Reviews

The first time I saw this movie I thought it quite good, especially the roller coaster ride of the last hour or so. I saw it again and thought it not very good at all and now having seen it recently, I not bad, but not great either. It's a well done disaster movie with one challenge after another to survive being thrown at the main characters. This roller coaster ride really pulled me in and even reminded me of the very well done remake of The Fugitive, starring Harrison Ford. I'll admit some of the situations are a little hard to believe, but at least they keep the film from being boring.

The chemistry between Pierce Brosnan and Linda Hamilton, while not incredible, is still there. Also enjoyable was how the film makes use of its small town setting, including in the casting characters you'd expect to find in a small town: the female gossip, the gruff, but dedicated sheriff, and the more business-minded don't-rock-the-boat councilman. Finally, Harry (Brosnan) and Paul Dreyfus's band of colleagues also prevent the movie from being flat, but are a little too reminiscent of the characters from Twister to really leave their own mark.

Also what impressed me was some of the camera work, which I think isn't given enough credit. There are a number of composite shots of the erupting volcano with the reflection (probably understood to be from a truck's window) of Rachel (Hamilton) looking back in horror that are quite well done. And the digital editing in of the volcano is also well done as well as some of the panoramas.

A smaller problem I had with the movie is the development of Harry and Rachel's relationship. Initially their flirtations and the initial "getting to know each other" are quite cute. But I can't help but think why Rachel, who has been a small-town girl her whole life would be interested in someone like Harry who clearly states a that his job isn't exactly conducive to settling down. Sure Harry is everything her ex-husband isn't and it's obvious that the both of them are lonely to a degree, but it doesn't seem to me that a woman as sensible and who feels as great a responsibility as Rachel (to her kids, to the town, to her business) would find that to be enough. Also, Harry seems to get over the touchy subject of his dear departed Marianne to start making passes at Rachel in her kitchen quite quickly.

My biggest problem with the movie is the writing, which is so bad in some places that it really brings down the parts in the movie where it is good. Harry's line about sex being like riding a bicycle because once you learn you never forget is laughable. Some of the Wando children's lines I found to be lacking in substance too and almost condescending to the viewer. But, as I said, not all the writing is bad: an example is the excellent delivery of a reference to Pompei by one of Harry and Paul's colleagues and another's excitement over Rachel's regular coffee deliveries.

In the end, when this movie is bad, it's bad, but in general it's good.

I went into to this movie not expecting an Oscar-quality show, but I will say I wasn't completely disappointing. Jennifer Garner (Jenna Rink) proved that she can play a comedic lead role just as well as a spy thriller girl-who-kicks-butt role. Mark Ruffalo (Matt Flamhaff) was very charming as Garner's childhood best friend. And I enjoyed the 80's music just about as much as Garner's and Ruffalo's performances. Finally, I thought the little twist at the end that involved Jenna's relationship with her favorite magazine was very clever. Still, a few things puzzled me. Like what happens to the magazine in the very end? And are we really supposed to believe that Jenna's mom, after Jenna has cut off contact for perhaps years, is so forgiving that she will make her pancakes with strawberries arranged in a smiley face pattern just like nothing ever happened? Maybe the parents out there can explain this one to me. Nevertheless, these little problems weren't enough to totally ruin the movie. Definitely, a great first step for Jennifer Garner (in a lead role) into the comedy genre.

I remember watching this show in reruns on A&E (in the early morning hours) and must say I enjoyed it. The characters and plots were pretty intriuging. Of course it's gonna be dark, but the plotlines were dark as well. The show caused me to become a fan of Gary Cole's and when, a number of years later, I caught Wendy Kilbourne in the North & South miniseries and became a fan of hers, I came to appreciate the show even more.

This is one film that everyone in the family or in the dorm can agree on seeing. If the cast of voices (Julia Louis- Dreyfuss, Kevin Spacey, Phyllis Diller, David Hyde-Pierce, John Ratzenberger, and more) doesn't attract you, the amazing computer animation surely will.

Not only are the animation and voices great, but the writing is too.

Ironically, my favorite part of the film comes after the end credits with the hilarious computer-generated out takes. So don't hit rewind as soon as THE END pops up! You'll miss a real treat!

In conclusion, this film does exactly what Flik hopes to do, makes a difference, that is, in cinematic comedy.

This film is one of the best I've seen in a long time. It offers continuous action like in The Fugitive (coincidentally another wonderful Ford performance) and Ashley Judd's Double Jeopardy; great performances from supporting cast members William H. Macy, Gary Oldman, and Glenn Close; and stirring, incredible special effects like from Robin Williams' What Dreams May Come. But what I think I like the most about the film is the slam-bang writing that is not only dramatic and inspiring, but also delivers a little comedy ("If this works, you get to be Postmaster-General.") When some of those lines are delivered, you'll want to stand up and cheer ("Get off my plane."). I saw the film three times and every time the audience cheered at at least point. Finally, I've never seen a better portrayal of the President. I'll say it again HARRISON FORD FOR PRESIDENT!!!

This is one film that everyone should see. It's a colorful musical, a beautiful love story, and, above all, a testimony in support of standing up for your convictions and to the ability of music to move the soul and change lives. Julie Andrews is at her best, both as an actress and a singer. To think that if she had gotten the lead in My Fair Lady, like she deserved, she probably would have never played Maria! Christopher Plummer is wonderful as the stern, but big-hearted Captain von Trapp. There's no one I love to hate more than Eleanor Parker's scheming, snobbish Baroness. Plus, the talent of Mother Abbess and all the children never fail to amaze me: "Climb Every Mountain" gives me goose bumps and I always love watching the children perform "Do-re-mi". Finally, the two main Sisters and their "sin" brings a clever touch of humor to a serious scene. All in all, this film has rightly become a cherished part of American cinema. A true feel-good movie that no household should be without.