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mgsibley2000
Reviews
The Ninth Gate (1999)
a strange and weird movie that interested me
I will argue with anyone who says this is a movie that doesn't captivate or at least says it doesn't interest them because it is a very involving and suspenseful film.
"The Ninth Gate" is surprsingly good because it is one film that really showcases Johnny Depp as a really good actor. Depp has recently starred in previous films that have been snubbed by the critics such as "Sleepy Hollow." I have not had the chance to see that film but after watching "The Ninth Gate," I will make it a point to see "Sleepy Hollow" if for nothing else Johnny Depp's performance.
I can't mention Depp without mentioning Emanuelle Seigner because she was as good if not better than him in this film. Seigner played Depp's "guardian angel" who was just as the mysterious as everyone else in this film was.
"The Ninth Gate" is a film that has twists you wouldn't believe and people Depp's character has to question before he can trust them.
This is a great mystery and suspenseful thrill ride.
The only criticism I have for this film is that is was too long at the end and it had to help the audience leave with some kind of understanding of what the plot was truly about because I had no clue.
I give "The Ninth Gate" a 7.5 out of 10.
The Maltese Falcon (1941)
enjoyable film
I must confess that I'm not a huge Humphrey Bogart fan before or after I saw this film but I enjoyed "The Maltese Falcon" because it was a great mystery film. I also enjoyed it because it was a classic film.
Now that I have seen it, I must say it has lived up to my expectations that it being a wonderful film. I enjoyed the film for what it was and will definately watch the film again given the right opportunity but Bogart was unimpressive at winning me over as a favorite.
Bogart was not quite the actor I thought he was. Even though I wasn't a huge Bogart fan, I hoped this film can convince me otherwise, but i was wrong.
The other cast members like Mary Astor, Peter Lorre and Sydney Greenstreet stole the show for me. I cared about them more than I did about Bogart.
I give "The Maltese Falcon" a 7 out of 10.
Breakfast at Tiffany's (1961)
Audrey can breakfast with me anytime
This is one of the finest performances I have seen from any on screen duo.
Before he was John "Hannibal" Smith in "The A-Team," George Peppard was a young writer named Paul Varjak and his counterpart was the ever so talented, elegant, and beautiful Audrey Hepburn as Holly Golightly. Buddy Ebsen had a bit part in this movie but it was memorable because he is another favorite actor of mine from "Matt Houston."
The chemistry between Peppard and Hepburn is so undeniable it is ranked up there with Ryan O'Neal and Ali Macgraw in "Love Story."
This film was not the best love story ever told but it had its good and bad points. I was so mesmerised by Hepburn's beauty, style, grace and elegance in "Breakfast At Tiffany's" that it overshadowed the otherwise one dimensional plot that really lacked a reason for me to care with all my heart.
I give "Breakfast At Tiffany's" a 7 out of 10.
Joan of Arc (1999)
an average but powerful film
Lelee Sobieski stars as the central character in one of the greatest stories ever told.
I enjoyed this film for what it was worth; however, it seemed to be really slow toward the end.
In my opinion, the performances by everyone from Sobieski to Neil Patrick Harris and Peter O'Toole upstaged the execution of the plot. The execution of this mini-series was so slowly drawn out that I wanted to fast forward to the important parts of the film.
I wanted to enjoy this film so much but I was let down only a little bit. The first half of the film was above average and the second half was just the opposite.
I wish I can say this film was worth a second look whole-heartedly but I can't do that. It deserves to be seen once and only once so people can find out first-hand whether they agree with me or disagree with me.
I give "Joan Of Arc" a modest score of 7 out of 10 for the attempt of being a great film.
The Patriot (1998)
Steven Seagal has proven he can act
There are only three movies that have shown Steven Seagal can act and this is one of them. Along with "Fire Down Below," and "The Glimmer Man" Seagal has shown he has talent.
Though there is not that much action, "The Patriot" is the best film because it means that the supporting cast along with Seagal must come together to pull off a winner.
I enjoyed everything about this film from the plot, casting and pace of the movie.
I was completely impressed by the performance of Camilia Belle who portrayed the daughter because she was a breath of fresh air to Hollywood even though she was in other films.
This is worth everyone's attention because Steven Seagal has finally made a movie that is tolerable and can be watched in comfort with the knowledge that it will not be boring.
I give "The Patriot" an 8 out of 10.
Erin Brockovich (2000)
Great story, but too drawn out
"Erin Brockovich" had everything but my vote for a really outstanding film.
In the spirit of "The Rainmaker" comes "Erin Brockovich", a film that tries to capture the audience's sympathy; however, it failed.
I felt that the premise was great but the way it was told was too long. For example, there were scenes in the film that were not needed.
I understand that this was based on a true story and the real Erin Brockovich had a cameo appearance as a waitress but after awhile I was wondering if watching this film was worth admission. I need to see a film that basically has not been done before either well or in a long time otherwise what is the sense of watching it.
"Erin Brockovich" while based on a true story was too much like "The Rainmaker" and "A Civil Action." In my opinion, it needed to be distanced from it.
I give this film a 7 out of 10 for the plot, effort, attempt and acting.