princessariane Reviews

Pucked (2006)

Dot carries the movie on her (large) shoulders ~SPOILER~

[5/10 · 17 February 2006]

This National Lampoon's movie was supposed to be a comedy. After the finished filming it in Greensboro, they took it out to L.A. to try and "humorize" it, adding a camel in the beginning and replacing a few lines. Jon Bon Jovi, as much as I love him, was so awkward in the role of Frank. The color of his outfits were all wrong, his pants too tight, his smile (and quite possibly his best feature) was barely used, and just seemed like a giant trying not to step on little kids, scrunched over and brooding. Nora Dunn as Frank's sister was limited to her badgering him the entire film. The entire time. Did I mention it was the entire time? Frank's nephew (Leona's son)Jonathan Furr was precious and funny and truly the sunshine of comedy in the scenes he was in. Jonathan Furr was a small young quiet boy in the 40's in Two Soldiers- to see him in this role, where he cusses and somewhat resembles the young nephews in The Wedding Singer, is quite a turn for him. He will only continue to shine as he gets older. Pat Kilbane from MadTV was hilarious as Elvis. He really brought a lightheartedness to the role (as him playing a homeless man who refused a sandwich because he as a vegetarian). His comedic timing saved the scenes he was in. Estella Warren has a big part, mentioning all 5 times that she was on screen how much she thought Frank "used to be a great lawyer". Funny, the script didn't seem to have her repeat that one line over and over, but that's how it came out. Cary Elwes didn't have a chance. While he elicited a few laughs trying to cross examine a poodle, only to get bit, and making a child cry, all one can say after watching him is "At least he tried". David Faustino narrating the story was droll, but his acting in the film was probably the most believable and the most likable. He will always be recognized as Bud Bundy, and probably will always carry a bit of that character in all performances because of that, but he seemed more the main character than Frank because of his ability to express more than one emotion and his trials of dating Wendy. Wendy. Dot Marie Jones playing Wendy was fantastic. She not only had the best lines, but was truly the best actor and character in the movie. Everything from the introduction of her (as a woman), to crying over her ex cheating on her, to wearing her plant as a necklace, to baring all for Carl, to supporting Carl and carrying him off the ice, this woman was the shining laugh in an otherwise slow drama. There is more nudity than I expected (besides Wendy baring all, there are 2 locker room scenes with 1/2 or fully naked women). While the Swans and Foxes were always looked at as a way to sell the film, there either wasn't enough, or was too much of them to make them seem like an integral part of the story. I also expected more comedy. Unfortunately, films aren't always what they appear, or are supposed to be.

Spanglish (2004)

beautiful

[10/10 · 14 February 2006]

This movie makes me cry every time. Perhaps the soundtrack does it's job, or the push-ins when the characters have their deep emotional revelations of the epitome of their personalities, but it's not what happens that makes me cry. It is the way the characters are relateable, not so much as the commonness of their ways, because they are very quirky almost to the extreme, but because there is a part of every person in each of them, or at least a part to strives to be. The language barrier just highlights the dialogue, as one watching tries to hear it from foreign ears and yet understands movements and emotions better than what is said. And that, I think, makes this movie perfect.

Two Soldiers (2003)

beautiful

[10/10 · 3 December 2003]

Much about this movie was beautiful. The acting, the scenery, and without a doubt, Aaron's cinematography background showed through on the beautiful shots. Definitely worth watching, as your attention will be captivated the entire time, and it ends on just the right note.

The acting by newcomer Jonathan Furr was superb, as one would think he was a pro acting since he was born. He has gone on to act in other feature films, but this starring role will always be remembered.

The film does have that academy award feel to it at times, where it's slow and scenic and quiet, so it's not a movie that a.d.d. kids can sit through. However, the rustic feel of East Bend and Yadkinville played out well as a 1940's era film.