Change Your Image
charly1
Reviews
La cucina (2007)
Just not worth the effort
I saw this film at the Beloit International Film Festival (BIFF) in January. It focuses on 3 relationships in one apartment complex. After a terrible result creating lasagna, a pregnant wife seeks advice, comfort, food in Rachel Hunter's apartment. Rachel cooks while chatting with the pregnant woman about cooking and relationships.
*SPOILER ALERT*
If Rachel's character has so much wisdom about relationships and her perfect "partner", why is her partner cheating on her at a movie set and standing her up for dinner? Also, what army is she cooking for?
*END OF SPOILER*
Another neighbor is hosting a romantic supper with her lover/boyfriend. The movie covers their conversations and food preparations of the evening.
*POSSIBLE SPOILER ALERT*
The inane conversation between the "younger woman/older man" is so tired. I was confused that the man seemed to argue for marriage and against it in the same conversation.
*END OF SPOILER*
Throw in some odd moments, like a man dressed as a super-hero in the courtyard or a neighbor practicing his guitar, presumably to handle the scene transitions for us and you have the mess that makes up the bulk of this film.
The kitchens are stylish, some of the actors quite competent, but the film lacks the great profundity or depth it desires.
After the film was over, the writer stood to polite applause and questions. She conveyed the idea that she felt the kitchen is central to a home and where many poignant conversations take place. She also said that some of the situations were patterned after people she knew. If people she knows speak like these characters, she needs to find more interesting people.
Perhaps I am most disappointed when Rachel Hunter (in no way an actress) gave the strongest performance. If you are completely bored and have to clean out your sock drawer, this movie would be great in the background!
Made in Secret: The Story of the East Van Porn Collective (2005)
When disappointment turns to admiration
I was fascinated by the maturity level of these people - that they could disagree strongly, nearly fight with each other and yet keep their calm and poise. I was struck by the honesty of these people, with each other and with the camera. I was struck by how odd, yet interesting, that a lesbian would want a "gay men" scene and a "straight" scene - seemed like the reasoning of a person who is not so selfish as to want to exclude the rest of the "collective".
*************SPOILERS******************
The next night, we watched the DVD extras and I was angry when they revealed that it was scripted, not quite real. I completely understood the couple that called them "fakers" on the street. At first, I felt that way, as well. I think I was hurt that all of the stripped down feelings they had as a reasonable group were a sham. But, as I listened to their explanations of what they had done and I chatted with my husband about it, I began to really admire what these people created.
Using Geores Braque's definition, "art is meant to disturb". What they created is art. It disturbed me. I suppose that the base reason I am most disquieted about the film is that only someone viewing the extras can be sure it was a fictional piece. Many people, like me, will leave the film thinking it was all factual. With the age of DVDs, perhaps it is a moot point since most people watch the extras, but there are still bound to be those who took it at face value and still believe it was "real" - so I am still a bit miffed about that, but not much.
************END OF SPOILERS********************************
I hope that people will actually give this movie a chance to work it's magic. The spell it casts is worthwhile. There is genius in this work!
The Laundromat (1985)
Saw this years ago on HBO
Although my memory of this is a bit sketchy on details, I remember really liking this. I am 90% certain I saw it on HBO. I loved Carol and probably watched it because of her. What I remember most is Amy Madigan. I had not seen her before this and there was something about her look that made me remember her when I later began seeing her in lots of movies, most notably "Places in the Heart".
Without giving away a spoiler, I will say that I remember a twist ending - although I was rather young, so I wonder if it would be a surprise these days.
Upon looking at the writer, Marsha Norman, I see that she also wrote something I loved, "'Night Mother". I saw that again in the past few years and it held up for me, so perhaps "The Laundromat" would as well. Wish more people would see this and comment on it. Since I haven't seen it in years, it would be unfair to rate it. My inclination would be at least a 7 out of 10 since it stuck with me all these years as worthwhile.
The Brothers Grimm (2005)
For once, the critics are right - DON"T BOTHER!
I adore Terry's visionary works of the past. There are moments, mere moments in this dreck when I can see flashes of him, yet somehow this turd can't represent him as a director. I should state that I am not fond of Matt Damon as an actor, yet this movie is so terrible, I forgot how much I loathe him.
There is no spoiler that anyone could ever conceive that would spoil this film. I've been greatly disappointed today, even going in with lukewarm to low expectations. I know that his past films have often garnered odd reactions, people not "getting" his movies, but this one stinks.
Last summer, I felt that the box office had sunk to an all-time low with "Van Helsing". For that crud, there was too much CGI to destroy any storyline. Sadly, "Grimm" makes "Van Helsing" look like an Academy Award winner.
Runtime suggests that this is nearly two hours of my life that I wasted today, not to mention money and brain cells.
During the end of the film, I felt ill. Talking it over with my husband, we agreed it was not illness, it was bad cinema.
I suspect that in a day or two, I will rethink my vote of 3/10 and wish I had gone lower, but for now, 3 stars seems fair for this drivel.
My advice, if someone you know asks you to see this movie and your other choice is to play softball with overripe grapefruits that will squeeze torturous acid in your eyes when you hit them, wear sunglasses and "swing away"!
Tomie (1998)
Skip this one! Possible spoilers...
This movie had promise. The DVD cover is creepy. The music as the film begins is full of potential to scare us.
We follow the man "growing" Tomie with great interest and every scene with her as she grows fills us with hope - never seeing her face, just her hair, long, black hair.
Tsukiko has memory loss, friends she doesn't like, a cheating boyfriend, and nothing else. We are given tastes of her memory loss when the detective speaks to her therapist of her past. Her father dying, but not as a result of a car accident is hinted, but not dealt with. The detective suggests that Tomie has appeared for a long time, over and over in history. This gives hope to the movie. It gives us some back story, but never comes to fruition.
The movie just drags on and on and on. The real horror of the movie is that I sat there, through the whole dull, non-plot, waiting for something to happen, something to scare me, something to make me see a point to making this movie.
I came away empty. There is no reason for this film.
Watching the extras, I learned that the author of the comic was afraid of women and wanted that to come across. I also learned that the director cared about mood. Obviously plot was not needed here, but I also don't think mood was ever created. What little we were given did not live up to expectations.
If you want Japanese horror, try a Miike film!
If you want a suggestion for time better spent, watch some paint dry!
Just don't say you weren't warned...
A generous 2/10
Tras el cristal (1986)
Horror needs a new category
We poorly label films with a basic genre, like comedy, horror, drama. This film makes a good case for a new category - like disturbing. That is the best description on this movie - disturbing. I felt disturbed from the beginning and my level of comfort never remained the same. There are some remarkable moments in the film - such as the spare use of color, but when you see red, it intensifies the movie. After listening to the director discuss the thought behind the script, I feel he did his best to portray the evil that interested him. This movie is not for the faint of heart or easily offended. See at your own risk. If you find this film to be entertainment, you need to be locked away!
****SPOILER****
I can't decide if the hanging nude boy upset me the most in the film or the idea that children had to play these roles and had to know, as the director acknowledges, the sick sexual things being done to them. This is one uncomfortable film from start to finish.
3000 Miles to Graceland (2001)
Nothin' but a Hound Dog
This movie sucks on so many levels, I can't even begin to divulge the plot problems. Since I don't like Kevin Costner to begin with, I didn't expect much and got even less.
For a change, Courtney wasn't the worst on screen. She, as her other "Friends" need to get it straight that they need to ride that show until it dies because none of them can act and not one of them is film-worthy, as their careers keep showing.
SPOILERS
The best reason to see the movie is for Kevin's body to be riddled with bullets in his over-the-top death scene. Ice-T, who's performance was fine, yet not really much to work with, does give a fascinating scene as he twists from the ceiling spraying the cops with bullets, taking out many before they finally kill him.
This movie had great potential - robbing a casino during an International Elvis convention, dressed as Elvis. Too bad the rest of the movie wasn't worthy of that premise.
The violence and gore is so over the top that it desensitizes the viewer in 5 minutes. Action Fantasy can be done well, check out some of Chow Yun Fat's Hong Kong flicks, even Jet Li, but please leave this bomb alone!
The Cell (2000)
Generously gave it a 7 of 10...
I would love to write a glowing report about the story, the actors, the writing. Instead, I can say the plot has too many flaws to rank this a must-see film. We have seen this story before, done much better. The performances were flat. The only real performance might be Vincent D'Onofrio, but even he couldn't save the film.
Jennifer proves once and for all that her a** is hers and not surgically altered. Many people will see it for that few seconds at her refrigerator.
The film has been described as a cross between Matrix and Silence of the Lambs. That might be said, although I heard fellow movie-goers saying a few other films bred into the screenplay. Fact is, if you are looking for Silence or Matrix, go and rent them, because this falls short of the mark.
After my negative comments, let's look at why I was generous enough to give rehashed plot and characters a 7 out of 10. The visual imagery is simply stunning, beyond compare. What the plot and actors lack, the sets more than make up for. This is a film made for the big screen! See it in the theater. DVD isn't even quality enough for this. Experience it in the theater at least once.
Check your brain at the door and just enjoy the colors, bright, dark, emotional. The cinematography is the real film, not the shoddy story along with it.
Spoilers!!!! Warning, do not read if you do not want to know more...
Shoddy detective work by the FBI is simply disappointing. The whole film pins the detective work on a woman entering a serial killer's mind to find a woman we barely care about. She is never given much of a soul to make us care if they find her alive or not. What agent would see a strange piece of machinery, which is obviously part of the mutilation chamber in the killer's home and no one is working on checking that angle until said detective "goes into" the killer's mind to save the well experienced child psychologist from remaining trapped. Then, like a revelation, he sees the symbol from the machinery in the killer's mind and connects it to the real world, calls his people to find the manufacturer. In the 30 plus hours they had to crack into the killer's brain, the FBI still hadn't finished setting up a grid in the killer's tiny home and no one had bothered to examine the cellar, where they found the incriminating video. Instead, the FBI had focused on the messy, tiny attic for the grid.
The little boy - his father is wealthy and the boy is found on a seal island in a coma. Why tell us any of that? Why introduce his parents for 2 minutes and introduce a possible bad relationship between the kid's father and Lopez, then never examine either thing?
I feel that Singh has a brilliant career ahead of him if only he can find a more polished screenwriter than Protosevitch, who also might have a career if he puts his own thoughts on his own stories rather than churning out bad imitations of other original screenplays.
We already know Lopez has a glorious career ahead of her. Between modeling, acting, and singing, we will be seeing her for years. She needs to be more careful about script control. This character could have been more interesting, but again that falls on a poor writer. At least she isn't acting with snakes anymore.
Vin D'Onofrio needs more vehicles to show his talents. Certainly, when the bio of Stephen King is made, he should get the role!
Vince Vaughn has potential, but also needs to screen his roles more in the future, selecting the best vehicle to display his acting ability.
Jake Weber, as usual, plays it low-key, barely noticeable by most movie-goers. Good character actor.
Judy Berlin (1999)
6/10
This film has a quiet beauty and some very wonderful performances. However, the poetry of the movie is too disjointed for my personal taste. I understand the ideas the director is going for, but I felt the movie lacked enough charm to pull it off. The dialogue has moments of reality, yet often tries too hard for truth, missing the mark. This is a very artistic effort, not meant for the average movie-goer. With a bit more practice and polish, the director could one day be quite great. He needs to stop imitating others and find his own voice.
I was torn between admiring it's gentility and screaming to have the monotony end! That is real life, isn't it? Sometimes moments last too long and others pass too quickly.
It is a film for film lovers, yet needs a tighter reining by the editor/director.
U-571 (2000)
See the director's cut of Das Boot!
There is nothing tragically wrong or flawed with this film. The actors do a fine job in their roles, as such. But, like other Hollywood films, it is loud, full of shaking camera shots, and more of a coaster ride than a film. There are a few quiet and well done scenes, but I strongly feel that I would have been lost if I had not already seen the director's cut of "Das Boot" in January. That film sets up the sheer terror of war in a submarine. It is long, grueling, and incredibly well done. U-571, like many Hollywood blockbuster films is for the masses, sort of a watered down version of Wolfgang's masterpiece.
I do think this is a gutsier film than many that Hollywood gives us. I don't feel it is a spoiler to say that some stars do die, this is not the "everyone will survive and be a hero" film. But, the explosions and shaking cameras overwhelm the experience, not enough time spent in character development. These are basic, cardboard characters, we've seen many of them before, and we are sure to see many again. I gave it 6/10.
Dogma (1999)
8 out of 10
This is not the first movie I've seen by Kevin Smith, nor will it be my last. I wish I could have loved this film as much as I loved "Clerks", but I didn't. I think that one reason this film and many of his ideas are not ready for the movie-going public is that he is so heavily based in comics. Dogma plays like a live-action comic. I believe he is one director who could do any comic book character well, especially Superman, which was dropped.
It was great to see so much of my hometown in the film, too bad it had to represent Wisconsin. But, that's our lot in life, Pittsburgh seldom gets the credit in a great film - see Silence of the Lambs for the finest example of no screen credit. I really loved that the nun at the airport was played by none other than Lady Elaine from Mister Rogers' neighborhood. With the loss of Don Brockett (Chef Brockett) a few years ago, perhaps she will get the most cameos in 'Burgh films.
Kevin Smith is young and fresh. His movies, especially this one, reflect that. There are some points of contention in the film that make Catholics angry. I haven't heard this much commotion since Last Temptation of Christ. At any rate, I think given some support from the film community, Kevin can add an interesting voice to the chorus. I just hope that non-comic fans can handle his visions.
One more thing, Silent Bob gives his best performance in this role!
Can't wait for Clerks 2!
Ronin (1998)
If you hate car chases, see this!
Ronin may not have been popular while it was out and in truth, much of that would be the advertising of a long car chase scene. Admittedly, I was not enthused when my partner rented the DVD one night. I really get sick of long, drawn-out car scenes, generally tuning them out after a few seconds until they are over. However, Ronin will change your mind. This film is made for wide screen and DVD! I am sorry we missed it when it was on big screens. The story is typical spy stuff, full of twists and turns, some you see coming, some you don't. The film is dark, and terribly European feeling. I can't even express why that is so, it just is. Having been to parts of Brussels, France, England, I felt like I was there again. The performances are wonderful. I am a fan of Jean Reno already, but in this he was even better. Haven't seen him this good since "The Professional". DeNiro is also better than expected. I was afraid he would just phone his part in, but he lived it, made it a real character, not just stereotypical. The rest of the cast rounds out a very well-developed film. Frankenheimer pulled this one off! He has reason to be proud of this one...
Stir of Echoes (1999)
Amazing sounds
Ok, this film starts off loud, stays loud, finishes loud. That is my positive and negative review. If you don't mind lots of noises, sometimes scary, this is your film. If you love creative use of whispers and the feeling that someone is creeping up on you, go to this film. When I saw it, there were only 4 other people, way behind my husband and me. There were in the stadium seating and we chose nearer the screen on the floor. There was definitely no one sitting near us, yet I frequently had the impulse to turn around and be sure, expecting to see someone about to touch my shoulder. This use of sound works well!
If you really want a clever idea that is completely unpredictable, don't bother. The film starts off well, lots of creepy atmosphere, but it simply ends badly. It becomes almost silly. Kevin Bacon does a very good performance, such as he has to work with, but even his character becomes silly.
I have one question, where do these characters live in Chicago. I want to move there. No neighbors on the street, in fact, no neighbors anywhere except at the obligatory crowd scenes. I guess the neighbors for the parties are bussed in from a nearby town! The rest of the time, one can destroy a house and yard without so much as a peep out of the row house occupant next to you. That is incredible!
This film is aimed at youth and should hit the target. I like to call it a movie about a heavily tattooed couple with an incredible kid and only one pair of blue jeans! This might ruin the film, so stop reading!
If you have a loved one who dies, is your best outfit really a pair of jeans and a belly shirt?
Ok, end of Spoiler!
Seriously, see it for the creepy atmosphere in an empty, extremely dark, cold theater. Check your brain at the door. Bring ear plugs if you hate loud sounds.
The story may not be terribly award winning, but the sound editing should be. Too bad it got heavy-handed at times.
One more thing, if I hear it compared to Sixth Sense once more, I might scream. Yes, this has a kid in it and possibly a ghost and it was released in 1999. So was the remake of "The Haunting"! Get over it!!!!
Riget (1994)
You have to rent both!
No one should miss this film. Four hours absolutely flys by. You have to rent the sequel and pray for more to be made! Someone who likes/loves David Lynch should adore this work. You'll be shaking your fist and screaming "Dansk skum" (spelling is poor, but if you watch this, you will understand)!
A Night at the Roxbury (1998)
You get what you pay for
Ok, this isn't real cinema. It's a fun flick, meant to be fun. If you are looking for quality, look elsewhere, but if you are looking for a film that is full of fluff and nonsense, this is it. Those of us who grew up in the 80's often look back at Sixteen Candles or Meatballs with fondness. This seems to be the 90's version. The music is great and there are a few clever jokes, including one about the music toward the end that make it worth the price of a video rental.
Little Voice (1998)
Outstanding!
There are reasons that films like this are made - to give movie-lovers a reason to go to the cinema. Action films dominate screens all across America to give movie-goers a thrill ride. But, when a powerful film like this comes along, it should be seen on a huge screen, with lots of sound - only a real theater can do it justice.
This is not a quiet film, nor is it meant to be. These are some gut-wrenching performances. The characters are not cookie cut-outs, though many people seem to disagree with me. After reading previous comments on this film, I am hugely disappointed to see how many Brits disliked it or felt it stereotypical. Ludicrous! These are the same people who made Spice Girls and Oasis hugely popular! Are you kidding?
The people who ripped it apart need to rethink their words or perhaps study the film. Of course we all know the ending before it starts, there is no doubt where LV will end up. But, the journey there is the interesting part. Sometimes the road less taken is the one that makes all the difference in our lives. I urge anyone who truly loves a well-written, well-acted movie to run to the theaters before this one is gone! See it with someone you love, see it alone, just see it for yourself. Draw your own conclusions!
Maybe I was better off not knowing the premise of the film before seeing it, I went into it without any preconceived notions. I am only sorry that it was not lauded at the Oscars. I think these performances were stand-outs for Michael, Brenda, Jane, Ewan, and Jim. This film has heart and soul! But don't believe me, see it for yourself. To me, disappointment is watching Bruce Willis as John MacLean stop terrorists from taking over an entire city in Die Hard 63.
Castle Freak (1995)
True horror
This was a surprise from Full Moon. Many of their films are gory but have a sense of humor. This one hits a homerun for fans in search of a creepy castle setting. The story is slightly predictable, but thoroughly engrossing. There are some truly horrific scenes, hard to watch. Perhaps more of Hollywood could take a lesson from this movie. Surprisingly well acted from actors who tend to be B level normally.
Out of Rosenheim (1987)
Heartwarming
This strangely amateurish film takes on the issues of women as independent and sexual creatures from a fresh angle. The idea of an overweight middle-aged Bavarian woman becoming the sexual goddess in one artist's mind is totally wonderful. Kudos to the fine cast for pulling off such enjoyable characters, ones we hate to leave. Marianne shines, but so does CCH Pounder. It is amazing how one woman can transform so many lives without really thinking about it.
The Apostle (1997)
humanity personified
This movie felt too natural to be a film. Duvall gave one of the finest performances I have ever seen. His insight into this preacher's soul was amazing and inspiring. This is Americana encapsulated for all to view.
Hollywood would have made it bigger than life, I liked this because it was as small as life. Life is full of sordid details and imperfections. Duvall chose to portray the good with the bad, and enabled movie-goers to experience what comes from powerful stories portrayed by a wonderful supporting cast.
I found John Beasley's performance the strongest I have seen from a supporting character, possibly ever.
If only Hollywood and the movie moguls could make more human stories like this, life would be too sweet. While nothing blew up, this movie had action and power in it.
The story leads in ways I never expected to be led. In the time of high predictability in movies, this one had small surprises, some good, some bad - all very real!
Kudos to Duvall for going that extra mile on his one way trip!
Merlin (1998)
Worth watching!
This film took a new twist on the Arthur legend that was worthwhile. I was hesitant to watch it, fearing too much attention was on the special effects, which often obscures the storyline in a movie. Fortunately, this combined good cast, great effects, and wonderful story. Any misgivings I had regarding Sam as Merlin were wiped out after a short time. The only flaw I noticed was in the voice-over by Isabella when Nimue first meets Merlin. For those who loved "Excalibur", this is a great explanation as to what happened to Merlin while Camelot was in an uproar.