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dukefan1971
Reviews
Miracle on 34th Street (1973)
Still a wonderful story
Personally, I have seen all three versions of this film, and while I understand why older generations and purists stand by the original as the best one, that doesn't mean that people can't still enjoy this version. For a made-for-TV version, it has a wonderful cast, with Sebastian Cabot being the highlight. I thought the way the court case was handled was better here than in the 1994 version, and having grown up with color all of my life (and having been born only 2 years before this version originally came out), I still claim this one as my favorite. That is not to say that the original or 1994 versions aren't good--I think they all have a place for those who enjoy them. I just think that this story--like many others--is a generational one, and everyone is going to have at least a little nostalgia for the one from their generation. My only wish, which so far has gone unfulfilled, is that someone will eventually put this version out on DVD and Blu-Ray so that those of us who enjoy it can watch it again. The 1947 and 1994 versions' fans have access to their movies--why can't we? I think the reviewer who offered the option of a box set including all versions of this movie has a wonderful idea--that way, everyone's happy, and each is different enough from the others that you can watch them all and enjoy them.
Superman Returns (2006)
A Kryptonite-Weakened Superman Film
I had been looking forward to seeing this film ever since first hearing about it. I was a huge fan of the first two films (I, like Bryan Singer, wanted to pretend that 3 & 4 never existed). I will preface this by saying that I thought Christopher Reeve was tailor-made for the part, and I understand why it's obviously impossible to replace his performance. However, it seems from the very start, this latest edition of Superman was muted. Even the soundtrack was muted. I have the original and the new soundtracks--listen to them. The original had more horns, almost like angelic heralds announcing that a god was among us, up in the sky. It helped all of us believe a man COULD fly. This newest soundtrack, though, barely gets off the ground, and the movie, for the most part, follows suit. Superman is a milquetoast version of the original, and has about as much presence as a mouse. Also, Kate Bosworth is, I'm sure, a worthy actress, but Lois Lane she's not. She comes off more like a petulant child than a confident career woman who was designed to be Superman's equal in almost every respect. The two best casting moves were Kevin Spacey as Luthor and Frank Langella as Perry White. I've seen many references to scenes deleted from the eventual film, and Bryan Singer's comments that a $10 million scene from the beginning of the film won't even be included in the DVD release. Why? Isn't that the point of "special features"? I want more from this franchise--the character deserves more, and so do the fans. Not just of the movies or the comics, but all of us. Make us believe again, Mr. Singer, and maybe you'll have the movie this one should have been.
World Trade Center (2006)
The second of two excellent 9/11 films
Normally, I am not a fan of Oliver Stone, having only slightly liked a few of his films. I also know about his penchant for conspiracy-spouting in his films, and I took that with me into the film. What I saw, however, was a truly inspirational, realistic, and gritty film that left me in awe of the two brave men depicted in the film, and how the extraordinary events of a day that will forever be in our memories affected even the most normal of people. I have also seen United 93, which was an incredibly realistic and powerful film. Thankfully for myself and every other viewer of World Trade Center, Mr. Stone left his conspiracy soapbox at home, and presented another film about 9/11 in the same vein as that earlier film. It doesn't present anyone as a hero--just a bunch of ordinary people caught up in one of the worst losses of life in our nation's history. However, by the end of the film, you learn that there is a hero in all people, and that when called upon by circumstances, everyday people can become truer superheroes than any comic book character ever was. I highly recommend this film to everyone, though its more graphic sequences may be unsuitable for younger viewers (under 13). In fact, I think both this and United 93 should be required viewing for anyone who wants to understand why this--like Pearl Harbor for my grandparents and JFK's assassination for my parents--is the day my generation will remember exactly where each one of them was when it happened. For those who died, we can not--should not--ever forget.
Lady in the Water (2006)
Hate to disagree with fans of this film or its director, but...
I have been a fan of M. Night Shyamalan since Sixth Sense, but it seems that over time, with the exception of The Village (which was a brief upward blip), each film has generally gone downhill. This latest film is no exception. First of all, it's hard to follow, and I'm a pretty smart guy. Second, the plot drags on for most of the film, and really doesn't take the viewer much of anywhere. As a matter of fact, one is left with a feeling of "That's it?!?" after the film is done. Spoiler alert: Bryce Dallas Howard is a fictional creature who has to brave dogs made of grass to inspire Mr. Shyamalan to write some life-changing work? Perhaps even he sees what many of his viewers are starting to see: That his works of late lack inspiration, let alone the thrills, chills and plot twists that accompanied his first film. Maybe someone can reach into this movie, retrieve his fable nymph, and bring her into his real life to inspire him to write something more worthy of him than this drabble. Until then, I fear we're due another film from him that will only continue the trend he's been on.