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Reviews
Closer (2004)
When the heart battles with the conscience, we come one step closer to the truth
Movies that contain an all star cast are rarely worth talking about. Not that 'Closer' is an exceptional movie, however it is worth talking about. It's not a film that sends the emotions sky high; nor is it exciting or inspiring. But, it is thought provoking and incredibly intense. Sometimes it can even be hard to listen to. There really is not so much to see in this movie, as much as there is to hear. The performances were excellent; still I had difficulty hearing Julia Roberts talk and be spoken to in such a way. More than once I had to remind myself that she is an actor and that playing fictional roles is what she does. 'Closer' is a film that pushes the line of censorship that little bit further and really drives the brutally honest and the corrupt side of the heart straight into the vigilant mouth of the critic with a 'cop this' attitude. Sometimes it's hard to know whether to turn your head in loathing, or tip your hat in respect. Bravo to the film's courage, congratulations to the cast and crew, and here's to reality. Go and see the film and make up your own mind. If you're not one to take yourself or life too seriously, you might even get a decent laugh out of it. Enjoy.
Radio (2003)
The most difficult journey sometimes leads to the highest reward.
Radio is a true story about a man who did what he felt, in his heart, was the right thing to do. The viewer will be compelled to wonder what he or she would have done. The adversity that coach Jones and Radio both faced was both tragic and predictable. People did not understand; nor did they want to understand. But in the end, the power of circumstance forced people to understand and appreciate so much more than they did before it happened. Radio is a mentally challenged youth who understands very little, besides three of the most important things the are too often forgotten as we mature: Intuition, compassion, and love. Coach Jones is a high school teacher who cannot ignore the plight of the underdog who is just trying to play a bad hand of cards in the best way that he knows how. It was sad the way coach Jones and Radio met. The practical joke that terrified the life out of Radio was enough to make you want to severely punish, not only the boys involved, but every boy who knew what was going on and did nothing about it. However, on the positive side of the scale, the incident led to a friendship that would influence so many lives in the kind of way that most of us believe only happens in the movies. This movie is a real life fairy tale and not to be missed. Ed Harris was his usual brilliance. Gooding was flawless. Radio is an inspiration.
Powder (1995)
Some movies touch the audience; this one seizes the individual
The movie 'Powder' is a return to innocence. It possesses a spiritual quality that opens the eyes to life. And it lends a soothing note to those questions for which their seems to be more questions and few answers. Sean Patrick Flannery's performance was so powerful that one could actually feel the unconditional love within the heart and soul of the character that he played. The concepts that were brought forward, the passion that came with every dramatic scene, and the sense of realism and truth made it one of the most thought provoking movies of all time. Powder was not based on a true story, but it is, I feel, everybody's true story in some way, and it is as powerful, passionate, and inspirational as any true story I have ever seen. Some viewers may wish to begrudge the apparent perfection portrayed by the lead character. However, his only perfection was the way he searched so deep, often at great personal expense, for the suppressed perfection in everyone, and the hidden perfection in everything. I was somewhat disappointed by how the family quality of the movie was spoiled by the use of language by the school bully. Still, a must see for anybody who enjoys a thought provoking film once in a while. Even if you're a person who would prefer to sit down with a good book, as am I, the movie 'Powder' is definitely worth your time. In conclusion: 'Powder' is one of my favourite movies of all time. Seconded, in my opinion, only to 'The Boondock Saints'; also starring Sean Patrick Flannery.