Change Your Image
bartoncc
Reviews
Phyllis and Harold (2008)
Not worth the time
*** This review contains spoilers ***
While this was a well made film (great editing, good photography, etc), the subject matter was pretty tedious, and I lost my patience with it. Gee, one more dysfunctional family. What an original idea.
The mom and pop are almost stereotypical parents from the 50's. Domineering, patriarchal father. Submissive neurotic mother, and unsure of her life choices as the years roll by. She does get the courage to find a true lover in her 70's (although the neurosis never seems far behind), but it was too late for me. By the time the film got to that point, I had seen too much tripe.
The Governess (1998)
beautiful, stunning film
Gorgeous, stunning film! Minnie Driver shines in this film, as do several of her co-stars. Fascinating, unusual story as well. Most of these period films end in tragedy; no if, and, or buts about it. The "rise and fall" of the protagonist is the norm, as many Merchant-Ivory films portray. However, one of the pleasing aspects of this film was that the ending was mixed, and not as simple as "heroine tries for the moon; fails and is punished". In addition, I can't remember the last time I saw Sephardic Jews portrayed in a film. The vast majority of time, only Ashkenaz Jews are pictured (Jews from northern Europe and Russia). Quite refreshing to see something new. A beautiful film overall!
Gun Shy (2000)
surprisingly good film!
Big surprise of a movie! Very well written, with excellent performances by Liam Neeson and Oliver Platt. Some very witty humor, combined with lots of suspense/tension made for a rivetting film. The downsides were a few holes in the plot, as well as a somewhat "Hollywood" type of ending; a little too-neatly wrapped up. But all in all, a pleasant surprise!