reviewId
int64 363k
588k
| userId
int64 33.9k
15.9M
| itemId
int64 1
1.42M
| rating
float64 1
10
| title
stringlengths 1
10.9k
⌀ | content
stringlengths 81
11.6k
⌀ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
489,977 | 33,913 | 40,053 | 10 |
Red , White , and Blue All Over ! !
|
I watched a video of the Ed Sullivan show . It was entitled " Red , White , and Blue . " It was a patriotic compiled tape which everybody in America should own . I was born after the show's cancellation so I never saw the original . But I can tell you after watching this tape , it was probably one of the best television shows of all time . In this tape , they have the great Henry Fonda doing the first Lincoln address . Dame Judith Anderson reciting the Gettysburg Address . Carl Sandburg offers the Lincoln Birthday address and the great Charlton Heston gives the second Lincoln inauguration speech . There are great musical numbers with Dale Evans , the West Point crew , and Kate Smith singing " God Bless America . " They also have Joel Grey singing " Yankee Doodle Dandy . " Grey's not James Cagney but it's worth seeing . This short video tape is only an hour long from Sofa Entertainment . Now if you are a history teacher , an American patriot , American lover , or just patriotic , this tape is worth the money . I bought 2 copies and gave it to history teachers that I know of . It's also worth buying for your home .
|
490,525 | 33,913 | 53,291 | 10 |
Monroe , Lemmon , and Tony Curtis ! What more could you ask for ?
|
I haven't seen this film until this past weekend . I know it has been highly rated as an all time classic comedy and I can see why . I love Tony CUrtis and Jack Lemmon as two male band players forced to dress up as women in order to get out of CHicago after the Valentine's Day massacre in 1929 . Tony Curtis deserves a lot of credit for playing the male suitor to Marilyn Monroe's Sugar . Even though Jack Lemmon is hysterical as Daphne , you can't forget how giddy and happy he is when he finds love with a male suitor played wonderfully by Joe E . Brown . I forget who plays the female conductor but she's also wonderful in the film . It's sad that Marilyn Monroe died so young only three years after making this wonderful classic film . She and Tony Curtis appear made for each other in this film . Jack Lemmon was well deserved of his Oscar nomination but I can't imagine why they left out Tony Curtis . Billy Wilder chose wisely to film it in black and white . I love the train ride scenes and once they are down in Florida . I love and miss both Jack Lemmon and Marilyn Monroe . I wish Tony Curtis would talk about it on the Actors Studio since he is still very much alive and well .
|
489,885 | 33,913 | 94,567 | 10 |
way ahead of its time
|
In 1988 , ABC aired this sitcom about social climbing New Yorkers , the Thorns , and their highly dysfunctional family . I taped all 7 aired episodes on one tape . The Thorns were way ahead of its time in 1988 . They exposed seedy life of Upper East Side New Yorkers with wealth to buy their reputations . The Thorns had such guest stars like Christine Baranski before her Cybill fame , Maureen Stapleton , and the late William Roerick . Kelly and TOny were exquisite in their roles as parents and unfaithful spouses . It was well-written and directed but too intelligent for the audience then and probably now . The pilot plot featured around fundraising party at the Thorns Upper East Side townhouse . The Thorns put the family dog to sleep to avoid it disturbing the party . Their youngest son begins to act like a dog as a reaction to his death . Then their paternal grandmother arrives from Brooklyn , her apartment building burns down . Ginger Thorn replies " It's probably an improvement . " The Thorns are forced to put Grandma THorn in the dog's room . Yes , the dog had his own room . Grandma THorn now deals with her youngest grandson's dilemma . She comes down in her nightgown during the party to fetch her grandson . This show had so much potential but not enough viewers at the time . Kelly Bishop and TOny Roberts headed this cast for 7 episodes until it became cancelled by network politics and not enough interest . Maybe the ABC network felt the show was too similar to their own lives and decided to shelve it to avoid criticism . The Thorns made New York City to be equally shallow and depth as a puddle on the street . Sorry it didn't last longer or nobody else picked it up at the time . It was well worth taping all of it .
|
489,936 | 33,913 | 90,203 | 10 |
Brilliant Performance by American legend !
|
Geraldine Page won an Academy Award as Best Actress for her role in the Horton Foote drama , " A Trip To Bountiful , " about a widowed woman living with her son and his wife played memorably by Carlin Glynn in Texas . She yearns for one last trip back to Bountiful which is a dying town . She meets Rebecca DeMornay , a fellow traveler , and they bond . The most interesting scenes are when she tries to escape her son's apartment and go to the bus station . All she wants is one trip to Bountiful before she dies . When she gets there , it's more of a ghost town or cemetery than a town itself . She has to convince others of her quest for one last trip to Bountiful before she goes .
|
490,406 | 33,913 | 978,759 | 10 |
I'll Be Rooting for Melissa Leo on Oscar night , win or lose !
|
I have been a fan of Melissa Leo since I saw her performance on Homicide as a police detective . In this film , Melissa Leo bares the rough , tough life of Ray Eddy whose husband Troy has left her and their two sons , T . J . and Ricky right before Christmas . Ray's life takes turn when she gets together with a Mohawk Lila played very well by Misty Upham as a widowed mother whose infant son was taken from her by her mother-in-law . Both Ray and Lila have rough lives . All Ray wants is a double wide trailer for Christmas and Lila would like to have her son back . In the Mohawk community , Lila is a pariah and untrustworthy because she was caught smuggling before . All she needs is a car and Ray needs money since her dead end job at a dollar store isn't going anywhere . Regardless , I am rooting for Melissa Leo to win and I know it's a long shot but her performance is unforgettable , complicated , and compelling to understand what drives Ray and Lila . The film is a silent gem of a treasure and has gotten noticed with plenty of awards . To me , Melissa Leo deserves all the accolades . She reminds me of every woman and you can relate to her desperation to keep her family together when her life is falling apart . Good Luck , Melissa , win or lose , you deserve it as does the rest of the cast .
|
490,550 | 33,913 | 92,357 | 10 |
Classic Canadian Drama !
|
I loved this series back in the days when syndicated programming ruled my weekend schedule . Now , it's all infomercials . This program was one of my favorites . It was about an antique store and the curses and supernatural that they would uncover along the way . I have to say it was well-written and acted by a great cast . It was filmed in Toronto . I don't think they ever meant to set it anywhere in particular . I just only saw the drama for the seasons it was on the air in New Jersey . It was a series that probably inspired X-Files . Even though it's title says Friday the 13th , it was about mystery , supernatural , hauntings , and paranormal activities . The drama was always worth watching . I hope they bring out on DVD .
|
490,549 | 33,913 | 94,578 | 10 |
Orson and H . G . Wells would be proud !
|
I loved this series when it was on the air in New Jersey . Back in the 1980s when syndicated or independent programming ruled television on the weekends , now it's all infomercials . Anyway , I loved Ann Robinson who reprised her film role as Sylvia Van Buren . She appeared to be the only person who knew how to deal with the aliens . My favorite moment is when her stepson visited her at the nursing home ( it's too nice to be a sanitarium ) , the old guy approached him and said " It's not safe in here " and he replied " It's not safe out there . " The show was really well-written with characters like Van Buren who provided a connection to the original program . I think Orson Welles and H . G . Wells would be proud of this show . It paved the way for shows like the X-Files . I only wished that they made more syndicated programs today .
|
490,533 | 33,913 | 109,830 | 10 |
One of the best , moving , memorable films of the 1990s !
|
When I hear the music , I think of how wonderful the world can truly be if there were more Forrest Gumps out there . When the film came out , it was truly breathtaking . It showed that the great and talented Tom Hanks can perform anything . Had this film been released a year before ? He would have probably have gotten his first Academy Award for Best Actor . Truthfully , his role in Philadelphia was good but not Forrest Gump . We don't really remember much of the role in the previous film except that he played a Philadelphia attorney dying of AIDS and suing for justice for his termination . While the film , Philadelphia is good . It's not Forrest Gump . What separates Forrest Gump from Philadelphia is that there is so much more going on around the character . I think it's a shame that Sally Field did not get an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress for playing his mother and Robin Wright also did not get a nomination for Best Supporting ACtress for playing the love of FOrrest's life . They were some of the best female performances of that year alone . When you hear the music or the soundtrack , you are reminded of the some of the most memorable moments in movie history of a truly remarkable character named Forrest Gump . Gary Sinise was also worth mentioning because he was nominated for BEst Supporting Actor as the man's Vietnam comrade who he saved . That touching moment of when Forrest realizes his gratitude for saving his life is still chilling and touching and remarkable like the film .
|
490,161 | 33,913 | 280,778 | 10 |
Excellent Cast ! But not enough time !
|
Dame Judi Dench is arguably one of the greatest mature actresses of our time period . She is playing another dame , Iris Murdoch . I would have loved if they focused the film somewhat on Iris ' success . She won the Booker Prize for the Sea , the Sea . She was awarded Commander of the British Empire and a Dame in 1987 , a year before Judi's honor . Judi Dench really pours her heart and soul in this role and it shows . Jim Broadbent who declined a Queen's honor in reality is brilliant in his role as the older John Bayley . Their relationship is quite enduring . They focus too much on Iris ' early sexuality as a way to maybe attract attention of film goers to go and see this film . If they did withhold it , it would have been seen on Masterpiece Theatre . I read two of Iris ' books , The Bell and The Sea , The Sea . They are both philosophical , intelligent products of fiction . John is absolutely right when he says that Iris lives for words and they are her life . The scenes with the older Iris and John are more important than the younger versions of themselves . I think there was a creative difference in depicting Iris as free-thinking , smoking , young lady rather than the mature , intelligent , private woman of her day . The film is a 10 because of Dench and Broadbent's performances . I liked seeing Penelope Wilton play the older Janet Stone , her longtime friend . One of the subjects that I wished they would explore would have been Iris and John's decision not to have any children . The film also withholds Iris ' platonic relationship with Jean-Paul Sartre . Iris and John loved swimming and that was evident in this film . I would have liked to have seen their wedding ceremony . I am not much of a Kate Winslet fan so I never really cared to see her playing younger Iris as a silly , manipulative schoolgirl . I found her Iris to be too selfish . Dench's Iris was much more caring and loving toward John and Janet . Somebody wrote that we can learn a lot about relationships by being more like John and Iris . That is so true . They were really soul mates from the beginning of their relationship and in the end too . John and Iris worked because they allowed the other live and do with absolute trust . Most people are unaware that they lived in squalid conditions in Oxford and that they did not have a television until Iris ' illness . They listened to the Archers ' radio program on BBC . They lived quietly . Iris donated much of her income from books to charities . When this film came out , I learned about Dame Iris Murdoch and read about her . I am still fascinated by her even watching Judi play as she declined away . Iris said about losing your mind when you live in your mind . If we all lived in our minds , it would be a much happier world . Rest in peace , Dame Iris Murdoch , you are not forgotten . If this film does anything , it is promote interests in your novels and open our minds .
|
490,512 | 33,913 | 67,306 | 10 |
Absolutely Divine !
|
What makes Shakespeare such a classic production is the talented actors like Paul Scofield C . B . E . , C . H . and Irene Worth Honorary C . B . E . in their roles as King Lear and Goneril . I saw Irene Worth on Broadway in Lost in Yonkers but that was nothing compared to her role as Goneril . You forget the other actresses who play Cordelia and Regan . Her role of Goneril is chilling , complicated , icy , yet divine to watch . She really packs punches into this supporting role . Why Paul Scofield and Irene Worth were not nominated for Academy Awards is a shame because this film really works with the both of them in these roles . I can't imagine a better Goneril or a King Lear . The film was edited for the obvious reasons that all of Shakespeare's language cannot be used effectively but Peter Brook is a genius in knowing what Shakespeare would have wanted in this film . Peter Book C . B . E . , C . H . is a Shakespeare expert and well-respected and beloved British director . He has done a remarkable job in bringing King Lear to life with a master such as Paul Scofield and Irene Worth's Goneril is absolutely divine ! You can't take your eyes off her in this role .
|
490,060 | 33,913 | 119,349 | 10 |
Whoever said the suburbs are dull and boring are probably from New York City
|
The Ice Storm is perhaps one of my favorite movies of all time . It's a beautiful film set in 1970s New Canaan , Connecticut with two Waspy families . The setting is breathtaking and the ice makes it look so much better . The cast is filled with Oscar caliber performances by Sigourney Weaver , Kevin Kline , Joan Allen , Tobey Maguire , and Cristina Ricci . This film was overlooked by Titanic mania . It should have been nominated for Best Picture , best actor , Kevin Kline , and best director , Ang Lee . Even with the wealth and the beauty of New Canaan , Connecticut , there can lie so much tragedy and drama . Who said the suburbs are dulling and boring are from New York City ?
|
490,048 | 33,913 | 86,831 | 10 |
He's Back now as Prime Minister !
|
James Hacker MP didn't expect that he would be the next prime minister . Unlike in America , the party is elected in Britain while we , Americans , vote for candidates regardless of their party . Despite the differences , Paul Eddington CBE's performance as minister turned prime minister almost overnight is helped by his senior adviser , Sir Humphrey , played by another knight , Sir Nigel Hawthorne , and veteran actor Derek Fowlds also returns to the scene as well . Now instead of pleasing some people , he has to please the nation rather than his constituency . Now , he has a hard job to do even more difficult than before . Now , he must approve the honors list and work with Her Majesty as well on a regular basis . Hacker is not the hacking type . He is rather than the every man who we like and don't want to dislike and turn into a villain of sorts or a vicious dictator . Now , we see the prime minister's point of view and all the pleasing that must go on as well as handle strikes .
|
489,762 | 33,913 | 488,826 | 10 |
Now these were Celebrities !
|
Dean Martin was one of America's greatest legends in the entertainment industry . He is sorely missed even to this day . He honors or roasts his beloved friend and American icon , Frank Sinatra , in one of his many roasts . In my opinion , even the half-hour infomercial is far more entertaining than anything on television today . I miss people like Dean Martin , Frank Sinatra , and so many others . There are more people who are gone than living with us like Don Rickles , Peter Falk , and Ruth Buzzi . Frank Sinatra's roast is pretty relaxed from what we know . We're glad to see celebrities cut loose and be themselves and poke fun at this man . Nobody will ever have the roasts that Dean ever put together in Las Vegas . Of course , people were smoking cigarettes ( God forbid that you display any smoking on television anymore ) and drinking liquor and being human anymore . Those days are gone forever and now you have a bit of history with these episodes . Even though they drank and smoke , they always appear to be having fun at themselves .
|
490,799 | 33,913 | 92,400 | 10 |
I watched it from the beginning to the end !
|
I love " Married with Children " for a lot of reasons . I remember when it first aired on the new Fox station . " Married with Children " and " The Tracey Ullman Show " were the first two shows to air on Sunday nights and the first night , it was aired twice . There has not been another show like it and it's still missed very much . When " Friends " became successful , you hoped that they would create the anti-Friends version of the show just like Married with Children Bundys was inspired by the 80's Cosby Show and the almost too real Huxtable clan . The Bundys were every family . The teens like Peg and Al who got married with no college education ended up struggling with two undesirable children like Bud and Kelly . The Bundys never had the luck like any of our other television families . Ed O'Neil deserved an Emmy . He liked Al so much that he is still fond of the role . Katey Sagal was unforgettable as Peggy with her red bouncy air and laugh . They were the unlikeliest pairing but it worked . Christina Applegate will always be remembered as the definitive dumb blonde Kelly Bundy . Her character like Peggy and Al never changed and we wouldn't want them too . Remember when they change the characters by improving them on television , the characters lose their original , natural appeal . Even David Faustino's Bud was still the pervert from beginning to end of the show . The neighbors began with Steve and Marcy Rhodes , both trained in New York City theater . Steve played by David Garrison was the typical boring father type on the show and his wife played by Amanda Bearse really became more than just a modern woman . As Marcy Rhodes Darcy , she became her own character without having too rely too much on her husband . When Garrison left the show to return to Broadway , Marcy was alone but not for long until Ted McGinley's Jefferson Darcy came into the picture . Finally Al met his match , a good-looking gigolo who avoided work . Jefferson too had a spotty history . Al and Marcy's battles were always fun to watch . In fact , Bearse also directed several of the show's episodes when she was not in front of the camera and has become one of television's comedic directors since the show ended by Fox abruptly . I loved AL's male friends like Griff , Ike , Bob Rooney , and officer Dan . The show may have made jokes at the expense of a lot of overweight even obese actresses but that gave them exposure and work so I don't think Married with Children should get too much negative criticism . I don't see other shows using plus sized women at all . This was a fun show to watch and I still miss it .
|
490,179 | 33,913 | 141,842 | 10 |
Makes me proud to be from New Jersey !
|
Let's face it , New Jersey has been the butt of jokes since it's inception even more so because of the corruption and abuse of power at government levels . The Sopranos are a family who has ties to the mafia but are more believable . Tony Soprano is played by New Jersey native , James Gandolfini , and his wife is played by veteran actress Edie Falco and Long Island native . His psychiatrist is played by Lorraine Bracco who is also Italian American . I don't support all the violence on this television show or it's need to kill off characters . The fact that the creator David Chase , another New Jersey native , has paid great homage to his state by creating a series which is family based as well as about the mob stereotypes . The series is well-written , intriguing , and definitely one of the groundbreaking series of our time . It's not for everybody but it make me proud to be from New Jersey where we are as tough as you can believe .
|
490,204 | 33,913 | 96,697 | 10 |
What the Simpsons have done that no other show can do ?
|
Let's face it , the Simpsons popularity has grown over the last twenty years ever since it made it's debut on the Tracey Ullman Show . Unfortunately that show ended but this show has thrived with some of the cast mates like Julie Kavner and Dan Castellnata as Marge and Homer Simpson . Being an animated show has it's advantages though , gone are those silly actors and actresses because you only need voices . The show works because of the powers behind the show's success . Maggie is still a baby , Bart is still a brat , and Lisa is well the middle child who is smart . The fact that the producers decided to maintain the characters in the same age for 20 years is an achievement in itself . In live sitcoms , the children age and stories change and attention shifts from one character to another . There are episodes that are good and plentiful . They have done everything from Shakespeare to Edgar Allen Poe . I don't know how long this show will run but as long as the audience wants more . They'll be happy to comply .
|
490,596 | 33,913 | 71,562 | 10 |
Poor Fredo ! We still miss John Cazale !
|
The Godfather Part II has excellent writing , plotting , editing is even brilliant , acting , and overall quality to watch over again and again . You can never get sick of watching this film . I miss John Cazale . He was truly a gifted actor and I miss him . He played my favorite Corleone brother . Sure Alfredo was never brilliant or vicious but he was sweet , gentle , and warm most of the time . He had a conscience and I despise Michael for killing his own brother . I think he killed him out of jealousy . Alfredo spent more time with Michael's son , Anthony , than he did and he resented him for it . Alfredo could have been spared . Four years after Godfather Part II , John Cazale died of cancer after filming the Deer Hunter . He never won an Oscar or made too many films but he made every role memorable . Rest in Peace , John . I miss you .
|
489,969 | 33,913 | 144,306 | 10 |
Savannah Sizzles and Smiles with Delight ! ! !
|
After watching this documentary , I found myself wanting to visit Savannah , Georgia probably like many others . Characters like Lady Chablis who was born Frank but has become a woman in ever possible way but not the reproductive way was quite an amazing transformation . Then there is the wonderful Emma Kelly nicknamed the Lady of Six Thousand Songs by Johnny Mercer , a fellow Savannah legend . Of course , the documentary actually shows us the city , the tour bus that refers to references in the book by the author , John Berendt , also shown here about his love and fascination for this garden mecca . Makes you want to go and visit to see for yourself but then you feel like an outsider because you are in their world . Savannah is as close-knit and tight and hospitable to tourists , visitors , and newcomers but don't start telling them how to change their city or their ways , they'll politely nod and walk away shaking their heads .
|
490,552 | 33,913 | 131,325 | 10 |
Funny , Oh I my God , it's so funny !
|
This film should be considered a comedy classic . It's star , Steve Martin , is an aspiring film producer and director . He just has one problem . Nobody notices him . He decides on an absurd script about aliens written by an Indian accountant . He casts aspiring actress played by Christine Baranski in a supporting role and a young aspiring ingenue just off the bus from the Midwest played none other than by Heather Graham . The problem is that in order to get this movie noticed by Robert Downey Jr's character , he has to get Eddie Murphy's character to play the lead role . After all , he is the hottest star in Hollywood at the moment . He belongs to strange religious organization led by Terence Stamp . Anyway , the film is funny from beginning to end . All Bowfinger wants is the same chance that every other idiot in Hollywood gets to do and that is wheel and deal . He is smarter than most because Eddie's character won't even think of doing this role so he doesn't know that he is being followed and filmed . He thinks he is going crazy . They hire a look alike person who is also played by Eddie Murphy as the slower brother . Anyway , the film is just worth watching despite the silly plot . The cast makes you believe it .
|
490,162 | 33,913 | 94,514 | 10 |
It was one of the best shows then and now !
|
Murphy Brown's intelligence and comedic wit is pure genius and fun to watch . Lifetime began airing the repeats for a while until 2000 which is a shame because it is such a high quality , well-written , and extremely well-acted show overall . While Candice Bergen plays the title character , she never uses her status to ruin the show . She allows her excellent supporting cast including Faith Ford , Grant Shaud , Jim Regalbuto , and the guy who plays Jim Dial . When Grant Shaud left the show , the show brought Lily Tomlin who did an excellent job . I loved Garry Marshall and Pat Corbett as Phil , the local bar owner and the guy that knew everything in Washington D . C . There are several hilarious episodes with guest stars like Barry Manilow serenading Baby Avery , the wonderful Colleen Dewhurst as the memorable Avery Brown , Murphy's mom , Darren McGavin as her father , Broadway Legend Marian Seldes as her aunt during a fabulous Christmas episode . I am sad that Robert Pastorelli passed away recently but he was memorable as the house painter / artist and nanny for Avery . Somebody told me that guest stars shaked the cast for making their experience to be the most pleasurable during their stay . Murphy Brown lasted 11 years for several reasons - - it's great cast and staff of writers like Diane English .
|
490,775 | 33,913 | 74,958 | 10 |
Simply Divine !
|
I will always remember this film not for " I'm as mad as hell and I'm not going to take it anymore " but for the performances of a first rate cast including the late Peter Finch , the wonderful Faye Dunaway , William Holden , and Beatrice Straight's Oscar winning role as the cheated wife . The story of Network still reigns true today with networks . Everybody wants high ratings and it becomes a brutal , tortured world . Peter Finch's Oscar winning role will be his most famous and one of the last . He died before getting his Academy Award . Faye Dunaway is one of the most talented actresses around and I hear she can be a bit difficult but this role is really a good role but not one of my favorites of hers . I liked her better in Bonnie and Clyde , Chinatown , and later as Joan Crawford in Mommy Dearest . I believe the Oscar was overdue . Dunaway proves that you can be both beautiful , talented , and intelligent as she does in her roles . She always leaves a lasting impression . THe film's two hours smoothly goes by . Actress Beatrice Straight won an Oscar playing William Holden's wife . I was kind of surprised as the supporting because she is in there enough but she does give an excellent performance . With the exception of Dunaway , I believe most of the cast including Straight , Holden , and Finch are gone .
|
490,538 | 33,913 | 86,879 | 10 |
Breathtaking ! Stunning ! Worthy of Every Award !
|
There are few films out there even today that can match Amadeus ' incomparable genius . For starters , the two leading actors played by Oscar and Golden Globe Winner F . Murray Abraham and Oscar Nominee Tom Hulce play Antonio Salieri and Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart , two rival composers . When Abraham speaks , you can't take your eyes off him whether he is elderly or young and promising and gifted as well . He saves his envy for the spoiled musical prodigy Mozart who is also goofy and childish as well . It's Salieri who begins to despise his rival without telling him the truth of how much he resented Mozart's musical genius and that God chose Mozart over Salieri . Anyway , the backdrop which includes the lavish costumes and art direction are unforgettable . The movie takes you to another place and time where the same occurrences of rivalries , jealousies , and envy can be a powerful weapon of hatred . Mozart naively believes in Salieri's friendship and support . I don't care for the casting of American actors like Jeffrey Jones playing the Austrian emperor . Cynthia Nixon playing the maid hired by Salieri to spy on the Mozart family . I thought Elizabeth Berridge was adequate as well as Christine Ebersole . British actors like Roy Dotrice ( when will be honored ) and Simon Callow CBE are equally the same . It really is Salieri's film overall told from his point of view . You can't forget Mozart's unique laugh and his desire for his father's love who wants him back in Salzburg than in Vienna . Salieri's father died while he was young . We don't see much of the women in the film but that is expected since you expect that women were still second class citizens . Salieri envied Mozart's genius as well as zest for life outside music . He loved parties and people while Salieri preferred music . Oh what a film for the ages !
|
489,988 | 33,913 | 310,793 | 10 |
Brilliant , Tragic , and yet an American Classic !
|
Flint's Michael Moore began his documentary film career by digging his claws into the closing of General Motors in his beloved hometown of Flint , Michigan which has become a ghost town and looks more like Hurricane Katrina had struck it than the closing of it's largest employer . Economic and social depression has brought Flint into great despair . Michael MOore doesn't forget Flint in any of his films . I watched Bowling for Columbine on television and I was blown away . Michael Moore's editing skills and film techniques acts to show the effects of his message . In a country of guns , he shows the inner cities of Detroit , Los ANgeles , and New York CIty . He also shows us how the tragic events on that April day in 1999 at Columbine High School in Littleton , Colorado made us wake up even if only for a little while . I think it's poignant that Marilyn Manson said " I would just listen " regarding Erik Harris and Dylan Klebold . Maybe that's what we're not doing in a country where guns are more prolific than health care for individuals , our priorities appear insane . While some people I know might call Michael MOore as anti-American . He is doing these documentaries because he loves his country . SOmetimes constructive criticism helps us make better writers and we shouldn't dismay Moore's stance against the proliferation of guns . When Flint is hit with the youngest shooter killing a six year old girl , Kayla , Moore visits the school , comforts the principal , watches the local news coverage , and digs into the boy's background . His mother is on a welfare work force employed by Dick Clark at one of his themed restaurants in wealthy Auburn Hills , Michigan where she has to take a bus to and from . She and her children were evicted and living with her brother in the meantime where the six year old boy found his uncle's handgun and brought it to school for what show and tell . The mother was working two jobs because the welfare forced her too to pay back the government . Dick Clark pulls away from Moore's questioning . Oscar Winner and NRA spokesman Charlton Heston also walks away from Moore in the end when he wants an apology to the girl's family in Flint . Moore leaves a picture of her behind to remind him . The film is unforgettable and a classic .
|
490,807 | 33,913 | 75,005 | 10 |
A Terrific Horror Film !
|
The Omen is one of my favorite films of all time . You cannot have a better cast than Lee Remick , Gregory Peck , Billie Whitelaw CBE in her best role as the hellish nanny , and David Warner . Harvey Stephens gives a terrifying performance as the young boy , Damien . IT's worth viewing , it's a must see for anybody who believes in the paranormal like myself . Although the story behind the film offers quite a fascinating look at the possibility that it may have been cursed in the first . You know the saying that art replicates life . Now that they have remade it with Liev Schrieber and Julia Stiles for the 30th anniversary of the first film , nothing comes close or better to the original . It's still one of my favorite horror films of all time . They replaced Whitelaw's Mrs . Baylock with Mia Farrow which is kind of a genius casting call since she was Rosemary in Rosemary's Baby , another classic thriller . The original beats any remake because the cast is just excellent , Lee Remick and Gregory Peck are truly believable as an older couple in love and wanting a family . Harvey Stephens is just perfect as Damien . And of course , the other cast members , the wonder Billie Whitelaw best known for her performances in Samuel Beckett plays , David Warner as the photographer , and Rumpole's own Leo McKern as the archaeologist in Israel . I just wished that I saw what the original mother looked like even toward the end of the film .
|
490,544 | 33,913 | 92,324 | 10 |
Too Good for Television !
|
We could still use Black Adder even today . Imagine Rowan Atkinson resuming the role of assistant to the prime minister played by the wonderful Hugh Laurie . Hugh is sensational as the dimwit Prince George and Edmund as his brilliant assistant . I love the episode which Kenneth Connor guest stars as a British thespian . Every time , Edmund says Macbeth . The two thespians do a silly little act to ward off evil spirits . It's the funniest things that you will see . Of course , none of this brilliance and comedic genius could be without Ben Elton and Richard Curtis who are also behind the films like Love Actually , The Thin Blue Line , Four Weddings and A Funeral . Black Adder is funny and almost too good for television . Humor can be smart , sexy , and funny all at one . I was hoping last night on Saturday Night Live that Hugh Laurie would pay homage to his background in British humor . If the gang at SNL did some research , they would know what a treasure it was to have Hugh Laurie grace their stage .
|
490,424 | 33,913 | 190,332 | 10 |
Ang Lee's Best Film to Date as of 2006
|
First , I don't think it matters that there are subtitles and the language is Chinese . The story is strong and moves along smoothly . The fighting scenes are worth watching alone . The actors are choreographed to dance and fight with you just wanting to see who defeats . The story is also told with great costumes , art direction , and scenery . The stars of this film are Asian actors and actresses who don't get enough work in this business . While the subtitles might throw you off , it's not hard to understand what's going on by studying their actions , movements , and facial expressions . If Ang Lee had the actors talk in English throughout the film , I don't think it would have lost much value to me since I'm not Asian or Chinese or the audience . I believe that this is one of the best foreign language films of the last decade and it was awarded an Oscar for Foreign Language Film . Although I don't think Ang Lee cared about awards in making this film , this film has female characters who are both strong and equal to the male characters in the film . The females sometimes steal the scenes from the men . It's nice to see women portrayed as strong , equals than emotional inferior characters . They are equally adept at the fighting scenes and they give their all to those scenes . When you think of Ang Lee's other films , nothing could really master the beauty and uniqueness of Crouching Tiger , Hidden Dragon .
|
490,517 | 33,913 | 106,028 | 10 |
Best Cop Show Ever !
|
I still miss a show like this drama . It had a first cast , crew , and writing that no other show on television had until that point . Andre Braugher ( I love you ) , Kyle Secor , Melissa Leo , David Belzer , Ned Beatty , Isabell Hoffman , Stephen Baldwin , etc . I only wished that they didn't get rid of Leo's character , Kay Howard , who I think was the best female heterosexual cop on television up there with Cagney and Lacey . I like the real life and on screen relationship between Hoffman and Baldwin . Let's put it to you this way , when they did the reunion film , everybody in the cast and crew reunited which is amazing because this cast and crew worked so well together that they formed relationships that would last a lifetime . Braugher's Emmy winning performance as Frank Pendleton is amazing and unforgettable . The show shot much of it on location in Baltimore itself and that city became part of the show's unique character .
|
490,543 | 33,913 | 89,069 | 10 |
An Excellent Television Still Relevant for Today's Audiences !
|
An Early Frost was by far superior . It was done gently without insulting or preaching to the audience . It was one of those movies that helped explain homosexuality and AIDS to the audience without being angry . Of course , Aidan Quinn does a beautiful job in his role as the young homosexual . It is heartbreaking movie . I love Gena Rowlands as the understanding mother . Movies like this made you think about the subject of homosexuality and AIDs in a time when we lost the legendary Rock Hudson who was openly gay in Hollywood but closeted to the rest of us who didn't know anything about . Movies like this were when television movies could have rivaled the cinema industry . They don't make many films with sensitivity . HOmosexuality has become a long running joke and AIDS has new victims like women and children . It's a shame that they don't make movies like this anymore . AIDS affects everybody not just family and friends .
|
489,989 | 33,913 | 358,856 | 10 |
Welcome to Britain ! Land of the Queen !
|
Little Britain really surprised me and entertained me at the same time with Lucas and WIlliams's talents to spoof famous British figures like Dame Barbara Cartland . Oh yes , the two men do other bits of British life like the guy and his apparently disabled friend who is wheelchair bound but not who picks the wrong things and chooses to not go to the bathroom . Oh yes , he can't read neither . Then there is Emily Howard , the badly dressed Southern British transvestite who considers herself to be a lady . We get nice shots of the British seaside . Then there is the only gay guy in a small English village who refuses to believe that there are other gays there too . They also have the wonderful Tom Baker from Doctor Who and Anthony Head from those coffee commercials with his wife for Taster's Choice playing prime minister . Baker is the show's narrator . The show is overall quite a great comedy of characters and fun to watch and re-watch about British life . Too bad , the film industry in Britain does not have the same ability to create the same momentum . That's because British television comedies appeal to a certain audience including Anglophiles like myself . My biggest complaint was that there are only 6-8 episodes per season on British television while American television has an average of 18-27 episodes for each show . Little Britain does a fantastic job of spoofing British life without being too cruel or too mean but remember that it's flattering to have your life spoofed for the public . I love the Kelsey Grammar School and Steven Spielberg Hospital as proof that American culture has invaded the country with Grammar's humor and Spielberg's movies .
|
489,996 | 33,913 | 762,111 | 10 |
You Must See This !
|
I just ordered the DVD edition of this extraordinary documentary about Jonestown and the People's Temple . It's probably one of the most under-written events of our times . We don't know enough to pass judgment or should we on the members of the People's Temple . They all had their reasons for joining and when they got in . It was very difficult to get out . Jim Jones Sr . was a very powerful man both in politics and in the church . He persuaded people to sign over their life savings , their children , their homes , and their lives to him . He sought power , domination , and ultimate control over his members who he feigned to love . He was maniac , madman , religious leader who sent hundreds to their deaths because his reign of terror was finally over after the Congressman's visit . He believed it was all over and in fact he was dying and so was Marcy , his long-suffering wife , who endured humiliation and his infidelities . In the end , Jim Jones was the ultimate coward , afraid of death , so he brought hundreds into his plan . The revolutionary suicide was practiced many times before during the white nights of horror . This time , it was real . It didn't have to be . Our government and the Guyanese should have been more involved . There was a warrant out for his arrest and the custody battle over John Victor Stoen should have been over and he should have been returned to his parents in America who were former members . It should have never happened but it did and we must learn from it or 900 died in vain .
|
490,064 | 33,913 | 86,687 | 10 |
Cosby's breakthrough
|
The Cosby Show was actually a breakthrough for African American families portrayed in a positive upper class Brooklyn family of professionals . Cosby used clean proper humor during the years it was on the air . Someone I know referred to him as a natural born storyteller . Yes , he is and one of the smartest intellectuals in the business . Bill Cosby provided a role model for those kids in the ghetto to succeed despite obstacles . Bill Cosby proved that you had to work and follow the rules of society to get ahead . He would be appalled at the rap music today with its lyrics of obscenities and vulgarity with degrading references to women , and others . The Cosby Show was one step forward for African Americans . I am sure that there are many African Americans who went and attend college today because they saw it could be done and was done on the Cosby show . If you aim high enough and work for it , you will succeed too . They showed how important family values really are now in a time of broken dysfunctional families . Bill Cosby , God Bless Him . He made me believe I could go to New York University like Theo . I was accepted but I could not afford it . However , Bill Cosby got me to believe in myself and he is wonderful and thoughtful about children . You can let your children watch Bill Cosby without worrying that they may pick up something bad from it . Bill COsby may be the best babysitter on television today . He tries to stay clean with his humor despite the ever-changing times .
|
490,509 | 33,913 | 40,416 | 10 |
Classic Hamlet !
|
With Lord Laurence Olivier in the title role of Hamlet , how can you go wrong . William Shakespeare would have been thrilled with such an actor in this role . He brings to life this character who is tortured , guilty , and conscious of his father's death . Laurence Olivier proves to be one of the finest Hamlets that I have ever seen perform this role . Jean Simmons O . B . E . ( it should have been a C . B . E . ) is brilliant as the poor lovesick Ophelia . Eileen Herlie was a bit young at only 28 years old to play mother to Lord Laurence Olivier's Hamlet who was probably older than she was at the time but you can't imagine a better actress to play Gertrude , Queen of Denmark . I wonder why she didn't get an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress like her co-star Jean Simmons . She was just as worthy of a nomination . I would like to see Eileen Herlie get a British honor such as an M . B . E . ( Member of the Order of the British Empire ) for her services to drama especially after spending 30 years on " All My Children " as the beloved Myrtle Fargate . I hope that she does get honored still even in her mid-eighties . She looks great and is still working occasionally on " All My Children . " So if you want a true classic Hamlet to show people , this film version is perfect despite that it is black and white . A classic is a classic . You wouldn't want Citizen Kane to become colorized because it would ruin it's quality . The same goes for this Hamlet .
|
490,679 | 33,913 | 102,138 | 10 |
The Best Film of the Century
|
There are very few films who can keep me watching over and over again . I just love this movie . I felt like a part of the story . It opened my mind and eyes to the obviousness of the crime . If you doubt the story , then you wouldn't enjoy it as much . It is so well executed with the film editing , the music sends chills down my spine , the acting ensemble i ncludes The finest American actors and actresses . Asner , Jack Lemmon , Costner , Spacek , Tommy Lee Jones , Pesci , Bacon , Laurie Metcalf , John Candy , Gary Oldman , and the list can go on and on . Do not forget Donald Sutherland's role as his main informant . The only problem is that the film is too short . It is still a brilliant piece of American Cinema . Never before did I feel like an American robbed of my King . Rest in Peace Jim Garrison and the others who sought the truth . We are still seeking the truth even now .
|
490,272 | 33,913 | 69,602 | 10 |
Stay in there , You get hooked after awhile !
|
After awhile of leaving it on between British comedies on American PBS , I grew to enjoy and like watching this television show . The characters like Compo and his relationship with Nora Batty is quite hysterical . It's great to watch Frank Thornton back in comedy again as Truelove . Of course , Thora Hird is my favorite British acting dame . At almost ninety years old , she is still beautiful , sweet , and brilliant in her role as Edie . The show is more like comedic serial than a sitcom . There is the ongoing secret courtship between married Howard and single attractive golden girl , Marina . Then there is the annoying happy marriage between Glenda and Barry . It's almost nauseating to hear Glenda speak so highly of her Barry to her mother and their friends over tea as they discuss husbands with the suspicious Pearl , the widowed Nora and Ivy . Of course , it's wonderful to watch Auntie Wainwright as an antique seller in the small town . It's a delight to watch Jean Alexander thrive in this role . In fact everybody thrives in their roles on this long running British comedy . In fact , I don't mind growing old . The show gives me something to look forward too now . I am sad about Bill Owen's death but the show still manages to go on with his son . I just wish he would chase after Nora Batty now who left . Even though the characters come and go , there are now new refreshing characters . When I go to England next time , I will definitely stop in Holmfirth , England , outside of Manchester to visit this charming little Yorkshire town .
|
490,355 | 33,913 | 1,137,429 | 10 |
Who doesn't like Bonnie Hunt ?
|
Bonnie Hunt's childhood dream has come true with her talk show of the same name . She is better known for playing the sister in Jerry Maguire and the mother in Cheaper by the Dozen and other films . In this show , she showcases her talents of allowing celebrities be themselves . She can be quirky sometimes but she is one of the best beloved American actresses even in her forties who can hold her own against Renee Zellweger and Steve Martin . Bonnie is fiercely loyal to her friends like Holly who was on Life with Bonnie . Their friendship is real and authentic without the pretenses of others . Bonnie tries not to inflict her political or personal views but she is happy and proud of her hometown Chicago and her relationship with her mother who makes occasional appearances on her show and her fifteen nieces and nephews . Bonnie is not without her personal problems as she is separated from her long-time husband after 20 years of marriage but she manages to always smile and be cheerful .
|
489,895 | 33,913 | 114,093 | 10 |
Remembering the Paris of another time !
|
This DVD made me long for Paris of another era and time . It was great to hear Janet Flanner's voice and see her in person . She was an amazing writer and human being . Of course , there was Gertrude Stein and her wife Alice B . Toklas in early home videos . The director and executive producer are also partners personally and professionally . This documentary only shows just a part of their lives in Paris , France during the era of expatriates . It was nice to see Sylvia Beach and hear Adrienne Monniere's voice as well as Stein and Toklas . Of course , Natalie Clifford Barney's housekeeper who was not gay recalls her husband killing partridges and giving them to Toklas . Of course , the map idea helped show the locations . Of course , it was not always as great as it appears to be . There were problems of course not mentioned , Janet lived with Solita Solano but had a lover in the country , Noel Haskings Murphy , and when she was in New York City during the War years took another lover , Natalia Danesi Murphy . After Gertrude's death , Alice was left destitute by the Steins . Before her death , she became a Catholic and was cared for by nuns who showed no judgment regarding her sexual orientation . One of the deleted scenes is worth watching believe me especially the fact that Ernest Hemingway lived with Gertrude Stein and Alice Toklas in their Paris home and was Stein's gopher . I wish there was more of Janet Flanner . I do now believe that Solita was the love of her life and constant domestic partner until she could no longer care for either herself or Janet . Djuna Barnes pronounced Juna also ended as a recluse in New York's Greenwich Village . Somehow , the documentary only shows a positive part of the Parisian life and the complicated relationships between these women and others . Of course , Janet's true love was Paris itself . Sadly , she died in New York City . I am impressed that the documentary does not focus so much on their relationships but the strive to achieve in a new foreign land where they were allowed to grow and prosper as artists .
|
490,769 | 33,913 | 90,602 | 10 |
Just heartbreaking !
|
I remember the first time that I saw this film . It still is worth watching . Alex : the life of a child is one of those films that you can't watch without some feeling . The daughter , Alexandra , suffers from cystic fibrosis . During her short life , her father played beautifully and touching by Craig T . Nelson is sports writer and sports commentator Frank DeFord . He chronicles her short life . He and his wife had it all by the time she was born . They had a beautiful home in the suburbs and a healthy son named CHristopher . When Alex came into their lives , she was the first girl in a long time . The young actress who played Alex deserves credit for bringing to life this child . The actress is Gemma James and she deserved an Emmy for a heartbreaking performance . I also have to admire Bonnie Bedelia's performance as the mother . Her role does not go without saying . How can somebody grieve over the loss of a child ? Nobody expects to outlive their child . Since I don't have any children , I can say that I have watched this film and cried a little each time . I keep thinking of what might have been for Alex . Her life was just too short .
|
490,612 | 33,913 | 218,839 | 10 |
A great effort !
|
I have to say that this movie recently aired on Comedy Central and it was addictive to watch couples with their dogs at this Westminster style dog show in Philadelphia . It is great cast with Eugene Levy and Catherine O'Hara paired again in another Christopher Guest film . Levy and O'Hara were wonderful and sweet as the small town odd couple with their dog . Parker Posey was wonderful as the yuppy wife . Jennifer Coolidge and Jane Lynch provided some laughs . Even Chris Guest played a part as well as directed and co-wrote with Levy the script . There are very few quality films especially something satirical and wonderful as this film . It's worth watching ! I loved Ed Begley Jr . as the hotel manager .
|
490,709 | 33,913 | 473,254 | 10 |
A Year in the Life of An Amazing Park !
|
Rittenhouse Square is more than just a park to Philadelphia . In it's creation , it was initial purpose was for residents and visitors to the city to enjoy the trees . A century ago , the neighborhood was surrounded by lavish townhouses and the wealthiest of Americans like John Wanamakerlived nearby . The park was used as it is today for people to relax and enjoy a life a little more . Rittenhouse Square is a lot smaller than New York's Central Park or Philly's Fairmount Park but it is still one of the city's finest parks for couples to meet and fall in love , to hear music , to dance at the annual ball , to meet friends , to have lunch , to paint , etc . Rittenhouse Square reminds you of the parks in London neighborhoods if you been there . Maybe that's why it's so special . Size doesn't always matter in park size and Rittenhouse Square has survived and thrived and changed it's image from prams and nannies to alternative lifestyles , seniors , adults , college students , residents , visitors , and they enjoy the scene of nature in the city surroundings . The park is just as enjoyable in winter as it is in spring , summer , and fall . This documentary is a tribute to the legacy of Rittenhouse Square .
|
490,519 | 33,913 | 18,737 | 10 |
Opening Pandora's Box !
|
I have to say that Louise Brooks is one of those unforgettable actresses from a generation where actresses were trained to be actors . This film is probably the most famous film including Louise Brooks in collaboration with German director Pabst . Anyway , this film is done at a time in Germany before Hitler's rise to power and the second World War . The film itself is always worth viewing because the story of Pandora's Box is about Louise Brooks ' character and the fate that awaits her . I saw this film in college for a Women and film class over ten years ago and I still would love to see it again . Louise Brooks should have been an Academy Award nominee for her performance .
|
490,442 | 33,913 | 82,846 | 10 |
On Golden Pond is a golden treasure from another era !
|
Can you imagine a better group of actors ? Among the cast , there are 7 Academy awards between them . The greatest of American actresses , Katharine Hepburn won 4 including one for this film . Henry Fonda won his only academy award even though he was one of America's greatest living actors . You can't imagine any other actor or actress playing Norman and Ethel Thayer . Jane Fonda has always been a great actress of her own . Even though winning 2 Oscars was never as thrilling as accepting on the behalf of her dying father . This film was his last chance at an Oscar and he won the award . Ernest Thompson's script just allows the cast to flow . I can't forget Dabney Coleman playing their daughter's boyfriend and Doug McKeon as the grandson that Henry's character , Norman Thayer , never had . I bet Katharine Hepburn performed her own dive in the water . It's still one of the best films of the last century which did not get in the top 100 films of all time . I can't imagine why . The cast is excellent . Believe it or not ! Jane Fonda fought to get this produced because she knew her father was dying and the studios didn't want to take a chance on Henry Fonda . There are several great moments in the film . Sometimes the film is heartbreaking like when Norman talks back to the teens on the dock . I love the way that Fonda and Hepburn really act and appear like an old couple . I thought they were together in real life . You can't imagine a finer couple on screen . I'm glad Jane did this film as well . Who else can play Henry Fonda's daughter ? You have to believe that they weren't acting between father and daughter .
|
489,830 | 33,913 | 358,500 | 10 |
A First Class Documentary !
|
Who says you have to spend so much money to make a good quality film , well you don't . John Borowski's documentary on the notorious Dr . H . H . Holmes born as Herman Mudgett is a perfect example . It's creepy and reminds you of the golden days of good thriller films where it didn't take much to scare the life out of you . The story of Dr . Holmes should not be forgotten . The reenactments are not that graphic or bloody . I like the fact that Tony Jay narrated the documentary . He was wonderful . John Borowski is an up and coming director from Chicago where the house of horrors and part of Dr . Holmes ' crimes took place . Nobody could imagine the horror not even by reading Harold Schechter's book , Depraved , about his crimes . Schechter gives great commentary but I think he could have been used more regarding his knowledge of information . The forensics specialist came off kind of too detailed for the average person . The criminal profiler reminded me of Chris Parnell with blonde hair . He kind of had a good sense of humor despite the horror . I recommend watching the behind the scenes the making of the documentary . It's well documented and looks 100 percent professional .
|
490,266 | 33,913 | 107,614 | 10 |
Robin Williams deserved an Oscar nomination at least for this one !
|
Robin Williams is a comedic genius . While I am not entertained by most family comedies , Mrs . Doubtfire is a winner . It can make you laugh easily . Robin's role as a divorced father who wants to spend more time with his children is actually truly believable . Even his role as Mrs . Doubtfire is performed superbly . Too bad , there is no sequel to this film . And the fact that San Francisco plays a big role in the movie is another reason to see it . Like New York City , San Francisco plays a character in this film . It is America's most beautiful city to be compared with the likes of Paris and London . Don't miss this movie ! It really is a family oriented film . There are great performances by a superb cast including Sally Field , Pierce Brosnan , Harvey Fierstein , and Anne Haney . Robin was sure robbed of an Academy Award nomination . It could not have been easy to put on so much makeup and transform himself into Mrs . Doubtfire . My favorite scene is the transformation with Harvey Fierstein where Robin uses his great voice to experiment with a Cuban Doubtfire , a Yiddish Doubtfire , and singing Matchmaker with Fierstein is the best part of the film .
|
490,804 | 33,913 | 92,416 | 10 |
Brilliant Remick and cast !
|
I just purchased the book by Shana Alexander . The television film version which includes Lee Remick as Frances Bradshaw Schreuder and Inga Swenson as her older sister Marilyn Reagan . They are both not only memorable . But I kept thinking about them while I was reading this book . This is one of the most bizarre murder cases in American history . When you learn that Frances ' sons prefer prison to living at home with mom , I think you have to wonder what is wrong with this situation . Lee Remick earth-shattering performance as Frances is very reminiscent of Meredith Baxter playing Betty Broderick in " A Woman Scorned . " Unlike that movie which only lasted two hours , this story was an intriguing mini-series which television has all but abandoned like the sitcom genre . The story of Frances Schreuder is compelling , chilling , and even frightening in the book and less on the screen but it is still worth watching . I don't think anybody would believe a woman was capable of such harm and was not stopped sooner . In fact , her family rejected that she needed the psychiatric problems in the book earlier in her life like in college which may suggest a lesson to be learned . Take care of the problem early before it accelerates . Frances is definitely a narcissist who used her children to gain acceptance and money to gain power and acceptance in a society which really had no interest in her . Sadly , her children suffered . If she was not stopped , Ariadne would have suffered in her hands .
|
490,659 | 33,913 | 247,425 | 10 |
A Great Film Overall !
|
Perhaps , a movie about two mature parents played by Oscar Winner Sissy Spacek and Oscar nominee Tom Wilkinson , losing their adult child is not for everybody . Nick Stahl is very believable in playing their young adult son who falls in love with a separated mother of two sons . The boys ' father is an abusive and jealous husband who just won't let go of a bad marriage . The son , Frank Fowler , falls in love with Marisa Tomei's character Natalie . Another Oscar Winner in the cast and she is perfect as the grief-stricken girlfriend left behind . The on screen chemistry between Stahl and Tomei is believable . Frank has a chance to go to college and become an architect or engineer but it's too late . He is too busy spending the summer months being a working man in Maine as a lobster man and playing daddy to Natalie's sons who love him in the end . Anyway , Frank's death is a horrible one . He was shot in the head by Richard , the angry boyfriend , who could get away with doing 5-15 years in prison . Of course , the parents are outraged that there is great injustice . Sissy and Tom are truly great together as a couple . You can see their years of acting experience behind them . They both earned Oscar nominations for leading roles . Even Tomei deserves her nomination in the supporting character , especially after watching her in this one . You can rest assured that her Academy Award earlier in her career was well worth it . Even though , I think she should have gotten for a role like this .
|
490,126 | 33,913 | 71,175 | 10 |
This is film of the highest quality !
|
If it was shown in the movie theaters , this film would have easily earned an Academy Award for Cicely Tyson who is one of America's finest actresses period . She portrays Miss Jane Pittman as a 110 year old survivor and a former slave . Her performance is Tour-De-Force that it would bring tears to anybody's eyes . This film should be shown in acting classes for all aspiring actresses to see Miss Tyson's performance as brilliant . The movie is based on the Ernest Gaines novel of the same name and it's quality reminds us of the greatness that existed in network films of the past . Only a few years before Roots , this film earned 9 Emmy Awards and rightfully so including two for Tyson alone . It's heartbreaking at times as well as inspiring . I can't speak enough of this film and it should be shown again and again in classrooms and schools because it offers so much history as it is historical fiction . I can't forget the supporting cast of players including the wonderful Richard Dysart and Katherine Helmond and others who have made this film are all award winning .
|
490,203 | 33,913 | 92,469 | 10 |
Go Home Everybody !
|
I love Tracey Ullman and I don't know why the Queen hasn't honored her yet with some kind of British Honor . I remember when I first saw her in the video of They Don't Know About Us with Paul McCartney MBE before he was knighted many years ago . The network brought Tracey Ullman who is a great talent to create a sketch show which she played everything from a teenager to an old woman . She did everything without being vulgar , difficult , or cruel . I loved it when she and Dan Castellnata played a yuppie married couple who discover that their young son is normal and not a genius at school . Tracey also introduced the Simpsons to the world . Of course , it was 30 minute show and I felt that it wasn't enough time to get everything in . I think the show would have fared better if it was expanded to an hour . Still , I remember that show fondly as one of Fox's early efforts .
|
490,335 | 33,913 | 88,683 | 10 |
Excellent All Around Film
|
When Anne Bancroft died this past year , I remembered this film because of her performance . I can't forget Jane Fonda and Meg Tilly's as well . The three actresses really provided some of their finest performances for the camera . We are left with more questions than answers . But as we go through watching this film , we love Anne's role as the Mother Superior with a few secrets of her own and Jane Fonda as the psychiatrist assigned to Sister Agnes . I love the interaction between Fonda and Bancroft . They're professionals and they're good in this film . That's why the three earned Academy Award nominations . Finally a film about nuns that's not so demeaning or patronizing . Mother Superior joins the convent for her reasons or because she felt chosen to do God's work . Sister Agnes and Mother Superior's relationship is not so obvious to the viewer . YOu have to take into account every word of what is said between these three characters . You feel sorry for Fonda's childless lonely character as well . In the end , we have more questions than answers that are never really resolved but it's a great film and one of Anne's best work .
|
490,518 | 33,913 | 20,697 | 10 |
Marlene the Magnificent !
|
Marlena Dietrich was truly one of the finest actresses around of her generation . Her performance in this film especially when she kisses a woman as if she was a man is unforgettable and controversial in a time of German decadence and liberty before Hitler's rise and World War II . This film depicts the loves and lives of the people who visit the Berlin club . It shows how cruel love can be to each other and how destructive people are to themselves and others . That kiss may have started a controversy but the real one is the poor treatment of ourselves and others . Love can be the cruelest gift and the most wonderful gift if we know how to do it properly . So Marlene kisses a woman in the film while wearing a masculine costume , it's not the end of the world . In real life , Marlene pretty much died alone in her Paris apartment . She too have experienced the cruelty and heartache of love and the joy of being a mother and grandmother too .
|
490,287 | 33,913 | 111,958 | 10 |
This show might offend some Catholics but not me , I loved It
|
I have to say that I was surprised at my amazement of enjoying this Irish comedy . Sadly , the actor played Father Ted died in 1998 . But he left us with lots of laughter and unforgettable scenes . It used to be shown on WLIW and they began putting warnings before the show . Then , it may have gotten a little too offensive for a New York Catholic audience . But despite everything , it is a classic comedic series . You'll laugh more than be offended . Maybe a few people in the television audience might answer their true callings of priesthood and sisterhood . We need more religious people . Maybe in a way , Father Ted shows a fun side of priest life without the stuffiness associated with it . Priests can and do have fun . They're even hysterical to watch over and over again . You can't forget the wonderful Mrs . Doyle as the bit crazed housekeeper to the priests . Don't miss the Lent episode and Father Stone episode . They are just too funny to miss up this show's offer .
|
490,832 | 33,913 | 88,727 | 10 |
Every Girl Should See This Film at Least Once !
|
This mini-series is an excellent example of how television should be . The acting is first rate starring Canadian Actress Megan Follows in the role of Anne Shirley which displays great acting range for an actress so young . If this was released in the cinemas , this film would have garnered Oscar nominations for Megan Follows as Anne and of course , the wonderful Colleen Dewhurst as Marilla Cuthbert as well Richard Farnsworth as Matthew Cuthbert , a pair of siblings who adopt Anne reluctantly to care for on the farm on Prince Edward Island . Of course , the story doesn't end there . By the time we finish watching this extraordinary piece of film , we want more because these characters and the actors who portray them become very dear to us . We love Anne for all her faults and her amazing sense of humor and adventure . A person like Anne brings out the best in everyone and Megan Follows performance certainly displays a loyalty to the author's intentions . Apart , the direction , cinematography , acting , writing , and art direction is first rate and would have garnered Oscar nominations easily .
|
489,911 | 33,913 | 304,858 | 10 |
A Classic !
|
William Faulkner was one of the American writers to win the Nobel Prize in literature . Faulkner mostly wrote about life in the South particularly during the depression years . Many of his stories have been adapted to screen . Short stories like Two Soldiers is an endearing tale of two brothers in December 1941 after the attack on Pearl Harbor . The older brother , Pete Greer , goes to Memphis , Tennessee to enlist like hundreds of thousands of young men , some who would never come home . His younger brother doesn't take his departure well . He manages to get a bus ticket to Memphis without any money to find his brother . He surprisingly becomes a soldier of another kind since he wants to enlist also at 10 years old . Ron Perlman does a surprising performance as the military leader who manages to take care and bond with the boy . This short film won an Oscar for Best Short-Live Action film which is well-deserved . If it was longer , it could compete with the longer films . Everything else like costumes , art direction , and recreating the era of America in 1941 is perfect . The film also shows the heartbreaking war at home as most Americans were surviving the great depression . The actors and actresses are not known but they do a first rate performances . If Hollywood would make more quality films , I would probably go to the cinema more . If Broadway had more quality shows , I would go to the theater more .
|
489,766 | 33,913 | 77,089 | 10 |
One of the best comedies about NYC ever !
|
They don't make comedies like Taxi anymore . A couple of years ago , a local television station aired a two hours worth of shows like Taxi , Welcome Back Kotter , The Jeffersons , and the Odd Couple on Saturday nights . For those of us who didn't have plans , I stayed in to watch shows that I never got to watch like on prime time because I was too young . Anyway , it ended in less than a year after it started . Sadly , those four shows were superior to our contemporary sitcoms like Will and Grace and Friends . These shows were all set in New York City and they didn't have the attractive group that today's producers need to look at when you want an audience to laugh . Sorry folks at Friends and Will and Grace , the truth is that these four shows were multi-cultural thirty years before Friends and Will and Grace . No , they weren't always attractive to the audience but who casts somebody because of their looks . It's about talent and comic genius . Taxi had a great theme music which I'm listening to right now . It also had an excellent cast of characters played by great talents like Oscar nominee Judd Hirsch , Danny DeVito , Marilu Henner , Jeff Conway , Tony Danza , Andrew Kaufman ( we miss you the most ) and Christopher Lloyd . Rhea Perlman also appeared and so many wonderful others . What separates this show from today's ideals about live in New York City is the gritty and struggling of the characters trying to make ends meet . IT still goes on today in the New York City area . You know I find this show believable now more than I ever did .
|
489,841 | 33,913 | 90,493 | 10 |
The Queen of Talk Shows ! ! !
|
Let's face it , England has Queen Elizabeth II and America has Oprah Winfrey . While she might be only a talk show hostess , she already commands a billion dollar empire which includes her show , magazine , radio station , television channel , etc . She is the first African American woman to be a billionaire but also represents those of us who strive to achieve as well . Oprah's show is expected to run it's course in 2011 and please say it isn't show . Can we imagine life without her show ? Probably not , it wouldn't be same . I knew she was going to be big but as a success story when I first saw her after Color Purple and her academy award nomination . I never imagined her to be so successful beyond her wildest dreams . Oprah's show is always first rate most of the time . You may like her or dislike her but you can't avoid her show's influence and hers as well . Too bad , her film version of Beloved didn't win her an Academy Award because she deserved it . Oprah's book choices become best-sellers even though I disagree with some of her choices as too feminine and emotional . She chooses books that will make us better people . Enjoy her now while you still can because when she retires from her show , television would never be the same .
|
489,850 | 33,913 | 84,988 | 10 |
Why not Sir Rowan ?
|
I love Rowan Atkinson . I think he's the best contemporary British comedian around . Rowan has a great talent especially playing Edmund Black Adder . Edmund , the Black Adder , begins the series in the Black Plague or Black Death . The second series is a lot better with Queen Elizabeth I played by the wonderful Miranda Richardson ( I wondered what happened to her ) . This role was before her Oscar nominating role in Damage . She is hysterical as the Virgin Queen which I bet is the funniest Queen Elizabeth I in history . I love the costumes , the language . The series got better as it went along . I loved Hugh Laurie as the dumb prince . Tony Robinson as Baldrick always made me laugh . The Black Adder kept moving on until World War II . Don't you think it's time that Rowan Atkinson became knighted .
|
490,831 | 33,913 | 92,571 | 10 |
Continues where it left off and as brilliant as ever !
|
Anne of Avonlea is another wonderful addition . Not much in casting has changed . Megan Follows will forever be recognized and known as the Anne Shirley of my generation and those generations that follows but it's a commanding role that is enduring and wonderful too . Colleen Dewhurst returns to her role as Marilla Cuthbert and Dame Wendy Hiller even has a supporting role . I love Anne and Gilbert's relationship as it evolves from childhood through puberty and adulthood . Anne's coming of age story here is beautifully crafted to display the same brilliance as it was in the original Anne of Green Gables . The cast , the crew , the writers who adapted the novel to the screen , the cinematographer who was faithful to the Canadian history and literary contributions that Lucy Maud Montgomery developed in this novel . The costumes and set direction are faithful to the time period . Watching Anne of Green Gables , you want to visit and perhaps move your family to Prince Edward Island in Canada .
|
490,489 | 33,913 | 109,642 | 10 |
Simply a Classic film !
|
Of all of Stephen King's stories , Dolores Claiborne is one of favorite movies with an excellent cast , writing , and directing . For starters , I am shocked that nobody received Oscar nominations especially Kathy Bates , the excellent Judy Parfitt , Christopher Plummer , Jennifer Jason Leigh , John C . Reilly , Ellen Muth , David Straitharn just to name a few all provide excellent support in telling a story of a lifelong Maine woman Dolores Claiborne St . George who has an abusive husband played well by David Straitharn and a daughter Selena equally played well by Jennifer Jason Leigh and Ellen Muth . The death of Vera Donovan opens the movie to reveal flashbacks to the past . The unlikely bond of two very different women like Dolores and Vera is fascinating to watch over time . Vera is a difficult woman who expects everything to go her way . She is one of the most difficult employers too but somehow Dolores understands her ways . Despite their backgrounds , they become the closest of female friends . Vera says " Sometimes being a bitch is the only thing a woman has " is a classic line from the film . I love Kathy Bates and Judy Parfitt in this film . The director Taylor Hackford does an excellent job in depicting Maine's beauty in the fall . The solar eclipse is also inviting to see and the drama that occurs during it . King keeps getting better with his work . Bates ' narrating over the action allows us to understand the character's harsh working conditions bestowed by Donovan . Plummer plays a district attorney bent on proving Claiborne's murderous ways in this film . The film allows the audience to determine how we view Dolores Claiborne , a simple Maine woman with a complicated life who made fateful decisions in a male dominated world . We leave asking ourselves what we would have done in that situation and that is what is makes it a great film . Not only that , we enjoy watching these actors and characters over and over again .
|
490,506 | 33,913 | 64,400 | 10 |
An Excellent Condition !
|
So far , the film version of Tony Richardson's adaptation has been more than satisfactory . This is a must for Shakespeare fans . Nicol Williamson who should have been knighted by now which bothers me more than anything else that he has not been quite rewarded is brilliant in his role as Hamlet . He even outshines Sir Anthony Hopkins C . B . E . who plays his uncle , Claudius . I know Nicol has some personal problems which makes him a very difficult actor to work aside but he is brilliant and talented actor . Maybe he has stayed away from acting rather than go insane or mad . The scenes where his Hamlet is going mad is better than Lord Laurence Olivier . You really believe it . Some people have preferred his Hamlet to other actors who have played the role in the past . I am sure Nicol Williamson deserves to be there somewhere in the top ten list of great Hamlets . Being an artist like an actor without going crazy , mad or insane is an amazing accomplishment . For Nicol , I think he was blessed and cursed with talent and yet with difficulty . I am not excusing his difficult behavior but he is one of the most talented actors and should be rewarded with knighthood like his peers who have taken on the role of Hamlet like Sir Ian McKellen , Sir Derek Jacobi , Sir John Gielgud , Lord Laurence Olivier , Kenneth Branagh ( C . B . E . refused honor in 1996 ) , and others . I hope people will also recognize Judy Parfitt as Queen Gertrude who is quite wonderful in the role . Marianne Faithful plays Ophelia but it is really Nicol's film and worth watching again .
|
490,273 | 33,913 | 88,794 | 10 |
I've watched this film about 7 times and I'm no dummy !
|
Better Off Dead is a spoof takeoff of the John Hughes ' eighties films about teen angst . John Cusack plays wonderfully as Lane Myer who had an obsessive relationship with his ex girlfriend , Beth , who breaks up the relationship for somebody better . Miserable , he tries to kill himself several times without failure . As his friend played brilliantly by Curtis Armstrong tells him " Suicide is not the answer " and lines like " I've been going to high school for 7 years , I'm no dummy . " While Lane depresses over his adolescence existence in a small northern California town , the laughs just keep getting better . His mother is obsessed with cooking . The father sets him up with a date when he worries his son is going insane . On top of all that , Lane is being hunted down by an unpaid paper boy who will stop at nothing to get his $2 . 00 and surprisingly , he finds love under his nose . I have to say this movie will leave you wanting more and more .
|
490,503 | 33,913 | 312,318 | 10 |
Get out your tissue box !
|
It wasn't supposed to happen . Their initial intention was to follow a fireman from the fire academy through the 9 month probationary period . Tony was chosen from the fire academy and he was stationed at firehouse number one in New York City only a couple blocks from the World Trade Center . Watching the documentary , you can't help but be moved by it . They didn't know what was going to happen and on September 10 , 2001 , they filmed the twin towers from their firehouse . The Twin Towers was considered not to be attractive but I never thought so . I thought they completed the skyline of New York City . Even from 30 miles away , you could have seen them in my area whether up on a hill or somewhere else . I miss those buildings and mourn the devastating loss of the people inside even though I didn't know anybody personally lost . You take for granted that you see a certain building or landmark . Imagine if the French lost the Eiffel Tower or Rome lost the Vatican , it's a horrible thought because we didn't think something like the events on September 11 could ever happen and so fast . Think about the Titanic , nobody thought she could sink and when she hit the iceberg , she sank faster . The Titanic and the Twin Towers were a lot alike . We thought they would be invincible and last forever . I can't remember when I last saw the Twin Towers . I think it was when I got my new car the week before and saw the New York City skyline wishing I was there . Like Titanic , the Twin Towers was destructible only by man's destruction . Watching this documentary , you get to know what was going on with the firemen . They are never the same again after this day . I resisted watching this tape because I didn't need to see any more footage but this tape is different , it's worth watching at least once . You get to know these firemen , their brotherhood , their closeness to death , and surviving the horrific day and watching it on television . We weren't prepared then but maybe we are now that we are not invincible . This documentary is worth the awards and accolades although I think the film directors would tell you that they would preferred it to be something boring and no lives lost . Watching the brothers reunite after thinking that one might have been lost is one of the most touching scenes ever .
|
490,378 | 33,913 | 59,742 | 10 |
A Timeless Classic !
|
The Sound of Music is one of those films that you can probably recall the words to the songs and memorable lines . Dame Julie Andrews is brilliant as the postulate aspiring nun , Sister Maria , who is sent to help a local military man , Captain Von Trap , played by the brilliant Christopher Plummer to raise his seven children . At first , the children are resistant to Maria's unconventional ways . She makes an attempt to become the friend despite the oldest daughter who doesn't need a mother but does after all . Maria eases her way with the Von Trap children by teaching them how to sing and be children again . She gives them the play clothes made out of curtains or drapes from her bedroom quarters . They sing , play , and have picnics in the beautiful Salzburg mountains . Of course , Maria causes discourse in the Von Trapp family household but she manages to stay on and wins over the Captain Von Trap who was seeing a very beautiful Fraulein Schraeder from Vienna who is not crazy about children . Of course , this story takes place before the rise of Hitler and World War II . When Maria and the Captain come back from their honeymoon , they must face separation with Captain being ordered to serve the Third Reich despite his obvious disdain . The scenes at the Convent are also memorable especially with the late and wonderful Anna Lee MBE as one of the nuns . Again , the scenery , the art direction , the costumes , the music , the writing , and acting are all first rate .
|
490,813 | 33,913 | 73,195 | 10 |
My Favorite Spielberg Film of All Time
|
I love Jaws and I still go in the ocean even though I've seen this movie about a hundred times . I love watching JAWs . It's probably Spielberg's best film to date , sorry Schindler's List , E . T . , and Saving Private Ryan . This movie does not leave you with any bad feelings . The movie is first entertaining from beginning to end and it is well-done . I love Roy Scheider in his role as the water phobic police chief , Lorraine Gary as his wife , Murray Hamilton who I always mistake for Hal Holbrook as the Mayor of Amity , Robert Shaw as the shark hunter , and Richard Dreyfuss as the shark expert . Anyway , there are great moments in the film like when Chief Brody catches his young son imitating him at the dining room table and asks him for kiss and Mrs . Brody watching with a cup in hand . It's those moments of pure magic that make you want to watch over and over again .
|
490,778 | 33,913 | 86,450 | 10 |
A Classic Satire
|
This remake could not have had a finer cast led the magnificent Mel Brooks and his wife Anne Bancroft . I remembered him saying once that he loved singing and dancing Polish with his wife and now I can see why . They begin the show singing and dancing in Polish . I was surprised by how much they spoke Polish in the beginning . Unlike most Polish depictions , they are not considered to be taken as jokes in this film . They are in Warsaw with their theater troupe . In actuality , Warsaw was destroyed 90 % by the war's end so it was probably very unlikely that they could outsmart the Germans but it's not a true story . The Jews wear the yellow Star of Davids and the homosexuals wear the pink triangle . Now the film could have ignored that part of the war but they did not . They wisely incorporated it into the storyline . They remind us of the concentration camps and the certain death that they would have faced . While the stars of the film and the fictional theater troupe , Anne and Frederick Bronski played by Bancroft and Brooks are forced out of their own home to live with their homosexual cast member played memorably by David Haacke in this small one room apartment . The rest of the cast is superb with Charles Durning , Tim Matheson as the young military man in love with Anna , Estelle Reiner , George Gaines , George Wyner , etc . Anne Bancroft is positively beautiful and glowing in her performance . She is truly a star and we know Mel loved her to death and she loved him in life as well . I don't get into the plot because I don't want to spoil it . It's worth watching again and again . Rest in peace , Anne .
|
489,903 | 33,913 | 66,626 | 10 |
One of the best family comedies of all time !
|
There was nothing like All in the Family before it debuted in 1971 on television and honestly nothing like it has been able to duplicate the excellent casting , writing , and directing . This show was a phenomenon in the 1970s and it's affect on popular culture is still with us today . We all know about " All in the Family " with the beloved Carroll O'Connor as bigoted Archie Bunker , his dingbat wife Edith played by the wonderful Jean Stapleton , his daughter played by Sally Struthers , and his son-in-law played by actor turned director Rob Reiner . The show had guest appearances by Oscar winning actress Estelle Parsons , Betty Garrett , Philip Carey , Isabel Sanford , Sherman Helmsley , Beatrice Arthur , etc . This show spawned off " The Jeffersons " which was equally famous in it's own right and lasted just as long . Beatrice Arthur's character Maude became her own show and her maid played by the beloved Esther Rolle would star in her own sitcom , Good Times , which was famous as Maude as well . All in the Family had it's problems but I think the cast and characters truly loved and respected each other . Norman Lear gave birth to a phenomenon which remains untouched to this day . Archie Bunker may have had his prejudices at least in language and attitude but not so much in behavior . No different than most men of his time . In some ways , he reminds us a little of our fathers . Archie Bunker was an American original who was not Father knows Best . He was a real character with a very narrow point of view which I don't really believe he was every that prejudiced . He did allow the Jeffersons into his home and family life . He allowed Edith to work and have a transsexual friends . He also showed that despite the obvious character flaws that ARchie was truly human . He was still a good father , a loving husband , and grandfather . He may have argued and called his son-in-law " a Pinky Meathead , " but he did it with love . I think the show should have ended when Jean Stapleton left because I didn't like them killing her off .
|
489,814 | 33,913 | 82,096 | 10 |
Germany's Best Film to Date !
|
Let's face Germany has a dangerous past . This story is about men aboard a submarine during World War II . I saw it dubbed in English . I would have preferred subtitles and listened to the original German language being spoken . This film is completely German made with German actors . Of course , the story is not lost in translation . These men have to fight for their country regardless of whether they support their government . It's really about young men who could be any one of us in their position . You have to ask yourself what are you to do if you have no choice . I was a little disturbed when one of them stated that he was molested by six of the other guys like a ritual hazing ceremony to another officer . It was as if an unofficial initiation ceremony and disturbing as well . In war , you could see young men killing and dying and you wonder what it was all for anyway . It's still Germany's best film to date .
|
489,726 | 33,913 | 71,007 | 10 |
Excellent Program for fans of all ages !
|
I remember watching this show both in reruns and on Sunday evening television . This show was pretty much geared for families or anybody who wanted a combination of good drama and comedic moments . Of course , Michael Landon developed and produced a fantastic show from the Laura Ingalls Wilder novels about life in the American West . Who could forget Melissa Gilbert as Laura and Karen Grassle as the matriarch . We all remember evil Nelly who none of us liked as well as the other cast members . Seeing that family on the prairie made us want to read more and be part of the family . I read the books and enjoyed watching the show . Maybe I'll catch it on TV Land in reruns , there were almost 200 episodes which is quite an accomplishment in television history . Little House on the Prairie is for fans of all ages and all kinds of families .
|
490,123 | 33,913 | 97,123 | 10 |
Brilliant ! One of Woody's Best Work to Date !
|
Look we all know Woody Allen is a neurotic Jewish New Yorker . In this film , he plays an unsuccessful Jewish New York film director of documentaries . He finally gets a job working for Alan Alda's character who has an enormous ego and thinks the world of his own comedy . The cast is first rate with Woody Allen writing and directing this superior work , Mia Farrow who was his life partner , the divine Claire Bloom who should have been made Dame by now , Martin Landau who plays the guilt stricken husband , Angelica Huston as his unstable mistress , Jerry Orbach who was Mr . New York as Landau's brother in the film , Joanna Gleason who plays the unhappy wife with Woody Allen in this film while he pursues Mia's character Hally Reed . There is also Caroline Aaron who plays Woody's sister . She is a remarkable character actress who goes unnoticed . There are so many wonderful characters who are real but self-centered in some way . They are all with problems but not financially . You wonder how Woody's character who barely worked in years survives a Manhattan rent ? Of course , you can't forget that it's really about Jewish American life in New York City as well . Woody has not forgotten his Jewish roots in his films . Regardless , this film is always worth watching for the first rate cast , writing , and directing . When Woody shoots a film about New York , it's done in New York City and you feel the difference . Of course , Woody is a genius with lots of problems but I think that's the price you pay with being brilliant and gifted . I think he uses his films to sort out his problem .
|
490,208 | 33,913 | 26,725 | 10 |
Vive Les Miserables !
|
I thought this was an excellent early version of Victor Hugo's classic . The actor who plays Valjean does an excellent job as does British actor Charles Laughton who plays Javert who chases him for years . I love the film even though it might be dated but it's still faithful to the classic novel . The actresses who play Cosette and Fantine do an excellent job even though they are supporting parts . The film's quality is still excellent even though it was done over seventy years ago in the early stages of talking movies . I still think it's a classic movie and of the novel's best . This film version does not have the music but it still contains the same message of Victor Hugo's novel . Valjean is beautifully played as is Javert in this film .
|
490,202 | 33,913 | 86,425 | 10 |
What more could you ask for !
|
I have to say that Shirley Maclaine gives her Oscar winning performance as Aurora Greenway , a mother that we come to love and hate at the same time . Shirley brings a complexity about the character and her relationship with her daughter , Emma , played by Oscar nominee Debra Winger . I have to say that picking one of these two actresses for Best Actress would have been difficult because they are equally good . Jack Nicholson picked up his second Oscar for Best Supporting Actor as the aging astronaut neighbor of Aurora who fall in love with each other . Jeff Daniels and John Lithgow also earned Best Supporting Actor nominations as well . When Emma and her husband Flap move to Iowa and later Nebraska , the relationship develops between Aurora and Jack next door . When Emma is diagnosed with cancer , well , it just breaks her heart in the final minutes of the film . You still want to cry for people that you come to know , love , and understand why it won Best Picture Oscar too .
|
490,601 | 33,913 | 81,873 | 10 |
Beats most cop shows of today !
|
Hill Street Blues is perhaps the best cop drama in television history . It was groundbreaking then and now ! It is well-casted with a diverse ensemble . The writing is unbelievably brilliant enough to stand two decades . This is what classic shows are about . It is now seen frequently on Bravo with a fantastic theme song . The cast like Daniel J . Travanti , Veronica Hamel , Barbara Bosson , Betty Thomas , Dennis Franz , Ed Marinaro , and so many others perform brilliantly to make this show likable . The characters are real , candid , rather than just stereotypes . Watching most shows today , I miss the golden age of eighties television where the best shows like Hill Street Blues completed the NBC lineup . It was never a ratings winner but the network kept a quality show like this on to win countless awards including Emmys and Golden Globes . NBC in their Golden Age allowed Hill Street Blues and shows like St . Elsewhere and L . A . Law to flourish without worrying about ratings . Too bad , they still do not exist anymore . While the shows are now produced by networks who do a terrible show , a show like Hill Street Blues would never be approved or foreseen as a brilliant show .
|
490,035 | 33,913 | 115,147 | 10 |
Now for your moment of Zen !
|
The Daily Show has evolved into a cult status and it's popular especially since Jon Stewart took over the helm some years ago . I remember Jon Stewart and Lisa Edelstein ( Dr . Cuddy of House ) being the video jockeys on MTV in the Morning which only seems like yesterday . Anyway the Daily Show has evolved into an exciting half-hour of fun , entertainment , and even enlightenment . You can't help but notice that Jon's guests are no longer celebrities but mostly authors , educators , and politicians . He seems to be at ease with them than at the Oscars . How many times can you interview somebody about a movie or television show ? As Stephen Colbert would say , Stewart has the balls and makes this show a success but he doesn't maintain that standard fare that would make us tune out . The short features from his correspondents are always worth watching as well . I love Samantha Bee and the ever changing titles of his correspondents as well . I remember Nancy Walls and Steve Carrell ( now of " The Office ) doing their reports . Lewis Black is always welcome on the show . Chris Rock doing the Republican conventions is always a scream .
|
490,647 | 33,913 | 82,130 | 10 |
Best Friends , Partners and Actresses !
|
Cagney and Lacey was the drama series of two female cops , Mary Beth Lacey , married with three children to Carl , and Christine Cagney , the single or divorced partner . They were played to the hilt by perennial Emmy Winners , Tyne Daly and Sharon Gless . You just couldn't imagine one without the other . It was the Laverne and Shirley in the New York City Police Department . Of course , the show was much better written than most police dramas today . Neither Cagney or Lacey were attractive in the conventional terms but Cagney had a blonde hair . These were mature women playing mature women . There was never anything unusual about their relationship . After all they were working in a man's field , networks wouldn't raise questions if it was two men instead of two women . I can't recall when Gless or Daly dissed one another personally or professionally . They were magic on screen with their dynamic personalities . The New York City Police Department hired two women who were smart and pleased to be police officers doing their job and nobody male or female did it as well or better than Cagney and Lacey in the toughest neighborhoods in the city . Cagney and Lacey was brought back by popular demand for a reason .
|
490,541 | 33,913 | 81,858 | 10 |
The Dynasty of Wine Country !
|
I loved this drama . I thought this was better than Dynasty . I loved Jane Wyman playing the role of matriarch . The casting was first rate and the writing was stellar if not better than Dynasty and Dallas combined . The cast included Kim Novak , Ana Alicia , Lana Turner , Lorenzo Lamas , and so many others not to mention who graced this show at some point . The show always carried itself more like a drama than a soap opera . I always felt that Falcon Crest was treated unfairly in favor of the more outrageous Dynasty or Dallas . There were no cat fights or explicit or outrageous behavior . They always appeared with class , style , dignity , and grace . That is why I think it was superior to it's other shows . Falcon Crest came on and stayed with us for nine years . We're waiting for DVD .
|
489,971 | 33,913 | 386,032 | 10 |
The Scariest Movie in Years !
|
We have a health crisis in this country . About 50 million Americans are uninsured but it's not about them . It's about the insured like myself . After leaving my previous position in a public school district because they refused my request for an unpaid leave of absence as a clerk-typist ( the only way I could get a leave of absence is if somebody is ill or I'm pregnant ) . My reason for leaving a steady job was to do student teaching coordinated by my college . Kind of ironic that a school district wouldn't have approved such a request . The motive was the monthly payment to the insurance companies . Anyway , I'm paying COBRA which costs almost 600 dollars for one person . The documentary is not about the uninsured but about insured patients who aren't getting their coverage . Like the man who wanted his daughter to have both cochlear implants in both right and left ears , the insurance company only wanted to approve for one ear of this very young child . Anyway , the man decided to take action by contacting Moore with information and documents concerning his daughter . Luckily , the insurance company changed their minds . I think the most heartbreaking story was the Kansas City woman whose husband , Tracy , had kidney cancer and his only hope was to have a bone marrow transplant with his younger brother . The woman's employer and the board at the hospital declined the procedure which resulted in the man's death . Moore goes to Canada , France , and England . Too bad , he didn't go to India where many American pay cheaply for good health care . I got dual citizenship with Poland because I feared that health care in this country was deteriorating in 2000 . In France , the French citizens or denizens are given free health care , university schooling ( only if you pass tests ) , 5 weeks vacation , 35 hours per week workload , pensions , government assistance , family care , government nannies , etc . It makes you want to pack up and move to Paris . Although Moore does leave out that France does have problems of their own . I didn't like any Americans at the café who boasting about their lives in Paris , France maybe it's because I envy them . I know Michael Moore says that America is the best country around but not in health care for it's citizens . In fact , most Americans are overworked , exhausted , tired , stressed , and strained from being American because they worry about health care , pensions , and the fewer options . Look at the couple who became bankrupt because of having health insurance or the woman who would marry a Canadian for health care . The insurance company didn't believe that she had cervical cancer at only 22 years old so they declined her care . She headed north to Canada for health care . The politicians and the health care industry are milking the profits for themselves . Look at Los Angeles where hospital dumping of homeless and mentally ill patients are routine at the mission without warning or care . I bet most drug addicts suffer from depression and illegal drugs are cheaper than the legal drugs . When the 09-11 volunteer , Reggie , learned that the same breathing inhaler in Havana , Cuba costs about nickel when in America , it costs about $120 . 00 . Moore's genius is getting people's attention to see , learn , and experience what most Americans are going through . It's not a non-partisan issue that Americans aren't getting health care and suffering for it . Just realize that 18 , 000 patients die yearly because they can't afford or receive their proper treatment . Think about the 79 year old supermarket worker who is working for his prescription plan .
|
489,872 | 33,913 | 117,060 | 10 |
The movie is not impossible to understand !
|
Granted , I heard terrible things about this film before I saw it on video . After watching this film several times , I got the plot but I also get a little more each time . I love watching Dame Vanessa Redgrave as a female criminal mastermind in this role . I also enjoyed a bit known actor , Rolf Saxon , an American expatriate living in London , as William Donloe . Remember he's the poor sucker that gets the blame for a breaking an entry that caught him off guard . I like Rolf Saxon as the gullible American in this film . He's the best part of the film in my opinion and the surprise to me since I became a fan of his in 1994 after watching old Capital City episodes . I believe did his job extremely well and deserved to be listed in both beginning and ending credits of the film . I love John Voight and can't imagine why Angelina Jolie doesn't want much to do with him . I felt Tom Cruise was adequate . I like Vingt Rhames and Henry Czerny in the their roles . I forget the French actress who was Voight's wife . That's too crazy to believe . I thought that Kristin Scott-Thomas and Emilio Estevez deserved more time on screen but that's the movie for you . I loved the Prague setting , Virginia countryside , and London as well .
|
490,344 | 33,913 | 63,522 | 10 |
Chilling , frightening and yet a must see !
|
Rosemary's Baby is one of the most controversial films of our time . I can't stop thinking about how sweet and nice Ruth Gordon was in her Academy award winning role . I loved her as Minnie even though she proved that even appearances can be truly deceiving . Who would ever thought that you lived next door to Satanists in New YOrk City . I felt sorry for Mia Farrow's character , Rosemary , but she does give the performance of her career . The haircut by Vidal Sassoon has been etched in my memory since I saw it on television . THe conception of her baby was hard to swallow and not for the squeamish like myself . John Cassavetes also gives a memorable , unforgettable performance as her husband willing to sell his wife out for a successful acting career . You never really like the character because of his immoral actions . As Rosemary comes closer to the truth , we are equally horrified by her discovery of her husband's new allegiance and the satanists who look so ordinary like Aunt Bee from the Andy Griffith Show . You never see them as anything but ordinary and that proves that the nicest , kindest neighbors can fool you . Ruth Gordon's performance as Minnie is well chilling . I won't give away the ending but I bet everybody knows it . A Satanist was consulted on the film and he was connected to Charles Manson whose gang murdered the director's wife . It's more horrifying than the film itself . While I get goosebumps about this story , it won't just leave you . You will always wondered what happened to that baby . Polanski who survived the holocaust as a child always knows how to remind you that people even the sweetest looking people in the world can be evil too .
|
490,377 | 33,913 | 34,583 | 10 |
A Brilliant Classic Love Story !
|
Of all the films of the last 100 years , Casablanca is still regarded as the ultimate love story up there with Gone with the Wind but it's different . Casablanca didn't have the same expectations as Gone with the Wind . It was filmed in Hollywood during World War II and nowhere near the danger in Northern Africa or Europe at the time . Ingrid Bergman and Humphrey Bogart are two star-crossed former lovers who reunite again . The film has Ingrid's character , Elsa , married to Claude Rains's character on the way out of Casablanca to safe . Bogart plays the American club owner with the famous line of " Play it again , Sam . " Music and love brings the two lovers together . We can't forget the ultimate supporting cast that includes Peter Lorre , Sydney Greenstreet , and others in this classic film . The writing , acting , and film is all together first rate .
|
490,732 | 33,913 | 365,651 | 10 |
Another Brilliant Episode !
|
The more I watch Dame Helen Mirren , the more I want to see her reprise the role of DCI Jane Tennison , the no nonsense British detective , who rose the ranks in a man's world by working hard , sacrificing a personal life , etc . In this episode , Jane is determined to solve the crime of two Bosnian Muslim female immigrants and sisters in London . At first , it all seems locked up by the actual murderer . Tennison's hunches are often key in understanding that there is more than meets the eye . The murderer was a soldier and was taking orders but from whom and why ? It's a suspenseful episode with great supporting performances by Clare HOlman , Frank Finlay , and Phoebe Nicholls . Finlay's performance as Jane's father is poignant as he recalls liberating a death camp during World War II .
|
490,553 | 33,913 | 86,465 | 10 |
My Favorite Philly Film of All Time !
|
I love this movie and I have to watch it from beginning to end . I love the beginning shots of Philadelphia , a great American city , in the autumn . They only filmed a couple of weeks in Philadelphia and the rest in New York City where Eddie Murphy was on Saturday Night Live . Still he admits it was his favorite working experience on the verge of stardom , Dan Ackroyd plays the WASPY guy who gets to trade places with Eddie Murphy's homeless character . They are unwilling participants in the billionaires , Randolph and Mortimer Duke played by Hollywood royalty , Don Ameche and Ralph Bellamy . They bet their usual bet that nature versus nurture . Don's character believes that nature controls who will succeed while his brother argues that nurture is what causes success . They build a great film by starting it slowly . The shots in Philadelphia are always worth watching . Once the trade is succeeded , Louis played by Ackroyd is devastated . His fiancé leaves him and his butler played by the wonderful Denholm Elliott takes the Duke brothers orders . Eddie's character is brought in to the townhouse . When the two men learn of the Dukes ' deception , they plan revenge with help from the wonderful Ophelia played by Jamie Lee Curtis and Paul Gleason in a supporting role . Look for others like Al Franken , Tom Davis , Jim Belushi , Arlene Sorkin , Kelly Curtis ( Jamie Lee's sister ) , and the fiancé played by Kristen .
|
490,069 | 33,913 | 166,896 | 10 |
A film that will move you to tears !
|
This film was perhaps memorable because it was an odd story . An old man played by Richard Farnsworth travels to visit his sick estranged brother played by Harry Dean Stanton in rural America . Sissy Spacek has a small supporting role as Farnsworth's daughter who worries about him . The film is not action but character driven . You won't find vulgarity or sexual activity here . it's a family movie with a story about Alvin Straight based on his life . He is old , stubborn , but quite a remarkable determined man . Richard Farnsworth earned an Academy Award nomination for his performance as Best Actor . I wish he won because he deserved that award perhaps more than any other actor . His film credits alone are too numerous to mention . The story moves along at a slow pace enough to catch up with the character of Alvin Straight . I was kind of heartbroken by the ending and a bit confused . I'm like is that it for his story . Only time could have told for two brothers who grew apart . We don't know why they were estranged . But you have to think it's remarkable for a man to drive his lawnmower across the country just to reunite with his brother .
|
489,964 | 33,913 | 82,158 | 10 |
Still a wonderful film !
|
I loved the soundtrack to this film and I was glad to watch it on Oscar Sunday . It is worthy of its ' Oscars and is based on a true story . The music can be haunting and beautiful at the same time . Vangelis is a musical genius . The cast is stellar with some new faces of actors and actresses like Alice Krige and even Ruby Wax if you look closely . The 1924 Olympics is the climax of the film . It's still a beautiful and wonderfully entertaining and educational film to be seen . I loved the cast including Sir Ian Holm , Sir John Gielgud , and the young aspiring Olympic athletes including Brad Davis , Ian Charleson , and Ben Cross . The story is beautifully told in writing and the direction is brilliant to convey the beauty of the story . This is a feel good classic film from 1981 .
|
489,796 | 33,913 | 866,227 | 10 |
This Episode is A Winner !
|
This episode should be submitted for the Emmys and Golden Globe Awards . It is truly one of the best episodes that I have seen of this show and reminds me why I love this show so much . We learn more about Sean's past and we understand him better as to why he wants his son to look normal so much . Dylan Walsh's scenes in this episode are brilliantly portrayed with complex of emotions . Julian McMahon also gives a brilliant performance without showing any of his flesh . If you watch this show regularly , you know that's rare and refreshing . His relationship with one of his patients , Hedda Grubman , is touching and sincere . Hedda is a wealthy widow who cares more about her appearance than anything else who was willing to sacrifice relationships in order to save her vanity . I don't know if it was Burt Bacharach in the show but I wouldn't be surprised . This season has been filled with A list guest stars like Brooke Shields , Larry Hagman , Catherine Denueve , Jacqueline Bissett , Richard Chamberlain , etc . The actress who played Hedda Grubman deserves an Emmy for guest performance in a drama . She was excellent and so was Joely Richardson as the concerned Julia .
|
490,501 | 33,913 | 436,697 | 10 |
Dame Helen's Oscar Finally !
|
Dame Helen Mirren is one of the world's foremost talented actresses that she has won countless awards . Her casting of Queen Elizabeth II is quite stunning considering that she already played her namesake and won an Emmy for it . She really becomes the Queen that we all know and love because she blends into the role so well that it's nearly impossible to think of her as the same person who played Jane Tennison , a Titanic Survivor in the S . O . S . Titanic . I admired Sylvia Syms and think she should become a Dame herself . James Cromwell is great as Prince Phillip and should get a Best Supporting Actor nomination as well . I can't forget Sylvia and think she deserves a Best Supporting Actress Oscar nomination as well . Stephen Frears really deserves nominations for recreating a week that was well unforgettable because it was so painful . I always knew that the Royals were real decent people with flaws and problems of their own . It's hard to imagine them as anything other than the caricatures that the British tabloid press make them out to be . The Royals have lived in a fishbowl their entire lives and will do so . It's not easy being Royal , I'm sure the Queen has her days as well .
|
490,753 | 33,913 | 77,353 | 10 |
One of the best Columbo !
|
George C . Scott's wife Trish Van Devere gives an excellent and memorable performance as a woman scorned by her secret boyfriend and network executive . I can't blame her character for being so upset . Her longtime secret male companion treats her like leftover meat . He plans to go to New YOrk City and take a top network job while she is treated with no indifference since she is the backbone and force behind the network . She makes few bad decisions but she knows too much and she feels used time and time again . I love her discussions with Columbo . They get along pretty well . Lainie Kazan has a supporting role playing a celebrity with a lot of personal and emotional problems . Too bad , there a not a lot of top television female executives around . The killing of her boss and lover shows that you don't mess with a strong , smart woman and expect to buy her love off with a car .
|
490,614 | 33,913 | 189,744 | 10 |
It's truly worth watching
|
I have to say that I feel sorry for all three characters in this classic tragedy by August Strindberg , one of Scandinavia's greatest playwrights . Jean and Kristin are trapped by their roles as servant . At a time when you are born into your class and will never rise above it , Jean takes advantage of Miss Julie's vulnerability and I felt the cruel song by the servants mocking their mistress was a bit overdone . Saffron Burrows delivers an exquisite painful performance as Miss Julie that was overlooked by awards shows . This film should have considered for some awards including Best Actress , Best Actor , and Best Supporting Actress . The three together really brought the tragedy of their lives on screen .
|
489,892 | 33,913 | 86,312 | 10 |
It is worth the time !
|
After watching Silkwood , I became fascinated and mesmerized by the true story behind it . I read the book , bought A & E biography video , and the History Channel's video : Contaminated , the Karen Silkwood Story . Despite reading other comments , I totally disagree about Karen Silkwood who probably saved more lives and lost her own to protect her colleagues and neighbors in Crescent , Oklahoma . If she had not spoke up in the seventies , Kerr-McGhee would still have a nuclear reactor plant in Crescent , Oklahoma . What most people do not know is that Karen's mysterious death haunted a huge ENronlike company . The plant closed in the following year . The shocking discoveries such as missing plutonium and horrible working conditions for its employees . Two showers for the entire company ! Karen Silkwood's life was tragically cut short but she did more in 28 years than most people can do in their entire lifetime . Meryl Streep played her wonderfully . Kurt Russell and Cher played their roles quite admirably . This film was showed to high school students who became equally fascinated by the story after viewing the history channel's video . After the film , they even wanted to watch the biography video . Now anything that can keep teenagers interested in plutonium and nuclear energy is worth all the trouble . THis film's only criticism from the students was that there was too much smoking in this film . Granted , all the main characters smoked in the seventies . After all , I think lung cancer from smoking was far less riskier than working in a nuclear plant .
|
489,849 | 33,913 | 88,484 | 10 |
If you loved the first , you'll fall madly in love with II !
|
The First Black Adder series was basically set during the Black Plague years . The second season of this series has Edmund Black Adder as the Lord in Queen Elizabeth I's court during the Elizabethan era . The Black Adder comes in different eras of British history . What a historic way to look at life during different times in British history . I love Miranda Richardson as Queen Elizabeth I . She is at her best and having the time of her life . Of course , you can't forget Tony Robinson as Baldrick , the goof and servant to the Lord Black Adder . Anyway as the series grew , the shows got better and better . I can't imagine anybody else playing Queen Elizabeth I better than Miranda Richardson . MAybe it's because she incites a dark sense of humor and fun to the otherwise virginal character . Sorry Dame Judi Dench , Dame Helen Mirren , Cate Blanchett , Bette Davis , Miranda's performance here as Queen Elizabeth I will always my personal favorite . I loved Patsy Byrne in her role as the Queen's nurse . Of course , you can't forget Brian Blessed and others .
|
489,852 | 33,913 | 73,053 | 10 |
Harry Would Be Proud !
|
I am not surprised that this film earned it's star , James Whitmore , an Academy Award nomination . I would think that it would be better aired on television . He would have easily earned an Emmy Award for Best Actor in a Television Film . It is better to get an Academy Award nomination than an Emmy Award but I still think it's one of the best performances that I have seen by an actor in years . James Whitmore really captures the essence and presence of President Harry Truman . In his brilliant performance , staged and film , he is alive in a role that has consumed him . You really believe that he is Harry Truman after awhile . I still think it would have been seen more by people on television than in the cinemas because this little film has that kind of power . I am sure that many more people would have seen it and that is the key to ensuring it's legacy . I am glad that they released it in cinemas but they probably made little or no money on it . It would have been better to have aired it on television . One man performance even with James Whitmore's talent and genius could not hinge the fact that he is the only person on stage . While brilliant to watch , today's standards would never allow somebody in a one person show unless it's a comedian . As for Truman's power , this film is an excellent tool that can be used in the history classrooms to show this former President . I love how he talks about his wife Bess , his mother-in-law Mother Wallace , FDR , and others . Truman also talks about the klan , racism , and others in this performance that he will be best remembered for .
|
490,520 | 33,913 | 23,458 | 10 |
Simply Breathtaking !
|
Jozef Von Sternberg was one of those legendary directors . Marlena Dietrich who is better known for other roles is one of the leading roles in this film . They are all on a train going to Shanghai , China in a time when it was fashionable to take the train on overnight trips . Anyway , she is the " femme fatale " of all time even now . Marlena along with many other travelers that are quite forgettable . I think there was a lady with a dog but I can't be sure since I haven't seen the film in years . This film is an early classic from a time when film-making was new , fresh , and exciting . Now , it's all violence , sex , and vulgarity . Can you imagine somebody like Marlena being an actress today without losing that unforgettable mystique about her ? No , you can't because they don't have actresses today who have managed to maintain any sense of mystery without being penalized by the Hollywood system . It's a shame that most of old Hollywood is gone .
|
490,152 | 33,913 | 120,974 | 10 |
The Alternative to the View !
|
Lately the View has become tiresome and nauseating with Rosie O'Donnell at the helm . But at least there is Jerry Springer . I first watched this show when it aired in the beginning . It never intended to become a down right outrageous talk shows with guests that are equally outrageous . Of course , they are considered white trash , usually the bottom of the barrel regarding class and status in life . Of course , I think Jerry Springer would be our next President if he wasn't born in London , England . He is charming , intelligent , and deserves better but he is doing a service to those people who tell their outrageous stories . Do they go to the show for free trip to Chicago to air their dirty laundry ? What are their motives ? Maybe it's because they can't get the help needed anywhere else . Jerry doesn't even admit to watching his own show . But the View has gone into cat fights and a subtle viciousness of dislike among it's hostesses that even Jerry wouldn't dare handle . Jerry's guests are not nice , formal , educated , attractive , or suitable but they are part of an America most of us don't see or choose not too . They are the disenfranchised . They more likely to be poor and work as exotic dancers or strippers . Oh well , as long Rosie doesn't come and ruin his show , it will succeed because Jerry is a nice guy . People are now beginning to see his appeal from his appearances on Dancing with the Stars . Finally , the audiences are beginning to see that with Jerry is what you see is what you get .
|
490,697 | 33,913 | 53,796 | 10 |
A Wonderful film with almost Greek tragedy sentiment
|
The Entertainer is one of those great films that makes you stop and think about the has been entertainers like Archie after their heyday . I could see the relationship between Joan Plowright and Laurence Olivier evolve from the screen into a love affair . Joan is quite brilliant playing his daughter and Larry is well one of Britain's greatest treasures from the theater . I also enjoyed Dame Thora Hird's role as the mother of a contest winner . The story is rather complicated but it is richly interpreteted onto the film . We feel sorry and love Archie despite his obvious flaws and faults . We support him in the end and know why he did it ? After all the show must go on . Morecambe , Lancashire is also Dame Thora's birthplace and hometown . It's great to see legends like Dame Thora Hird , Dame Joan Plowright and Lord Laurence Olivier .
|
490,345 | 33,913 | 38,650 | 10 |
Simply Perfect !
|
It's A Wonderful Life is about George Bailey played beautifully by the late great actor , Jimmy Stewart . It's directed by Frank Capra and it's an impressive film overall . Donna Reed plays his loving wife and the mother of his children . Who could forget his guardian angel , Clarence ? and the wonderful people who make Bedford Falls , New York . The film is long but it's worth watching . Before NBC bought it , it used to be shown repeatedly around the holiday season . There was never a day without It's A Wonderful Life ! Still almost every show from Married with Children to Saturday Night Live has used the story line of what it would be like if George was never born . He learns at the end that he had a wonderful life and it sends chills down your spine and tears to your eyes . It's the kind of film that you don't forget or want too . It makes us all feel important .
|
490,285 | 33,913 | 118,799 | 10 |
life is beautiful
|
This is a a great film and a beautiful love story between man and woman forgotten over recent film-making . Bellini shows a difficult story with humor and grace that even most people can relate too . When Guido finally gets his princess , their happiness is disturbed by the concentration camps and the Holocaust . Even Bellini brings necessary humor to comfort his only son from the evil of war . It's a heart-breaking film with Roberto playing the main character , his real-life wife plays his wife on screen in this film and often in others as his love interest . The little boy who plays his son is also wonderful . The film itself is a visual beauty to watch at first . It makes you want to pack up and head to Rome .
|
490,334 | 33,913 | 92,890 | 10 |
Dirty Dancing Coming to Broadway for it's 20th anniversary !
|
There was talk on the E ! Hollywood Special about the Making of Dirty Dancing which still is considered by many women including a dear friend of mine in her fifties to be one of her favorite all time movies . Maybe the music , the dancing , or the melodrama around the plot of Baby Frances becoming a dancing sensation with Johnny Castle . Of course , this film established Jennifer Grey whose biggest role to date was the resentful sister in Ferris Beuller's Day Off . Patrick Swayze is perfectly cast as the heart throb leading man who sweeps baby away literally . Dirty Dancing has it all to become a Broadway or West End smash hit . It has the love story , the music , and most of all lots of dancing . Jennifer and Patrick could revive their roles easily . it is nice to see Jerry Orbach play a doctor instead of a police officer and Kelly Bishop as the mother . It all took place in the Catskills in the sixties where many Jewish families vacationed in the area during their summer vacations . At the end of the film , it is sad to see the hotel owner , Kellerman , be baffled by the next generation . It happened anyway ! Most people prefer cruises and traveling through Europe than spending the summer in the Catskills . Those old grand hotels are becoming Indian gaming casinos . Let Broadway bring Dirty Dancing alive and well . After all , they could do it for Footloose and Saturday Night Fever , this should be a no brainer ! I know that this film is one of the favorites that you don't get tired of after watching 800 times . There are people that have probably seen this film-a 1 , 000 times by now . Somehow watching the making and the story behind Dirty Dancing made me long for my childhood days as a thirteen year old . Dirty Dancing may not be the greatest film ever made in the history but its universal appeal still draws crowds and repeated watchers like the 800 club whose members have watched it so many times . I watch it fondly now with all the awkwardness of Baby's first days and her first true love with Patrick Swayze as heart throb , Johnny Castle . Nobody could have imagined this little film as a big hit then with the sixties music , two soundtracks , and even a tour in the late eighties . I hope they bring it to Broadway in a musical . It would work for the audience to be part of a film . No wonder it still attracts kids and even adults particularly women of all ages to watch it over and over again . Well , Australia and London both have had productions of Dirty Dancing . It looks like it will come to Broadway in 2007 just in time for it's 20th anniversary .
|
490,332 | 33,913 | 77,416 | 10 |
Definitely a movie about war !
|
In the end , it does not matter that you disagreed with the Vietnam War and America's involvement . This film is about the American men who went to Vietnam leaving in their relatives and friends behind to wonder what was happening over there . They went over there to serve their country because it asked them too or ordered them to go . Whatever the reason , the movie is full of fabulous performances by Meryl Streep , John Cazale , Robert De Niro , Christopher Walken , George Dzundza , and John Savage . I think the cast is well-ensembled and brilliantly acted . The small town in Pennsylvania is quite important to know the significant impact that the war had on small towns in America . Everybody was affected by their absence . Not knowing their fates is often worse than knowing it . After the war , three of the men must face their lives back home . They are never the same again . The game of Russian Roulette is used effectively and frighteningly . We must remember that the Vietnam vets suffer enormously from being taken hostage by Vietcong . It does not matter but they suffer psychologically . Walken definitely deserved his Oscar . I just keep thinking about John Cazale in his last performance . He is dying of bone cancer in reality and dies after filming is over . The Deer Hunter is truly a powerful theme . The deer is a representation of humanity . Humans hunting and killing in the jungles of Vietnam is not much different than hunting and killing harmless deer in the mountains .
|
490,348 | 33,913 | 108,515 | 10 |
A Must See for Any Political Aficionado !
|
I was taking a course in American Government at Rutgers when I saw this film . I fell in love with George Stephanopoulos right away . James Carville is always a delight to watch with his Cajun tongue and enthusiasm . This film documentary chronicles the Clinton election in 1992 . I can't believe I miss that period now . Of course , the War Room is not for those who don't care anything about politics . The boy from Hope gave us hope and a promise that was fulfilled . Sure there was the sex scandals , at least they were interesting , the economy was headed in the right direction and we had surplus budget . Now , we're in two wars with no end in sight . Still , the War Room reminds us of the promises and the hope around election day .
|
489,926 | 33,913 | 185,906 | 10 |
Television Classic !
|
The Band of Brothers is not just any ordinary World War II mini-series . It is a masterpiece of sorts . It's hard to focus in on such a broad topic like World War II but they manage focus on a group of American soldiers . I watched the liberation of the concentration camp scene which was touching and devastating . Their discussion of what they knew when or where was frank and realistic . Did they know about Auschwitz or Treblinka ? Maybe not there at the moment , the horror of the war was revealed by American liberators at that concentration camp scene . Of course , the Nazis had several kinds of camps as well . They go on to Hitler's winter chalet in the mountains where there was plenty of wealth to feed the country itself . The American soldiers ponder about life after the war and the casualties . War has never been easy now or during World War II or ever . Lives are lost and those who survive must come terms to deal with their life afterwords . I have to say that Tom Hanks and Steven Spielberg has done a wonderful job in producing this film which would have won a hand-load of Oscars .
|
489,834 | 33,913 | 79,836 | 10 |
Probably the Best of the Titanic movies !
|
In 1979 , this Titanic film did not have the grand special effects like any other movie . But this movie was shown on cable before National Geographic's premiere airing of Titanic when it was discovered by Bob Ballard . Well , this is my favorite Titanic film anyway . No , it is really an average movie but I always connect to that Sunday night memory when I first witnessed Titanic underwater and before most people were aware of it . I was thirteen and with my new vcr . I taped and saved the movie and the Titanic special . The special effects were nothing special . Strong acting from Susan St . James , Cloris Leachman , and Helen Mirren with a very small role . Helen's May Sloane says to Thomas Andrews , the ship's builder , " there will be many questions ? " That scene in the smoking lounge is also a poignant since she is the last to see the man who built her and die with her . In the last moments of the ship , men knelt in prayer . What I will always take from this film is the ending . An ending which signified the true meaning of the disaster . The end of the film takes place in the following Monday morning on the Carpathia with all the survivors and the silence . Watching Susan St . James with her male companion was riveting . They were two second class passengers who lost no loved one from the disaster . At the last scene , Mrs . Astor is greeted by a Carpathian passenger who offers " it was God's will . You must move on . Coffee ? " Mrs . AStor replies " No coffee , no God either . God went down with the Titanic . " That was the last line of the movie . The last shot is over the water and the chairs with Titanic floating . There are other pieces of Titanic debris . But the debris represented the people which is enough for most squeamish viewers . The last film of Titanic filmed before the discovery . No , it's not Cameron . But it's a resolution . Something missing in the Cameron version .
|
490,137 | 33,913 | 103,569 | 10 |
Always Striving for Perfection !
|
Jay Leno may not have had the natural presence of Johnny Carson but he does have something else that matters . Leno is completely devoted to his show so much that he has declined hosting the Oscars . He is often the first person to come in the mornings and the last to leave at night . Leno doesn't take vacations because he prefers to work doing his stand-up . I often joke that he's the Judi Dench of stand-up comics because he could have comfortable life with just the Tonight Show salary but he still works about 150 shows a year on the club circuit . The show is always a thrill to watch for his humorous monologues and occasional sketches he does . No , he's not Johnny Carson who barely handled three shows a week and often used replacement hosts like Jay Leno and Joan Rivers . Thank God , Leno doesn't do that . He gets us caught up on episodes we may have missed and he's not gone too long . Leno strives for perfection with humor and it's never-ending !
|
490,806 | 33,913 | 68,646 | 10 |
Definitely one of the best films ever made
|
The Godfather is truly an excellent film with a sensational cast , genius writing , and direction . Without leaders like Coppola or Puzo , the book to film could have been a disaster . The story is well-told in length and detail . Characters are built up and explained well . After Godfather , it must be hard for Coppola to make any follow up movie . This movie has stood almost 30 years and it is still one of the most entertaining addictive movies to watch . You just can't leave it yet until its done . People know the Godfather backwards and forwards . I love the scenes shot in Italy with Pacino and the cast . While they use subtitles to relay the Italian language , the movie leaves you breathless . Pacino , DeNiro , Duvall , Caan , Shire , Keaton , were unknown until this movie was released . We all remember Marlon Brando as Stanley Kowalski . His performance in this film is equally brilliant and incredible . You can't help but watching this film over and over again .
|
Subsets and Splits
No community queries yet
The top public SQL queries from the community will appear here once available.