Reviews

This a poignant story of a family that starts out in trouble and finds its real values. It's a bit hard to figure out just what's going on in the beginning but that because of a paradigm shift. Take the premise and replace Mom and Dad with Dad and Dad. As this viewer began to accept that it began to fall into place. The religious theme was not overwhelming, but the move from a vengeful God to a loving one made for a perfect resolution, or the hope of one.

OK, so Herc is a hunk... but the rest of the 3 hours were wasted, wasted... oh the humanity!

Poor Sean Astin had to follow his master up the very same hills of New Zealand that ... wait! Couldd it be? Someone in the production crew of Lord of the Rings was making home movies in his spare time! Yes that's it!

I wish I could at least say he was promising.

The Special effects were often laughable.

But, Herc was a hunk.

NH

For years I have taught an author unit on Chris Van Allsburg. His work is clever, thought provoking and his illustrations wonderfully engaging. So I raced to the the theater on the day "The Polar Express" was released.

I was thrilled when I saw how true to his vision the movie was! Yes, the dog puppet was on the bedpost, for you Van Allsburg geeks. And then it all went bad.

A charming, simple story became silly sequences of Rube Goldberg-like events that served no purpose other than to show off the technology. Needless characters and events were added which only served to bury a beautiful story of belief that reached beyond the commercialization of the season.

So I am really hoping that Chris Van Allsburg sold his rights to any artistic control or I have lost faith in one of my heroes.

I was still verklempt when the movie reconnected me with my fond memories of the book, but it mamde me angry when I stepped out of the theater and said, "I hated it!"

If you haven't seen the movie, don't. Read the book to any kid ... between the ages of 8 and 80.

My partner and I thoroughly enjoyed this show. Nia's writing skills are just delightful. What speaks to that is that nothing seems forced or bumpy in a story which was funny, touching and message bearing. Just delightful.

In the post-gay era we should be able to live with a full spectrum of behavior from screaming queens to leather drag to those of us that just blend in without worrying about reinforcing "stereotypes." This film does that beautifully. No mockery is made, only understanding and acceptance is reinforced.

As far as one reviewers comment that their was "adult content," Where? There was no graphic sexual content, no brutal violence. If homosexuals constitute adult content, then so do heterosexuals. That would make it hard to rate any movie "G" now wouldn't it?

See it and take the kids!

The genius of this film is Polanski's ability to tell the story straight ... not once did I feel emotionally manipulated, though the subject surely would lend itself to that treatment is less adept hands. I was riveted throughout yet did not let go emotionally until the very end And then it was if all the stored energy of the story punched me in the stomach. The acting was as perfect as the direction, cinematography and editing. One of the best films ever made.

So I settle myself down for a great gay movie from the distribution company that brought me "Defying Gravity" and the wonderful "Big Edin" and I had to struggle to make it through, hoping for a redeeming moment. It never came.

The scenes that were supposed to be funny weren't, the one that were supposed to be touching weren't. I just never cared about a person, animal or plant in this movie. Maybe it was because it was poorly directed, acted, edited and written. Maybe it was just ill conceived,

If anyone tries to convince you it is "in the water," ask for a different glass.

This is a movie that touches the heart, opens the mind and is never assuming or pretentious. It is straight-forward cinema (pun intended) that shows that a truly loving character and morality are not inconsistent with homosexuality. In fact it is repression that breeds dysfunction. The movie probably didn't get the credit it deserves because it isn't quirky or artsy, but that is just the point. Brilliant acting is that which seems so underacted. Both leads are so real, so easy to empathize with because they are so uncomplicated, so truly loving of each other. At first I thought the "stepping out of character" narration would be annoying, but I came to find it endearing and necessary. This is the kind of film that changes hearts and opens minds. Jerry Fallwell should be made to watch this movie a dozen times. When it came to the final scene I played it over and over again, because I cared and I wanted to stay in the lives of these two wonderful men. Brilliant writing, directing and acting. A must see.