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Reviews
Amores perros (2000)
A surprising and perfectly directed movie
I can't blame myself enough for not having watched this movie before. I was completely moved and shattered by what I saw. Not only the directing is superb, but the acting is perfect. This movie is everything Tarrantino or Spike Lee try to achieve and never can.
The Princess Diaries (2001)
Anne Hattaway dumps the movie, in spite of Julie Andrews
It is a pity that Anne Hattaway was casted as the leading actress in this movie, because she is just terrible in it. She almost dumps the movie. Her scenes with Julie Andrews are a little more acceptable, because Julie can save them all. However, whenever she is alone or with the other actors, it is embarrassing to see her. She just doesn't know how to act. Garry Marshall could have a done more for this movie, specially with this so-called actress Anne Hattaway.
Legally Blonde (2001)
Reese Witherspoon shines
If it weren't for Ms. Witherspoon this movie would have been a bomb. A silly plot and an uninspired direction don't help the movie at all. Reese Witherspoon though lights up the screen with a delightful and wonderful performance. She is funny and intense. Reese proves that she is one of the best American actresses of her age.
Valentine (2001)
Disappointing in a way
I had high expectations about this movie, specially because it was produced by a major studio. However, it is just a so-so slow-moving horror movie with some good and interesting scenes. It will be of some interest to horror movie fans like me though.
Galaxy Quest (1999)
A really delightful movie
"Galaxy Quest" is a delight and a true surprise. I had not seen such a funny movie in quite a long time. I cannot stop being surprised by Sigourney Weaver. She can be splendid in all kinds of roles and she is superb in this movie - funny and intense.
Requiem for a Dream (2000)
Ellen Burstyn in one of the best performances ever by an American actress
I have finally had the chance to watch this movie and although its flaws, mostly due to its unnecessary "modern" style, it is a movie based on its actors' performances. Ellen Burstyn is nothing short of magnificent - this must be one of the best performances by an American actress in movie history. The last part of the movie, when Ellen almost dominates the screen, is unforgettable. I wonder how an actress can accomplish what Ms. Burstyn did in this movie. I have paid a lot of attention to Ellen Burstyn over these years and I am glad she is still around offering us her brilliance. Bravo Ms. Burstyn!
The Truth About Jane (2000)
A poignant movie with touching performances
I was completely amazed and touched by this movie. The performances were great, specially the one by Stockard Channing. The plot was very well developed and the characters all seem extremely believable. A really great movie!
Billy Elliot (2000)
A wonderful experience
This movie is truly a little gem. The brilliant performance by Jamie Bell, who should have been nominated for an Oscar, completes it all. Julie Walters was also superb and the direction was effective all of the time. A must see movie for everyone!
The Body (2001)
A boring movie with pathetic performances
What can be said about this movie? A bore would be appropriate. This movie lacks everything from a good screenplay to a gifted direction. Performances were bellow average, specially the one by Antonio Banderas. I was ashamed to see him acting in such a poor way. One advice about this movie: BEWARE!
Galaxy Quest (1999)
A really delightful movie
"Galaxy Quest" is a delight and a true surprise. I had not seen such a funny movie in quite a long time. I cannot stop being surprised by Sigourney Weaver. She can be splendid in all kinds of roles and she is superb in this movie - funny and intense.
Fight Club (1999)
A complete waste of time
This movie tries to pass itself as an art movie but it never is. When "Pulp Fiction", for example, was a very clever film, in spite of being a violent one, "Fight Club" is only annoying and sometimes boring. Edward Norton, though, is superb, as always, and he is the only reason why I did not turned my VCR off. It is quite surprising how well he can act - he is truly the best American young actor of our time.
Resurrection (1980)
Stunning performance by Ellen Burstyn
Ellen Burstyn delivered one of the all-time best performance by an American actress in a motion picture. 1980 was one of the most difficult year in the Oscars in terms of best actress - all five were great. I deeply loved this movie, it made me cry quite often. The only thing that was bad was the relationship with Sam Shepard, it should have been cut from the movie. The ending is absolutely unforgettable. Do not miss it!!!
Music of the Heart (1999)
A pathetic movie poorly directed by Wes Craven
I had high anticipations about this movie, specially after Meryl Streep's Academy Award nomination. However, "Music of the Heart" proved to be a movie full of clichés. Wes Craven should be forbidden of directing another genre other than horror, he just does not know how to develop any character. I was surprised to see Angela Basset, a truly gifted actress, in such a pathetic role. Aidan Quin's character disappears all of a sudden and Gloria Stefan has nothing but one or two lines (what was the purpose of her presence in the movie with those lines?). Meryl Streep is just acceptable, never great as in previous movies. She should never have been nominated for an Oscar. To sum it up, the fact is that Wes Craven turned out a story that had everything in its favor into some uninspired TV movie. BEWARE!!!
The Bone Collector (1999)
A terrific suspense movie
I was expecting other "Seven" or "Silence of the Lambs" movie but "Bone Collector" proved to be a terrific movie, filled with great twists and suspense. I really enjoy suspense / horror movies and this was a must-see film. Denzel Washington and Angelina Jolie are both excellent in their roles. A truly great suspense movie for those who enjoy the genre.
Tumbleweeds (1999)
A remarkable performance by Janet McTeer
Even though "Tumbleweeds" lacks consistence and it is very much a "I have seen it before several times" movie, I deeply enjoyed Janet McTeer and Kimberly Brown. Ms. McTeer brings a real life to the character, she can be sweet, funny and touching all at the same time. I must confess that I had never heard of her until this movie and I will be keeping an eye on her future works - she is absolutely adorable! I was quite surprised to know that she is a British actress, the surprise is due to her accent!!! The scene in which she quits her job as a secretary is simply memorable. If it weren't for Hillary Swank's brilliant performance, Janet McTeer would have won the Academy Award.
Agnes of God (1985)
A spectacular motion picture with stunning performance by Meg Tilly
I never could understand how Meg Tilly lost the Oscar for Anjelica Huston in that year. I think that Tilly's performance was one of the best of the 80's. She touched me throughout the movie, she was nothing short of magnificent in that movie. I have read some negative reviews on "Agnes of God" and I think they were truly unfair, as the movie is much better than the play. Norman Jewison made a great work and it shows. The high point here, though, is Meg Tilly. I have the movie on VHS and once in a while I watch it because of Meg - she is superb.
Dolores Claiborne (1995)
A brilliant performance by Kathy Bates
I am the kind of person who goes to the movies mainly because of the actors involved, I mean I am attracted by great performances. This movie means a lot to me. Kathy Bates and Jennifer Jason Leigh are simply wonderful, those were truly unforgettable performances. I just can't understand why they were not even nominated for the Oscar. Kathy Bates is much better than she was in "Misery". The only advice I can give is: buy this movie and watch it every once in a while.
Erin Brockovich (2000)
A star vehicle for Julia Roberts.
Even though this movie lacks some dramatic punch, it is extremely effective as a star vehicle for Julia Roberts. She is indeed perfect as Erin Brockovich. It is a very mature role and she handles it beautifully. After playing some bombs, like "Runaway Bride" and "Notting Hill", Julia Roberts finally makes us remind of her great performances in "Pretty Woman" and "Steel Magnolias". I can see Academy Award nominations for her and Albert Finney, who, along with Roberts, is excellent.
A Civil Action (1998)
A disappointing film.
I rented "A Civil Action" expecting a great drama and Court movie. However, it was just a bore. John Travolta trashes the movie with a performance that is far from being acceptable. The only good thing is Robert Duvall but he can't carry the movie alone. The direction is poor and so is Travolta's performance. I rate it a 4 out of 10.
Fried Green Tomatoes (1991)
A brilliant motion picture by Jon Avnet
I guess that there are not enough words to describe what a spectacular movie this is. It is a real gem, a miracle in a time when movies are made just to make money. "Fried Green Tomatoes" is beautiful in so many ways, it is perfect. Jon Avnet's direction was superb, the performances were inspiring, I mean, this is one of the best movies I have ever seen in my entire life. I remember being touched by it after only a few minutes after it started and that same old feeling comes along when I watch the movie in VHS and, now, in DVD. Bravo Jon Avnet for offering the world such a heart warming film.
A Map of the World (1999)
A bravura performance by Sigourney Weaver
It is a pity that "A Map of the World" was not better directed. It had it all, a wonderful story, brilliant actors but the movie somehow lacked guidance. In spite of this problem, Sigourney Weaver was nothing short of magnificent, her performance did deserve an Academy Award nomination. It is astonishing how well she plays roles that range from comedy to drama, always doing it beautifully. If "A Map of the World" were to be directed by somebody else, it would have been a masterpiece.
The Story of Us (1999)
A heartbraking movie
This was quite a surprise for me, because movies about marriages and couples are almost very much alike. "The Story of Us", however, is very charming and it also has Michelle Pfeiffer in the leading role. She is one of the best actresses in America and turns every performance into something really special. Bruce Willis was also a surprise, his performance is very down to earth, very realistic. The ending is absolutely unforgetable. A must-see!
Teaching Mrs. Tingle (1999)
An OK movie with a great performance by Helen Mirren
I will have to disagree with many comments on this movie saying that it was only a bomb. I thought this movie was quite interesting, surely not a great one, but good. The high point of this movie, in fact, is Helen Mirren. I was quite impressed with her inspiring performance - it kind of reminded me of Kathy Bates in "Misery". It is quite rare to see such a great performance like Helen Mirren's in an horror/suspense movie and this is the main reason why I have decided to comment on "Teaching Mrs. Tingle".
Beloved (1998)
Oprah Winfrey's shining performance couldn't save the movie
Even though Oprah Winfrey gives a wonderful performance in this movie, her efforts are not enough to save "Beloved" from being a mish-mash of a movie. While the novel was great and inspiring, the movie just can't capture its spirit. You just don't get to understand what the movie is about, maybe because of Demme's poor direction or because of the lousy screenplay. "Beloved" sure meant a lot to Oprah Winfrey but she should choose a better movie next time.
Boys Don't Cry (1999)
Bravo Hillary Swank and Chloe Sevigny !!!
I saw this movie just a few weeks ago in New York and I was completely devasted by the performances of Hillary Swank and Chloe Sevigny. They are just perfect. Even though the movie is not as the same caliber as the actresses' performances, it is a must see because of them. I was extremely happy when I heard today that they were the best performances of the year in the opinion of the LA critics. I do hope that they will be nominated for the Oscars next year.