Change Your Image
bsholley
Reviews
Io sono Li (2011)
A young Mainland Chinese woman has somehow emigrated to Italy where she works.i
With tears in my eyes and thunder in the background, the movie ends.
A young Mainland Chinese woman has somehow emigrated to Italy where she works in a factory, a café, and another factory. The story focuses on her stay at the café in a fishing village just south of Venice. The community in the village is the primary backdrop, and creates the tension between the residents and the Chinese. In particular, she meets a fellow immigrant who is considerably older than she, with whom she develops a unacceptable (according the the community) friendship.
Some of it is so beautiful to look at that I am not sure of the significance, only the sensation of transformation. Even in factories, sleazy streets, fights, and fishing huts, we appreciate not only the reality but also the spirit of the scene.
Maybe I have seen too many crime movies, but I was certain that her work for the freedom of her son was a scam, especially because she was moved several times, threatened with "starting over", and cloistered. Her friendship with Bepi was lovely, yet disallowed. Why? we ask. So little support was offered my work-mates. Why does this program even exist if there is so little personal concern?
Lian, the roommate was another interesting character. She seems as emotionless as Shun Li and seems to have comfort in Tai Chi, thus enabling her to provide some care to Shun Li. It appears she did have deep feelings or else a very powerful sense of loss that remains unexplained.
The film was education, it was touching. It was lovely and it was sad.
Wire in the Blood (2002)
Misinformation
Okay,I admit that I am addicted to this series although I wish I weren't. It is grisly and makes me wonder what kind of city this is to have more than its share of truly awful crimes. Apparently I am seeking reality; odd that I would want that where blood and gore is too too realistic.
In the first season, several of the serial killers were female - truly uncommon. Serial killers are much more likely to be male. Not only are women less likely to commit serial murders, they rarely murder except in crimes of passion or self-defense. Secondly, I believe that clinical psychologists are grossly misrepresented by Tony Hill; psychologists do make keen observations but certainly don't read minds. An empathetic therapist may attempt to put her(him)self in his clients place to gain perspective, but certainly cannot "see" the other's plans. In other words, the plot itself is full of misinformation. Last, If a DI could not solve any crimes without a profiler, would she(he) be promoted?
What is Tony's source of income? If he teaches, he certainly doesn't put in much time or effort.
Hermione Morris was in MI5. In both roles, she plays tough women. What is the sensitive side the Tony or any man is attracted to? I don't see it. Is it a British thing?
Bernie (2011)
Jack Black singing
You can look up the sound track to learn that sure enough, Jack Black does some of the singing. Mostly, though Graham REynolds is the singer.
This is not really my kind of movie, for for its genre, it is quite good. Reminds me of some the ensemble movies such as Best in Show. Of course we all find Bernie highly likable. How can you not like someone who is kind and considerate to those who have few friends, gives money to poorer families, directs town plays bringing culture to town. What a guy!
Jack Black was great in the Big Year as well. He certainly is a multi-talented actor.
Larry Crowne (2011)
Diasappointing
I was look for a good snappy comedy, or at least, some fun romance. Neither here. Yeah, it's not awful, but who cares about any of the characters. Really, Tom Hanks, Julia Roberts, and Nia (Greek wedding), ought to be able to put together something much better. When a man loses his job, he is usually devastated. Larry was mildly sad and surprised, but immediately went to work to find something else. Also, as a clerk in a big box store, how could he ever afford that house to begin with? But where did he get the money to go to school? Things seemed too easy. Yes, I know it was a movie, and a supposed comedy, but it just didn't work. The Julia Roberts character is so uni-dimensional, so flat. If she didn't have great legs and a pretty face there would be no point for her to be the one in the movie. Yes, disappointing.
The State Within (2006)
compelling
Gosh, I need more episodes. Did this really end this way? Is there going to be more? Please! I am still not sure who to trust. Thank heavens for Jane. I suppose the Ambassador (who is rather free to roam around and participate fully in life as a spy/ agent) will eventually get to Tampa and they will determine their future.
The acting was terrific, some of the graphic details I thought were unnecessary, but added humanity to the account. I could have done without the execution itself. I am so proud of Jane for being sufficiently suspicious that she made copies. Go Jane.
How complicit is the Secretary of Defense? She does seem to have issues. Is Gordon a fall guy or the true initiator? Who was the Middle Easterner on the plane? There seem to be so many points not resolved.