making another poor decision. I got so frustrated by Ed's actions that I found myself jumping up and down in front of my TV screaming at it. If anyone wants to learn a lesson or two about the consequences of your actions, this is the movie for you.
On the Border (1998)
Mixed feelings
I had mixed feelings about this movie. It started off slowly and I almost quit watching. But after the first 30 minutes, the plot became a little more clear and the movie improved. Still, the acting was not very good. I had some trouble making out the dialogue. And the "love scenes" bordered on porn. Interesting ending. Men will like this movie better than women. It's definitely a guys' flick.
Drop Dead Gorgeous (1999)
Sleeper of the Year
This is an excellent movie...terribly funny. I strongly recommend that you see it a second time because you are going to miss a lot of the laughs the first time you view it. Much of the humor is subtle...and the dialogue is often so clever that it's easy to miss a lot of the humor.
Crazy from the Heart (1991)
A really sweet movie
This was a really sweet movie about life in a small Texas town. While it might stretch your imagination to believe that a high school principal could find true love with the school janitor, it isn't hard to believe what happens when the town folks find out about it. Bigotry is still alive and well in the good old USA. I found myself rooting for true love.
Cruel Intentions (1999)
Silly movie about silly teenagers
This is a silly movie. Perhaps if you are a teenager, you might find it enjoyable and sexy. But as an adult, I found it unrealistic and disgusting. Although I don't run in wealthy, elitist circles, I find it hard to believe that teenagers have the kind of freedom, savvy and money depicted in the film. Yes...I know; it's only a movie. But the acting is bad too.
Wishful Thinking (1997)
A different kind of plot
I saw this movie without anyone telling me about it or reading anything about it. It was much better than I expected. I thought it might be just another "chick flick" with a predictable story and ending. But it turned out to be a movie with a plot that is different and definitely entertaining. Lots of nice twists and surprises...especially how it ends. I don't remember seeing a movie before quite like this one. I would highly recommend it.
Shakespeare in Love (1998)
Wonderful Love Story
This was a beautiful, wonderful love story. It took a little while to get into the film because of the way they spoke. But after I got the hang of listening carefully, the rest of the film was really fantastic.