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Reviews
Sideways (2004)
too much navel gazing, no depth
Renting the DVD of an Academy nominated film, with good reviews creates expectations and it is too bad that these were not met. Aside from the fine acting, the movie is slow, mostly boring and engaged in an unsuccessful attempt to show serious issues of mid-life crises and disappointments. The deluge is mostly weak, and the movie just didn't hold our interest. I kept on waiting for the "big scene" or for some part to explain more about the characters. I am now interested in reading the novel, which probably is able to flesh out the characters and make them more interesting and real. I felt sorry for the actors who weren't able to develop the characters to any meaningful level. How this got nominated for Best Picture is beyond me.
Radio (2003)
Fine movie, excellent acting and we wish we knew more
There are many good things and people in this world. It's just that we hardly ever hear about them, in this media-filled age. As Radio is based on a true story, I found it informative as well as entertaining. I was disappointed that it "ended" where it did, as it seems to have been cut off prematurely, as if material was left on the editing floor. This is a movie for the whole family and one well worth the price of admission.
Cool Runnings (1993)
very entertaining movie for the whole family
great video rental! We miss John Candy more and more, when we see how well he plays here. This movie is funny and definitely for the whole family. Even the story is true, it is not well known to most and therefore the suspense is kept to the end. Cool Running!
Executive Decision (1996)
Excellent action thriller that predicted the future
This movie is well worth the video rental. As an action thriller it keeps you on the edge of the your seat. As a movie from 1996, it is scary to see how prescient it was in predicting the events of September 11. Most of it is very believable. Family entertainment that should have been rated PG-13. Suitable for teenagers and up.
The Family Man (2000)
Entertaining, inspirational for all over 35.
Certain movies can only be understood from a certain vantage point in life. While `What if' scenarios have been tackled in other movies, this movie does it very well. We all look back, at least those of us who have enough experiences to look back on, and wonder `what-if'. We all draw our own conclusions, and Family Man has its own, agree or disagree. This is an excellent film for those over the age of 35, married at least 13 years, as in the movie, and willing to think about what might have been. Since we all do it, why not use this finely acted movie, as another catalyst? Cage and Leoni are terrific. Rent the video, see it only with your loved one of the last few years, and enjoy! Not for children who won't understand the plot.
Shrek (2001)
Definitely worth the time!
It is rare to find a movie where the entire family, of me, the father and 3 kids ages 10-17, walked out the theatre laughing. Shrek has something for everyone. As long as you know your fairy tales, esp. Disney ones, you will find it a lot of fun.
A League of Their Own (1992)
Well worth the rental
This is not just a great baseball story. Penny Marshall has succeeded in representing life in the 40s and some of the obstacles that a group of women had to face in trying to improve their lives, have fun and play some ball. The acting is great and very believable. Geena Davis should have been nominated for Best Actress, but I guess coming after Thelma and Louise, 2 years in a row would have been difficult. Based on the real women's league, the movie has restored some of my faith in athletes who once played for love of the game. Now I have a reason to visit the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown. This is not a "girls movie" but one for the whole family. Enjoy!
Forget Paris (1995)
Well done, entertaining Crystal movie
For married couples of at least 10 years and/or over 40, this is an entertaining and intelligent movie. Billy Crystal captures the emotions and angst of a certain age and time in one's life, when looking back and forward is done with some trepidation, and the results are, if you're honest, mixed. Put the kids to bed, tell the teenagers you're busy and see this one with your spouse. Well worth the video rental.
Tarzan (1999)
It is a very good movie and the music is great.
This movie combines great music, humour and a good story about friendship. Tarzan is my favourite character in the movie. You can take the entire family. Adults, all the way to grandparents, and kids will like it very much. Asher, age 12
La vita è bella (1997)
A must see!
It is difficult to figure out how such a great movie can be made on a topic like the Holocaust, while still being, not only moving, but incredibly funny. But Benigni has done it and finally we have a movie that not only entertains, but is thought-provoking and stays in your mind long after leaving the theatre. It can be trite to determine that a movie is a "must see", but occasionally even cliches are true. Please go see this one.
There's Something About Mary (1998)
Funny, but wait for the video.
High school humour prevails throughout. Parts are funny, other parts are just gross. Well deserved of its R rating, as 2 scenes, esp. the "hair gel" one, are very inappropriate for under 17s. See this one with old high school buddies, at your home when the video comes out. Not worth the admission price to see at the theatre.
Armageddon (1998)
Great escapist entertainment. Worth the money!
Well done action film, that provides 2 and 1/2 hours of solid entertainment. Even somewhat believable, while you are watching. You can let the kids watch this one, asides from 2 very brief scenes, which are inappropriate for the under 12 set. All in all, worth the time.