Reviews

Woody Allen is a master of words. Just simple conversation is so rich, artistic, genius, witty, and creative. Just the pauses, mumbling, shrugs, him (main character) being so awkward and in process let's out brilliant words to flow. Kenneth Branagh plays a guy who talks exactly like Woody Allen.

Woody is in his 70s, but he needs to write and direct like 20 more movies because his movies are just so rich, comical, and entertaining. I feel like reading non stop to improve my vocabulary after I watch his movies.

This movie was really fun and brilliant. Branagh plays an entertainment writer and playboy going thru divorce w his wife, Judy Davis. Not a second of slow or boring moment in this brilliant movie.

Great movie for sheer entertainment. Kurt Russell and Madeline Stowe do a great job. Ray Liotta plays a good psycho.

Cop is a v lonely guy w deep seeded issues of unworthiness. He grew up poor so he fantasizes about being w a rich, pretty lady. He feels he could never get a woman like Madeline Stowe. He feels like he can only get loose women or one night stands.

This is not reality but what it's what he feels in his mind that he "deserves". He probably had an abusive childhood w a parent who always put him down.

So he becomes obsessed w Madeline Stowe, stalks her, and feels he must have her to make him feel better about himself.

He is mentally ill. It's v entertaining. Done v well w the beautiful house, clothes, scenery. Shows Kurt Russell to be a v successful guy and Madeline Stowe to be an unattainable woman. The grass is always greener on the other side. Don't compare yourself to others. Look at yourself first and fix yourself before blaming the outside world for your problems.

I lived in LA when this movie came out. Ad said "do you ever feel like this?" Me and co-worker said, "we feel like that everyday." LA is a crazy town. So crowded, dangerous, dirty, expensive, and so many absolute uneducated, losers living there. Then there are the ultra wealthy that go to Stanford and live in Beverly Hills. Can't help but envy them.

Also there are the blondes who get a million plastic surgeries and fake boobs and all the men who lust after them. It's a fun town if u have money, are 18, and just want to party. If you're trying to make a living, good luck.

The frustration this man felt is felt by everyone stuck in LA traffic. Or just by someone simply running an errand in LA and realizes what an incredibly dangerous city it is.

This man had serious rage and mental issues though. He was divorced and lost custody of his 6 yr old daughter. He was also laid off and living w his v timid mom. He had a domestic violence background w his ex wife.

So he was psychotic.

But watching the lead character go thru various parts of LA and rage w frustration is relatable. Like the traffic, all the cars honking, the extremely wealthy family he runs into, the Korean store guy who's so disrespectful. The Mexican gang bangers who tried to rob him. The homeless guy who tries to scam him. Him being laid off from the Aerospace industry.

His frustration just builds. He needed to take a mild tranquilizer, regroup, go for a walk or swim, and lastly move out of his mom's house.

But the movie is relatable because LA is so violent. It's common to see guns and to be surrounded by gang bangers. V common to witness a crime.

This movie expresses frustration every LA resident feels daily. I like how they show the different neighborhoods. Storytelling is good. He's a man in his mid 40's who's basically forgotten about by his society. And he feels v angry and jilted.

Great movie to watch if you're from LA. It's a great town. We still have time to save it.

Nostalgic 80s LA romantic comedy with John Ritter John Bennett Perry, Connie Sellecca, Scott Bakula, and Shannon Tweed. John Bennett Perry is Matthew Perry's dad! John Ritter looks very handsome in this movie. He meets Connie Sellacca and falls in love. John Ritter is a Michigan alumni. Connie Celica is a Raiders fan. John Bennett Perry is taking her for granted. John Ritter is a playboy and is looking for a meaningful relationship. John Ritter and Connie Celica meet and fall in love. It's about slowing down and being with the right person and not just with a good looking man. Rest in peace John Ritter and Matthew Perry. Very nostalgic 80s Los Angeles scene.

A random movie for Harrison Ford who normally plays action heroes. Here he plays a romantic lead. Him and Kristin Scott Thomas have zero chemistry.

I had a hard time believing her as an American Senator. She is European and has an English accent and European mannerisms.

Harrison Ford acts really stiff and is not natural or charismatic in this role. What a waste of an incredible actor.

The 2nd half of the movie was not thought out at all. The storyline was all over the place. The director should have demanded a rewrite. And Kristin Scott Thomas was not right for this role. (Glenn Close would have been better.)

It's about spouses cheating and how it happens more than we think. The script was really bad. It needed more depth. What's the core of the story? Undeveloped storyline. Not convincing.

A v boring movie about an extremely wealthy upper west side family w a v controlling, emotionless mom. The mom dresses in beige and grey, pulls her hair back in a bun, is stiff and emotionless, and an utter snob.

She talks constantly of $400 vases, matching drapes w furniture, etc. Her husband is a v successful attorney who can't seem to get the heck away from her.

The family dinners w the 2 adult daughters sound like a business meeting.

During one of these dinners, the dad announces in a formal manner to his wife (in front of his daughters), that he wishes to have a trial separation and move out of the house.

His wife starts crying. His wife (the mom) (played by actress, Geraldine Page), moves out herself. Within months she falls into a deep depression, starts feeling really sorry for herself, and acts v needy.

She becomes v emotionally disturbed and depressed. She is v rigid and emotionless on the outside. A woman in deep denial. She obviously has deep seeded issues that she has never addressed.

She needed this marriage and family to give her an identity. Once that's gone, she can't deal w facing her real inner pain.

Movie is v sterile and stoic w formal dialogue that sounds like its from an English textbook. Can't really relate to or like any of the characters. Found this movie v boring.

Jack's a cutie pie that leads a v superficial life w supermodels and fake friends. He doesn't know the word "commit". Diane is an overly responsible, over achiever, who has always taken care of others. And she doesn't want to get her heart broken again.

She ends up falling for Jack. Lesson in life: don't fall for a guy like Jack. They never change.

Should Diane exercise caution, like always, or go w her heart and go for this guy?

I'm halfway thru this movie, and Diane K. Is crying her eyes out.

Cute movie, not sure how Diane K. Can have such a perfectly kept house w perfectly set table and perfectly prepared meals? I didn't see any maids or cooks. Her house scenes look like a commercial.

Jack N. Is adorable but always plays a womanizer. Diane Keaton is a classic over achiever. Woman who has it all and is down to earth. I think she's supposed to be like Nora Ephron or Elaine May (writer).

Great movie and perfect romantic comedy.

Movie shows how Jackie felt first few days after JFK's death. She was v alone. Except for Bobby Kennedy, no one else was there for her to confide in. A journalist (Billy Crudup) interviews her in her cold home and asks her what she remembers about the assassination. She talks candidly w him and then says "you are not allowed to print that."

She also confides in a priest (John Hurt). She asks "what will people think of me now?" She asks a female assistant to read her letters of condolences.

One night, she walks around the house trying on different outfits, drinking and smoking cigarettes and plays the record "Camelot".

Jackie seems completely in shock and almost disassociated. One scene she yells at Bobby for not telling her that Oswald was killed.

To the reporter (Billy Crudup), she says "my husband wasn't perfect but he was mine." And "he was a good father." She also tells another person "Jack and I hardly ever spent the night together."

She's so alone in that White House and then steps on to a crowd of thousands just outside, waiting for the funeral procession. Yet no one to talk to.

One scene, a staff member tries to be condescending w her about security concerns and the funeral procession, but she doesn't allow it.

She's extremely intelligent, well read, ambitious, and strong willed.

Good movie. I watched it in honor of the 60th anniversary of the assassination.

When Tom Cruise didn't win Oscar for this, I was truly shocked. I'm positive that he has angered some big time execs in Hollywood to constantly be snubbed of this much deserved award.

Tom knocked this role out of the ballpark. Especially the scene where he is in the wheelchair and gets into an argument and further injures himself by breaking bones in his leg. Excruciating pain.

He plays the role of the forgotten Vietnam vet, Ron Kovic, beautifully. He goes to Vietnam only to be stuck there and not supported by his own country. Also completely neglected when he returns, paralyzed w out the use of his legs. False promises by his country.

V sad story. Shows how political war is w very little regard for human lives. What I liked most about the film is Tom Cruise's electric performance.

Tom can do action and drama as he has proven in "Minority Report" and many other movies.

The music score is brilliant. The sad music they play when Truman is hitting golf balls w his friend is so touching. You can feel his sadness. He has no one to talk to. He feels trapped in his life and knows something is off.

Everyone around him seems fake. His wife doesn't acknowledge his feelings. She just manipulates him.

I can relate. I have led such a fake life for many years now. It's a v sad existence. You are constantly gas lighted.

Jim Carrey is constantly crying in this movie. Crying out. Poor guy. W the brilliant director, Peter Weir, movie does a great job of conveying this message. Carrey deserved an Oscar for this.

James Spader at his best. Michael (James Spader) is a v successful young man in LA in late 80s who has trouble saying no.

He has a controlling girlfriend. An older brother who is an underachiever and always borrows money. A coworker who is v manipulative and walks all over him.

His life is being "run" for him. Until he meets Alex (Rob Lowe) who is a rogue, bravado guy who does whatever he wants. Michael (James Spader) is drawn to him.

It starts out fun but Michael later finds out "grass is always greener on the other side", and his life was a actually pretty good when it was "boring".

Rob Lowe his 80s good looking best. Fun movie if you were an 80s yuppie and want to see the South Bay Area in LA. Nostalgic.

Fantastic movie w 80s Jamie Lee! A seemingly successful man becomes obsessed w a female cop after he witnesses her killing store robber.

Not much is mentioned about this man's background and why he becomes obsessed w a stranger. But he may have had a domestic violence background.

He's a rich stockbroker but steals a gun and goes on a shooting spree.

Jamie Lee is the rookie cop that's trying to save her mom from her dad. Jamie looks v pretty.

There's a low tense music in the background the whole time. Don't live in NYC. Everyone is crazy. And don't date a stranger.

The stalker becomes a serial killer. Why?

What a fantastic idea to do this just 2 yrs ago. Will be in the time capsule forever. This was obviously a tight group, w great memories.

This is reflection of what happens in real life.

You go to high school or college w a group of close friends. And 20 yrs later, some of you have changed (grown) for the better. And some have gone thru tough times.

One end is Aniston who is a huge success. Other is: MP who fell victim to his demons and fought many tough battles which could be seen in his physical appearance and demeanor. It is v sad.

I was working a lot while this show was on and did not watch it regularly.

They show the actual set, dressing rooms, craft services (dining) room etc.

Warner Bros recently tore their entire lot down and took down many classic TV show sets including the Friends fountain! :(. What a travesty.

Not sure if any of the mementos from the reunion show were saved?

Watching this reunion show after MP's passing, is a bitter reminder to: enjoy this moment because u may not get it back.

Even though they got back together, it wasn't the same w everyone so much older and MP in such poor health. :(

Rest In Peace Matthew Perry and thanks for the memories. :(

MP plays a guy who is feeling emotionally numb and depressed. Until he meets a woman that jolts him back to life.

Since he just passed 4 days ago, wondering if the storyline has anything in common w his own personal life? (He does NOT suffer from alcohol or drug addiction is the movie.)

Just a guy who is lonely. Kevin Pollack plays his buddy who's trying to help him snap out of it.

Turns out MP just lacks an emotional connection w another person.

In MP's book, he mentions serial dating many, many women but refuses to make a commitment.

If u want to see MP again one last time, like I did, this movie may be right for you.

This movie is all good and fun things. You can eat popcorn, candy, butterscotch, and cake. That is how good this movie feels.

Julia Roberts and Richard Gere have perfect chemistry. They light up the screen and fully entertain us for 2 hours.

The director, the late Garry Marshall, shined like a diamond when he created this gem. Oscar worthy.

The screenplay was excellent and felt like a Nora Ephron or Rob Reiner film. In other words, cozy and perfect.

Classic Hollywood romantic comedy. Felt like an old school Frank Capra or Billy Wilder film.

Julia Roberts and Richard Gere hit the jackpot. All credit goes to the screenplay by J. F. Lawton and superb directing by the late Garry Marshall.

Best supporting actor award goes to Hector Elizondo for playing the hotel manager who adores Julia Roberts.

Julia Roberts becomes a household name. She steals the show as a v charismatic and witty natural beauty. That red, ruby necklace is perfect for her.

If you want to create a blockbuster, feel good movie, this is your template.

Patrick Swayze is perfect as the hot boyfriend, and Demi Moore is perfect as the adorable, beautiful, loving girlfriend. Whoopi great side kick.

I have seen this movie 10 plus times and never gets old. Perfectly done from beginning to end. The story is so innovative. And acting by all is superb. The screen play deserved an Oscar. Extremely original.

Great popcorn movie to watch alone or w friends. Greatest love story pre "Titanic".

Director, cinematography, screenplay, and acting. All Oscar worthy. And the soundtrack.

True love never dies. Love lasts forever. This is a modern day classic, Hollywood romance movie. R.i.p. Patrick Swayze.

Harvey Milk is one of the most courageous and inspiring people I have ever heard of. What an absolutely charismatic and fearless man.

He was bright, cheerful, and a much needed leader. What an oppressed group of people the LBGTQ community was. And San Francisco, the Castro district, was their haven. Thank god they at least had that. And thank god for Harvey Milk.

I cannot imagine being gay and being from a small town like in the Midwest. What isolation, discrimination, and personal turmoil they must have gone thru.

Movie is v empowering for LBGTQ and anyone who is a minority or an outcast. We must continue the fight for rights for all minorities.

Sean Penn is excellent. Gus Van Sant excellent directing. Thank you for telling the story of this v important man in our human history.

Based on a real life nun from New Orleans who worked w death row inmates and who has been v outspoken about the death penalty.

Sean Penn does a great job as the tortured soul who regrets his mistakes.

It is a great movie about a v serious topic. The death penalty. Is it humane? Should we do it or are all criminals capable of being reformed?

It makes us look at a criminal who has been given the harsh sentence of the death penalty and what anguish he goes through. Susan Sarandon plays the nun who goes there to offer him spiritual guidance.

At the end, she is the only person he has to talk to and confide in.

Entertaining. Nicole Kidman is excellent as the v pretty, tight clothes wearing, zealous sociopath who cons Matt Dillon into marrying her.

Based on a true story. It is entertaining if you want to see Kidman w perfect hair, make up, and tight clothes.

She is an uneducated, small town girl that wants out of her situation. And needs to use everyone along the way. Matt Dillon is a fool who falls in lust and marries her. His family sees the truth.

It is a little like "Fatal Attraction". People are not really as they appear. Even attractive people can be evil.

Matt Damon comes from a traditional Italian family. His dad is v strict and possessive. Do not cross his dad. Will Nicole Kidman's character heed the warning?

Joaquin Phoenix plays a teenage student who falls for her also.

If something seems too good to be true, it probably is. Nicole Kidman's character is like a candy that is deceivingly hard, sweet, and delicious on the outside but filled w arsenic.

This movie confused me, but I felt really sorry for the main character, Carol (Julianne Moore). The first 30 min of movie shows her as this v attractive, wealthy, suburban house wife living in Los Angeles (San Fernando Valley).

But after the first 30 min she starts to experience cough, difficulty breathing, nose bleeds etc. Then one night a total breakdown where she asks her husband "where am I?" and starts crying. She is confused and having a mental breakdown.

Her husband, Greg (Xander Berkeley), is emotionless, muted, completely clueless, and emotionally unsupportive.

She lives a v passive, stale, emotionless, robotic life where despite of attractive outward appearances she just goes thru the motions of decorating her house, going to baby showers, lunches w friends, etc.

She needs something to connect w emotionally. She is just so quiet and her emotionless husband does absolutely nothing.

She thinks she may be reacting to fumes like from trucks, pollutants, industry etc and goes to support groups.

After about the 1st hour, I lost total interest in the movie as it takes a turn into the science fiction realm. It started to feel like an episode of "The X Files".

She speaks in a soft monotone thru out the movie.

This movie just needed more emotion. Sadness, anger, outrage, jealousy, anything. We needed the character to react w more emotion, and it needed to elicit emotion in us. It did not happen.

Not sure what the director's idea of the movie was. But my take was the main character, Carol (Julianne Moore), is having a psycho somatic illness due to some strong repressed memories. She going thru a psychosis and suffering from a mental breakdown. She cannot connect w her current reality anymore. It is her minds way of saying "face your repressed memories".

A little family background on her like who is her mom and dad etc may have helped us understand her.

But the sci-fi story line on her reacting to "chemicals" and she needed to be completely isolated from rest of society is v weird, boring, and creepy. It is a waste of a great actress like Julianne Moore.

It is like saying in order to feel "safe", she needed to be in an isolated camp separate from society w others similar to herself. Is that really "safe" or is it just making her problem worse?

No matter what the issue was, putting her away in an isolated camp was the answer. She needed therapy and she needs to mingle and be integrated into mainstream society. She needs to maintain her social connections in order to heal. Not be further isolated from them.

Moral of the story is: whatever illness you are suffering from, mental or otherwise, you are still part of society. Work w therapists to get better. Putting you away in an isolated "camp" is not the answer. Be brave, face it, and fight to remain in mainstream society. And society needs to do the same. Society needs to accept them and create resources to help. It is a problem we need to face and not hide.

We are not really completely "safe" anywhere. Pollutants, repressed memories, etc. Anything can get you. You cannot exist in a vacuum. You have to live w these problems as they are part of the real world. By isolating yourself in your house or camp etc, you are not really "safe". It is just an illusion of safety. You are further aggravating the problem.

Director, Todd Haynes, needs to come on here and explain what the heck he was trying to say in this movie. Carol (Julianne Moore) 's nose bleed was due to sheer boredom of this movie.

Modern day Hitchcock. First 15 min are seemingly innocent and pleasant. Then it takes you on a very terrifying and increasingly escalating ride.

Alex Forrest (Glenn Close) is a modern day, independent career woman and seductress w very deep seeded issues. She needs others (external validation) to fulfill her.

Dan Gallagher (Michael Douglas) is a dashing young attorney and family man. He wants to have a one night stand w Alex.

Alex is like a volcano who has not fully come up terms w her own problems. She wants to completely own Dan.

The director does a great job of showing her all pretty, cool, and sophisticated in the beginning. Then when she starts to lose grip on reality, her appearance is disheveled and haggard.

Alex Forrest (Glenn Close) is what happens when you do not go to therapy. Very terrifying.

The movie does a great job of taking us on an increasingly escalating roller coaster ride. Movie never lets up on the suspense. It is a master piece that is worthy of being at same level as a Hitchcock classic.

Glen Close definitely deserved an Oscar for this role. Also screen play, directing, cinematography, and production (best picture) were deserving of Oscars.