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dharmanavy-1
Reviews
Lake Dead (2007)
Beware the family that stays together!
Wow! I really don't know what to say.
I was reminded of the horror movies of the late 70's and early 80's.
This particular film has that same gratuitous feel of sex, violence and the mutant, inbred sibling(s) hiding in the barn! The acting is not great and at times borders on cheesy high school musical, but at others comes across as nothing short of outstanding.
The story is a great tale of family gone wrong that kept me intrigued until the end. Speaking of endings...
Even though I saw it coming I was still pleasantly surprised when the second brother\uncle\cousin\nephew came limping out of the woods with his ax. If he had just stood there looking I would have been very disappointed...but his scream of rage sealed the deal! I am left wondering what could be done with this script with a bigger budget and more time to dedicate to filling in the back story.
Here's to hoping that this story can and will continue.
S~
The Deaths of Ian Stone (2007)
An entertaining tale of redemption...
I must say that knowing nothing about this picture helped a lot! I had no expectations walking in and was duly impressed.
The idea of things living among us that no one sees is NOT new or original. But the story of the Harvesters is a very interesting take on it.
Not only are we able to share in Ian's misery and befuddlement, we also are able to share in his pain, sorrow at what is lost and his celebration at finding that his ultimate betrayal was for love.
The lessons he learns and the strength that love gives him allow him to overcome his fears and take what is good and true to save it.
I'm left wondering what happened after the movie ended?...
All in all I was treated to a pleasurable evening diversion from the glut and suffocation of "regular" life. And after all isn't that what movies are all about? S~
The Night Listener (2006)
Better then expected...
When I first read Armistead Maupins story I was taken in by the human drama displayed by Gabriel No one and those he cares about and loves. That being said, we have now been given the film version of an excellent story and are expected to see past the gloss of Hollywood...
Writer Armistead Maupin and director Patrick Stettner have truly succeeded!
With just the right amount of restraint Robin Williams captures the fragile essence of Gabriel and lets us see his struggle with issues of trust both in his personnel life(Jess) and the world around him(Donna).
As we are introduced to the players in this drama we are reminded that nothing is ever as it seems and that the smallest event can change our lives irrevocably. The request to review a book written by a young man turns into a life changing event that helps Gabriel find the strength within himself to carry on and move forward.
It's to bad that most people will avoid this film. I only say that because the average American will probably think "Robin Williams in a serious role? That didn't work before!" PLEASE GIVE THIS MOVIE A CHANCE! Robin Williams touches the darkness we all must find and go through in ourselves to be better people. Like his movie One Hour Photo he has stepped up as an actor and made another quality piece of art.
Oh and before I forget, I believe Bobby Cannavale as Jess steals every scene he is in. He has the 1940's leading man looks and screen presence. It's this hacks opinion he could carry his own movie right now!!
S~
Angel on My Shoulder (1946)
Spectacular!!
A story of redemption and sacrifice...
Claude Rains gives a spectacular performance as Satan and Paul Muni captures something missing in todays films ...an honesty and pain that too many "actors" are afraid to show. Anybody who is studying the craft needs to watch this film. A perfect lesson on how it's done.
For 1946 the special effects are first rate, the lighting brings just the right amount of trepidation to the on-screen conflicts and the soundtrack flows perfectly. It's a damn shame that movies like this are forgotten in todays world of cell phones and instant gratification. A pleasure and delight to experience!
S~