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Reviews
The Phantom of the Opera (1990)
Worthy viewing
Beautiful scenery and costumes. Tragic story. Ending could have been better. Adds more depth than Andrew Lloyd Webber's 2004 movie version directed by Joel Schumacher. There is more interaction between the main characters and offers a more believable background for how Christine Daee could have loved the Phantom and how she accepted him as a tutor. Imagine how the 2004 movie musical version would have turned out if it had been filmed at the Paris Opera House and incorporated more of the story from this version. Burt Lancaster makes a powerful presence on the screen as Gerard Carriere. Charles Dance plays a highly intelligent, articulate and mildly mannered Phantom. Terri Polo plays a gorgeous Christine Daee. This Christine Daee ends up living the equivalent of the American success story beginning from the bottom and achieving the very best through her hard work and talent. Aristocratic blood lines and culture are depicted as judgmental and opportunistic through the likes of Carlotta played by Andréa Ferréol and even Count Philippe de Chagny, a handsome and wealthy womanizer, played by Adam Storke. Was nominated for five Emmys, winning two. Was nominated for two Golden Globe Awards including Best Mini-Series or Motion Picture made for TV. All in all this series is worthy of viewing especially for those who seek more of the Phantom of the Opera than Andrew Lloyd Webber's version provided. If only modern TV mini-series could produce similar quality productions!
The Passion of the Christ (2004)
It is accomplished!
This movie should be viewed at least once per year just to remind one of what really happened to Jesus during his last hours. The movie vividly depicts the most important event in our history: Jesus died for us and He is risen! This movie should be required viewing for all high school students.
Mel Gibson deserves many apologies by all those who crucified him for producing and directing such a powerful work of genius. The movie is by far the most important movie that I have ever seen. The acting, directing, sound, score, screenplay, editing, cinematography, art direction, visual effects are all outstanding. This movie should sweep the Academy Awards next year! View this movie and then view "The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King" and then compare the two films in every major category. "The Passion of the Christ" is a superior work of art. Thank you Mel Gibson! It is accomplished!
Luther (2003)
Best surprise of 2003!
I have seen 32 movies at the theaters so far in 2003 and "Luther" just made my top favorite movie for the year! What a pleasant surprise! I cannot believe I had to travel to Birminham, AL, just to see it. Why aren't more theaters playing this well-made film!? You must see this movie. Here are my top 5 movies thus far: 1) Luther 2) Seabiscuit 3) Matrix Revolutions 4) Gods and Generals 5) Master and Commander
Gods and Generals (2003)
The liberal critics are biased
I read Roger Ebert's movie review on "God's and Generals" but his less than accurate review did not keep me from seeing this movie. I am not a civil war buff, but I do like movies that show faith in God. This movie shows how faith in God aided "Stonewall" Jackson to lead his men against the invaders of the north. This movie is taken from the confederacy point-of-view. No doubt about it, the references to God and the pro-confederate point-of view must have infuriated the likes of Roger Ebert. The movie was much better than Ebert's review - so much better that Ebert's bias against the movie is obvious. (His pigmentally challenged marriage may have something to do with it.) The acting was supurb. "Gods and Generals" is an oscar-caliber movie. Usually, liberals applaud the movies that hold a minority point of view. Sadly, the liberal's stronghold over Hollywood shall most likely ignore "Gods and Generals" during Oscar 2004 time. Ebert will make sure to that as he concluded his review with a reference to the final title to the civil war trilogy by director Ron Maxwell, "...may serve as a warning: 'The world will little note, nor long remember, what we say here.'" Perhaps Ebert's conclusion was a personal dig against the movie and a message to the Academy to blackball this movie come Oscar 2004 time. Ebert's * 1/2 star rating is a joke!
The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (2001)
Greatest fantasy movie of all time!
Yes, "Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring" is the GREATEST movie of all time! After viewing the three-hour movie I wanted to see more. Bring on the Oscars! I just saw the best movie of 2001! Too bad Director Peter Jackson didn't extend this first edition of the trilogy by another two hours because I would have happily sat through it all! Director Peter Jackson did an outstanding job of adapting Tolkein's work.
The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (2001)
Greatest fantasy movie of all time!
Yes, "Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring" is the GREATEST movie of all time! After viewing the three-hour movie I wanted to see more. Bring on the Oscars! I just saw the best movie of 2001! Too bad Director Peter Jackson didn't extend this first edition of the trilogy by another two hours because I would have happily sat through it all! Director Peter Jackson did an outstanding job of adapting Tolkein's work.