rutland274 Reviews

In Her Shoes (2005)

Two sisters with become estranged.

[10/10 · 19 September 2006]

I have seen "In Her Shoes" and watched it every time it appears on television even though I own the DVD. I was delighted with every one of the performances in the film. I especially have become a fan of Mark Feuerstein. He played his role with just the right nuances of love, respect, and strength, that was not apparent when he first came on the scene. I am a Cinderella story romantic, and I love films such as this. One other film, that I simply adore, is Bridget Jones' Diary. It was my first time seeing Colin Firth, and I immediately became an ardent fan of his. I, now am placing Mark Feuerstein alongside of him in my esteem. These guys know how to make a gal feel special. Beatrice

Curb Your Enthusiasm (2000–2024)

Curb Your Enthusiasm

[2 April 2006]

I am writing this because I think that this is the most hilarious and entertaining show on television. Unfortunately, my children do not share my opinion and I had to search awhile to find someone with the same enthusiasm for Larry David's humor. I always find, at least one thing in each of his episodes to send me laughing for all of the good reasons, loud and long! This humor is so therapeutic for me and makes my day. I so 'get' this type of humor and it is wonderful.

I particularly enjoyed the episode, when Larry invited the child molester to his home for a dinner for a religious holiday. This was a mix of his neighbors, who were aware of this young man's problem. Larry David is a master of underplaying and was superb!

Beatrice

Cinderella Man (2005)

Excellent Portrayal of The Great Depression!

[10/10 · 28 March 2006]

When I finally watched Cinderella Man on DVD I found myself living all over again the essence of the Great Depression! I am an 80 year old woman, whose widowed mother was left to raise two daughters on income derived from a renting a brownstone building in Brooklyn in the 30s as a rooming house. Large rooms were $5.00 per week. Hall bedrooms were rented for $2.00 per week. Even at these low prices, tenants were unable to pay their rent on a timely basis. Since our livelihood depended on the rents, when the rent was not forthcoming we were left without sufficient food to feed us. Some of the tenants existed on help from the Welfare system, but used their rent money for things other than their rent sometimes. I say all of this to explain why I could relate to the scenes where Jim Braddock and his family did not have milk or sufficient food for the family. I cried during my viewing of this film, because of its truthfulness in depicting these conditions in their reality.

I wish that this film could be distributed again so that more people could see it! I think that the title Cinderella Man, though it was the title given to Jim Braddock, was partly the reason people may not have been attracted to it. I know that when I saw the title, I was not particularly interested in seeing it. Now, I could kick myself for not adding to its financial support so that it could have had

its due as an Oscar contender.

Russell Crowe, Renee Zellweger, and the complete cast did the film proud!! Their interpretations were right on and so natural, I felt everything as it unfolded. Especially compelling was the Max Baer championship fight. I watched this film in my bed and I watched the fight as if I had never heard about any of it before. I jumped up and down and yelled when the two fighters fought fiercely to survive.I hate to watch violence and especially Boxing events, but there I was!

This film is magnificent!! A Masterpiece Beatrice

Yesterday (I) (2004)

Yesterday

[10/10 · 30 December 2005]

I happened to watch this film on HBO late last night. I missed the first ten minutes of the film, but that did not diminish the impact that this film has made on me! I was drawn to the film because I recognized the starring actress as being in Serafina. I saw Serafina in play form and on film,and was blown away by the actress playing Serafina. As I write my comments about Yesterday, I do not recall the name of the actress and do not wish to misspell her name,because she is a powerful young actress deserving of being identified by name. This story is so realistic, I could feel the pain and emotional strife caused by this situation. When Yesterday's husband described the predicament he experienced while working underground without the proper facilities to relieve himself, I was there feeling his pain! This film has given me an added resolve to do what I can to help in the struggle to conquer this horrible disease! One cannot watch this excellently made film without shedding a tear. When I began telling my daughter about the film, I was unable to finish without sobbing. She said to me, "Mommy, stop watching these films if they affect you in this way." I don't agree, I think we need to be exposed to sad situations in just this very realistic way.

Beatrice

Vera Drake (2004)

Vera Drake

[9/10 · 27 November 2005]

I happened on this film by chance and missed ten minutes of the beginning. I have never seen a character portrayed so naturally and believably in the way Imelda Stanton has in this film. She was so kind and helpful to everyone, and did the wrong thing for the right reason in helping these desperate girls. You could not help but be affected by her situation, because she could only focus on how she was helping without thought to the consequences. I wept throughout watching this story. A very controversial topic.

Imelda Staunton deserved all kinds of awards for the beautiful and artful portrayal she delivered.

rutland274