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ed-scherer
Reviews
China Beach (1988)
Quality TV that is quickly kicked to the curb
This superbly crafted drama was too good for American television, and even though highly rated at 8.2, was prematurely ended. It amazes me that dreck like Grey's Anatomy drags on and on (for the life of me I can't figure that out and having worked at one of the nations top medical centers for years can attest it is rife with inaccuracies) with its sophomoric "office romances." The problem with that show is not the actors who are a talented bunch - it is the writing. China Beach was just one of those shows you awaited with anticipation because the character development was so good and the material was universal regardless of whether it was a Nam drama or medical series - it was just beautifully done. Oh well, mediocrity prevails and excellence is shunned.
Being Julia (2004)
A lushly scripted, photographed & performed testament to the enormous talents of the players, especially Annette Bening
I never miss an opportunity to indulge myself in this film which exemplifies the perfect melding of theater and film in every aspect from set design, lighting, the score, photography and the performance of the players. It is a shame Annette Bening doesn't get the opportunity more often to demonstrate the full range of her enormous talent. It never dawns on me that I am watching Ms. Bening play the role of Julia Lambert because she so effectively IS Julia Lambert. Films like "The American President" are an insult to her talent. It was not until I saw this film that I realized the depth of her talent and I recommend that everyone watch it at least once.
There is not much else I can say except I will never understand why this film did not garner more critical and popular acclaim. Based on the talents of the cast alone I can't imagine why the public did not flock to theaters upon its release. When you have one of those quiet introspective moments where you yearn for something of substance yet not academic and not a lot of work this is the film to watch. See for yourselves. I hope you love it as much as I do.