christ-7 Reviews

A Woman Under the Influence (1974)

Beautiful is the best word I can come up with to describe

[10/10 · 6 December 2003]

this amazing film. I just have one comment. Another reviewer suggests that Nick slaps Mabel back to "lucidity" at the end of the film, and that this is not believable. I submit that she is still the same old Mabel, and that Nick's slap is an attempt to get some semblance of "normalcy." In other words, this normalcy is what Nick can live with, but make no mistake, nothing has really changed. And that, to me, is the beauty of the end of the film.

Harold and Maude (1971)

Fun Stuff

[9/10 · 10 November 2003]

Usually with my favorite films (like this one) I want to talk about why I love it. But I feel the need to address some of the comments of other posters this time. Just because Harold is a spoiled rich kid, doesn't mean he doesn't need Maude's help. Did it ever occur to anyone that by helping Harold realize what life has to offer, that he might go on to help others and fight for worthwhile causes, like Maude herself did? Also, I think the criticism of flashing Maude's concentration camp number is misguided at best. I'm reminded of Martin Scorcese relating how his experiences in Little Italy shaped him. Her concentration camp experience obviously shaped her, but if they had been the only experiences that shaped her, this movie probably would have been a lot more like Rod Steiger in "The Pawnbroker" So just enjoy the wit and wisdom that Maude imparts on her short journey with Harold.

The Decline of the American Empire (1986)

This one really picks up steam as it goes along!

[9/10 · 28 October 2003]

Another outstanding work from Denys Arcand! You definitely have to have a taste for dialogue-driven stuff for this, but if you have the patience you will be rewarded. In the first 20 minutes I thought it might be just another analysis of the male-female relationship dynamic. But it surprised me with a few twists and of course some outstanding acting. I can't believe this is the same Remy Girard from the Les Boys movies. BTW, this film IS available on DVD, as are many other Quebec films featured on IMDB, but not listed as available on DVD. You can usually find them at www.archambault.ca or better yet, travel to Montreal and go to the store on St. Catherine and Berri.

Real Women Have Curves (2002)

Great, but I wanted a little more

[9/10 · 15 October 2003]

I love this film! I agree with one of the other posts, America Ferrera is beautiful...all these skinny waifs make me sick. What I wanted to see was Estela sell her dresses herself, instead of to Bloomingdale's. I kept hoping that's where her character was headed. Even if she sold them for $40, she would still make as much as she would selling to the corporate jerks! The scene where the ladies strip to their underwear is absolutely priceless....one of my all-time favorite scenes in any movie. It's real!

Les Boys (1997)

Second Best Hockey Movie

[8/10 · 29 August 2003]

I think this is a very well-made and funny film. I especially enjoyed Fern, with his hockey trivia. It's interesting that Yvan Ponton appears in the two best hockey movies ever, this and Slap Shot. I do not agree with the person who said that because they don't have 75 million to spend, that Quebec can't make good movies. "15 Fevrier 1839" is an excellent film and proof that you don't have to spend 100 million to make a good picture. Another example would be "Octobre" I also can't wait to see "Comment Ma Mere...." Les Boys and Les Boys II get two thumbs up from me!

Bowling for Columbine (2002)

IF nothing else, thought-provoking

[9/10 · 23 August 2003]

Yes, this is a one-sided documentary. But the questions left unanswered are what makes this film great. Mr. Moore points out in an interview at Cannes how groups of people outside the theatre were discussing the picture after viewing it. This is what anyone should hope for....discussion, debate, action. If there is one fact that can be taken from this that is reality, it is that we have 100 times more gun violence than any other country. Some arguments are presented, and it is up to the intelligent viewer to ascertain why this is a sad truth. You would think that after decades of proving themselves not worthy, that blind faith in our government would no longer be, but from what I've seen in the last year and some of the comments on this website, many Americans still want to believe. What I would like to see from Mr. Moore is to question these Hollywood "liberals" who would rant about gun control, then appear on a giant billboard with a gun in their hand. It's not just the movies or the video games or the music, but that we are constantly bombarded with violent images like those and other types. I would also like to see Mr. Moore put his money where his mouth is, and invest some of the millions that he has surely made from this film and his other projects into his hometown of Flint. There isn't a rich person out there who is generous enough, in my opinion, and until proven otherwise, you are among them, Mr. Moore. Bravo to Michael Moore for giving us food for thought.

Meet the Parents (2000)

De Niro is a great comic actor too!

[7/10 · 15 July 2003]

For Mika in Finland, if you think De Niro has never played a clown, you haven't seen "The King of Comedy." I highly recommend it. He will make you want to crawl out of your skin, he is such a geek in that one!

But back to "Meet the Parents." Aside from the fact that Pam doesn't stand up for her man until the very end, which really bugs me, I think this one of the best comedies of the last 10 years, easily. Particularly because they don't resort to the gross-out stuff that virtually every other comedy contains these days. De Niro is the best thing about this film....I think he has great comedic timing. It's definitely a part of my DVD collection.

Ironweed (1987)

Why isn't this on DVD???

[9/10 · 25 April 2003]

Seriously, this movie is too good not to be on DVD! I'm conflicted as to whether Meryl Streep is better in Ironweed or Sophie's Choice. I'm so glad Jack N. and Meryl decided to make this movie, they have given us something that will stand the test of time.

Am I the only person who is willing to buy this movie on DVD???

Put this movie on DVD! Please!!!

Five Easy Pieces (1970)

I agree with the Whine Guy

[10/10 · 25 April 2003]

To attempt to address jimg-9's concern about Robert driving 5,000 miles in a couple of days....look closely when Robert is driving just before he sees his sister....the freeway signs indicate Los Angeles and Hollywood....so I've always assumed that she is in Los Angeles for her work....that's still a long drive to Seattle but not nearly as far as from Texas. Californians might also notice that the "piano-on-the-truck" scene was shot on a freshly completed stretch of Interstate 5 not far from Bakersfield (much of I-5 in that area was completed in 1969-1970 I believe)which likely means that the whole oil rig portion of the film was shot in that area.

I absolutely love this film! Jack N. is a master of complex characters. I can't decide which is my favorite scene, there are so many good ones. Certainly at the top of the list would be the hitchhiker harping about filth, along with the diner scene. I'm not a big country music fan, but the Tammy Wynette songs stay with me as much as the classical music. Karen Black is so realistic, so believable as Rayette. She and Jack both should have won Oscars, particularly since this was the year (I think) that George C. Scott refused his Oscar. The ending is nearly perfect, albeit abrupt. This is essential viewing for those who have the attention span for quality cinema.

Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid (1969)

A Classic

[9/10 · 3 April 2003]

First of all, if you think this is a true western, you're missing the point. So what if it's not "western movie music" anyway, in my view that's a good thing. I could live without "Raindrops" and I don't think the movie would suffer at all without it, but you could find a hundred films where music (or dialogue) that doesn't match the period or genre is used. A great example of this would be the final scene in "Dirty Dancing." The filmmakers are asking you to suspend reality, go with it!

This is just a great "buddy" movie. Newman and Redford being the ultimate buddies. It's a lot of fun, without the schmaltzie ending that we would get if this were made today. Perhaps the first "root for the bad guys" movie. Enjoy it!

The Deer Hunter (1978)

Brilliant

[9/10 · 7 March 2003]

One of the other reviewers hit the nail on the head.....you must have an attention span beyond a nano-second and appreciate a great character study to enjoy this film. It is my belief that most of the best movies of the twentieth-century were made in the late 60's and throughout the decade of the 70's. These people were not afraid to give us something of substance. No need for mind-numbing action sequences, or music to tell us how to feel.

I have only seen the Deer Hunter once, but I can't wait to see what it reveals for me upon the second viewing.

Nobody's Fool (1994)

One of Paul's Top 5

[10/10 · 21 February 2003]

Easily one of the top 5 performances of Paul Newman's career. Ranks right up there with Cool Hand Luke, Butch Cassidy and The Verdict. My favorite scene is when he tells Rub that he is his best friend. Good male bonding stuff there. Every character is believable...well maybe not the drunken lawyer but it's still a fun character. WHY isn't this film on DVD!!!!!!!

Chinatown (1974)

Simply Great!

[10/10 · 20 February 2003]

I give this film a 9/10. I love it! But I am writing this review mostly to address the comments regarding "treatment" of the Chinese in the film. People, give your head a shake....in 1937, unfortunately, this is the way the average American regarded a person of Chinese heritage. As uncomfortable as it may be, it is called historical accuracy. To me, taking out the references to the Chinese in this film would be like removing deregatory references towards blacks in "Malcolm X" This is another one of those great films of the 70's that requires an attention span which more than half of the American population does not possess. The rest of us can just enjoy!

Nuit de noces (2001)

Good fun!

[8/10 · 2 July 2002]

Charming and funny from start to finish. Genevieve Brouillette is adorable and Pierrette Robitaille steals the show. The scene at the Falls when they poke holes in the plastic so the mother can breathe is one of the best. Francois Morency's character is so pathetic sometimes, he doesn't deserve Florence, but that's part of the charm of the film. Highly recommended.

February 15, 1839 (2001)

Un film magnifique

[8/10 · 2 July 2002]

Luc Picard is a great actor. I've seen several of his films and I think this is his best performance. Pierre Falardeau, despite his seemingly extreme separatist views, makes powerful films. His comments about not caring what they thought of his film in remote parts of English Canada are really arrogant, but I can't wait to see what he gives us next. And Sylvie Drapeau was wonderful in this one, too.

Deliverance (1972)

An All-Time Great

[9/10 · 1 July 2002]

First, if you think this movie is boring, you have the attention span of a nano-second!

If you enjoy a good character-study, or a lesson in the dynamics of human nature, look no further. Deliverance delivers!

Some have commented that Ned Beatty's character doesn't react strongly enough to his brutilization....but I think he plays it to perfection. His stunned humiliation says it all.

The lack of recognition of the canoeing party by the banjo-playing boy as they pass under him on the river is one of the best moments of foreshadowing ever on film.

I believe that the best movies leave a lot of unanswered questions, or at least things to ponder. Why does Ed check the man's mouth after killing him? What's with the removal of the graves? Whose arm is it in Ed's nightmare?

This is the stuff of legend!