Reviews
The Five People You Meet in Heaven (2004)
Faithful adaptation
"The Five People You Meet in Heaven" is, for the most part, a faithful rendering of Mitch Albom's novel of the same name. It features a cast of well-known actors, including Jeff Daniels and the legendary Ellen Burstyn in pivotal supporting roles. Jon Voight proves to be a good choice to play Eddie. He introduces himself to us as an older man with a great deal of pain in his life, both physical and otherwise, but who still has a good heart underneath his gruff exterior. This is shown in the way he treats children in the opening scene in the amusement park. As the story progresses, we see the causes of all that pain, as his life is reviewed. For example, we see the one seeming joy in his life, the love of his wife, taken from him prematurely. The acting is uniformly good. Dagmara Dominczyk has a unique, almost innocent radiance which appropriately gives an aura of mystique to the character of Marguerite. The story is at once sentimental and tough, reminding us that we may not be aware of the effect we have on others' lives, or vice-versa. It is a story which I am sure I will read (and view) many times over the rest of my life.
Under the Tuscan Sun (2003)
A Feel-Good Film
Diane Lane has always fascinated me, ever since I saw her debut movie, "A Little Romance," as a pre-teen. (She was in her early teens.) She has an elusive quality. She can look like a middle-aged, mom-next-door in one scene, and a girlish young woman in the next, seemingly without effort. Anyway, she is a consistently good actress, and, as Frances, is the one through whose eyes we see the story of "Under the Tuscan Sun." This is a delightful little movie, featuring lots of beautiful scenery, and containing some valuable messages: that love creates a family, and that oftentimes, our dreams come true in ways we would not have imagined. Sometimes, we have only to open our eyes to see the answers to our wishes right in front of us.
Carrie (2002)
Pretty good
I enjoyed this remake quite a bit. Overall, I feel it lacks the creepiness of the 1976 original. Something about that film, the split-screen technique, the spinning camera on Carrie and Tommy as they dance, and of course the '70s fashions, made it very disturbing. This one seems tamed down quite a bit. I really thought Angela Bettis was impressive in the title role, as a girl who wants to fit in, but has been raised not to, and decides to rebel against her strict upbringing by going to prom. She "cleans up" nicely for the prom, too! Patricia Clarkson is okay as the mother, although I felt she could have played it up more. The actresses playing Sue Snell and Chris Hargenson were quite good. There were a few moments in this film that would fit in the category of "I'm so sure!" One of them was the casual attitude of Sue and of Norma in the police station after the disaster had happened. Norma especially seemed mighty chipper for someone who had just witnessed the deaths of most of her classmates, and narrowly escaped herself. The ending was rather cheesy. I guess they wanted to set it up for a sequel (which has already been made!). Overall, pretty good.
Hair (1979)
Groovy, dude!
I got hooked on "Hair" after seeing the play in Seattle earlier this year. The movie is quite a bit different from the play, mainly in that it adds more plot. Treat Williams is letter-perfect as the charismatic Berger, making you believe that he really can get whatever he wants. John Savage and Beverly D'Angelo are fine as Claude and Sheila, although their characters are rather bland compared with the same characters in the play. The score is very well-performed. Adding more of a plot for the movie may have been a good idea, but it seems unnecessary, and even seems to make the movie drag. Having Berger go to Vietnam in Claude's place is stretching the credulity a bit. But the impressive score and good performances make this fun to watch.
Miracle in the Rain (1956)
Curious.....
I enjoyed this movie pretty well. Jane Wyman and Van Johnson were well-cast. The chemistry between them works very well, showing how opposites can attract. It is a unique movie, sweet, different. Ms. Wyman is a versatile actress, and this movie projects a more vulnerable, almost homely persona. Van Johnson is his usual buoyant and outgoing self here. This movie is also a testament to the power of faith amidst sorrow over a lost but enduring love.
The question I have about it is this: at the end, when she collapses on the steps of the church, has she died? That is not quite clear to me. Many people seem to believe that she is dead, but it's not specified in the movie. Does anyone know of an outside source that would confirm this, one way or another?
A Chorus Line (1985)
Quite good
I did not expect to find this movie very interesting, but was surprised. Watching it was an enriching experience. Does anyone know if Broadway auditions are really that rigorous and elaborate? Good performances all around, including Michael Douglas. Alyson Reed is strong as Cassie. The supporting players are fine. Among my favorites is Charles McGowan, who sings and dances "I Can Do That" with agility and playfulness. Audrey Landers delivers the goods with her "T&A" song. (Say, isn't she one of those babely sisters from "Dallas?" I didn't know she could sing and dance like that!) Vicky Frederick is sexy as the sassy, brassy Sheila. All around good and unique movie.
Frequency (2000)
Pretty good
Something most people have asked themselves at one time or another is, "Suppose you could change one event in your life from the past. How different would today look as a result of it?" This movie addresses that question. Overall, I enjoyed "Frequency" pretty much. It starts off well, with a shot of the aurora borealis firing up high over the earth. Dennis Quaid, aging gracefully, exudes warmth and humanity as Frank. Jim Caviezel is effective as well. He has a soulful quality which is just right for the down-and-out character of John, who experiences growth and redemption when he finally connects with his father, in a way which is most unusual. The scenes between the two of them conversing over the airwaves are quite moving, and I found myself getting misty-eyed a time or two (but don't tell anyone). Gradually, however, the plot becomes increasing contrived, and the special effects take on an overdone quality. At this point, my formerly misty eyes rolled heavenward at more than one point. Oh, well. It's a movie that makes you think. The supporting players are also very good, including Shawn Doyle, who makes a creepy villain.
The Trouble with Harry (1955)
Very witty
With the zany humor and minimalistic reactions of the characters to something as serious as a dead body, one would think this is a British comedy.... and it is! Very funny offering from Hitchcock, whose sense of humor gets a starring role. Likeable performances by the leads, including one by young Shirley MacLaine as the mother of Jerry "The Beaver" Mathers. Definitely a keeper; one you'll watch again and again.
The Sixth Sense (1999)
It will stay with you.
When you see this film, it will probably stay with you for quite a while, and you will find yourself tossing over the plot in your mind for days to come. You will seek out others who have seen it, and want to discuss it with them. If you live alone, be careful; you may have trouble sleeping!
Haley Joel Osment is extremely effective as a guarded and serious 9 year-old boy who is burdened with the secret ability to see the dead. Osment is excellent, making his character seem like an old soul. Bruce Willis is also impressive, playing against type, as the child psychologist who makes it his mission to help the boy. To the character of the boy's mother, Toni Collette brings intensity and depth.
The soundtrack is eerily effective, giving the viewer a creepy feeling of anticipation. I was impressed to learn that the director of this film is the young man who plays the medical intern. Subtlety in movies is a welcome change these days, and this movie entices the viewer to use his or her imagination, which can be more frightening than "seeing everything." The previously mentioned soundtrack, the photographic techniques, and the old, almost Gothic, architectural scenery, give this movie a great sense of atmosphere that one has to experience to define.
As it blends dramaticism, creepiness, and pathos, "plot holes" aside, "The Sixth Sense" is a movie I am sure I will see again and again, picking out new things with each viewing.
Sabrina (1995)
The epitome of romantic!
Romantic is the word for this movie. The story, the settings, everything adds up to romantic. And it's clean - no gratuitous sex scenes or foul language! A rarity for a 90s movie. This movie has a timeless quality to it, and part of the reason is the (again) extremely romantic score! Many critics panned this version of "Sabrina", unfairly comparing it to the original Audrey Hepburn "Sabrina". Nobody could ever compare to Audrey Hepburn, but Julia Ormond is a fine Sabrina in her own right. She makes the transition from awkward teen to glamorous woman with subtlety and grace. Greg Kinnear shows a natural flair for acting in his first major movie role.
Courage Under Fire (1996)
Got overlooked at the Oscars!
This movie was definitely overlooked by the Academy. It could have and should have won some major awards, or at least been nominated. The acting is first-rate. Denzel Washington brings his usual quiet dignity to his role as a man with inner struggles; Meg Ryan demonstrates her range as an actress, showing that she can portray a serious, tough character just as well as the lighthearted, comedic roles in which we are used to seeing her. And Lou Diamond Phillips is especially impressive, giving a multi-layered performance as Monfriez, a troubled soldier. He is the kind of guy you hope you never meet, yet you wouldn't know it on the surface. Excellent film.
Stage Door (1937)
Wonderful film
Ginger Rogers and Katharine Hepburn do excellent jobs in this film. Ginger does not dance much in this one, allowing her acting ability to shine all the more (and it does!). Hepburn's character's scene where she takes the stage on opening night of the play is bitter-sweetly effective, and left me in tears (and I'm a man!). This film has that rapid-fire, crackling dialog that was common in films of this era. Great film! You can watch it over and over.