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throckmorton
Reviews
De-Lovely (2004)
In appreciation of
I just watched this on DVD and thoroughly enjoyed it.
I've read many of the complaints from purists or 'experts' in IMDb's comments, experts in either his music, his life, or his sexuality, and I just have to disagree. I'll grant that this is absolutely subjective on my part - but then, so are their comments.
It's said that it isn't accurately chronological... Alanis Morissette isn't Ella...Elvis Costello isn't Nelson Eddy... and on and on. I don't really care.
Those who are for or against the 'gay' element of the movie - welcome to the world of the bisexual. We irritate straight and gay alike in our inability to be entirely one or the other at your will, and the movie is actually fairly accurate in that. He wasn't gay, he wasn't straight - he was who he was.
I love Cole Porter, I appreciate Kevin Kline and the other artists in this movie - Alanis was wonderful, as was Ashley - and I watched it in the same generous spirit of "in appreciation of Cole Porter" that I found 'I Robot' to be "in appreciation of Isaac Asimov". If others can't be that generous, so be it.
Kinsey (2004)
Inspiring
I saw this movie and was inspired to do more in furthering the sex-positive work that Kinsey did.
As a movie, it was quite good. I cheered, and laughed, and cried. The subtle make-up for Linney was excellent and underspoken. Period costume and make up and production design was very well done. It held together solely as a bio and as a narrative film, but as well it was excellent in building Kinsey's case for better understanding of human sexuality. It also nailed quite well the theological sources of the widespread sexual oppression in the US.
Poor John Lithgow - in "Footloose", he 'got it'. In "Kinsey", he didn't.
Definitely recommended - and may Miss Grundy's bluenose keep squeaking every time it is viewed.
Michael (1996)
Comfort food
Again, a film that shoots right under the horizon of the Higher Standards experts, right to the bottom line of "It's Fun!".
In this age of fiat dictated "Moral Values", it's a joy to sit back and watch something that plays piccadore to those theocrats who need to increase their dietary fiber.
I wandered through all of the New Arrival shelves at the local Major Video Chain and saw nothing new that I hadn't seen or that I wanted to see, and my eyes happened to catch on the box for Michael. I've watched it several times over the year, but not for a while, and it was a perfect choice for a relaxing evening home alone.
Connie and Carla (2004)
Lighten up, folks!
For pete's sakes, I've seen all those other movies just like the rest of ya - Some Like It Hot, Priscilla, all the rest. No, this isn't that. Yes, there are lots of similarities.
So what?
We're sitting here four years into the most oppressive administration in US history, and we need a lighten up. Fun as it is we can't watch Nemo every single night.
The simple truth is that this movie is fun. Set aside the attitude, let your Higher Standards go, and just simply enjoy the fun. Toni is one of the finest actresses of our day. Nia is a fine up and coming talent. Show tunes are fun. Fun!
Worry about the Higher Standards another day.