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pandora12
Reviews
Meet Joe Black (1998)
I liked it but. . .
I liked the story but I think a little more depth and realism could have been given to the characters. I don't know of too many families where everyone gets along all the time. For instance, the daughter who was not the favorite was OK with not being the favorite?? The natural psychology of that older unfavored daughter, Allison, would be jealousy for the favorite Susan. Also, there should have been at least one character who realistically said some last words that were not reminiscent of a eulogy. I wanted a little more realism with the characters having faults and making mistakes and saying the wrong things. Allison's words to her father about not being the favorite were beautiful but the script should have used those words in his eulogy from her. Then there is Susan who is the favorite. She showed little emotion when her father was 'saying goodbye.' Realistically, she should not have been so 'accepting' of the knowledge her father's departure with death. If it was me I would have been sobbing uncontrollably and running after him yelling, 'Daddy don't go! I love you! I need you! Don't leave me! Please come back!'
The Bridge on the River Kwai (1957)
Ridiculous story
This story was not believable and I checked the FAQ's to make sure this was not based on a true story. The prison camp conditions were so unrealistic. The POW's didn't seem to have it that bad. Col. Saito the head of the prison was supposed to be a bad guy just because he made the officers do physical labor. I thought surely Col. Nicholson would get a bullet for challenging the authority of the prison guard commander. In what prison (civilian or military) does a prisoner get to protest and actually get his way? Then, I thought for sure Nicholson would get a bullet when he threatened to report Col. Saito for violating the rules of war, but it never happened. The story is completely ridiculous and the film is highly overrated.
Le fabuleux destin d'Amélie Poulain (2001)
Loved It!
I usually don't like romantic comedies because the stories and characters are so unrealistic. I mean 'foiling a wedding to confess newly discovered love to the bride(or groom)' has been done to death in the American movies. Yet, another American romantic comedy is currently showing with this very same plot. The screenplay for Amelie is fresh and original. There is enough story to give depth and to be able to understand why the main character is the way she is. I love the odd-ball details given about the characters, it makes them more real. This is a feel good movie with some laugh out loud moments. I will be added this movie to my extensive DVD collection. I highly recommended it, subtitles and all!
Jackie Brown (1997)
Nod to blaxploitation films
I didn't think there was much depth to the characters or much attention given to the script. It is hard to believe that this was based on a novel. Compared to Quentin Tarantino's other films this just doesn't measure up. I realize that this is a nod to blaxploitation films. I am not a fan of that type of film so maybe that is why I couldn't really appreciate Jackie Brown. Robert DeNiro is such a great actor, he should not be settling for such 'nobody' roles. Samuel L. Jackson did his best with what he was given. I like the way he changes his looks to fit each character he plays. I am glad that Pam Grier managed to keep her shirt on, literally! If you have ever seen Pam Grier in her blaxploitation films she is constantly running around bare-chested, it's ridiculous.
No Country for Old Men (2007)
One of the scariest villains. . .
Anton is one of the scariest villains I've seen on film. The kind you love to hate. Just listening to him talk gave me chills. The scene in the convenient store had me on pins and needles. This film is worth watching just to see Javier Bardem nail the character Anton Chigurh. Now for the things I didn't like were the long dialogues between Tommy Lee Jones character and his deputy, friend, wife, etc. Most of it was boring and unrelated to what was happening in the film. Woody Harrelson's character did not convince me that he was a bad-azz. I also didn't like the film treatment of one of the characters. I can't say whom without giving away spoilers. I really didn't like the ending.
Magnolia (1999)
Loved It!
I am making my way down the IMDb Top 250 list, starting with some of the latest movies made in the 1990's until current. I don't know why I never heard of this movie before, but it is awesome. The one thing I didn't like was the title of the film. I thought it was a chick flick. Even though, I am a woman I don't like so-called 'chick-flicks.' There were a couple of other things I didn't like near the end. I also noticed that many other reviews disliked those two things as well. The film was otherwise excellent and profound and it deserves its rating as a minimum. I will be adding this to my DVD collection. I rented three other movies the same time I saw Magnolia and this was the only one I wanted to watch twice before I returned it to the video store. It has that "Wow!" factor.
Why Did I Get Married? (2007)
I'm a Fan
I liked the movie for its entertainment value. I am a fan of Tyler Perry's plays. The film is not Oscar worthy but it has good comedy and a message. This is Tyler Perry's style and many people have come to love his plays and films. The acting was mediocre. I wasn't completely drawn into the characters and their dilemmas. The cinematography was low budget. Having said that, the IMDb 3 rating is way too low for this film. In general, I rate Tyler Perry's films between 5 to 6 stars. To me this rating means a film worth renting but not worth spending the money to see it in the movies. I would purchase it on DVD if available for half the price of a new release.
This review is targeted for people who are not familiar with Tyler Perry's work. As for his fans, I already know you are going to see this movie.