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Reviews
Baby Boom (1987)
Sweet-Natured Comedy from the Heart
Sweet-natured comedy from the heart in which Diane Keaton delivers one of her best performances to date. I remember seeing this film back when it was released in 1987 and I loved it. I love it more today than I did then. It's funny, sweet, sassy and charming without being too mushy.
American Beauty (1999)
It Makes You Think
Completely absorbing comedy-drama with a heart. This is what film making should do. It entertains and makes you think. The performances are top notch as is the writing. Kevin Spacey, in an Oscar winning role, and Annette Bening lead the fine cast and they are exceptional. The supporting cast is equally impressive including Chris Cooper, Thora Birch, Mena Suvari and Wes Bentley. What impressed me most about this film is how honest it is. It never gives in to stereotypes we've all grown use to in cinema today. It makes you laugh, it makes you cry but above all it makes you think.
As Good as It Gets (1997)
I Can't Say Enough Good Things About This Movie
I can't say enough good things about this movie. The performances are first-rate, the direction is superb and the writing is fantastic. The story centers around three very different and unique individuals played by Jack Nicholson, in an Oscar winning role, Helen Hunt, also an Oscar winner and Greg Kinnear. Director James L. Brooks allows his actors to explore the quirkiness inside and what comes out in the process is pure magic. The chemistry between Nicholson and Hunt is divine and Kinnear gives grace and desperation to what could've been just another Hollywood stereotype of a gay male. The film is charming, funny, romantic, sad and everything you could want in a movie. Definatly worth a look!
The American President (1995)
I Don't Think Michael Douglas Has Ever Been Better
This is one of those movies that makes you glad they make 'em like they use to. Michael Douglas leads the cast as President Andrew Shepherd. What I like most about this particular presidential performance is that it seems so real. He seems like an Average Joe who just happens to be President of the United States. I don't think Michael Douglas has ever been better. Then there is Annette Bening. This is also one of her best performances. She gives Sidney Ellen Wade flare, charisma and above all, a human touch. The two leads play off each other very well and really make you like them. Yes there are numerous political situations throughout. What did you expect? It's a story about the president. The story is a little far-fetched but who cares. It gives you an opportunity to see the role of the president from a different side. Great movie!
Almost Famous (2000)
Brilliant and Bittersweet
I have to admit I didn't have much interest in this film when I first heard about it. I've admired Cameron Crowe as both a writer and director since he helmed the romantic comedy-drama Jerry Maguire but I had no idea what I was in store for. He makes what could have just another cruise down memory lane, a brilliant and bittersweet love song to rock music. The music is great as is the recreation of the times. The performances though are what really make this film stand out above most others released in 2000. Frances McDormand, as usual, gives one of the most honest and believable performances of a mother I have ever witnessed. She's forthright, honest and loving without becoming a classic stereotype we've all grown use to. She takes it up a couple of notches. Kate Hudson has really come into her own as an actress. I think after this film, she will no longer be known as just Goldie Hawn's daughter. This is her stepping out film. (I think she should've won the Oscar too!) And what a find in Patrick Fudgit. He gives soul and substance to what could've been another boring clad quiet person cum hero. If you want a really good film with really great writing, directing, music and acting, definatly check this one out.
101 Dalmatians (1996)
Fun For The Whole Family
Absolutely adorable "live-action" version of the classic animated Disney tale. Glenn Close gives a stand-out Golden Globe nominated performance as the ultimate villain - Cruella DeVil. Fun atmosphere, lively costumes and of course, the puppies make this fun for the whole family.
The Addams Family (1991)
Surprisingly Good Update of the Classic TV Series
Surprisingly good update of the classic TV series has our favorite "weird" family in a series of fun misadventures. The sets are outstanding as is the cinematography. Anjelica Huston and Raul Julia stand out as the forever morbid couple Gomez and Morticia Addams as does Christina Ricci in a scene stealing role as Wednesday Addams. Nice directorial debut by Barry Sonnenfeld.
Aliens (1986)
One of the Best Sci-Fi Films of All Time
One of the best sci-fi films of all time. James Cameron proves once again why he is one of the most formidable directors working today. He takes what could have been just another cheesy rip-off of the classic 1979 thriller Alien and gives us an entirely new world and new experience around every corner. This is powered by an absolutely brilliant performance by Sigourney Weaver who received a well-deserved Oscar nomination for Best Actress. The sets are marvelous, the story compelling and the suspense almost unbearable at times. This is what movie making should be. Great film all around.
Nine to Five (1980)
For Anyone Who's Ever Wanted To Get Back At Their Boss
Classic work-force comedy about three struggling working girls and their ultimate revenge on their pig-headed boss. This is one of those films that never gets old. The jokes and situations are just as funny now as they were 20 years ago. The three stars (Tomlin, Fonda, Parton) work great together as they offer up the perfect solution for anyone who's ever wanted to get back at their boss. Don't miss it!