Marie-62 Reviews

Us Two (1979)

Wonderful film

[9/10 · 4 November 2007]

Perhaps one of Deneuve's finest films, "A Nous Deux" contains some pretty meaty material. The main character, Simon, is a crook who's escaped from jail, only to meet up with a beautiful highly paid whore, played by Deneuve.

I say that this is one of Deneuve's meatier movies because there is a rape scene within that really must've challenged her as an actress. She is attacked by four thieves which goes on to explain her iciness towards sex.

The two grow to like each other due to the fact that they are escaped convicts who must escape together. A fantastic film for French cinema fans. A great film throughout. Good music. Good writing. Good cinematography. I'd recommend seeing it if you can.

Beautiful Mother (1999)

Fantastic French film

[10/10 · 9 September 2007]

For all of us American Deneuve fans, this little gem is a little tough to get ahold of. Fortunately, I found myself so wrapped up in the short bits that I saw previewed on youtube.com that I was willing to go to any lengths. I found it on ebay.com, ordered it directly from France, and changed my laptop so it would play Region 2 DVDs. Let me tell you that it was well worth it. Be warned - there are NO subtitles (unforunately, Pathe shouldn't have released this on DVD, Koch Lorber should've - they're good about the subtitles). I don't speak a word of French. I can utter a syllable here and there, order a drink and whatnot. That having been said, this film was a treat anyway. I couldn't fully appreciate the supposed "bawdy" humor or the witty dialogue. Watching Deneuve and her cohorts was enough for me. I understood what was going on without need of the dialogue. It really says something about a film when those who can't speak the language enjoy it.

The cinematography is wonderful. London is adorable as the smitten son-on-law. Loved the lesbian Mom. And, of course, what can I possibly say about our dear Mademoiselle Deneuve. She is one of a kind. Those eyes, that smile. I could watch her films all day. She really goes beyond beauty. People always say she's gorgeous. Well, yes, she is. But she is also VERY talented. I believed her every second of the way. Her conversation about chocolate and vanilla with London is too sweet. Her character even gets arrested for smoking dope with some 15 year old in the street. NOT TO BE MISSED! Fly to France and buy this if you have to. Great. 10

The Winter Guest (1997)

Boring but beautiful

[3/10 · 21 February 2006]

I loved the cinematography in this movie! The story, however, is utterly boring. There's no catalyst, no actual order of events. Emma Thompson is one of the sexiest, most brilliant stars of her time. Her real life mother, Phyllida Law, was also incredible. Overall, however, there was no drive in the film. Will she go to Australia or not? Do we honestly care? No. Even great actors can't save badly written scripts. There wasn't anything really here... Sorry Alan... Sorry Emma... Sorry cast. You're all beautiful and incredible but you need something to do. Life or death. That makes a good movie. And a decent resolution would've been nice.

California Suite (1978)

Terrific

[9/10 · 5 July 2004]

Let me first say that I expected PERFECTION from this movie and boy oh boy did the cast deliver! I was a little disappointed with Alan Alda's performance as the sunny divorcee who argues with his wife over who gets custody over their teenage daughter. He can't handle Neil Simon as well as I thought...In a way it sounded as though he were reading his lines. Jane Fonda was hard-edged and a little rough in this one...A real firecracker who's selfish and tries too hard at NOT being caring or maternal. All you want her to do is get off the screen. But here's where the REAL talent comes in...Michael Caine and Maggie Smith. Caine plays a "homosexual-bisexual" who's married to actress Diana Barrie (Smith). The best lines in the movie come out of this duo. They're funny and touching with an extremely complex relationship. Maggie deserved the Oscar for this one. She's brilliant! She delivers her lines with pure wit. Her drunken scene is worth watching alone. Bill Cosby and his little group also provides some laughs and Walter Matthau as the cheating husband is TERRIFIC...especially his reactions to everything that happens to him. Definitely rent this one, even if you don't buy it. Trust me, you'll want to rewind.

Tea and Sympathy (1956)

Brilliant

[10/10 · 22 June 2004]

Deborah Kerr has always been one of the best actresses. Her beauty and wit have always gotten her pretty well rounded roles. "Tea and Sympathy" has done something else for her...It has made her a real human that we can all identify with and understand. She captured your attention with her every second on the screen. John Kerr, as Tom Lee, (the main character) is simply in the backdrop, carrying the story along as best he can. Within him we see a ridiculed boy whose over-femininity makes him the joke of his school. Even the teachers seem to gang up on him. Known as "Sister-boy Lee" he tries to 'become' a man, only to let himself down further. He is soon pitied and taken in by Laura Reynolds, the school master's wife, who is told to "Stay out" because she's not really "involved". The truth is she is deeply involved...Her husband is the main reason for this kid's pain. I don't want to spoil the ending for you so I will say this...Vincente Minnelli is a brilliant director. Deborah Kerr is a wonderful actress who's inner beauty matches her physical beauty. John Kerr really shines. This movie is worth seeing. It does skirt the topic of homophobia but it tells the story that we (when we were teens) can all tell, trying to accept who we are and not trying to be what we aren't.

Annie Hall (1977)

A little over rated

[5/10 · 18 December 2003]

I think that Diane Keaton is one of the best actresses that America has produced. I think that Woody Alan WRITES funny material. But he pushed too hard for "Annie Hall", like he wanted every sentence to produce a laugh. And that's fine for about two minutes. But after awhile it gets annoying. I had to fast forward through things just so I wasn't tempted to turn the movie off. I just don't really like this duo. Seperately their fine but together it's like a shot of novacaine - you don't know what's just hit you but you know there's going to be pain involved. I just couldn't give this a 10. Keaton deserves a lot of credit. And Woody, good try. But I just wasn't all for this movie. I wasn't that impressed. It had no real point. Actually, it was kind of stupid. I gave it a 5.

Something's Gotta Give (2003)

Wonderful!

[10/10 · 16 December 2003]

I haven't done a review in a long time. Trust me, this movie is worth taking the time out to comment about. I saw it last night and was absolutely amazed at how sexy and talented Dianne Keaton still is (and probably always will be). I'm not usually a HUGE fan of Jack Nicholson's work but when I sat through this show I laughed so hard. He was ABSOLUTELY HILARIOUS. Both young and old will enjoy this show. It shows the humor of how the young look at how "old people" 'get together' and the humor that the older folks get in the aging process. Keaton shouldn't change. She looked great! And Jack was charming. Amanda Peet and Keanu Reeves also added that extra touch that made this romantic comedy perfect. The only problem I found was I think it should've been rated R. I was pretty surprised when Keaton ran out naked and it was only rated PG-13. But hey, if you don't care about nudity or whatnot, go and see it! I plan on seeing it again. Don't let this brilliant movie go past your local theater without you sitting through it! A perfect 10.

The Razor's Edge (1984)

Beautifully done

[10/10 · 10 July 2003]

"The Razor's Edge" has to be one of the best movies ever made. It's real, it's beautiful, and it's deep. Bill Murray is terrific in this movie, adding his humor along with his dramatic character. Along side of him is Therese (sorry if I spelled her wrong) Russell and Catherine Hicks. Of course everyone has seen Catherine in "7th Heaven" but she was an absolute beauty in this movie, full of the emotion and passion that Annie (her character on the show) rarely sports. I'm surprised she hasn't been in a million movies and didn't win an academy for this one. Therese Russell has those eyes that cuts right through you. Yes, this movie is definitely a gem. Best of all, there are plenty of twists and turns throughout the movie to make it interesting. It's not just a story of a man trying to find himself, it's also the story of the people in his life and the sacrifices people make for each other. I suggest that you see it in DVD format, even if you hate widescreen as much as I do. They did a great job reformatting it and recoloring it. Wonderful movie, a 10/10 most definitely! YOU HAVE TO SEE IT!!!!!!!

The Hours (2002)

Wow

[10/10 · 26 June 2003]

This movie has to be one of the most beautiful and sad of it's kind and of it's time. Moore, Kidman, and Streep all should've received some type of award for their work here. Not only do they have a great supporting cast but the storyline is so deep and rich that you can't help but wonder who the brilliant man was who wrote the script and want to shake his hand for doing so. I cried through basically the entire movie. It kept me on the edge of my seat, I can tell you that. What I honestly think though is that (although Nicole Kidman did BEAUTIFULLY) Julianne Moore was a little underrated here. She was FABULOUS. I mean when she turns on the turns she really turns them on. I adore that woman. Great job. And as for Toni Collette as Kitty Barlow, wow. She made quite an impact for 10 minutes of work if I do say so myself. A 10/10 you must see it. I don't think I can own it or probably even watch it again, it was a little too sad to be able to sit through twenty times. But it was fantastic.

Dinner with Friends (2001 TV Movie)

Maybe I'm overcritical but...

[4/10 · 10 June 2003]

These four actors have brilliant talent, so I asked myself, what are they doing in a movie like this? I mainly saw this to watch Toni Collette and I can honestly say I was rather dissappointed with this movie as a whole. I didn't get enough background on this relationship between the couples, and although they talk quite a bit about all their "vacations and years together" we only witness one occasion in a 1988 flashback. One minute I was sympathizing with one character, the next minute disliking them. I hate that type of back-and-forth thing because it's tiring to keep up with who you're supposed to like and hate. The ending is kind of...this is the end. Finis. So what is that? Did the writers just forget to finish the script? If more effort had been put in this movie (not by the actors, they were finaminal in their roles) then perhaps this movie would've been more than just an HBO run-by. Not even a huge fan of any of these four can honestly love it...Sorry Toni.

Muriel's Wedding (1994)

Favorite foreign film

[10/10 · 23 May 2003]

Toni Collette is so incredibly talented that it's beyond words. This movie is incredible! Her Abba obsession is hilarious! There is backbone to this story, a woman who is overweight and in love with love. I can't believe how true it rings for so many. And I can't believe how funny they make it seem. :) I laughed till I practically cried (especially the "Waterloo" song and dance and the first date scenes). If you like comedy at all, rent it! GREAT JOB TONI!

Can-Can (1960)

I agree with the dissppointing ending

[9/10 · 19 May 2003]

I enjoyed the music, especially "It's All Right With Me" or "Do It - Let's Fall in Love". I absolutely love this movie and wish amazon.com would sell it again. I know that I would definitely buy it! Worth seeing if you like Shirley MacLaine. Maurice Chevalier was absolutely awesome. I love this movie and you probably will too. Extra comment below but don't read it if you haven't seen it before!!

SPOILER: Why the heck didn't Louis Jordan get her at the end? Couldn't she see that he truly did love her, and in return you could tell that she did love him, and not the stooge that Sinatra played? Geez. The ending was terrible.

Drowning on Dry Land (1999)

Enjoyable but strange

[8/10 · 5 May 2003]

Barbara Hershey and Naveen Andrews are well trained actors with a pretty good plotline in their hands but a pretty poorly written script. There is only one defining scene to this entire movie. I gave it an 8/10 because I enjoyed these actors so much, especially Hershey. At 50, she looks AMAZING. The on top of the car scene was a little much but those scenes pretty much made the movie. The ending, however, didn't do anything. It just laid there and when the credits begin to roll I asked myself "Okay, what was the point of all that?". Overall, if you're a die-hard fan of either of these two people this movie is a MUST see. But if you're not, well you might just walk away a little dissappointed.

Polish Wedding (1998)

Truly entertaining

[10/10 · 3 May 2003]

This movie is hilarious in sincere, two things that most movies these days lack. Jadzia (Lena Olin, absolutely gorgeous as usual) is the mother of five children "Four of them boys" (as she constantly reminds everybody). They all live together, even though four of the five children are over twenty. While she has marital husbands with her spouse Bolak (Gabriel Byrne in one of his best performances besides "A Dangerous Woman") she must tend to the well-being of her wild and outrageous daughter, Hala. When Hala accidentally becomes pregnant the family must help and support her. What makes this movie so sweet is some of the scenes with Byrne, one in which he smokes cigarettes with his children, or spends good quality time with Hala. Claire Danes as Hala is pretty good. She's sweet and innocent, yet vivacious. Olin of course makes the movie. For once I'm glad to see that they added some sass to her character. Overall, I gave this movie a 10. I loved it. Rent it, maybe you will too.

Tune in Tomorrow... (1990)

Barbara and Keanu are great but Peter steals the show

[9/10 · 3 May 2003]

This was my first Peter Falk movie and I certainly hope it won't be my last. I saw "Tune in Tomorrow" to see Barbara Hershey (a favorite actress of mine) but was completely taken with this funny, eccentric middle-aged man looking like either a French maid or a Jewish rabbi. The plotline was charming and the characters were cute...Simply that. Don't expect a whole lot out of "Tune in Tomorrow" because when you see it, it'll then blow you away. Keanu looked so young! Besides that, it was a very VERY funny movie with a lot of "Paris When it Sizzles" type fluff added to it. Very sweet. 9/10

The Entity (1982)

One of the most hilarious scary movies I have ever seen

[6/10 · 27 April 2003]

Although this movie has a rather serious theme (rape) it is so funny in certain parts that I couldn't help but laugh. The effects are pretty good when it comes to Ms. Hershey's attacks but other than that, they are pretty bad. Barbara is a terrific actress though. If it weren't for her unbelievably convincing performance and her spiral into insanity and paranoia, I would've shut the film off or just watched it to laugh more. She is absolutely wonderful, strong in her own way throughout this film, trying to hold onto reality but not knowing if what she is seeing, or rather what she is not seeing, is really happening to her. I must admit, I was dissappointed with the ending. Movies with endings that leave the audience asking questions are movies not well written. Maybe today with our effects, a more ominous musical score, and Barbara Hershey still playing Carla Moran, this movie could be as scary as it had the potential to be.

On Golden Pond (1981)

It kept me laughing

[10/10 · 22 April 2003]

When I first heard of this movie I didn't think that it would be much. I knew that Katharine Hepburn would be older and the plotline of two older people being in a cabin on a "golden pond" wouldn't be that exciting. How wrong I was. This movie kept me laughing for two hours and for days after that. Hepburn is sweet and sincere in her love for Fonda, Henry is funny as the smart aleck who is scared of dying, and Jane Fonda is wonderful as their daughter who feels as if she never really belonged. The boy who played Billy was terrific. I can't believe how funny this movie really was. Watch for the moment where the Bill Sr. and Fonda talk about grizzly bears. Definitely one of the most touching and hilarious movies I have ever seen! A real screen gem!

Nine to Five (1980)

Hilarious

[10/10 · 22 April 2003]

This is one of my all time favorite comedies. Lily Tomlin, Dolly Parton, and Jane Fonda are at their best. Three women try to get back at their sexist boss and when they do, havoc and chaos takes over! Perhaps the funniest person of all in this movie is really Jane Fonda. This was the first movie I ever saw her in and it made a very good impression. This got a 10/10 for it's script, direction, and the actresses! Terrific!

The Americanization of Emily (1964)

Good except for a few boring parts

[7/10 · 22 April 2003]

As long as you have this movie on tape, where you can rewind through some of the long, boring war-talk parts, you'll enjoy this movie. James Garner plays a cowardice army man (so what is he doing in the army?) who doesn't ever want to see fighting but uses his position to meet and woo women. Emily Barnham is (Julie Andrews at her prettiest) is his girlfriend, attracted to Charlie (Garner) because she believes that he really can pull off not being caught in World War II. What would make the movie interesting unless Garner went to war? So of course Emily's torn to bits, one of Julie's finest screen moments. I suppose a 7/10 was fair, only because I got bored in a few places. It's definitely worth seeing though, especially if you're a Garner or Andrews fan.

Moonlight and Valentino (1995)

Good but could've been better

[8/10 · 20 April 2002]

Since the first time I saw "Big" (one of my favorite movies) with the beautiful red-headed Elizabeth Perkins, I knew that as an actress she had some real potential. She just needed a little push and the right part and she could have the audience in the palm of her hand, crying right along with her. This movie is getting her there. When Rebekah (Perkins) loses her husband in an accident, turns to her abnormal sister Lucy (Gwenyth Paltrow in an annoying role) her best friend Sylvia (Whoopi Goldburg is adorable!) and her ex-step-mother Alberta (Kathleen Turner has aged beautifully). The three try to help the vulnrable woman back on her feet. In a few scenes we see how vulnerable and sad Becky really is...And those scenes were the most touching. In other scenes we see how sisters interact and how one sister tries to hold off on Alberta for fear of losing another loved one. It's complicated but overall, it's good. I didn't quite understand if abortion was a topic here...It seemed like it during the last segment. Does anybody have a clue? That's the only thing I hate; When they don't make it all the way clear in the movie then you know they could've improved. If you want to see some good acting see this movie. Elizabeth Perkins is gorgeous!

A Star Is Born (1954)

Undoubtedly the best musical of its time and Judy's career

[10/10 · 13 February 2002]

This movie definitely deserved a 10/10. It was one of Judy Garland's finest musicals ever. She really shines. The music, especially "The Man That Got Away" is wonderful. This movie is dramatic, beautiful, funny, and heartbreaking. You see Esther Blodgett, a young woman who's bound to be a starlet. She then finds an alcoholic self-destructive actor Norman Maine and saves him from embaressing himself on public television in one of the cutest and funniest scenes on film. She falls in love with him, gets her job, and everything goes all right...For awhile at least. It is then that she becomes a bigger star than her husband who is nursing a jealous wound. And the rest is history. Words can't describe my respect for this movie. It's wonderful! If you like musicals or Judy Garland it is a must see.

The Pirate (1948)

Not one of Minnelli's best but certainly cute

[8/10 · 11 February 2002]

It was obvious that MGM wanted a musical smash hit starring Gene Kelly and Judy Garland and directed by Garland's then husband, Vincente Minnelli. So they picked up a very sad plot line that they thought would turn into a good movie:

Guy is an actor. Girl doesn't like actors. Guy loves girl. Guy tricks girl into telling him what kind of man she wants. She tells him. He plays the pirate of her dreams. She falls in love with him. She finds out. She gets mad. She forgives him. Well Cole Porter wrote the songs and Judy and Gene sang them and they turned out all right. I enjoyed this movie but it's kind of weak. I mean this takes place in the Carribean and mostly everybody is pale skinned...Come on! But otherwise, it's cute because Garland and Kelly play together again. They had a real chemistry that was wonderful to observe on screen. An 8/10. Good try Vincente!

A Child Is Waiting (1963)

Warm and touching

[8/10 · 6 February 2002]

I saw this movie because many said Judy Garland was excellent in it. I thought, though, it'd be boring or stupid because it was going to be more artistic, like Audrey Hepburn's "A Nun's Story" (major dissappointment) but I couldn't have been more wrong. Judy stars is this with Burt Lancaster of course but the real star of the movie is Bruce Ritchey, who plays a mentally challenged boy. Jean Hansen (Garland) wants more in her life and gets the job as a music teacher for the mentally challenged children at an institution. Dr. Clark (Lancaster) is a physchologist with very controversial methods of getting the children to behave. Hansen falls in love with one of the boys, not romantically but more on a nurturing basis. He returns her love and they become the best of friends and inseperable. This worries Dr. Clark. He doesn't want to see the boy get hurt...Or more Ms. Hansen get hurt. He knows that "Love isn't enough" and in a very compelling, tear jerking scene, he shares this little tip with Ms. Hansen. This movie is wonderful. I think that Ms. Garland became more beautiful with each passing year. She was fantastic. Mr. Lancaster, too, was excellent as was the woman who playe Reuban's mother. This got an 8/10. I suggest that any Judy Garland fan see it. It took a lot for her to do this picture.

A Star Is Born (1954)

Irresistable

[10/10 · 3 February 2002]

Well, this is another movie to add to THE BEST MOVIES JUDY GARLAND EVER MADE collection. It's full of humor, wit, charm, drama, romance, and of course, singing. "Zis is the story of a little girl searching, searching, searching for zomewhere she knows there is a zomeone who iz za zomeone for her. Zis is her story." And so it is. This is also the story of Esther Blodgett, a very talented singer in search of her big break. She stummbles upon a mixed blessing, an alcoholic has been actor, Norman Maine (James Mason in one of his best). He tells her to give up on this small dream of hers and to go for the bigger dreams because he knows that she is more. She belives him and later meets up with him. He starts her on her journey to stardom. And on that journey, the two embark on a romantic trip and fall in love. Behind this plot, though, is broken promises and embaressing acts by the husband who is suddenly realizing that his wife is much better than he is. Jealousy begins to control the marriage and brings about much more drinking. But before it gets too serious, we see a scene where Judy Garland gives it her all and looks beautiful and stunning while doing it. Her voice is golden and her acting is fresh. I don't think anyone these days can compare with Ms. Garland. This is one of her very best. She's wonderful. And James Mason is a doll. In the newer videos, there is a special before and after the movie. It presents the very first viewing of the movie. You get to see some famous faces (Lucille Ball, Desi Arnaz, and Judy Garland and Sid Luft of course) and Judy looks pretty during that too. Then there's the dinner and after the picture deleted scenes are shown. It's a real bargain. If you like Judy, musicals, or just good movies, I strongly suggest you buy or rent this! 10/10

The Pirate (1948)

A little corny but very cute!

[8/10 · 3 February 2002]

You'd think that another Gene Kelly/Judy Garland movie, directed by Vincente Minnelli no less, would go down in history. It's too bad that this movie lacks the proper script. Although Judy makes some parts of this movie hilarious, Gene needs a little help. If you can ever get your hands on this movie, I'd watch it just for the laughs. First of all, this movie is about the Carribean. Now does fair-skinned white as an angel Judy Garland look even the least bit like a Carribean dame? Kelly passes off with his mustache. As I said before, look for the humor. The best scenes in brief: 1. Judy Garland's fight with Gene Kelly in which she cuts him in the butt with her sword 2. Judy and Gene's "Mack the Black" song. Judy sounds all right, Gene dances all right and Vincente directs all right. But that's just it. It should've been TERRIfIC! A litle more effort and this movie would've won an Academy Award. There are a few little steamy parts in here. Judy sings to Gene and Gene looks at her with such loving awe that you can't help but love them both. I liked this movie. 8/10