Reviews

I understand that this film had three different directors - its shows. The film had some definite moments but then dragged out everywhere else. The general storyline was good - but somehow it kept getting lost in the script and direction.

I am a fan of Izabella Scorupco and was looking forward to seeing her in another film. I was very impressed with performance in GOLDENEYE. Her later films were less entertaining, but she always managed to shine. While her performance was adequate here, it reminds me of the saying that "a cook is only as good as his ingredients." I guess that a good actor can only be as good as the quality of the script that they are handed.

I believe that Iza's role was added in by Harlin during his reshoot. I believe that she had a baby in December 2003, which meant that working in a film during that short amount of time is a credit to her endurance and reliability.

I liked the film for it general storyline. It also reminds me that when evil is trying to misdirect or seduce someone, it may not come in a form that is ugly or frightening ... it may come in a form that is alluring and seductive - like that of a beautiful woman.

... these are exactly the feelings that I would have felt if I had been in the same set of conditions as the two people who were left behind in the ocean.

The scenario is very plausible and supposedly happened to at least one couple. You would have thought the expedition leader would have done a name/roll call rather than a head count, but it could have easily have happened that way.

Considering that this film was done for a film festival with a very limited budget, it was very well done. The last feature from Cannes that I remember making it to the big screen was THE BLAIR WITH PROJECT. While that film received considerable hype and promotion prior to its release, the actual film didn't do much for me. For the film OPEN WATER, however, I was thoroughly impressed.

The entire time that they are in the water kept giving me feelings of anxiety and helplessness. There is very little that they could have done to protect themselves. They are completely at the mercy of the ocean.

The ending of the film was very unexpected - especially the added scenes during the end credits. The theatre was very quiet at the end and no one said word as they exited. Roger Ebert had commented that he needed to take a walk after seeing the film - so did I ... a very long and solitary walk. This film left me with a feeling of complete hopelessness.

I was expecting a little more from this film, but it really didn't start to take off until more than hour into the picture. Most historical films take some liberties with thought-provoking statements and/or comic relief. This film, however, simply delivered factual rhetoric for the first hour. It wasn't until the second hour that the actors seemed to get into character and the story really picked up.

I will probably research some of the scenes that I saw to see how "accurate" they may or may not have been. It was the end sequence that I was really waiting for. I know from history that the final battle ended in a matter of minutes. Supposedly the reason for this was that Santa Anna took a nap every day around 4pm. Houston became of aware of this and launched his attack right after 4pm, catching the Mexican leader literally asleep at the switch. I didn't really see anything to prove or disprove this fact in the film. It would have been nice to see, however.

Overall, a watchable film. I will give it an 8/10 mostly for the excellent sets and costumes. The acting was good, but more could have been done to enhace the script.

I went to this film with fairly high hopes. In the late 80's and early 90's, Kevin Costner was one of my favorite actors. I consider DANCE WITH WOLVES his masterpiece, and it was without a doubt a very fitting tribute to the American Indian. I even took a road trip in 1992 to the Black Hills of South Dakota, just to see the area and the film sites.

Unfortunately, during the mid to late 90's, Kevin's career went south. The only film during this time that I found remotely entertaining was WYATT EARP. While this film was entirely too long and too detailed, it was worth watching once or twice.

While I had read mixed reviews, I was not discouraged from seeing OPEN RANGE. I was pleasantly surprised that Costner gave more screen time to Duvall than he did himself. Costner seemed more comfortable in the role of a supporting actor rather than the leading actor. Furthermore, this film seemed a unique combination of ideas from previous Westerns, right down to the gunfights.

I have heard some "complaints" that the film has too much talk. While I agree that there is plenty of dialogue, it's good dialogue. It's witty and thoughtful and can keep the viewer's attention rather than put them to sleep (a wonderful asset for any "talkative" film).

I plan to see this film again and will definitely buy it when it comes out on video. I certainly hope Costner will take his next few films in better stride this time than he did ten years ago. However, for the moment, Kevin should enjoy the good reviews that he will undoubtedly receive for this film. For the moment, Costner has returned.

By no means is this film a blockbuster, but it is still a basic comedy and fairly entertaining. I saw this during a Saturday matinee and realized how appropriate that was. It made for a good matinee film to kill an afternoon.

Murphy made for a good self-centered introvert. De Niro, as always, can easily adapt himself to any role. Even though he was supposed to be the serious character, it was obvious by the end that he probably had fun making this film.

This is definitely one worth renting for a rainy weekend.

I was surprised that I just read a very negative review of this movie. Someone actually gave it a 2/10. What an insult!

While I will admit that Gene Hackman has had more noteworthy films, in no way should that detract from this one. It was very entertaining and had a great soundtrack (yet another credit for long-time veteran Jerry Goldsmith). All too often I find this movie playing on Saturday & Sunday afternoons...and why not? It makes for a great matinee.

The story was very basic: small town basketball team begins rising through the ranks with a shot at the state championship. Strong acting, a good script, and the soundtrack made it very worthwhile.

I would rate this movie in the same ranks as A LEAGUE OF THEIR OWN, which was another good one. So if it's rainy day or if you're just staying in, then rent this one.