Change Your Image
mr_fiore
Reviews
Dead Broke (1998)
A sleeper goof on film noir.
This flick looked rather predictable and unspectacular at first, but the more I watched the more I laughed. Aside from the fact the I kept seeing one familiar face after another (John Glover, Jill Hennessey, Tony Roberts, etc.)I was beguiled by the way the humor was slipped in, so subtle that one almost wouldn't notice. As I missed the beginning, I really would make the effort to see it in its entirety, and consider it well worth it. Glover is great as the detective, and the amount of times they had to bleep out dialog for the channel I was watching it on only made it funnier. My favorite scene by far concerns the two versions of a story told about the collection agency efforts of one of the female characters- the besieged debtor is verbally torn to pieces by said bill collector, in his version; her version has her engaging him on the phone in just the sweetest, softest way imaginable. There are subplots and subterfuges all over the place, with a conclusion which again contains little glints of humor and a satisfactory result. Worth watching if you come across it at the video store or on the tube, especially if you like goofs on film noir.
More to Love (1999)
Quick thoughts on this movie.
A solid and interesting treatment of the related topics of weight and body image for women. Well thought out and portrayed, with insightful attention to significant issues for women today regarding self esteem, the importance of individuality versus societal acceptance, and the value of support and respect for physical differences among all people. Touches nicely on the difficulties women have of integrating the perceptions in society of how they should appear,(ie, the ideals of perfect womanhood) against the reality of the actual enormous range of women in the world today. The main character evolves from being insecure and naive, travels a path of self exploration and rises to a more noble and resilient place in the world. The lead roles are played with intelligence and touching candor, leading to a credible and positive climax for this film. I would like to see more from this team, particularly the actress in the lead- she is refreshing and memorable and a welcome presence on the screen.