sebchen Reviews

Duets (2000)

A rare movie that is not only bad but offensively so.

[1/10 · 19 June 2001]

First of all, this movie was a drag in terms of plot, pacing, performances, etc. Of course, boring movies with sub par acting are a dime a dozen. Duets however tries its darndest to make the audience sympathetic toward characters that do not deserve it in the least. Examples?... oh let's see... cheating hustler, assaulter/murderer, WHINY corporate salesman with no coping skills or real morals... Mind you, this is not a black comedy and there is nothing sly, wickedly deviant or intelligent about this screenplay. Instead the viewer is continually exposed to the plights of these "good people" who made "errors in judgment" and find their purpose in life through the artistic expression of karaoke!?!?

Granted, different movies are meant to work on a variety of levels. This one clearly attempts to be touching and in that capacity accomplishes to insult the moviegoer's intelligence and achieve the status of offensively bad. Get out the hefty bags fellas, this one's pure dreck!

Moulin Rouge! (2001)

This one is not for everyone, just those who love music and movies.

[10/10 · 17 June 2001]

A dazzling and dizzying delight to the senses. Moulin Rouge is an unexpected homage to the 20th century songbook that's fantastic as a fairy tale and familiar as a cherished LP. Don't be surprised if you find yourself breathless at one moment and weeping the next. This movie is a thrilling carnival ride and classic musical tragedy rolled up into one. The fusion of soundtrack, visuals and plot is nothing short of deft craftsmanship. I don't mean to be vague but to give specific details would be to take away from the surprising pleasures that await. I can say that this ride left me completely satisfied.

The Wonderful World of Disney: The Miracle Worker (2000) Season 4, Episode 4

A well paced and sensitive retelling of the classic story.

[13 November 2000]

The fact that Helen Keller would be played by that annoying girl in those ubiquitous Pepsi commercials did not give me much hope for this television remake of the classic tale. I'm happy to report that I found myself very pleasantly surprised. Hallie Kate Eisenberg did, in fact, create a Helen with both subtlety and nuance. As well, Alison Elliot's portrayal of Annie Sullivan showed both grace and intelligent restraint. This relatively gentle production never recreates the dense and claustrophobic tragedy of the 1962 movie (starring Patty Duke and Anne Bancroft) and thus the 'awakening' lacks the same glorious contrast. However, it does remain true to the spirit of the story and Helen's amazing triumph will no doubt continue to inspire a whole new generation.