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James-108
Reviews
Dear Aunt Agnes (1986)
Boy, does running across this title sure bring back memories
I haven't seen this show for years. In fact, I don't think there would any way to now. Unless I decided to go searching through the TVO vaults (if they even let me). I used to watch this show all the time when I was a kid, along with other such classics as The Edison Twins, and Read-Along, that one with the moose and the beaver, although I forget what it was called. Oh man, I wish all those old shows were on. I would love to get re-aquainted with my youth (as much as possible, anyway).
Happiness (1998)
Despite all the critical acclaim this movie is getting, it is in reality a big waste of time
There is something to be said for writers and directors who chose to take risks and be original to create a new and breakthrough film which challenges convention and delights and impresses audiences at the same time. Filmmakers such as Alfred Hitchcock, Stanley Kramer, George Lucas, and Steven Spielberg are all examples of this. Todd Solondz, however, is not. And as much as the critics today would like to try and make him be, he comes far short. Despite all the critical acclaim this movie is getting, it is in reality a big waste of time. A film that pushes the envelope strictly to push the envelope; but overall not really saying anything, and leaving the audience (I can speak for myself, my friends, and many people at the theatre I was at who were noticeably taken aback) alienated and disgusted. The story - there isn't really a plot - centres around the lives of three sisters, and follow them and the men around them through many strange and perverse sexual episodes. Whether it's the paedophile, the paedophile's son who is obsessed with making himself ejaculate, the "wham-bam-thank-u-mam" guy, or the guy who harasses women on the phone while masturbating, this movie has it all (Including the "money shot" in the masturbating scene). Well, does all this say anything? About the realities of life? Or the illusions about these topics? Not really. It says about what we would expect it to say. That paedophiles are bad people and sex fiends are deprived people. But the subject matter was treated very coldly through most of the film, with only occasional moments where I could see past these exteriors to the actual people and try to feel for them. But overall I just felt pushed away and I found myself anxious to leave after the first 90 of the 134 mins. Oh yeah, and it was way too damn long. Now, I do have to say a good word about the acting. Some of the performances where very good. I was particularly interested in the relationship between Philip Seymour Hoffman (Twister, Boogie Nights), and Camryn Manheim (Bonfire of the Vanities, TV's The Practice), which by the end became a desperate need for companionship despite the events surrounding their lives in that tiny New Jersey apartment. And Dylan Baker was haunting as paedophile father Bill Maplewood, who ends up preying on his sons' friends. He was sickening and disturbing to watch. Now, I know you may be thinking, if the movie is this affecting, doesn't mean it is doing something? No, about the only thing it does is sicken and disgust you. It just seems like a personal project that he put together to see how far he could take things. I see nothing genius or extraordinary about this movie. It plays to the lowest common denominator. If this movie actually ends up speaking to you on some higher level, you may want to see a psychiatrist.
The Wars (1983)
The worst adaption of a book I have ever seen
This has got to be the worst adaption of a book that I have ever seen. I can't believe Findley wrote the screenplay. It is impossible to imagine, however, unfortunately true. Everything about the movie has horrible. The acting, the cinematography, the adaption of the plot, the dialogue, everything. It is very evident there was hardly any budget. Everything about this movie is third rate, or worse