swanscrossingfan Reviews

The Family Stone (2005)

One of the best movies I have seen in a long time!

[10/10 · 20 December 2005]

I wanted to see "The Family Stone" since I saw the first trailer. With a cast like this, how can it be bad? I admit, I had pretty high expectations, and I was not at all disappointed.

"The Family Stone" is about a man, Everett (played by Dermot Mulroney), who brings home his girlfriend, Meredith (played wonderfully by Sarah Jessica Parker), to meet his family for Christmas. From the start, the family hates her, no matter what she does to try and convince them to come around. There are also many other smaller story lines involving the other family members, and some serious dramatic moments in the film. At the end of the day, it is about the importance of family, and approval by family.

As I mentioned above, the entire cast was amazing. Diane Keaton, of course, gave much depth to her character. Sarah Jessica Parker was amazing here, and I respect her for taking a role like this, that is so against type for her. Rachel McAdams, who is quickly becoming one of the best actresses out there, while underused, was also amazing. She had some of the funniest lines in the film. Luke Wilson, playing Ben- the brother, gave one of his best performances ever. The rest of the cast, including Craig T. Nelson, Dermot Mulroney, and Claire Danes were also wonderful.

I think "The Family Stone" is one of the best movies that has been released in a long time. I had comedy, drama, but most of all, it was smart. It was so refreshing to see a film made and possible aimed at adult people. Too many movies today, most really, are made for teenagers. The dialogue was intelligent here, and it never felt as though the filmmakers thought the audience was stupid. I think it was a wise decision to give this film a wide release.

If you are in the mood for a great family film this holiday season, a fan of one of the actors, or just in the mood to be entertained, "The Family Stone" is your ticket.

Cuts (2005–2006)

Really funny, light show! I like it!

[18 July 2005]

I really like this show, and am awaiting season two. I started watching because I am a fan of Shannon Elizabeth, but it turned out to be really good. All of the actors and actresses are great, but the best thing about the show is that if you happen to miss an episode, you can tune in the next week without problems. Sometimes that is what is needed, just an entertaining show... nothing too complex! The characters are very funny, but there are a lot of stereotypes in the show. Shannon plays hers perfectly, and her timing on the show is great. I think "Tiffany" is the funniest character! Anyway, if you haven't seen the show, give it a chance. It is a great way to spend thirty minutes of your life. And if you are a fan of Shannon or Marques, you should definitely watch it!

The Girls' Room (2000)

An amazing film... great!

[10/10 · 23 June 2005]

I first heard about this film quite a while ago, and have wanted to see it for a very long time. I am a very big fan of Soleil Moon Frye, and she is the main reason I wanted to see it. When I saw that it was released on DVD I was extremely happy.

From the moment the film started, I was drawn in, and I stayed drawn in until the end. Casey's (Soleil Moon Frye) opening and ending monologue was great, and an awesome way to open and end the movie. The ending is very good, and it leaves you feeling complete. The movie is really about two college roommates who are very different. It is about one of them wanting revenge on the other. The movie is very real, and that, to me, is very refreshing.

The only problem I had with the film was the editing. It is very choppy, and isn't put together all that well, but it isn't a big problem. I only thought about it during a few scenes.

The two main characters are compelling. I have to say that Soleil gives the best performance in the film. The other lead, Cat Taber (who plays Grace), was good, but it felt like her performance was missing something. The other actors were all great as well (Notably Wil Wheaton as Grace's fiancé, and Gary Wolf as Casey's friend).

The DVD has no extras at all, though. It only has the film and scene selections (a total of 8 chapters), and if you leave it on the main menu for too long, the movie starts by itself. The lack of extras doesn't bother me, though. It took the film long enough to get released.

While this movie isn't for everyone, I loved it, and will watch it more than once. The DVD doesn't seem to be a big release, so you may have a hard time finding a rental, but it is well worth the purchase price here! If you are a fan of one of the actors, this is a must have DVD! In closing, I would like to say "How nice, How very, very nice!"

When a Stranger Calls (1979)

I really enjoyed it! (even the middle part!!)

[8/10 · 7 June 2005]

I decided to watch WHEN A STRANGER CALLS after seeing the segment about it on Bravo's "100 Scariest Movie Moments." I am a Carol Kane fan, and the movie looked pretty good. I couldn't find it to rent or buy at any local video store, so I had to order it at Amazon. It got here yesterday.

The beginning of the movie is great! Carol really gives a good performance, and it did scare me. It isn't the scariest movie ever made, but it was enough to scare me. The direction was very good, and it was very suspenseful. The beginning is my favorite part of the movie.

Then came the middle, which almost everyone seems to hate. While it wasn't nearly as scary as the opening, it kept my interest, and wasn't boring at all. I have never seen Colleen Dewhurst in anything before that I remember, but she was very good here, and probably my favorite thing about the dreaded "middle" portion of WHEN A STRANGER CALLS. Charles Durning, however, kind of got on my nerves. I really don't know why his character didn't just get the police involved. I am sure police would want to catch an escaped killer. If he had done that, they could have caught the guy at the homeless shelter! Anyway, the middle, in my opinion, wasn't as bad as A LOT of other people said. It is actually pretty good if you go into it with an open mind.

Then came the end of the film, and the return of Carol Kane's character Jill. I really liked the ending and was not disappointed at all.

Overall, I really liked this movie, and I am sure I will watch it again. I think it does get more hype than it deserves, but it also doesn't deserve all of the negative comments.

In closing, I would like to say watch this film! You might not love it, but you will probably like it! I gave WHEN A STRANGER CALLS eight out of ten stars!!!

Superstore (2004)

Really good short film!

[10/10 · 5 June 2005]

I was very surprised by this little film. I was interested because I am a Clea Lewis fan, and she was the main character. I really enjoyed it!! It is about a woman who takes her daughter to a store to quickly buy a new rain slicker, and her daughter goes missing in the store. The film has a great surprise ending that I really didn't see coming.

Clea Lewis is great here! This is one of her best performances, I think. If you are a fan of her, you must see this film. The other actors were okay, but nothing really memorable. The direction was really well, and I look forward to seeing more from this writer/director.

I give this film 10/10 stars. Watch it if you get the chance!

Romy and Michele: In the Beginning (2005 TV Movie)

Better than I thought it would be... I liked it!!!

[9/10 · 30 May 2005]

When I first heard about this movie, I was a little disappointed. "Romy and Michelle's High School Reunion" is one of my all time favorite movies, and a made for TV prequel, well, let's just say it didn't really sound like a good idea! I am a very big fan of Katherine Heigl, and I like Paula Abdul, so I decided to give this a chance... I was really pleasantly surprised! I really liked it. Of course, it wasn't as good as the first one, but it was really a different movie. This one is about Romy (Katherine Heigl) and Michelle (Alex Breckenridge) moving to LA right after they graduate High School. Their LA adventures were actually pretty funny... I taped the movie, and I am sure I will watch it again! Now, about the performances. At first, I was annoyed. It seemed like the actresses were just doing impressions of the characters, but as I watched, I got into it more. I think they did a pretty good job. Katherine was great as Romy. Alex was good as Michelle, but it didn't really feel right to me. I think she is very talented, but I think they could have cast someone else in the role. Everyone else in the film is pretty good, but none of them are really memorable. And as far as Paula Abdul (playing herself), she doesn't show up until the last seven minutes of the film (and she doesn't actually speak until the last five minutes!), but it was still good to see her in a movie.

In closing, if you are a fan of the original, give this one a chance, you might like it! If you haven't seen the original, you can watch this anyway, and if you are a fan of either two main actresses, watch it! (Paula Abdul fans, just tune in to the last 10 minutes!)

Wild Things 2 (2004 Video)

Great! Much more fun than the first!!

[18 July 2004]

NO SPOLIERS!!

I rented Wild Things 2 because I enjoyed the first, and I have been a fan of Susan Ward since "The In Crowd." I was not disappointed. The first Wild Things was great, but it is not the kind of movie that can be watched over and over. It is not a "fun" film. It is more serious, and has more drama.

Wild Things 2 is overall better for many reasons. One is the films look. The direction and bright colors used in many scenes are beautiful. Another reason is the cast. Susan Ward is great here, and delivers a much better performance than any of her previous work. The other cast members do equally well. Leila Arcieri, who I have never seen in anything else, is pretty good. My only complaint about her is that she makes a few lines unbelievable. Another reason this film is better than the first is because of the plot. The first film had twists, but this one had more. The plot was also more fun, and more enjoyable.

Other reviewers said that this film "copied", or re-did scenes from the first Wild Things, but that really is not true. They are two totally different films. I bet if they had released this film under a different title, no one would have even made those comparisons. Some reviewers also said that you knew the plot twists in this one were coming because of the first, but I didn't. I had no idea what was going to happen next.

If you are a fan of fun movies, this is one for you! Rent or buy it today. After I rented it, I bought the DVD, and I have seen it at least 15 times by now. Every time I watch it, it seems as fresh and new as the first time. I give this film 10 out of 10!

View of Terror (2003 TV Movie)

One of the best TV movies in recent years!

[2 March 2004]

I saw this film last night on Lifetime under the title "View Of Terror." I thought it was great! Shannen is amazing here, she really delivers in this role! This movie has so many twists, and it will keep you guessing until the end, at least it kept me guessing until the end! I would have never guessed in a million years what was going to happen! The film also seemed to have a good budget, and looked a lot better that regular TV-fare! I WILL watch it again if I ever see it on, and I wish it would be released on DVD. Sure, there are a VERY FEW things that, if changed, would make it better, but it is great! Do not think twice before watching this wonderful movie! You won't regret it!

The Presence (1992 TV Movie)

Very good film!

[10/10 · 6 March 2003]

I really think this is a great movie. It got a very low rating on IMDB, but I would give it an 11! I think it is way above standard for a 1992 TV movie. Kathy Ireland is great, as well as Joe Lara and June Lockhart. You also get to see a young Nikki Cox (and even at that yound age her acting is GREAT!). The script is really good, and I do not see a problem with the special effects (like some other people have ssaid in there reviews). The plot is simple: People get stranded on an island, and attacked by creatures, but the movie is much more complex. I could never tell what was going to happen next (and that always is a GOOD sign!). The locations chosen for this film are beautiful. I have the dvd (which was re-released in 2001), and I have watched it about 20 times. Thanks for reading my review!

Bandit: Beauty and the Bandit (1994 TV Movie)

One of the best TV films ever made. Kathy Ireland is awesome!

[10/10 · 8 February 2003]

NO SPOILERS!!!!

I saw this movie on TV a long time ago. I was surfing IMDB, and decided to look it up. I am shocked to see that it only got a 2.6!(at the time of this review) I voted it as a 10! Anyway, I think this is one of the greatest movies ever, I wish i could see it again. If you are ever watching TV and see this on, watch it. I promise it will not be a waste of time. Kathy Ireland is excellent in this film. This was actually the first time I really noticed her(I had seen her before in Alien From L.A (1988)), but after I saw this I became a HUGE fan. The rest of the cast is great as well. Thanks for taking your time to read my review. WATCH THIS MOVIE!!!!!

Random Encounter (1998)

Great, best film ever!

[10/10 · 24 December 2002]

This movie is great. I got the DVD today(but had already seen the film). The DVD is great also, it has cast filmographies, trailer, and scene selection(also Spanish Sub-titles). Anyway, this movie is well written, acted, and produced. I would have added a few more scenes(to cover up a few questions that you may have about the movie), but other than that it is excellent. I give it 5(out of 5) stars! The official summary (on the back of the DVD is:): you meet a handsome man at a buisness party(it actually says dinner, but it was a party). You're dazzled by his charm(he's not that charming though). But what if that man was a player in a game of murder who was about to destroy your life bit by bit(it says other stuff, but this is a short version). Allie has a brief tryst with the man, but soon allie's job, safety, and sanity are all fair game.

I think you should buy this film, it is great on video or DVD. I will definantly watch it again, again, and again.

Swans Crossing (1992)

Swans Crossing was not an ordinary soap opera

[26 May 2002]

Swans Crossing was like a teen soap opera. I enjoyed, and still enjoy watching it. I am lucky enough to have some of the episodes on tape. The best thing about Swans Crossing was that it was not about sex or drugs, it was a show you could sit and watch with your whole family. I also am a huge Sarah michelle Gellar Fan. All and All 10 years after it was canceled Swans Crossing is still a very much remembered TV show. I actually watched my episodes today. I really enjoy watching it. The best scene to me, it is also to me the best Sarah Michelle Gellar scene ever, was when Sydney(Sarah Michelle gellar) was supposed to walk off the baseball field with Garret(Shane Mcdermont)and announce their love together, but Sydney did not go. So later she had to run through the woods to catch Garret, but when she arrived at the Soda Shop Garret was with Mila(Brittany Daniel). Sydney cried and walked outside and fell near a bench. I love that scene. This is already too long so I will stop writing now.