Reviews

Some of us remember the sanitized version of Cole Porter's life, Night and Day, rather fondly. To paraphrase a line from De Lovely, you can't do much better than being played by Cary Grant. This version of Porter's life, however, is more "truthful," yet it still works as a romantic love story. Kevin Kline has never been better. I cannot imagine he will not get an Oscar nomination. Ashley Judd is "all grown up" and giving what I think is the best performance of her career. The supporting cast of lesser knowns is excellent. And the music -- well, it's Cole Porter. Hard to walk out of the theatre not singing. And while De Lovely is romantic, it is not romanticized. It rings true and touching and is an all together satisfying film.

I just watched this movie on pay per view, and I thought it was delightful. Pierce Brosnan does a fine job. So nice to see him really get a chance to act. And the supporting cast, including Alan Bates and Stephen Rea, is exceptional. The story is very believable and touching, probably because it is based on a true story. I just wonder why this film, directed by the talented Bruce Beresford, did not make any significant splash when it was released. It may have played in Austin, but I don't remember it. Just shows how marketing, or lack of it, can make a movie disappear. It's a shame it didn't get more attention. I heartily recommend it.

The Clearing is a beautifully acted and engrossing story of a marriage. The plot has suspense and aspects of a "thriller," but this is the story of a relationship. Helen Mirren is Oscar worthy as the wife, using every subtlety and nuance of expression one might imagine to create a haunting character. Redford is also excellent, boyish yet not afraid to show his age. Willem Dafoe is remarkably understated and creates a "villain" who is both chilling and sympathetic. I heartily recommend this film to all those who are willing to commit to a real story, free of bathroom humor or special effects. You won't find a better way to spend an hour and a half.

I am old enough to remember when Vivien Leigh starred in The Roman Spring of Mrs. Stone. Although I was a fan of Ms Leigh, I remember that I was quite unimpressed with the film. It was not particularly well-received. It was not one of Ms. Leigh's greatest roles. It is not a classic. This version of Roman Spring starring Helen Mirren and Olivier Martinez harkens back to the original novella by Tennessee Williams. The setting is returned to post-war Italy, and the story is told with great passion and drama. The plight of the Contessa and Paulo is much more understandable in that setting. The greatest difference is in the performance of Helen Mirren. In Mirren's capable hands, Karen Stone is shown as a woman who has known love but never real passion. In spite of her intelligence and common sense, Karen cannot resist Paulo, and her life changes irrevocably. In Mirren's performance, the transformation of Karen Stone is revealed in her actions, her clothes, and every nuance of face and voice. I think Tennessee Williams would approve.

For the many who love Rebecca Welles' book of the same name, The Divine Secrets of the Ya Ya Sisterhood will not disappoint. The film captures the wonderful Southern quirkiness, humor, and pathos that made so many of us read and re-read the book. It's a story about human family, frailty, and forgiveness to which I think men and women can relate. Ellen Burstyn's performance as older Vivi is outstanding, while veterans Fionulla Flanagan (a scene stealer), Maggie Smith, and Shirley Knight portray the other "mature" Ya Yas exactly as they should be. Ashley Judd is a surprise in her sensitive portrayal of younger Vivi. Sandra Bullock makes us laugh (a lot) and cry as Sidda. And James Garner and Angus MacFadyen tackle the thankless male roles beautifully. I have been waiting for this film for a long time, and I do believe they got it right!