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janet-didenkowski
Reviews
Belle (2013)
Good drama only But a far cry from true history!!!
Enjoyed it first when I watched the drama. After reading up on the true history later, I was a bit disappointed to see what a far cry the movie is from historical reality.
Yes Lord Chief Justice Mansfield, Dido Elizabeth Belle as a mixed-race aristocrat, and John Davinier did exist in history. The problem is Lord Mansfield was a brave key figure in the Abolitionist Movement in his own right instead of a 'reluctant' reformer as portrayed in the movie!
The true Dido in history was not only beautiful, but also well-versed in law and politics. She acted as Lord Mansfield's legal secretary inside the Kenwood residence...
Unfortunately due to her mixed-race, she was never given the option to marry a man of equal nobility and intellect. She only married after Lord Mansfield, both her mentor and protector died. She did become Mrs. Davidier, but her husband was a French servant instead of an aspiring, abolitionist lawyer in the movie.
If Dido lived in modern days, she would have become an highly accomplished barrister or Chief Justice herself. Instead she married someone who could hardly be her intellectual equal. She became home-maker with three children and died young in her early 40s.
Oculus (2013)
Disappointing
One of the worst horror movies I've ever seen so far. An awful plot based on empty suspense scenes only. A hasty and disappointing ending that simply made its earlier suspense totally meaningless, and left the audience with a sense of betrayal because you were led to expect something grand but all you got in the end is 'That's it? But why???'
However, if you have nothing else to do and expect very little, then it could be one of your options for a Friday night... but it's a not movie that you'd want to watch again!
My own standard for good horror movies would be 'What Lies Beneath' and 'The Others'. It's important to produce a solid story that explains and signifies the earlier suspense moments. It makes the audience think and love to watch it again with family and friends.