fionapeters Reviews

Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves (1991)

Well done

[7/10 · 18 April 2007]

This film is actually decent considering that Kevin Costner is in it. He really is a good actor, but many of his movies tank for some reason. Anyway, I really enjoyed this telling of the Robin Hood story, it made it sort of epic and really special. Instead of just a children's story, though Disney's version is fairly good as well. I think the acting in this movie was great. I love Morgan Freeman, he has such a powerful voice. He plays any roll well. I think the chemistry between cast was really strong. I also enjoyed the cinematography. The scenery was beautiful. The music was nice as well. I like how it was written; the story and script were really solid. I think this film is an unheralded classic, and if you get the chance sit down and have a viewing. You might be pleasantly surprised!

Meet Joe Black (1998)

a little long but worth it

[7/10 · 9 April 2007]

I really liked this film. I like the premise of having death not really understanding the good parts of being human. I think Brad Pitt did a great job with his role. I especially like the peanut butter part. Also, I think he did a great job changing from the man happy go lucky man he played in the first couple scenes to the darker character of death. I think all the performances were really good. I liked the little details like the cold lamb sandwiches. The movie was a tad long which is why I think most people don't like it, but I enjoyed it. The death and taxes storyline was great. I like how that came full circle. The party was amazing I wish I could have been there. I like the underlying theme of finding happiness and love and leading a full life. I'll admit I shed a few tears at the end. The only thing that bothered me was that Anthony Hopkins character was only 65 which seemed a little young. But, I guess leading a fast pace life in the corporate world tends to ware on a person. This film was very entertaining. If you ever have three hours give it a watch!

Half Nelson (2006)

worth watching

[7/10 · 6 March 2007]

A film about the struggle to teach America's youth while maintaining some sort of personal life and boundaries, "Half Nelson" is a dark and entertaining tale of a complicated friendship between a white male teacher and a 13 year old African American girl. In parts it paints them in opposite roles. The girl takes care of the teacher. The teacher struggles to teach the inner city kids about their history and what history is in general. With little effort it is able to make a lot of social commentary on drug use, black and white issues and the American school system. The acting is great, and it is refreshing that there is nothing sexual between the teacher and the little girl. Though this movie is a bit depressing, I think it is worth watching. It is a thinking movie, and it was entertaining.

The Abandoned (2006)

Not the typical Hollywood horror

[8/10 · 24 February 2007]

I think "The Abandoned" has the perfect mix of suspense and gore. Being a little faint at heart, that was good for me. I like to be creeped out but not completely disgusted. I feel like for a lot of the horror that has been coming out lately they should have provided barf bags at the door. "The Abandoned" is not completely lacking in the gore department, but it was not the main focus which was nice. The haunted house set in Russia worked really well. I could feel the despair of the characters. Another little detail that I thought was cool was the street scenes in Russia reminded me of a Beatles album cover, just the gray coloring and the cars reminded me of Abby road with out the trees. (I'm a huge dork) I think the idea of being haunted by yourself is really scary. The ghost looked awesome and really freaking scary. I liked this movie because it was not the typical stuff that has been coming out. It scared me and I felt I got my moneys worth.

The People vs. Larry Flynt (1996)

best ensemble cast in years

[8/10 · 22 April 2006]

it is unfortunate that when one thinks of the movie 'people vs. larry flynt' the first person to come to mind is courtney love. not that she does an less then stellar job, rather by focusing solely on her, the rest of the richly deserving cast are overlooked. woody harrelson is genius as larry flynt. despite my liberal leanings, before seeing this movie i had made peace with the fact the flynt was a scum, but i would support him on the basis of free speech. after seeing this movie i was able to gain insight into the parts of his character which make him whole person. instead of seeing what Christian-right zealots, or bleeding heart liberals, tried to force upon me, i saw the entire man and all he brought with him. granted this was shown primarily thru scenes written and directed by milos forman, however, it is harrelson who brings them to life and convinces me of their sincerity.