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Reviews
Love Actually (2003)
Watch it again and again.
I have seen "Love Actually" three or four times and try to watch it every year around Christmas time. I never get tired of it. It is a very complex story that some people will find hard to follow as it jumps from one story to another. I like complex so had no trouble with it. The acting is spot on, all characters seem real. I found it a very enjoyable film. Something I had never seen before. I can recommend this to any adult.
Looking forward to Christmas so I can watch it again.
5 to 7 (2014)
Thoroughly enjoyable film
From the first minute I was glued to my seat and completely enthralled by what was unfolding before my eyes. It kept my attention right through to the very end. I am not sure I would call it a romantic comedy as it was very intense throughout. There were a few laughing moments but not a lot. But it was very romantic. So well acted and written. Glenn Close and Frank Langella were a surprise as Brian Blooms parents. They were so good but I shouldn't be surprised as they are great actors. The whole cast was outstanding. Kudos to the writer/director Victor Levin.
Single Parents (2018)
Not Funny
First of all I am a big Brad Garret fan. But after watching the first two episodes without a laugh I have taken it off my DVR. I can't laugh at stupidity unless it's the Marx brothers or Jerry Lewis. This show is supposed to be funny but it's not. The kids are too cute to be real. Give it a miss.
This Is Us: Moonshadow (2017)
The finale was not what I expected but was still mind-blowing
I have seen every episode of "This is Us". Why, because it is by far the best drama on TV today. I am sure everyone expected that we would learn how Jack died in this episode. Well we didn't but saying that it was still a great episode due to the tight directing of Ken Olin and the expert acting turned in by Mandy {Rebecca}and Milo {Jack} The argument scene was as intense and dynamic as anything you will see on the screen.I still have chills thinking about it. I believe I read in Wikipedia that they rehearsed 2 days preparing for that scene and believe me it came off as good as they could hope for. As a devoted fan of this show I enjoyed every week and is very glad that NBC has asked for at least 2 more seasons. What a great show.
Major Crimes: Frozen Assets (2014)
Worst Major Crimes episode I've seen
I have been watching Major Crimes since the beginning. I watched the Closer from it's beginning in 2005. This episode was so lame I couldn't believe that James Duff (the series creator) co-wrote it. The minute I saw the next door neighbor played by Harry Groener (a well known character actor) I knew he would turn out to be the murderer. And I was right. Bringing back Dick Tracy from The Closer was also a cheap shot at humor. It was funny the first time but not worth a repeat. I can only hope this was a momentary lapse. The story was about a dead dog who inherited a mansion belonging his dead multi-millionaire mistress. The dog was poisoned and it is suspected that his mistress was also poisoned. The major crimes squad had to investigate and find the killer. How they hit upon the next door neighbor is never explained.
Sexy Beast (2000)
A brilliantly acted and directed tight British drama.
I just saw this film for the second time and it was as captivating and intense as the first time I saw it. Ben Kingsley is brilliant in his portrayal as an evil London gangster. The rest of the cast play off him superbly. This is a very good movie and is so well acted and directed that it deserved bigger audience. I give it 4 1/2 * out of 5.
Auto Focus (2002)
Boring study of a man obsessed with sex.
I found the first hour of this movie to be very uninteresting and boring. It was so boring that 3 members of our group walked out. It would have been 4 but my wife was asleep. It got a little better later on, but not much. Total waste of time to see this. It said nothing and left me with the question "So What, Who cares." I couldn't believe that Ebert gave it 4 stars. He must be losing it. I would give it 1 star as the acting was indeed very good.
Surrender (1987)
Excellent performance by both Caine and Fields
I really enjoyed this romantic comedy. I found it funny and kept my interest throughout. Sterling performances by Sally Field and Michael Caine. Some of the supporting cast also turned in good performances. Well worth catching on video or cable.
Six Feet Under (2001)
A very interesting television drama with a sense of humor.
I saw the first episode tonight and it really got my interest. Cant wait until next week for the second installment. Its cleverly written and very well acted. All the characters introduced tonight are interesting and believable. The script is very intelligent and the story develops at a rapid pace. The insertions of the pseudo commercials were very funny and appropriate. I just hope it continues at this high level.
In the Company of Men (1997)
This movie stinks and you wont be sorry if you don't see it.
This movie is bad in every way. Subject, Acting, Script, Direction. It was completely without any redeeming qualities. It was one of the few movies I have seen that I genuinely regret not walking out on. Why would anyone want to sit through a movie about 2 men mentally torturing an innocent woman.
Chicken Run (2000)
Well worth seeing, no matter what age you think you are
I went with my daughter and grandson (6) and we all enjoyed it very much. The takeoff on "The Great Escape" made it for me. Mel Gibson and British actress playing Ginger were terrific. A truly funny picture that shouldn't disappoint anyone. Beats the pants off those special effect monstrosities the studios bring out during the summer.
Magnolia (1999)
I cannot think of a better motion picture than Magnolia!
This is in the same class as Pulp Fiction and Fargo. A perfect movie for an audience that is willing to let the director take them to places they haven't been before. Totally original. Brilliant acting. Too big and complex to view only once. I can only wonder how many times I will go back to view this masterpiece. If you do see this picture and recommend it to friends please don't reveal the ending.
American Beauty (1999)
Excellent movie with 3 Oscar worthy performances
To tell the truth after reading Roger Ebert's review I didn't want to go see this picture. As the father of 4 daughters I didn't think I would enjoy seeing a grown man lusting after a teenager. However, friends raved about it so I went tonight. It was not what I first thought it would be. It was deeply thoughtful and so well written, acted and directed that it could be the best picture made this year. Its very funny and very sad and when it was over I thought to myself that I just saw an excellent motion picture that kept me wondering all through it what was going to happen next. Performances by Kevin Spacey, Annette Bening and Chris Cooper (who I personally think is one of the most underrated actors in Hollywood) are definitely destined to be considered for Oscar nominations. If you are willing to see a really adult movie go to this one.
Mumford (1999)
Just a simply delightful movie, not to be missed.
I saw this with my wife and adult daughter. We all thought it was an outstanding very original, very entertaining movie. The cast was perfect. The writing was pure Kasdan and there was never a dull moment. There are many unforgetable funny lines so go see it and enjoy, you wont be sorry.
The Thomas Crown Affair (1999)
Good, But not as good as the original.
I cant for the life of me understand why they changed the ending. I feel they did a great job in changing the details of the capers but they left out all the planning that was an important part of the original. Then they screwed up one of the best endings in the history of Hollywood motion pictures. Shame on them.
Summer of Sam (1999)
I liked what the director was trying to show.
My main comment about this film is that of all the critical reviews I read on the internet, only Roger Ebert got it right. The ones who didn't like it saw it differently than I and Mr. Ebert saw it and were not impressed. I saw it as a very good study of people and how they reacted to the horrific events going on close to them. The director allowed us to be the ly on the wall, observing a happening. The cast was outstanding and therefore I remained interested. Good flick.