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Reviews
The Northman (2022)
Hamlet, if Hamlet had been a Dane
This is the story of Hamlet, retold as if Hamlet had been a Dane. Not original, but still well cast and acted. Even the main character's name, "Amleth" is just another spelling for Hamlet.
The Wrong Missy (2020)
Funny!
I liked it. And that's all that matters to ME! Who cares if it's the same story you've seen many times before? It's still funny and heartwarming too.
True Grit (2010)
Absolutely FANTASTIC!
Before I say anything else, let me say this: I am a big John Wayne fan, and I loved the original when I saw it as a child. Needless to say, I went to this movie expecting to be let down and underwhelmed by the remake, but held out hope since it was a Coen Bros. project and they usually produce good films. I was surprised. This is an outstanding movie that now has become one of my favorite westerns, right up there with Unforgiven and Tombstone. I have never read the book upon which both films are based, but I imagine this version follows it more closely. The story is far richer, and the characters are given greater depth. Jeff Bridges does an excellent job filling the very big shoes of John Wayne in his famous portrayal of Rooster Cogburn. In fact, I dare to say he is even better in the role! Matt Damon plays Texas Ranger LaBeouf, and is perfect. Barry Pepper plays Lucky Ned Pepper and even looks a little like Robert Duvall in the role. But the real star of the film, and the person around whom the story revolves is Mattie Ross, who is played with Oscar-worthy depth and skill by the unknown actress Hailee Steinfeld. I'd never heard of her before this film, and I doubt the Academy will recognize her for her work because she is so young, but this young lady really impressed me. I expect to see much more from her after this movie. You will leave the theater a little sad, but the film offers plenty of laughs just like the original. LOVED IT!
The American (2010)
Shakespeare would have been proud
What started out as a promising "old-man" version of the Bourne saga, ended up as just another modern-day Shakespearean love tragedy. Ho-hum... Too slow, dragged out, and frankly, mostly boring. However, I can't say enough about Violante Placido, who plays Clara. WOW! A very attractive woman! I don't know how they keep finding these relatively unknown beauties to star alongside Clooney. Thekla Reuten is also very attractive as a fellow assassin and for some reason reminds me of a younger Diane Lane. No doubt both of these accomplished foreign actresses will see more screen-time in the U.S.. Clooney hasn't had a whole lot of successes lately. I expect this film will open strong, but fade quickly after word of mouth spreads. I gave it a six because it has just enough suspense to keep me from leaving the theater. There wasn't enough action however, to keep me from checking my watch and yawning!
Incendiary (2008)
Very good melodrama
First, let me say that I'm not usually into these types of film. I prefer the popcorn movies with lots of action and not too much to think about. Every once in a while, however, I'll rent a "high-brow" movie and often I am bored to tears. Not with this movie. I am unfamiliar with most of Michelle Williams work, but she does an excellent job here displaying a woman dealing with a deep guilt, and remorse over the loss of her son (she doesn't seem to miss her husband much, however- but I digress). I honestly believe that if you cannot relate to her character here, then you are a soul-less creature and definitely have forgotten the tragedies of 9-11-2001. Terrorism is just murder on a grand scale, and murder benefits no one. Grief is universal. Go back into your caves and let those who still have the capacity to feel relish in the tragedy portrayed by an up-and coming actress. See this one!
The Andromeda Strain (2008)
Awful
It's been a long time since I've seen such a bad movie. The original movie was suspenseful, intriguing, and emotional. This movie has none of those elements. There are plenty of bad movies that air on Saturday night on Sci-Fi channel. I sure hope this one doesn't end up there.... It's not good enough! How far has Benjamin Bratt's career sunk that he has to take on projects like this one? And why is it necessary to change the genders, sexuality, and races to "update" this movie? They really don't play an important part, so why not just leave it alone? The farther this "remake" drifts from the original script, the more laughable it becomes.... The only thing that needs updating from the original movie is the technology, and the scientific analysis that could be performed because of it. I wouldn't want my name attached to this piece of junk if I was in Hollywood!