Many of the negative reviews of this film are obviously written by francophiles who have had their feathers ruffled by the original title and apparently haven't actually seen the movie. Slap her She's French makes fun of generically American and more specifically Texan culture, FAR more than the French. I was delighted(and surprised)to find this a very well acted and cleverly written teen comedy that provided a vehicle for showcasing the talents of a number of young actresses. The film does stereotype and titillate but it is a teen comedy and they tend to do that. Those who are offended by such things should consider therapy to get over themselves or simply avoid this genre. Personally I was too busy laughing to be bothered.
Reviews
10 Reviews
Topsy-Turvy
(1999)
Very well acted. However...
3 August 2005
Very well acted and impressive costuming but ultimately an unsatisfying biographical look at a short period of time in the lives of two talented artistic collaborators who were unfortunately exceedingly boring as individuals. The movie consists of an apparently random beginning followed by an interminable middle and summed up with a pointless ending. Gilbert and Sullivan fans will no doubt adore it, the remainder of humanity would be better served by avoidance. Additionally the advertising for this film was in my opinion drastically misleading. One would have been justified in thinking that they were purchasing a ticket for an uproarious and perhaps even slapstick comedy and would then be served a dry sometimes tedious character(s) study/drama.
All Creatures Great and Small
(1978–1990)
Excellent! Both in book and series form.
25 September 2004
I'll make it unanimous (so far). When All Creatures first aired in the States, I had already enjoyed the books immensely and doubted that a television production could do author James Herriot's work justice.(A pen name, I believe his real name is Alfred White.) I was delighted to be wrong in that assumption, brilliantly adapted and endearingly performed. It quickly became and remains to this day one of my favorite programs. I particularly recommend the earlier seasons for a number of reasons, not the least of which is Carol Drinkwater as Helen Herriot. I only wish that like Holly the computer on Red Dwarf, who had Lister wipe his memory banks of the collected works of Agatha Christie so that he would have something interesting to read. That I could experience All Creatures Great and Small again, for the first time.
Fight Club
(1999)
139 wasted minutes
19 August 2004
Warning: Spoilers
I refuse to give away details of a film. Therefore this commentary is directed at people who have already seen the movie and may be a bit obscure to those who have not.
Silly plot, gratuitous violence, way too long and very predictable. (If the mono frame shots of Pitt and the identical baggage clues weren't enough to explain exactly what was happening, then H.B. Carter's reaction scene when Norton asks her what she is doing there the morning after, should have made it crystal clear... for anyone over twelve.) I was shocked by how many previous comments referred to an unexpected "twist" at the end.
Fight Club is simultaneously homo-erotic and homophobic, I think the overwhelming popularity of this film among 18-25 year old (confused) males unfortunately may be explained by the concept repeatedly expressed throughout the film that it is OK to bond with or even hug other men but only if you also hurt each other.
I can only recommend purchasing or renting this DVD to those readers who are BOTH somewhat sadistic AND not very bright.
Silly plot, gratuitous violence, way too long and very predictable. (If the mono frame shots of Pitt and the identical baggage clues weren't enough to explain exactly what was happening, then H.B. Carter's reaction scene when Norton asks her what she is doing there the morning after, should have made it crystal clear... for anyone over twelve.) I was shocked by how many previous comments referred to an unexpected "twist" at the end.
Fight Club is simultaneously homo-erotic and homophobic, I think the overwhelming popularity of this film among 18-25 year old (confused) males unfortunately may be explained by the concept repeatedly expressed throughout the film that it is OK to bond with or even hug other men but only if you also hurt each other.
I can only recommend purchasing or renting this DVD to those readers who are BOTH somewhat sadistic AND not very bright.
The Great McGonagall
(1975)
Well... it does have Peter Sellers.
16 May 2004
Interesting in an history of British comedy sense. It has a Goon Show cast does Monty Python skit feel. Unfortunately, it takes a concept that would have been appropriate for a five minute skit and stretches it out an additional hour and a half. A fine supporting performance by Peter Sellers and sporadic gratuitous female nudity (while appreciated) are insufficient to save this from being an albeit quirky and unique but simultaneously mediocre and repetitive low budget comedy.
As an aside, the video copy of this film that I purchased features a full cover picture of Peter Sellers and in the short synopsis on the reverse states that Sellers stars as The Great McGonagall. For the benefit of those of you who have yet to see the film, this is entirely incorrect. Peter Sellers plays the relatively small roll of Queen Victoria and Spike Milligan stars as McGonagall.
As an aside, the video copy of this film that I purchased features a full cover picture of Peter Sellers and in the short synopsis on the reverse states that Sellers stars as The Great McGonagall. For the benefit of those of you who have yet to see the film, this is entirely incorrect. Peter Sellers plays the relatively small roll of Queen Victoria and Spike Milligan stars as McGonagall.
Beat the Devil
(1953)
OK, It's not Bogarts' best but...
29 March 2004
I found the ending of Beat the Devil to be abrupt and with seemingly poor production values. Almost as if the production company had filmed in sequence and used up their budget, making it necessary to tie it up and put it in the can NOW! With that exception, it is a very amusing film with an exceptional ensemble cast. Particularly memorable is Jennifer Jones as a somewhat ditzy and overly imaginative (British?!?) beauty. And that is quite an accomplishment considering the other female lead is played by Gina Lollobrigida. Clever writing and impressive performances by the supporting cast makes this an enjoyable and interesting movie especially (but not exclusively) for Bogart fans.
The Road to Hong Kong
(1962)
Hilarious moments, well worth watching.
3 August 2003
I liked this movie a lot! The cameo appearances are great and the gorilla space suit/ banana and milk auto-feed scenes are roll around on the floor, tears in your eyes, make you smile when you think about it for the rest of your life funny!
Elling
(2001)
Unique and very funny Norwegian gem.
11 January 2003
I usually assume that a subtitled film is even better if you understand the original language. If that is true of Elling, then Norwegian speakers are very fortunate indeed. The story of two friends released from a psychiatric facility and their ensuing travails. Well paced, exceptional acting and very clever dialogue combine to present an extremely entertaining, amusing and occasionally poignant film.
The Black Orchid
(1958)
A well told story of love, adversity and second chances.
5 January 2003
Sophia Loren won the Venice Film Festival best actress award for her portrayal of Rose Bianco (White Rose) in The Black Orchid. The remainder of the cast are equally impressive (with a special nod to Anthony Quinn) in this engrossing drama. Pop some corn, turn the phone off and enjoy.
My Geisha
(1962)
Shirley shines.
5 October 2002
What on the surface appears to be an improbable plot line becomes increasingly plausible due to the combination of great make up work, spectacular costuming, (Edith Head) and a truly amazing performance by Shirley Maclaine. Crisp, sharp focus, color cinematography, interesting locations and set design, combine with a genuine fondness for Japanese culture resulting in an admirable early 60's comedy/drama.
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