SaxoTenor Reviews

Monster-in-Law (2005)

Evaluation

[5/10 · 9 November 2005]

I do not agree that this is Jane Fonda's worst film. That would be "Barbarella" made with then husband Roger Vadim in 1968 (in France). At least this film had Wanda Sykes (Ruby) who was really funny. And there was no sex and violence nor any automobiles being unrealistically blown up. Jane Fonda's next previous film was, I believe, "On Golden Pond" with her father and Katherine Hepburn. That film, of course, was a masterpiece and it cannot be expected that Jane, fifteen years older, could turn in an equally outstanding performance, especially with such a lackluster supporting cast. Perhaps her book sales were disappointing and she needed to supplement her income.

Une femme de ménage (2002)

Realistic depiction of a summer-winter love affair

[8/10 · 8 April 2005]

Please, it's "aspirateur" not "respirateur". Having lived in France for many years I've seen similar situations develop countless times. I've also seen many Claude Berri films and he has got it down pat. It was pleasant to recognize the familiar Paris neighborhood scenes and to wax nostalgic over such familiar goings on. The two leads are most realistic and the supporting actors lend a tone of verité. All in all, a most realistic slice of life à la française. For anyone who has lived in Europe this film will be a pleasant reminder of the sophisticated approach and attitudes that the Europeans (especially the French)bring to situations such as the one depicted in this movie.

Telling Lies in America (1997)

Anent Soundtrack

[27 September 2004]

When I was a performing musician in Paris, France in the 1960's I often used to play a tune entitled "Night Walk". In this movie the same tune is played but is called "Sleep Walk". How could the same tune have two titles? Does anyone know the answer to that? Otherwise the film was not so hot unless you have nostalgia for views of Cleveland, Ohio. How come the Hungarian refugee had no foreign accent? And I failed to understand why the George Washington question and answer session gave the judge the right to allow citizenship for both the father and son in spite of the fact that the son had obviously lied to the Grand Jury. Oh well! It's only a movie and doesn't necessarily have to be believable, n'est-ce pas.