Reviews

As a rule, I enjoy the detective films made back in the 30s and 40s. But this film is punishing. The character played by Joyce Compton is especially annoying. How Walter Pigeon could be interested in her is beyond me.

The only plus was the chance to spot all the bit players who populated the film. If this was considered the best of the series, I have no desire to see the others.

I'm sure Tom Conway was delighted that his role was so short, and Edward Ashley couldn't muster any real enthusiasm for his part either.

My 2 was generous!

I admit that as an older movie viewer, I find fewer new films to my liking, and the new King Kong is no exception.

Overkill sums up the majority of my complaints, an all too common flaw in modern film making, and it explains why the film is overly long.

It also seems as if the director borrowed elements not only from the original (including the mythology surrounding the original), but also from the 1970s De Laurentis version of the film. Carl Denham's character worsens in the 70's version, and is positively despicable in this latest version. Ann Darrow's attachment to Kong is another borrowing from the 70's version, which I did not care for.

It was nostalgic to hear some of Max Steiner's original music in the theatre sequence, not that the original score for this version was bad.

Is there anything positive I can say? Yes, the graphics were up to snuff, which I guess was the main reason for attempting another remake of an established classic.

Most modern films leave me cold, and I find myself selecting very few of them to watch. Certain actors appear in films that I find I enjoy, Dennis Quaid being one of them.

But not since the Jerry Lee Lewis fiasco did I regret watching a film Quaid was in.

It is extremely pretentious, the plot is vapid and the boredom of the actors is successfully transmitted to the viewer.

The director claims the film pays homage to the films of the 50s. Believe me, I would rather watch the films of the 50s.

I'm only thankful that the fast-forward button on my remote is a lot closer to heaven than this film was.

It is always difficult to remake a classic film, because one has to live up to the performances of the original cast. This film is an example of one that failed. The actors speak their lines too quickly thereby reducing the delicious nuances that made the original sparkle to rehearsal-style recitation. The male leads acquit themselves the best. The bottom honours must go to Frances O'Connor and Judi Dench, but how could they improve on the performances of Joan Greenwood and Dame Edith Evans? Miss Dench is completely miscast as Aunt Augusta.

The film is certainly watchable and better than most of the drivel one sees on the screen these days, but part of the credit for this must certainly go to Oscar Wilde, who wrote the marvellous play.

Much of the film is unbelievable, even if it is believably acted. But the ending is simply trite. The film would have achieved a higher status, had Pullman ended the film after he learned of Lane's departure, and accepted it. Instead, by following her back east and winning her after all he has done, he trivializes her principles. This is another example of how a few minutes can change the total impact of a film, making a farce out of the human condition.

This is a film that could have been excellent. But it is flawed by exaggeration, mixed messages and filled with such vile language that only the Eddie Murphys of this world can watch it without turning pale.

It is one of the reasons I avoid going to the cinema. At least on video, I have access to the fast forward button on the remote, and I got quite a bit of exercise with it this time.

Given a choice between the Warren Beatty of Heaven Can Wait and this garbage, it doesn't take a genius to see where my vote lies.

I disagree with those who feel Judy Garland would have been better than Betty Hutton. As a youngster, I saw the released version, and I've also seen a take with Garland singing "I'm an Indian too." I know Judy had a great voice, but Hutton was dynamite. She gave the role everything she had. No, I'm afraid this time, I think destiny gave us the best.

You've Got Mail is an okay film, especially in a film world of extreme violence and smutty language. However, it could have been easily edited down to an hour and a half. It is too long for what it has to say. Fortunately, I watched it on video, and thank God for the fast forward on the remote control.