tracee Reviews

Lincoln (2012)

Deus Ex Machina

[8/10 · 28 November 2012]

This could easily work as a staged play. That was my immediate thought at some point during the opening scene in which Lincoln's oratory motivations/inspirations are espoused by first, a "colored" Union soldier, then a white one. And, for me, the movie continues in the same vein. Lincoln displays a grandfatherly wisdom and a "god of the machine" quality where the wheels of Washington spin in just the right fashion, just in time for history to be forever made. It was very well done.

After doing some rough Wikipedia research, it was very well cast in the physical ways that neatly match every other important casting choice. Of course, the lead actors were very good (who really ever wonders how precise and involved a Daniel Day Lewis performance will be?). My next favorite actor was David Straithairn (portraying Sec of State Seward), who I have loved since I saw him in HBO's Lost in Yonkers. If I ever saw anyone get an Academy Award out of the whole movie, it would DEFINITELY be him!!! I thought the actors that played Lincoln's two sons were standouts (one of which was Joseph Gordon-Levitt: star rising); the younger one I don't know by name but his first appearance was memorable instantly, as much as DDL's young co-star in "There Will Be Blood" was (which is impressive given how BIG an actor he is). Honorable mentions go to Jackie Earle Haley as the VP of the Confederacy, the actor I know as Gail from Breaking Bad as an abolitionist House rep, and Walton Goggins, whose role was quite different from the things I've seen him do lately.

I was more emotional than I knew I'd be, but for different reasons than I thought. I will certainly be reading the book "Team of Rivals", the movie's inspiring source material. The movie also makes one curious about Lincoln's recorded speeches, because he was very good at it -- and Daniel Day Lewis' Lincoln surely gives them life. After seven score and seven years, we're still analyzing his words and deeds -- he really does belong to the ages!

From the Terrace (1960)

My Newman Fandom Started Here

[8/10 · 6 March 2004]

Paul Newman has many more famous roles...but for some reason, this is one of my all time favorite movies of his. It comes on the Love Stories, AMC, or TCM cable channels every here and now...or you could just buy it like I did.

He's nice, determined, well-meaning Alfred Eaton, who starts off with lofty, wealthy ideas about what is important in life...the right woman, the right career, the right friends...and showing them all how important he can be when he has them. Ultimately, he learns that what is important is only what feels right to him alone.

I love his story of personal discovery as much as his love affair story with Natalie. Alfred and Natalie have this beautiful scene where they are saying goodbye, they're barely touching, but it's the most painfully romantic thing to see.

Paul Newman and his wife Joanne Woodward have some excellent scenes in this movie also with real good comeback dialogue. He's the hardworking, decent man and she's the desperate-to-impress and just plain desperate society wife. She self-righteously and hurtfully accuses him of adultery with a girl with no guts when she's been sleeping with her ex-fiancee all along. She actually calls her lover and arranges a tryst while her husband is in the room!!!! She has guts!!!! Unbeknownst to her, Alfred has exhaustingly if unaffectedly (if you can look unaffected and disgusted at the same time, that is) done his best to makes her invisible in the room, but she probably just becomes invisible without any real effort on his part to make her so by that point. Their voices just have the most impactful tones...especially when they get to play off of each other. I can play their final scene over and over again where she says she won't give him a divorce and he says,"Any further communication between you and me will be through legal channels." He has the most genuine smile on that handsome face in that moment than through the entire movie!!!!!

This movie is actually pretty long, but not a moment is wasted. It all comes together in the end when Alfred finally chooses what he actually wants instead of what he's supposed to want.

Maybe it's because it's so subtle and not at all like a "movie" that it seems to be largely overlooked by everyone except me and 20 other people. Paul Newman is one fine, naturally classy actor, I say.

The Passion of the Christ (2004)

How Could You Hate?

[8/10 · 29 February 2004]

I don't think this movie is about preaching anti-Semitism at all. I didn't feel for one minute that the Jewish race was crucifying Jesus. I saw a whole lot of people (Jews and non-Jews) taking a sick unattached satisfaction in causing someone more pain and suffering than I can imagine I'll ever feel. In the end, this movie is about personal sacrifice..even when you doubt the reasons why God has you going through it..and God bringing you out on the other side.

The line that was taken out is really only something a true Christian could interpret correctly. Everyone is a sinner and gets salvation by accepting Christ's sacrifice and making some of your own, including avoiding evil. And personally, anyone who stood around while Jesus was being tortured and murdered for the crime of preaching about God and the merits of a good deed is guilty of killing him.

How can anyone see this movie, especially with Jesus asking his disciples to love their enemies most of all and beseeching God to forgive his persecutors (Jews and Romans alike), and think it was teaching you hate ANYONE?

I kind of surprised myself because while I was teary, I didn't cry at all like I thought I would (and I cried 30 min straight after I saw Ben Hur...and the crucifixtion either wasn't graphic or shown at all, as I recall).

The time spent watching this movie was very reflective for me and made me want to love and help others more than anything else...and the torture that Jesus suffered made me really internally sad for the state of the world. Because nothing has changed.

Open Range (2003)

This Is Not A Bad Review!

[16 August 2003]

I made the mistake of expecting this movie to be like the western-style movies that have been made, and seen by me, during my lifetime. To an extent, it had parts that reminded me of Unforgiven, Bill Pullman's The Virginian, and dare I say Wyatt Earp. I still didn't think it was as good as all of those, though. Perhaps this movie has received such critical praise because it's a lot more like John Wayne westerns that I hear people love. A lot of local color and ordinary action, especially for the first half hour. Maybe I'm not old enough to be used to or fond of that (I was born in 1978). I ran to Barbie kingdom when my mom watched stuff like that. I'm used to the conflict being set up much quicker, even if its just through little subtle things said in the dialogue. At the same time, I like how the events weren't rushed along, because it can be that way in real life. Movies do have a tendency to make everything happen so much faster than they would really unfold. For example, the final showdown was mostly played out without a lot of overly dramatic music scoring. For that reason, it seemed a lot more realistic than those type of good guys/bad guys confrontations are. Another nice thing was the sound effects with the rain. Great job there. I don't know if it's a credit to the director of photography or God (actually I do), but all of the wide landscape shots were beautiful -- green grass, blue-white skies, brown wood. Can't go wrong with that. Also, Kevin Costner and Robert Duvall got a lot of nice one-liners. It kind of felt like the actors were reincarnated in this movie as these characters in this place with these lives. I don't know if that's good or bad, but I was having the best times when they were talking to each other. Was I mad that I saw this movie? No. But, do I really need to see it again? No.

Like a previous reviewer, I have to mention that I truly enjoyed Michael Jeter as the town blacksmith. His part in the showdown was the only time during the movie that I smiled from ear to ear. However, I didn't realize until I read that review that he was the actor I'd heard had died on Entertainment Tonight. It was a great last performance.

Gigli (2003)

It Had Potential

[8 August 2003]

Spoiler Alert I thought the general idea of the movie was a good one, but it was very slow-paced, mostly because it focused on these two characters having lots of quiet moments with very looooooooong dialogue. (Whatever happened to ambient sound and a composer's soundtrack). It was supposed to be about two people falling in like/love while caught up in a kidnapping scheme. However, most of the movie took place in Ben's character's apartment with the two of them making wisecracks and finally "getting to know each other better." It had a comedic tone, then out of nowhere it was like the writer or whoever decided that they better get back to that kidnapping thing. That's when Al Pacino, who I love, shows up being loud and boisterous as usual and out of nowhere blows someone's brains out. Then everybody looks so serious all of a sudden. Everyone in my theatre was like "What the hell just happened?" I thought a better job should have been done moving the kidnapping theme along and at the same time watching the characters fall in love. Especially because the kidnapping part was just resolved so fast and easy at the end, like "time to the end the movie now!" They definitely used the F word more times here that I've ever heard in anything, even the most gangsta of movies. Sometimes like 5 times in one sentence as subject, verb and direct object. Not like I object to it, but it can be overused. I did like the idea and I couldn't wait to see Ben and Jen on screen together. But it was pretty bad. I didn't expect the extreme sexual overtness between them in a couple of scenes. I wanted to see them be sexy together and all, but not gutter. I was kinda shocked. However, I did enjoy the supporting character that played Brian, the kidnappee. He was pretty funny and entertaining. He gave me something to hold out for where the plot was lagging and way tooo serious for the tone that was set up and maintained pretty much everywhere else. I wasn't mad when I left, just disappointed that it wasn't a great as it could have been. I expected more from Ben after seeing him grill people on Project Greenlight. And Scent of a Woman is one of my favorite movies, so I can't believe Martin Brest didn't see all the places this was going wrong in ye ole editing room. Maybe, like me, he just didn't need to see it more than once.

Zandy's Bride (1974)

Views Like A Romance Novel

[4 October 2001]

I really enjoyed this movie. It reminds me of some of the romance novels that I've read, especially those by Maggie Osborne. She writes very nice western themed romances. Like hers, this movie starts off with an unlikely pair who fall in love eventually after the usual stuff...cheating, overcoming stubbornness, and so on. Just a nice, entertaining and endearing movie that should be thought of and viewed as just that.

Gladiator (2000)

Can't Stop Thinking About It

[10/10 · 7 May 2000]

For me, there was mostly nothing unlikeable about this movie. The fighting sequences were great. I do not doubt that battle at that time was just as it was depicted. Admittedly, I was into it although I would not applaud as many of my fellow moviegoers did over every death. The story was a really good one, too. The only thing I didn't like was the ending. I thought it was a little ridiculous that Commodus would take Maximus on. But, for where the story had gone up to that point, if I were the writer I could not have seen any other way for the story to end, either. Gladiator, also strengthened one point in my mind. I couldn't help but feel a little sympathy for Commodus, whose father would have taken anyone for a son, but his own. He probably hadn't seen his father much in those 20 years he was off fighting barbarians and all. Not that it's an excuse for his behavior, but it's kind of tragic because that is easily how a lot of people lose their way in the world. Having been denied love and approval from parents and peers, they're easy prey for negative influences, people who shape their unloved, weakened spirits into evil and hatred. Or, in this case, their own idle minds think up evil things. It's really sad. I saw this movie twice this weekend and this idea stayed with me the last time. Movies are only partly make-believe. There's still some truth to each one, some humanity that we all recognize. Anyhow, back to that last fight scene...though I realize this is a movie, I can't believe Commodus went out like that. After the first few times, he should have realized Maximus was not affected by his weak punches. See, he was used to those chroeographed fights he had with his Praetorian buddies in the woods and didn't know how to improvise when caught without his sword. With life at stake you'd think he would've bit the guy's nose or kicked him in the nuts or somethin'. Oh well. I really like this movie on the whole. Each of the performances was great ! I for one, was paying too much attention to the action that I could care less whether or not I could see every person in the upper tier of the audience. Though I usually don't compare movies, I did think the opening music sounded a bit "Last of the Mohicans." [And it's bothering me that I can't figure out where I've seen Max's son before.] And, I've already told my Mom that we're seeing this again this weekend. If I didn't have to work, I'd see it tomorrow! Dammit, I'll be thinking about it all week long. :(

The Thin Red Line (1998)

This or That

[6 March 2000]

Well, I saw Saving Private Ryan first. I was so sure that I wouldn't like this movie and that Saving Private Ryan would have a lot more going for it.

I was wrong. While Ryan offered more war action, the Thin Red Line offers more internal insight. I was immersed in the minds and thoughts of the soldiers, in addition to, and not opposed to their surroundings.

Aside from the fighting, this movie didn't make Guadalcanal look as bad as 've read that it was.

A Murder of Crows (1998)

Worth the Time

[18 January 2000]

I thought this was a really good movie. Despite the fact that I was able to decipher the plot/mystery just before and as soon as the old man died (my high school had very vigorous English courses when I attended) I was in suspense and doubtful especially because I didn't know if I was right and all of my roommates had other ideas about the story's guilty party/parties. The actor Mark Pelligrino, in my opinion, is very talented. I thought he did a great job especially at the end. Even though Cuba Gooding Jr was the lead character, I thought the story was written in such a way the movie was really in almost everyone else's hands but his. Nothing to do with him, because he is a great actor as we've all seen (e.g. Boyz in the Hood). Did the same Andrew Stevens of Cinemax After Dark fame really produce this? Anyhow, I concur with the previous commenter that the movie's screenwriter did write this one well.

Buffalo '66 (1998)

A Swell Way to Span Time

[8/10 · 17 January 2000]

A previous reviewer called it "a psychologically boring and depressing movie with nothing to show except for Vincent Gallo's loads of 60s cinema tricks up in his sleeve in an attempt to impress us." Maybe I'm just a simple girl, but I was impressed. You know you've impressed me when I give your movie 1/3 of a videocassette. I was intrigued by the movie's serious comedy. Too bad Billy didn't realize how funny he was...he might have had a better time of things. Billy is desperate to impress his parents, but he is so far removed from them that I just wondered why he was even bothering. He's touchy ("Don't touch me. We're the couple that doesn't touch"). Doesn't ask for much ("Just look like you like me, that's all I want). He tries to be frugal ("I don't want to waste $2). Knows his history ("This is the blue period") And no matter how much he tries to build himself up to killing an important businessman, he constantly throws out hints that he can probably do anything but commit a violent act, despite his experience with criminal punishment. I realize it's tempting to compare one movie with another you've seen, but that's not really appropriate in my opinion. BTW, I've seen Taxi Driver and I didn't think of it once when I saw this movie. They are both about loner types with greasy hair and without much to do but I don't see much more than that. You all should, however, see this movie and judge for yourself...and keep any others out of it.

Feast of July (1995)

What I Thought

[7/10 · 12 December 1999]

Sunday afternoon, I was flipping channels...looking for something new to watch...since I'd watched Wyatt Earp about 3 times that day. I stumble across this nice story. This girl is living with a family of three brothers and she seems to have a secret to hide. I recognize Ben Chaplin from The Truth About Cats and Dogs and I say let me watch the rest of this. He's kind of quiet and sweet and slow. Next, he's going to marry this girl after it seemed like she might end up with one of the other brothers...since Con (Ben C.) is so, well, interesting. Before they get married, he's slamming a rock into the head of a guy Bella (the girl) used to know way back in another town. I thought this was going to be a sweet story with a guy who probably wouldn't get the girl nowadays...getting the girl!!!! I was really p.o.'ed when he turned into a killer!!!!!!!! But I suppose throughout the film, we did get a glimpse of his violent tendency developing into a semi-insanity. Overall, I liked this movie because it was really intriguing and held my interest..which isn't necessarily difficult to do. Later on I watched it from the beginning to the end and decided that I do like the movie. Ben Chaplin is an excellent stutterer!!!!!

Light It Up (1999)

Out of Nowhere

[7/10 · 3 November 1999]

I just saw this movie tonight. The incident that leads to the seige of the school was such a small thing that at first I didn't think it was possible for so much to come out of so little. But, after thinking a tad longer I realized that it is so easy for things to be blown out of proportion because of what someone says or an accidental occurrence. I thought the storyline was a good one. The movie was entertaining due to the quite frequent jokes and the tension/affiliation between the characters. Part of the reason, however, that the whole thing seemed a bit implausible was because it wasn't revealed until the situation escalated why the characters did what they did. I guess that happens a lot in movies...but it took too long to happen here and holding it off so long didn't really add suspense, increasing interest or anything like that. It made me confused and a little peeved.

On the whole though I liked this movie a lot but it would have made a better TV-movie. I am seriously feeling the soundtrack though...especially Ja-Rule's "How Many Wanna Die," which pulls you in being played during the trailer.

Purple Hearts (1984)

A+

[10/10 · 18 October 1999]

This movie was so beautiful. After seeing it, I read some of the reviews and I thought they were not anywhere near to what I saw. I always like to see movies where people find love where they least expected it. I just knew that in the end, he would find her at the hospital. This movie was perfect. I would definitely see it again.

Falling for a Dancer (1998)

Really Good

[21 January 1999]

This came on Romance Classics one Sunday and before it came on they showed a preview on it. So, I thought I knew what it was going to be about when it started. But it was a really captivating story that exceeded my expectations. I wish I had taped it, it was that good. It's a multi-level story which I found made it even more enjoyable. I really loved the dress that Elizabeth wore for a scene in the movie. You'll have to see it to know what I mean and I hope that you do.

Texas Chainsaw Massacre: The Next Generation (1994)

One of My Favorite Horror Movies. I'll tell you why...

[20 January 1999]

I know horror movies are supposed to be scary, but from the beginning you can tell this is going to be one of the three types of horror movies that I've found: there's the real scary ones (like Halloween) and then there's the really funny ones, usually cheesy (like Basketcase). There's also the ones that can do both at the same time (Nightmare on Elm Street). This is one of the funny ones and before you start critiquing it, you have to realize that. With that statement in mind, this movie is great. Vilmer's remote controlled leg is probably the funniest of all. Many laughs are produced off of that one. And then there's strange old Leatherface. When the victims and that cuckoo torturous family get together, you are talking pure enjoyment that has got to be fun for whole family 15 and above. Many would say that it's really too cheesy but I think that is the best part. It's like Troma's quirky idea of horror. See it and stay open.

Welcome II the Terrordome (1995)

Well...

[6/10 · 5 December 1998]

It was interesting, very interesting. It's not a comedy, but the references to things from the hip-hop culture from the late 80s-early 90s were pretty hilarious. I think people should see it if they like watching "different" things like I do.

8 Seconds (1994)

Luke Perry is truly genuine

[2 December 1998]

I really enjoyed Luke Perry's performance in this movie. He portrayed Lane Frost so well that when they ran pictures of the real person at the end, I really felt like I had been given a genuine picture of him.