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magpie1112
Reviews
Ebbie (1995)
Fantastic TV version of "A Christmas Carol" that is often overlooked
This version of "A Christmas Carol" starring La Lucci as Ebenezer Scrooge (aka "Ebbie") is surprisingly well done and well acted. The movie is brought up to date by its setting; a department store rather than a moneylending house. The supporting cast does an excellent job in showing the true meaning of Christmas and how it is never too late to change your life. I scour the TV Guide and watch it every Christmas. Would someone please get this out on DVD?
You've Got Mail (1998)
A fun movie - better than the "original"
"You've Got Mail" is much better than it's predecessor, "The Shop Around the Corner". It's much more upbeat, the characters are better drawn, and the storyline is much more interesting. I really cared about what was going on in their lives, and the story progression/character development was believable. Although I enjoy "Sleepless in Seattle", I enjoyed this movie more. There was more interaction between Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan in this movie, and "Mail" is the better for it. Greg Kinnear and Parker Posey are also fabulous in their supporting roles. And the movie is shot so beautifully, it makes you want to head up to NYC in the springtime! The streets, the cafes, the parks - ahhh! What a sweet love note to New York City.
The Parent Trap (1998)
a sweet remake with a talented cast
Possible spoilers!
I loved the original when I saw it on Wonderful World of Disney, so when I found out they were remaking it, I was worried. But I really enjoyed it!
Linsey Lohan does and excellent job of carrying her two roles. Natasha Richardson and Dennis Quaid are terrific as the exes that their twin girls want to reunite. Natasha does a great job of portraying the confusion of loving someone but thinking that it won't work out. Simon Kurz and Lisa Ann Walter are also very good as Lizzie's butler and Nick's housekeeper; and the way they are part of each family is very sweet. The scenes at the hotel and the camping trip are absolutely hilarious! This remake is good for adults and kids; the scenes with Lindsey Lohan are goofy, but not so silly an adult would groan. And the scenes with the parents interacting are sweet, but not so syrupy that kids would start gagging.
I loved the original, but the musical numbers in it are a bit cheezy. Luckily, there are no musical bits in this remake. But there is a quick humming of the tune "Let's Get Together" (from the original) at one point. It's just a sweet dream of what could happen in life if love really conquered all and children ruled the world. I know, I know, the plot is unbelievable, but sometimes you gotta watch a movie where *everything* comes out alright at the end.
Oh, and make sure to sit through the credits! "Photos" are scattered throughout the ending credits that give you an idea on what happened at the wedding....Enjoy!
The Women (1939)
One of my all-time favorite movies!
I first saw this film on AMC; I was killing time & thought a movie with Joan Crawford would be a great way to spend a bit of time. I absolutely fell in love with this movie! The writing is excellent; and the actors really know how to make the most of their lines. The first-rate ensemble cast works very well together. I was so sucked in the first time I saw it that I was surprised when someone told me there were no men in the film. I hadn't noticed; the characters were that compelling! For anyone who "doesn't like old movies" - make an exception. See this one!
Gladiator (2000)
A disappointment
I've seen this movie a couple of times, and I still don't understand why so many people love it so much. I so wanted to love this movie, but I just don't get it. I really liked the authenticity of the sets and props and such, and the initial fight scene was very good, but the movie bored me to tears! Perhaps I just don't enjoy revenge fantasies. Anyway, I couldn't help watching this and thinking "Russell Crowe really deserved the Oscar for 'The Insider', not this piece of Hollywood pap." But the rest of my roommates absolutely love this movie, so maybe it's just me.
I've got to file this movie under "Movies that were WAY too overhyped". I may have enjoyed it more if I hadn't been told how incredibly fantastic it was.
Friday the 13th (1980)
Probably the defining horror movie of the 1980's.
Along with 1978's Halloween, Friday the 13th dragged the "slasher" genre into the mainstream. It's basic plot - young people go away somewhere; bad things happen - is now a staple of the horror movie (and horror movie satires). Although this plotline has been hashed to death over the years, I still enjoy this movie; and the musical score creeps me out every time! And I genuinely like the characters in the film. This film also launched new stars; super gory special effects, and the people who create them.
Hey, I know it's no "Citizen Kane", but my vote of 10 is for what this movie did for the horror genre, for special effects, and, let's face it, for the HUGE scare I got when I saw it opening weekend all those years ago.
P.S. - for a camping movie mindbend, rent the comedy "Meatballs" and "Friday the 13th". After those two movies, you'll never look at summer camp in quite the same way.