If this film is examined closely, it's a bit sad. It is detailed enough to touch upon very real problems children, who grow up in poor, dysfunctional environments. Yet, it retains it's comedic value, with spirited performances by Diahann Carroll and James Earl Jones. The sadness lies in the struggles and dysfunction of the mother (Carroll), who cannot truly help her children, not because she doesn't want to, or try, but because, it's obvious she doesn't know how. Remember, this is a comedy, but if you've never seen this, or if you have, watch this film and see the humanity, in the characters. Good film.
Reviews
6 Reviews
Chicago
(2002)
Some splendor, so yawns, but some kinda SEXY!!
16 June 2003
This film has some exceptional scenes, but call me an idiot, but the storyline was not overwhelming to me. Don't get me wrong, it is a must see, but more so for it's accomplishment and acclaim, more than for it's brilliance. John Reilly and Renee Zelwegger's performance stand out most, especially Reilly, who owns to me, the movies best scene and musical performance. Richard was in a word annoying and Catherine Zeta-Jones flat overrated after watching the Academy Awards. If nothing else, this film is extremely sexy. Almost every woman in this film, exuding a special sex appeal, mostly attributed to the overall presentation, which is stylish. Overall, I score it a 7, politically I think the Academy was prepared to recognize a musical after possibly ignoring Moulin Rouge, and the benefactor turned out to be a good but not great film. But then again, what do I know?
Auto Focus
(2002)
Kinnear's performance is career defining
8 June 2003
This is a film along the lines of Boogie Nights, in the sense that it is without question well made, but it may not make you feel good. It's a story of Bob Crane the real life star of Hogan's Heroes. The film chronicles the rise of the sitcom, but more interestingly tells the story of Crane's sexual addiction. In addition we learn of his bizarre relationship with John Carpenter, played by Willem Dafoe. Dafoe is a grade A looser who is not exactly a ladies man, but he is on the cutting edge of video technology during the 60's and 70's and quite a salesman. He introduces Crane to this technology, they form a friendly association and Crane a better looking smoother operator with the ladies, allows Carpenter to pick up his scraps. It is a very odd, realistic and disturbing union the two have. Their relationship and it's baggage ruins 2 marriages for Crane and possibly proved fatal to his career. It makes for an interesting film and equally good conversation afterwards, as you may want to debate whether this relationship cost Crane his life, as he was murdered in a Scottsdale motel room in 1978.
Visually stunning, somehow the girl in this short was cyber sexy
5 June 2003
This short was visually stunning and full of action. It created a different world within the mind's of matrix fans. It made me care about other characters outside of the one's featured in the movie. Jue made me wish Lucy Liu had been cast in an upcoming sequel.
About Schmidt
(2002)
Light humor, heavy drama packs a discreet punch
5 June 2003
It's easy to place yourself in the shoes of Warren Schmidt. This in itself speaks to the effectiveness of the film. It was a very good performance from Nicholson, though not his best as some have stated, but solid nonetheless. The casting, I thought really stood out in emphasizing the "plainess" of his family. Kathy Bates is truly one of the greatest actresses on the planet, she is still a scene stealer, even when on screen with Jack. It's a very touching, lightly amusing story, that I enjoyed thoroughly. 7.5 is my score.
For da Love of Money
(2002)
Low expectations, slightly surprised...just slightly.
30 May 2003
It was obvious that Pierre put his heart and soul into the development of this film. I respect that but, quite a bit of this film is borrowed from several other LA hood comedies, There's Something About Mary, etc. It plays sort of like a parody, without admitting to being one. Some of the characters are funny, but not enough to really make this film stand up. This may be trivial, but some of the women in this film, that were supposed to be beautiful were quite...unattractive. The best friend's mother is attractive and the girlfriend. Beyond that WOOF!!!!
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