cinezonker-1 Reviews

The In-Laws (I) (2003)

Another lame remake

[21 November 2003]

let's get serious here. The original "In-Laws" with Peter Falk and Alan Arkin would be difficult to top, even if you had a grade-A script and this bomb certainly doesn't have that. Instead of going for wit and inventiveness we have one more example of "throw money away on special effects and big gags" and hope the audience doesn't notice that this production has all the genius of a bad sit-com. Save your money and screen the original. You'll laugh your you-know-what off.

Local Hero (1983)

Marvelous 'fish out of water' film

[8/10 · 23 October 2003]

With an excellent score by Mark Knopfler (Dire Straits) and a literate and amusing screenplay, this is one of the best "fish out of water" films you can find. Burt Lancaster's near-cameo role as an oil baron ranks up there with his work on "Rocket Gibraltar" or "Atlantic City." And Peter Riegert's work as the frustrated oil company executive sent by Burt to buy a remote Scottish village so Burt can build an oil refinery/depot spotlights how underappreciated Riegert is as an actor. Director Bill Forsyth nailed down a not-so-minor classic with this effort. In a small role, Jenny Seagrove shows why she is not only beautiful but extremely talented. The cinematography is incredible as well. Don't miss it.

Mr. Deeds (2002)

Quick! Someone get me a bucket!

[1/10 · 8 September 2003]

Everyone associated with this worthless production owes an apology to to the author of the original short story as well as the great screenwriter, Robert Riskin. Where the original contained wit, wisdom, fine acting, believable situations, etc., etc., etc., this empty vessel of the film piles crudity upon crudity without a trace of humor. Don't waste a minute on this travesty.

Le Magnifique (1973)

hysterical story within a story

[10/10 · 30 July 2003]

Seriously underappreciated comedy with one of the finest and funniest opening "twists" this filmgoer has ever seen. Belmondo is at his comic and athletic best and Bissett is gorgeous and perfectly cast as a student doing a research paper on pulp-fiction authors (Belmondo). To say much more would spoil the imaginative twists and turns in this film. If you can find it, watch it!

If you like Belmondo in this you might also enjoy "Up to His Ears" (1965)

The CineZonk

Starting Over (1979)

minor classic

[8/10 · 3 July 2003]

Notable James Brooks writing effort, nicely directed by Alan Pakula. Especially the divorced men therapy group. Must be seen if only for the excruciatingly painful "love song" Candice Bergen sings to her estranged husband, Burt Reynolds.

The Glass Jar (1999)

Who needs No-Doz?

[1/10 · 16 August 2002]

Saw this yawner at a festival some time back. Can only assume relatives are the ones praising it here. A one set story usually means no budget and it really shows in this one. Frankly, a waste of two very talented actors. And, where did they dig up C Thomas Howell? Assuming you can find this somewhere (Blockbuster doesn't have it), I'd still advise you to pass.