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whirdy
Reviews
Pearl Harbor (2001)
History sank with this attack.
The history atrocious; the heroics foolhardy; the heroines one- dimensional; the anachronisms annoying. And was I wrong, but were there scenes from "30 Seconds Over Tokyo" cropping up here and there, from original US Navy film? I should think that with all the talent, effort and money invested in this film they would have had a better result. And where in the film did that nurse earn a Purple Heart? There was not even a hint that the American aircraft carriers, which were at sea and not in the Harbor at Pearl when it was attacked, were of concern to either the Japanese or the American military commands. To the Japanese because they did not know where they were and the Americans because they did! Having a copy of Morrison handy after seeing this film should serve as an antidote.
Signs (2002)
The National Pastime - 1 Alien invader - 0
We like Mel Gibson, but the sum of Signs is less than the total of its parts. I thought I was paying close attention, but there were some plot jumps that would even challenge an Olympic class athlete; indeed they were leaps of faith.
Gibson, in a persistent mournful state, seems more Victoria pining for Albert, than one living out a crisis of faith.
Speaking of faith, another troubling point are the last words of Gibson's wife that later in the film become prophetic and prescient. What conclusion is to be drawn when the focus of that prediction, an American icon, the baseball bat, becomes the instrument of vindication, victory and violence.
Perhaps it is all a question of what you do when confronted with terror!
My Big Fat Greek Wedding (2002)
Let the critics carp - this is one heck of a good show!
Let's face it: I was put off by the title and the luke-warm reception of the critics. I thought it was Adam Sandler goes ethnic. To mix a metaphor or two, good word-of-mouth gave it feet or legs and we finally got to see it at our local last stop movie house (where it had been running for weeks and weeks).
I'm sorry we waited so long to see it. If you haven't, walk rapidly, do not run, to your local movie. You might see us there, again.
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone (2001)
The book is the book; the film is the film.
J K Rowling is a marvelous story teller. I have enjoyed her writings, but to grasp the world of Harry Potter and his quest, repeated readings are recommended.
In the same way, the film must be seen more than once (you're welcome, Warner Bros.) to rank it fairly. I agree there were several parts of the book omitted or downplayed that should have been in the film.
The film makers should heed the outcry of the purist and try to include pertinent characters and circumstances in the future. Unfortunately they cannot print a revised edition, or can they?
I went to see it with friends and family. I don't think my youngest grandson got all of the nuances of the pictures, but Hagrid's entrance scared the heck out of him, but only for a few minutes. His brother loved it and he is five.
I rank the film below the book, but much higher than some of the art of cinema presently on your neighborhood screen.
Harry comes in with a 7 on his House Cup finals.
Die Hochzeitskuh (1999)
A pleasing trip following the travels of a wedding present.
What else could go wrong? Savings and papers stolen, stranded, misplacing a very large wedding present, find you've been using your younger sister as a role model. Love and cow conquers all! Worth a trip to the flicks.
Topsy-Turvy (1999)
A great backstage movie.
A film that can be enjoyed upon repeated viewings, to catch yourself up on all the things you missed the first time around (or even a second). Probably best seen in a real movie house - it may spill out of the small screen.