Reviews

Like the FOTR, this one left me glued to my seat. I didn't want to miss a moment. Especially Gollum, he looked and sounded just as I knew he would, according to the book. They did an excellent job on all the special effects; can't wait for the ROTK. Too long a wait. Read the trilogy twice already since seeing FOTR. Smashing!

I hadn't even read the books when my husband dragged me to see the movie. Three hours wasn't long enough when the movie ended. I was completely enchanted and hooked. The characters were so well suited. Loved all the comic relief, never saw so many unsavory characters in one movie, gave it a great contrast next to the 9. I have now read the books thru twice and before the next one comes out, will read it all again.

Finally, a cute G-rated movie (which means it can be watched by a five year old safely) such a rare commodity in Hollywood nowadays. The story was geared for children and should be viewed as such with no high expectations of excellent acting (except by Julie Andrews and Hector Elizondo) or unpredictable plot-lines. My young daughters, including my almost 18 year old love this movie. Non-threatening and fun to watch.

Robin Williams at his finest! I thought this movie was a wonderful mix of comedy and drama. Who cares if the children don't recognize their own father in drag. This would only mean his (Robin's)brother did a bang-up job with the costume and Robin does an equally bang-up job supplying the voice, mannerisms and dialect of a 60 year old Scottish woman. Every time I see it again I find it as funny as the first time, although it has some extremely serious moments, especially during the court proceedings. I would recommend this movie to anyone (above 13 for language and possibly adult situations) who really enjoy a treat with Robin Williams as the icing on the cake.

The first time I saw this movie, I was blown away by it's sheer fantasy content. I am a fan of fantasy anyway, and for a film of this time (1940) I was impressed by Alexander Korda's ability to completely immerse one so completely in the story. I believe that during the war-time period these films were especially important for a lot of people in order to distract them, in a positive way, and allow them a brief respite from the harsh realities and depressing aspects of the war. I think that this film had probably fit the bill at that time and even nowadays, it does take you away from the everyday and allows you to indulge in a wonderful tale of fantasy, romance, magic, throughout. June Duprez was stunning and otherworldly in her looks and performance. John Justin played a wonderfully enchanting Ahmed, although I found Sabu's character a bit tedious at times, the rest of the movie, for it's time, was top-notch. A great escapist, put your feet up and enjoy the afternoon, movie. I give it a 7.8 out of 10.

I saw this movie for the second time again after having seen it when it first came out in 1987. I enjoyed it just as much now as I did then. The characters are interesting and thought-provoking especially the main character, Marge Hills played by Rachel Ward. It's about a woman who lives in a small town in Australia ca.1939. She has a loving husband but feels that life is passing her by and that exciting things only happen to other people. Enter Sam Neill. He comes to town and things change drastically for her. I felt sorry for her character which rapidly becomes pathetic. This is a movie for people who don't need a whole lot of action and special effects. I also liked seeing Bryan Brown and Rachel Ward teamed up again. The first time was in The Thorn Birds where I believe they actually met and, sometime afterward, eventually got married.

The first time I saw this movie, I couldn't believe it had Richard Chamberlain singing! I really was impressed by the production though some of the singing and dancing sequences seemed a bit long, it was, overall, a well made version of the classic Cinderella story. I thought it told the fairy tale 'to perfection'. I had just recently bought the video and was pleasantly surprised by all the extra footage it included. My daughters all enjoy it and like watching it over and over. The sets and costumes and the lovely landscapes were exceptionally beautiful. I thought Gemma Craven was the perfect Cinderella including a beautiful singing voice. But the one I thought stole the movie was the fairy godmother, played by Annette Crosbie. Her grumpy affection towards Cinderella made her a more interesting character. A must-see for anyone who wants to escape for a couple of hours with an entertaining tale.

This is a tale that is laced with whimsy, magic and charm. I absolutely fell in love with it. Not a movie for the action movie lovers who need exploding cars and bridges etc. This movie requires sensitivity and love of lore. I fell in love with Irish music after watching this one. The characters spin a tale around a traumatic event, the loss of the main characters' baby brother to the sea. I loved how she seeks information from many different sources with a solemnity far beyond her ten years. She was well cast, as were her grandparents. The location was spectacular and I loved the island in particular. The movie is not fast paced, but it takes you along without leaving you hanging. I give this movie an 8 out of 10.

The first time I saw Roxanne, I was blown away by how intelligent and funny it was. It remains my all-time favorite comedy. My favorite part of the movie has got to be the naming of the 20 something betters. Steve Martin is definitely at his comedy best here. I loved the rest of the cast with Darryl Hannah as Roxanne. The bumbling Rick Rossovich playing Chris McConnel cracked me up. And this movie taught me how to spell albuquerque. The setting was beautiful and added to the charm of the movie. Also, I wonder how many people notice that C.D. Bales begins with the same letters as Cyrano De Bergerac. Might be a no-brainer. I give this movie a perfect 10!

If you want a complete fantasy film, filled with fairies and goblins and and ethereal surroundings, then this is the movie for you. I was mesmerized by the incredible beauty of the sets and I feel that this may be Ridley Scott's finest effort. The acting was perhaps less than perfect but one can easily overlook that by the sheer enchantment of the story. This movie will take you away to a land and time that is mythical and otherworldly. Tim Curry was awesome as the Dark Lord. What a horribly marvelous costume. Tom Cruise and Mia Sara were finely matched as Jack and Lily. I think the music by Tangerine Dream was perfect in setting the mood as the movie progressed. The massive column scene with Lily running through the Dark Lords' castle really added to the mysticism of his black powers to draw her to him. Also the great room was creepy yet fascinating. It brought about a dream-like quality that at times left me breathless. The only other movie I can compare to this one for pure fantasy fun is LOTR. A word of advice, critical thinkers wanting reality, stay away from this one. It would only disappoint. I give this one an 8 out of 10 for great fantasy.

I have read the book many years ago and many times and when I saw the movie for the first time, I was enchanted. It followed the storyline so faithfully (naturally no movie can ever get all details out like a book)and the movie set a mood that took one away to the deep south in the 30's. You could almost feel the poverty and sadness of the depression years. Atticus Finch (played by Gregory Peck) was sober and serious and also a bit down (after all, he lost his wife just a few years earlier). The entire cast was very well chosen and did an exemplary job at bringing the story to life. This is a must see for children of all ages and anyone else who wants to watch a truly good movie. Get ready to get disgusted at some of the characters, and feel pure sympathy and compassion for others. I give this movie a 9 out of 10.

This is one of the best comedies ever and one of my all-time favorites. I must have seen it a dozen or more times. The cast is perfect and Bogart shows he has a great talent for comedy. Rathbone plays the deliciously evil antagonist Cousin Andre, perfect in his role as the villain you love to hate which he pulls off with his usual deadpan style (has he ever played the good guy in any role?) Ustinov and Ray are perfect sidekicks for Bogart, their comedic style completely complements his. Carroll is perfect as the bumbling husband of the shop the convicts descend upon, initially planning on robbing him. I found the movie had all the necessary elements for a great side-splitting comedy along with some tender moments to show a contrast in the characters involved. I rate this one a nine of ten.

What I loved most about this movie is the pure essence of romantic comedy at it's finest. Audrey Hepburn was perfect as the awkward then sophisticated Sabrina. I always liked Humphrey Bogart in comedies and this one was no exception. He plays the serious and responsible son of a business tycoon who eventually spends time with the beautiful chauffer's daughter (Sabrina) while Linus, the ne'er-do-well younger son, whom Sabrina has been in love with all her life, is recovering from an accident that leaves him tending a tender part of his anatomy. This is a movie that even young children will find fun as well as anyone else who enjoys a good romance.

When I went to see LOTR/FOTR, I had no idea what I was in for. I hadn't even read The Hobbit, much less the LOTR trilogy. Was I ever in for a treat! Ian McKellan was the perfect Gandalf, as were all the other characters (I have since read all the above). Peter Jackson couldn't have picked a more middle earth-like setting (I have wanted to visit New Zealand long before seeing this movie). To say this movie was filled with the most deliciously unpleasant characters ever would be a gross understatement. How about that Balrog? Or those terrifying orcs? Or that hideous monstrosity that, with a band of orcs, attacked the nine in Moria? Or those chilling, shrieking black riders? I go to the movies mainly to get 2 or 3 hours of pure escape (probably why I prefer fantasy and sci-fi so much) and this movie accomplished that and then some. I am very impatient for The Two Towers to come out. At least I am more prepared for it and the Return of the King.