hoopoe Reviews

De-Lovely (2004)

AS a former pro singer of the Porter era, I loved it!

[8/10 · 11 July 2004]

Kevin Kline is magnificent as the talented Cole Porter. How many songs were used ? I counted 22 in my head on the way home, but there must have been more. Alternately I cried and I smiled at the memories these tunes brought to me. And Cole's insistence that the lyrics be understood by all was a joy. What happened today? Well, it really doesn't matter as today's lyrics do not mean as much. Porter's " double entendres" and "internal rhymes" were in a class by themselves. But I do have a criticism. Why was "Begin the Beguine" played in a minor key? It ruined that beautiful song. Was it written that way originally? If so, no wonder the show "Jubilee" was a flop and the song did not become a hit until Artie Shaw's recording later on. I loved the movie!!!!

Lost in Translation (2003)

I cannot understand all the great reviews of this!

[6/10 · 6 July 2004]

I cannot understand all the great reviews of this film, but then I have seldom agreed with our local newspaper critic. This time around, most of the critics around the country praised the film and the acting. My best friend loved it while I wanted to walk out, but then I often dance to a different drummer. I have never been a fan of Bill Murray as a comic and this film did not make me a fan of his dramatic talent. I assume there must be some there. It was boring, slow-moving and whoever told Bill he could sing has an enormous tin ear. Yes, I understand the loneliness of two people in a strange place, but for two hours, it gets to be a bit much! The romance has left me in my old age, I guess.

The Passion of the Christ (2004)

I had not intended to see this one at all.

[6/10 · 12 April 2004]

I was talked into seeing this one by a friend who was also undecided about going. WE thoroughly agreed that it was the most anti-semitic film we had ever seen and those who see it otherwise are not seeing it through their whole brain. I think this might be a SPOILER. The badly beaten Jesus is "standing before a crowd of Jews". The Romans are actually saying he has had enough and to let him go as he has been punished enough, but the Jewish crowd in the courtyard are screaming "Crucify! Crucify! Crucify!" How can I not feel that it is anti-Semitic? Neither my friend nor I are Jewish, but this is the way we saw it! I am afraid that Mel Gibson will never get another penny from me, seeing one of his movies! And I once loved him!

Good Will Hunting (1997)

How did I miss this fine film previously?

[8/10 · 14 March 2004]

I think the title turned me off, and with the cast, I thought it would be another teen film. This however kept me riveted as to how Will would turn out and how his mentors would handle him. Matt Damon and Ben Affleck have gained new respect from me for their fine story. Robin Williams was such a silly twit in so many roles, but he deserved his Academy Award as the understanding psychiatrist. As Will said to him, "I have never met a psychiatrist who talked so much."

I did not like Minnie Driver. She is very unattractive and even though they explained away her English accent as private schooling, this did not convince me. Even so, it is a fine film and the ending was just right!

Something of Value (1957)

For me, this was a nostalgic journey.

[7/10 · 8 March 2004]

I read Robert Ruark's book twice, Once before I went to Kenya in 1968 and once after my return. I had never seen the movie until recently. While in Africa, I was told by the Black Kenyans and the British Kenyans that the story was exaggerated, but this often happens to keep the interest alive. Having visited there, I thoroughly enjoyed the scenery and remembering many places where I had been and the animals running across the plains with Mount Kenya in the background. It was a treat to see young Rock Hudson, beautiful Dana Wynter and the talents of Sidney Poitier and Wendy Hiller. The action and the supporting actors are fine and I think I will watch it again before I return the tape to the video store.

Monster (2003)

Deserves all kinds of awards!

[8/10 · 20 February 2004]

Charlize Theron is one of the most beautiful and talented actresses around today, The unattractive makeup and clothing and the completely believable acting had me enthralled all the way. I felt much sympathy for her, as well as being repelled by her monstrous actions and deeds. She deserves the Academy Award this year!

Cold Mountain (2003)

Romanian Mountains look like the Smokies.

[8/10 · 20 February 2004]

Having been born and raised within a few miles of the N.C.mountains I could believe that I was back there, until I spotted one of the crows on a fence as a gray and black Hooded crow, sub-species of the Eurasian Carrion Crow, which are not found in North America. The scenery is beautiful however, and I remember stories of the War Between the States from my grandfather and Great Grandmother who lived through those brutal times while my Great Grandfather fought for the Confederacy before he was captured by the Yankees. Nicole is beautiful, but her southern accent was atrocious--was Zellweger the only real southerner in the picture? I did enjoy the movie however and have become a real fan of Jude Law!

Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World (2003)

Russell Crowe perfectly cast!

[8/10 · 15 November 2003]

After seeing Russell Crowe miscast, in my opinion, in "A Beautiful Mind", I am now a fan again. Also Paul Bettany as the doctor and a pre-Darwin naturalist has won me over. Some scenes, out of necessity, were so dark that it was hard to tell who was who. Great action and wonderful scenes of the Galapagos Islands! All in all, well done!

Runaway Jury (2003)

I never judge a film on whether or not it follows the book.

[8/10 · 19 October 2003]

Films cannot follow a book to the letter. I enjoy one and then I en joy the other, and this film I enjoyed very much. The cast is superb and all the twists and turns kept my interest at its peak, And that ain't easy for a movie almost 2 1/2 hours long! I recommend it for any fans of Gene Hackman and Dustin Hoffman, and I thought John Cusack was terrific in his role!

Once Upon a Time in Mexico (2003)

Thoroughly confusing!

[3/10 · 30 September 2003]

Most of the time I did not have the slightest idea of what was going on, or who was who, who were the bad guys and who were the good. I certainly expected more with the cast involved, and regardless I will still go to see anything with Johnny Depp, and hope for better luck next time.

Matchstick Men (2003)

Enjoyed this one tremendously!

[8/10 · 24 September 2003]

I have never been a big fan of Nicholas Cage, but I thought he was terrific in this one. The movie was often funny and sad. I am glad it was not spoiled by loud rock or stupid rap . The background music was absolutely tops. Where can I get a CD of this soundtrack?

Along Came a Spider (2001)

I have followed Dr. Alex Cross through James Patterson's novels.

[7/10 · 14 August 2003]

As soon as a new James Patterson book comes out I must read it. The movie leaves out a number of interesting bits about Cross' family and personal life, but I enjoyed it anyway. Morgan Freeman is a fine actor. However I feel that he is 15 years too old to play this character.

Dead Man (1995)

BORING and DEPRESSING

[1/10 · 10 August 2003]

How could your voters give this so many stars? It is one of the worst movies I have ever seen and I am a rabid Johnny Depp fan. If I had seen it in a theatre, I would have walked out I rented the video and did a lot of fast forwarding. Still love Johnny however.

Nowhere in Africa (2001)

Great! Terrific!

[9/10 · 27 July 2003]

I hesitated to see this because I find sub-titles distracting. This held me all the way through, and while I do not understand German, I did catch some of the Swahili. My late husband and I spent 4 summers in East Africa, mostly Kenya, 30+ years ago. Many places were familiar to me--the Norfolk Hotel, Lake Baringo, Mount Kenya, etc I was filled with wonderful memories of a fascinating place and its people--the black Africans, the British Kenyans, the people from India and Pakistan who have made this their home. And there were still some Germans living there. Even people who have no personal interest in Kenya should find this a great film--cinematography, story, music background, all terrific. So why did I not give it 10 stars? Not enough animal shots!

Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl (2003)

Johnny Depp is great!

[9/10 · 19 July 2003]

Have loved pirate movies since the '30's and what fun this one is, thanks to the versatile Johnny Depp! Have never seen him in a movie that I did not like. The special effects were very special. It was not too long as many critics claimed, and I just might go to see it again!

The Italian Job (2003)

I thought it was great.

[9/10 · 1 June 2003]

This was a movie about the bad guys vs. the worst guys. The entire cast was excellent. Edward Norton makes a wonderful slimy villain, but then he is always good. And I have become an adoring fan of Mark Wahlberg and beautiful Charlize Theron. The scenes in Venice brought back many pleasant memories. Would love to have that car!!!!! The stunt drivers are also the stars.

The Hunted (2003)

I would like anything with Tommy Lee Jones and Benicio Del Toro

[8/10 · 22 March 2003]

These two fine actors can do no wrong as far as I am concerned. And the Oregon scenery-- mountains, forests and waterfalls--is beyond compare. Del Toro is one of the handsomest men in movies today, despite the fact that he plays so many dark characters. I may be old, but I ain't dead yet! Would like to see him in a romantic lead.

Shanghai Knights (2003)

It is great to get so many belly laughs!

[8/10 · 7 February 2003]

Thank you, Jackie and Owen, for making me laugh out loud. The Gene Kelly bit was a masterpiece with the umbrella and the background of "Singing in the Rain". The subtle touches of Sherlock Holmes, Stonehenge,Whitehall and Jack the Ripper were very clever. I hope these two will continue to make sequels.There is no message, little plot, just good fun!

Chicago (2002)

Terrific! I would give it 15 stars if possible.

[10/10 · 2 February 2003]

I was completely spellbound by the great talents of the performers, the camera work, the costumes, the choreography, the musical arrangements. Except for My Fair Lady, perhaps, it is the best screen adaptation of a Broadway musical I have seen in my 75 years as a movie buff,and a former professional singer. One man remarked on the way out, "It wasn't long enough!"

Die Another Day (2002)

I love Bond movies!

[8/10 · 26 November 2002]

How many people got the subtlety of Bond in Cuba as an ornithologist carrying a bird book and binoculars? I read years ago that Ian Fleming named his hero for a real life ornithologist named James Bond who wrote a book on Birds of the Caribbean, a field guide used by many bird watchers.

Red Dragon (2002)

This had mixed reviews, but I loved it!

[9/10 · 31 October 2002]

I almost did not bother with this, but I was on the edge of my seat for the whole 2 hours. It was full of twists and turns. Anthony Hopkins and Ralph Fiennes gave me chills enough to last until next Hallowe'en! Both are fine actors and Edward Norton has become one of my favorites from now on!