Reviews

I absolutely HATE violent movies but saw this on my birthday at the suggestion and company of my husband and two best friends. You think New York is violent today??? Check it out in 1846. A vivid, visual tale, thanks to Martin Scorcese -- too many great scenes to describe without giving it away to the moviegoer who has not yet seen the film. If Daniel Day Lewis doesn't get an Oscar for this film, it is a sin. He is absolutely despicable as "The Butcher." Also, the chemistry between DiCaprio and Diaz is ... well ... I would swear on my mother's grave that these two had a fling going in real life, that's how HOT their scenes are together. I was very surprised at myself for enjoying a film such as this. Go see it.

Guys don't get it. Even the male film critics didn't. But female moviegoers did! This is a good, old-fashioned romance-adventure. Every actor is splendid from the lead, Edmond Dantes played by Jim Cavaziel (who is drop-dead gorgeous, ladies!), to his true love, Mercedes (Dagmar Domincynz), to the villain (Guy Pearce) with humorous turns by the devoted friend, Luigi (JB Blanc) and the devoted servant (Luis Guzman). Revenge and swash buckling and lessons learned. An entertaining movie that everybody can see from your grandmother to your kids. Well done, Hollywood and it's about time!

My best friend literally dragged me out to see this movie. The coming attraction trailer does not do the movie justice. It was an experience to watch the main character, Edmond Dantes (James Caviezel), grow from a whiny innocent to a domineering Count bent on revenge. Fernand Mondego (Guy Pearce) is wonderfully wicked. (He has such a snotty way of talking, you want to smack him.) The movie is only slow up until Dantes meets the "Priest" (Richard Harris), whose character is both intelligent and comical. Then the audience is literally swept into the movie's intensity, visually and emotionally. The best part: you can take your kids to see this movie. I hope Hollywood produces more films of this sort.

Brilliant. You think the ending of "Sixth Sense" was bizarre? After becoming deeply involved in watching this film, you will think you have it all figured out, huh? Then, you find out, to your utter amazement, that you had it all wrong. It feels like a strong drink finally hitting you after the night's over! So original, no wonder it's the #3 video rental right now. You'll see outstanding actors in this movie who have gone onto bigger things: Guy Pearce, Carrie Moss, even Larry Holden. Remember him from "Every Dog Has Its Day"? He plays Carrie's boyfriend, Jimmy, in a rather intense scene with Pearce and now he's in Pacino and Robin Williams' latest movie. Be sure to watch EVERY SINGLE SCENE or you'll miss something. Take your telephone off the hook!

Thomas Ian Griffith was perfectly cast in this role. Not only is Mr. Griffith a Rock Hudson lookalike, but he carried himself as Rock Hudson did and portrayed the underlying tenderness that Hudson's moviegoers admired. I normally dislike biography/movies and almost switched the channel, but Mr. Griffith was quite compelling to watch. I do agree with the other imdb users that the movie could have focused more on Hudson's career; however, the movie was based on his ex-wife's book and her knowledge of that aspect of Hudson's life was limited. I found it sad that Hudson tried to go straight and although truly in love with Phyllis, he could not deny his inner feelings for men. Mr. Griffith's portrayal helped me to understand Rock Hudson as a person. This movie is currently being rerun on the True Stories channel (March 2001).

Besides "The Wedding Singer," "Ruthless People" is the most well written comedy I've ever seen. Each scene leads perfectly into the other. Danny DeVito, Bette Midler, Judge Reinhold and Helen Slater shine. Even supporting characters, Anita Morris, as DeVito's adulterous girlfriend, and Bill Pullman, Anita's nitwit, Don Johnson wannabe boyfriend, are brilliant. Belly laughs from beginning to end! And be sure to watch the extras. There are few scenes with blatant gags in the background (watch where the policemen are so bored at DeVito's house, they are playing a game of tennis!) You must buy this one for your video collection!

If you enjoy hearing the "F" word every other sentence, then THIS is the movie for you! Sorry Spike, but not even New Yorkers cursed THIS much in the 1970's. It's hard to believe that classy actors such as Leguizamo, Sorvino and Neuwirth agreed to appear in this trash. A huge waste of my time.

I thought this was Levinson's best movie to date, especially the dialogue. Although I am not Jewish, many of the situations (the "bubby" listening on the extension, the young teen's stubbornness in dressing as Hitler to trick-or-treat in a Jewish neighborhood, etc.) were absolutely hysterical. Again, only one character, a bit character who is announcing names at graduation, had a Baltimore accent. (I just don't get Levinson; if you film in Baltimore, educate your actors to use local dialect.) Also, the film did not depict enough people smoking; everyone and anyone smoked cigarettes, especially in the 1950's. I am frankly surprised the boys and their friends weren't at least sneaking a smoke. However, the storyline was greatly thought out. It was shocking to others in 1964, when I hung around with my black neighbors just to play dodge ball or hopscotch; imagine in 1954, a black girl and a white boy being friends?! Well done, Barry!

One word: miscast! Gemma Craven as Cinderella was too weak an actress to carry it off in the lead role. Her singing voice was lovely but she was too short in stature and simply too shy in all of her leading scenes to convince me that she was the woman to become royalty. On the other hand, Richard Chamberlain was perfect as Prince "Charming:" nice singing; graceful dancing and fine acting, in fact, very commanding in all of his scenes. The biggest disappointment for me was the climax of the film when Cinderella appears at the ball and the prince sees her for the first time. Craven does not stand out at all (many other guests also have white gowns) and she was, simply, too short. "Ever After" still remains the best adaptation of the Cinderella tale in my opinion.

I was in my early 20's in 1978, the setting of this movie. Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd, etc. were the prominent rock bands and although the music of Kiss was great, I clearly remember that they were not considered to be "cool" by rock fans. Kiss enjoys more popularity today than in the 70's.

The four main characters were great in their roles, although too much 90's talk made it's way into the script. In the 70's the f word was used, but not every other word, like it's used today. Jam's mother was way over the top--what was the deal with all the Catholic-bashing? I realize this was for comic effect but there were so many blatant errors out of the mouth of Jam's mother who was a misguided but devout Catholic ("holy" confession? I think they were confusing it with holy communion!). Jam's mother was funny but too much screen time was spent on this and it became boring. Mothers standing outside of Kiss concerts with megaphones? Gimme a break.

Have no recollection of Kiss being portrayed as evil? People were still shivering over Charles Manson and his followers and worrying whether they would be getting out of jail! Most people were confused about the make-up and theatrical stuff of Kiss but figured if some people liked it, sobeit.

This has been the ONLY film about the 70's that got the styles for guys exactly right! Guys wore either long, straight hair or a shaggy cut molded very close to the head, and clothing: army jackets, plaid shirts over "baseball" t-shirts (white shirts with rounded dark blue collars), jean jackets, etc. Those who followed disco tried to look exactly like John Travolta in "Saturday Night Fever." There needed to be more cigarette smoking which was really "in" (you were a minority if you didn't chain smoke). Smoking inside concerts was also permitted. (The country was still "free" back then.) Only a few mistakes on the girls: platform shoes went out of style in the mid-70's and had made way to strappy heels and Candies. But the permed hair, rabbit-fur coats, etc. were right on the money.

Many funny scenes (the domino bathroom stalls; Hawk's debut as a dancer; Trip's brainstorm to beat each other up); many far-fetched ones (a security guard who chases kids; love in the confessional; a 40-year-old knock-out coming onto Hawk); but a movie most teens today who have openness with their parents will enjoy--"Did that really happen, mom?" (Most frequently asked question -- about disco -- a small minority followed disco which quickly faded out.)

Parents, not for kids under 16!

Goldie Hawn dropped her bubbly personality to play the serious role of Adrienne, who is happily married, living in an upscale apartment, and has a lovely little girl. Jack Heard plays her devoted husband, Jack, or is he? As Adrienne's world crumbles, Goldie really makes you feel for her. I cannot describe details of the movie without giving away too much for the first-time viewer; it is one of those movies that after you see it once, you cannot watch it again for awhile because you know all twists and turns in the script. I will tell you this; Goldie is terrific in comedies and she was terrific in this one--she did a lot of acting with her eyes and gestures with her body; soon the viewer is on her side and aching to find out what is really going on. Jack Heard plays a good s.o.b. Robin Bartlett, best known for her turn in tv's "Mad About You" only has a few lines, just like in "City of Angels" and as usual, Robin's performance stays with you after the film has ended. Great acting by all; my only complaint is that the film is a bit too long.

When I first saw this movie, it was the first time I saw Michael J. Fox act, not having ever watched "Family Ties." He is so funny and believable as Marty, a cool kid in a nerdy family, who works part-time for the local kooky scientist, Dr. Brown (played to the hilt by Christopher Lloyd--what a perfect choice for this role). Dr. Brown accidentally sends Marty back to the 1950's where he runs into his parents and havoc ensues, because his presence prevents them from having their first meeting and threatens his very existence! Crispin Glover was absolutely fantastic as the goofy father you wish you never had. (And Marty's reactions under his breath, "my god, it's a wonder I was ever born"--equally hysterical.) I am unfamiliar with the actor who played Biff, the high school bully, but his echoing "butthead" throughout the movie had my entire family laughing. This film is just great, well done from start to finish, with a lot of attention to little details. It's the kind of film you can slip into the VCR and everyone watches and laughs all over again.

A very different look at the world of angels and their interaction with human beings. If this were a story about the devil, IMDB would have plenty of comments so I am not surprised to read so many negative ones.

I don't believe that angels wear black, but I do believe in the premise of this movie: "sometimes things are true whether you believe in them or not."

Meg Ryan, a very unlikely choice, was thoroughly believable as an obsessive-compulsive doctor who never sleeps. When she loses a patient for the first time, she cries bitterly and cannot understand how it could have happened--all witnessed by Nicolas Cage as Seth, an angel who was sent to escort her patient to heaven. Cage allows himself to be seen by Ryan in a hospital corridor and sweetly asks, "Are you in despair?" This entire conversation sweeps the women in the audience into their evolving relationship. Yes, I guess this is definitely a woman's movie.

Others in lesser roles were quite good. Dennis Franz nails the part of a former angel who has "fallen to earth." (I do not watch his television show so this was the first time I have seen him act--I was impressed.) Andre Braugher, formerly of Homicide (a show I did watch), was terrific as Seth's closest angel friend, although he had very few lines, as usual Braugher was effective. His smile at the end of the movie stays with you.

An outstanding tale, about two brothers and a friend who happen upon millions of dollars in a crashed plane. Do they keep the money and pretend they never found the plane?

The acting of Bill Paxton (Hank) and Billy Bob Thornton (Jacob) is exceptional. There are so many stand-out scenes, particularly when Hank has asked Jacob to secretly record a conversation with Jacob's best friend, Lou. Jacob looks at Hank and counters, "What's wrong with you?" and begins to poke mean fun at his college-educated brother because he is sipping his whisky. Later, you realize Jacob is a hell of a lot smarter than he makes out to be, because all along, he was cleverly setting up the entire conversation with Lou that Hank wanted on tape, beginning with the sarcastic comment about the whisky. Paxton's and Thornton's reactions to each other were so natural and believable. And Bridget Fonda was wonderfully ironic--gently rocking a newborn baby while coldly calculating "a simple plan."

The entire movie was brilliant; however, I really thought the ending was extremely stupid or maybe Hank was a lot more stupid than I figured. Hasn't he ever heard of a Swiss bank account?

And what happened to Jacob's dog? With the animal symbols throughout the movie (crows, foxes, etc.), wouldn't it have been poignant to show Hank walking Jacob's dog? Or do we assume Hank left his brothers' beloved dog in the wilderness?

Great acting and realistic dialogue with stand-out performances by Winona Ryder as Veronica who wants to be in the "in" crowd which consists of three girls, all named Heather, headed up by Shannen Doherty (the only good acting she has ever done was in this movie). Christian Slater, doing a fine send-up of Jack Nicholson, plays a psychopath, new to the school, who convinces Veronica that the popular people in the school should all be killed. When Veronica sees the error of their ways, it is too late and the resulting chaos sends an important message to those teens in "real life" who are self-obsessed and uncaring about others.

Visually breath-taking and action-packed, I still enjoy watching this movie today. Needless to say, my 8-year-old daughter watches it weekly, reciting the lines verbatim.

And the life the actors breathed into these lines! Particularly Jeff Goldblum, whom I have adored since television's "Tenspeed & Brownshoe"--his sarcasm jumps out of the screen, memorably, "are they going to have THAT on the tour?" to which Richard Attenborough mumbles under his breath, "I really DO hate that man!"

Is there anything Spielberg can't do? (besides picking wives)

Probably the best performances I have ever seen out of Geena Davis AND William Hurt. AND !BIG SURPRISE! Kathleen Turner does not overact in this one--I think it was not long after this film that Turner started going over the top.

This is a sad, introspective film so if you don't like to watch movies which portray life's real problems, skip this one. And, yes, even though Geena Davis is supposed to be a Baltimore city woman and does not have one HINT of our beloved accent, I let it go. I cared so much about her and her son in this film and wanted so much for Macon and his family to love them as I did.

In this film, Muriel (Geena) meets Macon (Hurt), who is deeply mourning the accidental death of his young son which has apparently caused Macon and his wife Sarah (Turner) to separate. Geena's smile can light up a room. In some scenes, you just want to hug her! Her films today have been few and far between. She needs to rehire the agent who put her in this film, "The Fly" and "Thelma & Louise" because they are, by far, her best.

For those of you who have never experienced agonizing grief in your own lives, you may not understand Hurt's feelings. For me, I cried deeply watching him battle his pain and internal chaos--should he stay with Turner, should he start a new life with Davis? His choices may seem simple to you, but believe me, having been in his shoes, I know that something simple like picking out what clothes to wear to work each day is a monumental task. I can't remember ever liking Hurt in anything he has done, but he nailed this part. I am sure he dug up this pain from some godforsaken part of his life, and he surely deserved an award for this role. I was rooting for him to "let go" of the past the entire film--it took me a whole year to do so in my own life.

Ladies, this is definitely a "whole box of tissue" movie.

Except for minor flaws, Sleepless in Seattle was the perfect romantic comedy. Meg Ryan portrays a Baltimore newspaper writer who is engaged to a very dull Bill Pullman (as always, he nails the part), although she doesn't realize it and thinks she is in love. I found it very endearing to watch Ryan, throughout the entire film, try to talk herself into believing that she and Pullman have a magical, romantic relationship even though they clearly don't.

En route to her parents' house on Christmas Eve, where she will introduce Pullman as her fiance, she overhears a young boy on the radio who has phoned into a talk show. He is worried about his dad, a widower who can't seem to get over his grief. Ryan hears Tom Hanks voice and falls in love, obsessing over meeting him in person.

There are so many good performances in this film. Rob Reiner as Hanks' best friend, David Hyde Pierce as Ryan's brother, and especially Rita Wilson, Hanks real-life wife, who portrays his sister-in-law. The scene where Wilson tearfully describes why a certain movie affects women is hysterical. And Hanks' response to her is equally funny.

The flaws: no one in any of the Baltimore scenes had a Baltimore accent, although they did work in Ryan's love of the Orioles which is realistic since most Baltimore women are obsessed with sports. Rosie O'Donnell was AWFUL (yuck!) as Ryan's coworker friend--she was wooden and read her lines like a robot. I can think of a dozen actresses who could have put life into this role, especially Laura SanGiacomo of tv's "Just Shoot Me." Also, the actors were all white--not a single black, Hispanic, Asian, etc. had a major role in the movie--why?

Except for these last few notable annoyances, it would have been a perfect movie.

Right off the bat, I will tell you I am NOT an Adam Sandler fan but I LOVED him in this movie and even bought the video.

Sandler plays Robbie, an engaged man, who is employed as a singer at weddings, bar mitzvahs, parties, etc. He admits to all that he is "in love with love" and has dreamed of getting married since he was young. Unfortunately for Robbie, he is stood up at the altar and must come to terms with his grief.

The way in which he does so is hysterically funny. The best scene in the entire movie is when he sings "Love Stinks." I will not give this scene away for those who have not yet seen this movie but the scene is a GEM. If I want to put anyone in a good mood, all I need do is pop in this video, rewind to the beginning of the Love Stinks scene and play it. My brother laughed so hard, he was heard by my neighbors down the street! And inevitably, when guests view the scene, they ask to borrow the video. My tape has been on loan to friends and family for over 2 months.

Enter Julia (Drew Barrymore) to help Robbie with his woes. The late Barrymore acting clan must be shining down on Drew with pride. She definitely has inherited their acting genes. In Wedding Singer, she convincingly plays a demure waitress; in Batman Forever, a sexy vixen; in Ever After, an abused young woman. Here's another former child actor who has graduated to adult roles with ease, following in the footsteps of Kurt Russell and Jodie Foster.

And watch for Robbie's singing student--a sweet little old lady who steals every scene she's in!

I am now sorry I did not see this in the theater, but I didn't believe I could relate to the 80's as that was a period when I got married and was starting to raise children. I was wrong. It was fun to relive the 80's and to remember little things, like different fashion crazes (people dressing like Madonna and Michael Jackson), that Boy George was a big deal back then, and especially the music (Police, etc.). The soundtrack is great.

A truly entertaining film that my whole family (8 years and up) could watch and enjoy.

"While You Were Sleeping" was the movie where Sandra Bullock stole the tiara of America's Sweetheart from Julia Roberts' head. America fell in love with Bullock who portrayed Lucy, a young woman, orphaned and alone in the world. She works at the rail station, taking tokens from the commuters, one of whom is Peter Gallagher (Peter Callaghan). Seeing Peter enter the turnstile each day, Lucy develops a crush but is too shy to even speak to him. Lovingly watching him one day, she witnesses Peter being mugged and she heroically saves his life. Accompanying him to the hospital, she is mistaken by a nurse as his fiancee. When his family, the Callaghans (each actor in this ensemble was absolutely loveable), burst into the hospital room, it is obvious that they don't see comotose Peter (a highly successful professional in the big city) often and they eagerly believe that Lucy is Peter's fiancee. When Lucy tries to protest, then witnesses Peter's grandmother having a "weak heart" spell, she goes along with the lie.

This is a heart-warming story that your entire family will love. Bullock is so lonely yet so adorable, that you want with all your heart for her to marry into the wonderful Callaghan family. Will her mistaken identity be revealed? I won't tell you but I will tell you that this movie, with a Christmas-time setting, has joined my collection of videotapes that I pop in the VCR for family on Christmas day, along with "A Christmas Story," "It's a Wonderful Life," etc.

I would watch Sinbad read a phone book! This comedian is so genuinely funny and made a so-so script so, so believable.

Sinbad portrays Kevin Franklin, someone down on his luck, but up in his attitude. He tells all that he will make his first million one day soon and mail orders every info-mercial guide to make money that there is. Unfortunately, he is greatly in debt to some Mafia-type loan sharks who constantly circle him as their only prey. To escape their threats, Kevin high-tails it to the airport. While hiding from them, he overhears Gary Young (Phil Hartman) explain to his young son and daughter that he is waiting for a childhood friend, Derek Bond, to arrive but that Derek is always late. When the kids ask what Derek looks like, Gary explains that he actually hasn't seen Derek since childhood but he assumes him to be black and tall. You can see the lightbulb go off over Kevin's head and he steps into assume Derek's identity and proceeds home with the Young family.

Yes, the story was a little contrived, particularly the dentist office scene, but Sinbad is just so gifted in making you believe in him and laugh at him. It's a combination of his size and the honesty in his eyes, I think. Watch this movie and tell me you did not laugh out loud at the scene in the car when he is explaining his "accident" or how he makes a snobby wine tasting, an all-out blast of a party. He is a nut.

And watching Phil Hartman only makes you miss him more. He is playing the straight man here to Sinbad. Anyone else would have been "ho hum". Hartman makes you care for him and his family.

Another film you can watch with your family. As always with Sinbad, the only "f" word associated with him is "funny"!

It is heart-warming to read comments from those of you who do not even live in Baltimore and enjoyed the movie as much as we Baltimoreans did. What a stirring tribute to the city and to our immigrant grandparents.

My ancestors came from County Cork to Baltimore in the late 1800's. We too, grew up in rowhouses (retitled "townhomes" by realtors in the 1980's) nearby our cousins. Many scenes brought back wonderful memories: the kids playing in the "back alley," the marble steps of the rowhouses which my mother used to lovingly scrub, the "bee" incident, trips to the lake, Thanksgiving dinner with extended family members and tables to seat all the kids extending into the next room, etc., etc.

This could have been just another sappy movie but the actors were so immersed in their characters, I was swept away. Apparently, so were you.

Julia Roberts won America's affection with winning turns in "Steel Magnolias" & "Pretty Woman". She proceeded to film several flops and I figured we would never see her in another good film.

I guess I enjoyed My Best Friend's Wedding because of the feelings it evoked in me. Watch the scene on the boat where Julia has to decide if she should say "I love you" right then & there...it made me remember a time when I really loved someone and never told him. I found myself tearing up. The raw emotion in Roberts' eyes during this scene was just so touching.

Roberts' battled emotions throughout the film, torn between her affection for Mike (Dermot Mulroney) and her growing affection for his new fiance, Kimmy (Cameron Diaz). I felt Roberts greatly overacted in her confrontation with Diaz, but Diaz was so believable that I soon forgot Roberts' being over the top. Diaz was a gem and held her own with Roberts, often stealing scenes. Perhaps Roberts knew this and might be the reason why she overdid it in this particular scene.

To me, the most hilarious scenes were when Roberts became angry, especially when she telephoned George (Rupert Everett)--I laughed out loud. Where on earth has Everett been hiding? He is a joy to watch and his scene at the wedding rehearsal showed his gift for screwball comedy. His reactions, to the chaos around him, are truly priceless.

My husband did not enjoy this movie as much as I did, so I guess I give this a thumbs up to women viewers.

Ladies, we have a fine ensemble of some of the best looking men in the business: Kurt Russell; Val Kilmer; Michael Biehn; Billy Zane; Sam Elliott; Bill Paxton, etc. So don't let the fact that it's a "western" deter you from catching this one.

I love movies that pay attention to fine details: Kilmer's filthy fingers during a poker hand, a child soothing her doll after a street shooting, the size of paper money, spittoons in the theatre, etc., etc. Even the colloquialisms were accurate for the time period: "savvy?" "ain't that a daisy?" "I'm your huckleberry" and so on. The women in the film were not overly made up, only a small amount of lip color. And the furnishings, drapes and other decor made me feel I had stepped back in time.

The historical details were not right on the money, but for a movie which must wrap up in a few hours, who cares? The movie is so enjoyable. Russell WAS Wyatt Earp - the steely eyes, the head-strong determination. Kilmer did steal every scene he appeared in, however, and mastered a Virginian accent magnificently. Powers Booth and Michael Biehn played villains who really get under your skin. And those in lesser roles (such as Curley Bill and Mattie Earp, who in reality was never officially married to Wyatt) were greatly effective.

If you rent this movie or watch it for the first time, take note of the extra's. These folks are not just walking around; they were painstakingly directed and busy doing tasks common for that time.

A fest for the eyes.

I found this film much like "Sliding Doors" in which Gywneth Paltrow found herself wondering should she have caught the train or missed the train? In this film, Kathleen Turner wonders if her husband really died or did she imagine the whole thing?

The film begins with Turner as a bride marrying Gabriel Byrne. Unfortunately, after the wedding dinner, they drive off into the sunset and into the path of a truck. The car overturns and Byrne dies ... or did he?

Turner grieves pitifully for her groom. And begins a journey into two worlds...one in which she is still married to Byrne and has a young son opposed to one life in which she is a widow working as a travel agent who makes the acquaintance of a very, sexy Sting (Gordon Sumner). Ladies, if you don't enjoy this film, please fast forward to Sting lying on the bed nude...worth the view! (smile)