RoboCop (1987) - 6 stars out of 10
"Robocop" is a unique blend of sci-fi and action, pushing the boundaries of gore and violence (noted by its initial "X" rating). It's interesting how similar the dystopian future looks to the year 1987. I know that when this film came out everything looked futuristic but 24 years later, it is definitely dated (whereas a film like Star Wars still looks futuristic). It isn't my favorite hero film but it had some great moments. I was impressed with some of the make-up effects, particularly once the helmet comes off and of course the toxic waste. The other special effects left something to be desired, particularly the ED-209, but I'm sure that it was great in its time. Overall, I enjoyed all of the actors. Ronny Cox annoyed me sometimes, but I believe that was by design to make you hate him even more. Robert DoQui and Miguel Ferrer are always awesome, but most importantly the entire cast had good chemistry. Although I would prefer to watch Batman or Zorro, I acknowledge that Robocop is a pretty cool character (as opposed to my long-term expectation that he would be a dork) and I would watch this film again (while avoiding the sequels forever).
Friday, August 12, 2011
Thursday, August 11, 2011
Thick as Thieves (The Code) - 7 stars out of 10
Thick as Thieves (The Code) - 7 stars out of 10
Morgan Freeman with a shotgun. That is all. He absolutely makes this movie what it is. Nobody else could take the line, "Some people were born to compose music. Others, to split the atom. [Pause] I was born to steal sh**." and make it into an incredible cinematic moment. The entire premise of the hiest in this film is quite good; unfortunately, the love story is in poor taste. It seemed like the sex scene(s) were just filler to push the runtime past the 90 minute mark. I understand that the relationship became an important part of Banderas' motivation but they went about it in an unnecessary, excessive way. I acknowledge that the love story had to be present to resolve the hiest... but then the ending was horribly cheesy (in a bad way). Don't get me wrong - Radha Mitchell was captivating and very nice to watch, but I would have rated this film higher if it was just the hiest. A lot of the details were cool, like the use of the iPhone and the inclusion of t.A.T.u.'s music in the club scenes to touch on the Russian culture. "Thick as Thieves" is not as well-rounded as Ocean's Eleven (and many other hiest films) since the hiest is great while the backstory is weak; however, it is a treat to watch Morgan Freeman in any role and the hiest sequence is good enough that this film is definitely worth watching.
Morgan Freeman with a shotgun. That is all. He absolutely makes this movie what it is. Nobody else could take the line, "Some people were born to compose music. Others, to split the atom. [Pause] I was born to steal sh**." and make it into an incredible cinematic moment. The entire premise of the hiest in this film is quite good; unfortunately, the love story is in poor taste. It seemed like the sex scene(s) were just filler to push the runtime past the 90 minute mark. I understand that the relationship became an important part of Banderas' motivation but they went about it in an unnecessary, excessive way. I acknowledge that the love story had to be present to resolve the hiest... but then the ending was horribly cheesy (in a bad way). Don't get me wrong - Radha Mitchell was captivating and very nice to watch, but I would have rated this film higher if it was just the hiest. A lot of the details were cool, like the use of the iPhone and the inclusion of t.A.T.u.'s music in the club scenes to touch on the Russian culture. "Thick as Thieves" is not as well-rounded as Ocean's Eleven (and many other hiest films) since the hiest is great while the backstory is weak; however, it is a treat to watch Morgan Freeman in any role and the hiest sequence is good enough that this film is definitely worth watching.
Brick - 5 stars out of 10
Brick - 5 stars out of 10
5 stars for story, 0 stars for acting. This script had so much potential by placing the film noir genre into a high school setting, but the casting was completely wrong. All of these alleged high school students were in their 20's when the film was shot, and it was obvious. One look at Tug and there was no way that he was in high school. So many moments of the film were awkward because it seemed like they were adults stuck in some parallel high school universe. Let's be honest - the cast of "Hey Dude" could have made a more convincing group of high schoolers. Outside of that it seemed like every time that the film would get really good, Joseph Gordon-Levitt's acting would go over the top and spoil the moment. I love him in "Inception" (and even "Angels in the Outfield"), but he did not play this role very well. Outside of the acting, the story had a great mystery to it, particularly leaving the audience in the dark about Emily's message until you progressively discover the meaning. I'd like to see this film redone in a few years with a cast more like the kids from "Super 8," giving the appearance of teenagers but the quality of veteran actors.
5 stars for story, 0 stars for acting. This script had so much potential by placing the film noir genre into a high school setting, but the casting was completely wrong. All of these alleged high school students were in their 20's when the film was shot, and it was obvious. One look at Tug and there was no way that he was in high school. So many moments of the film were awkward because it seemed like they were adults stuck in some parallel high school universe. Let's be honest - the cast of "Hey Dude" could have made a more convincing group of high schoolers. Outside of that it seemed like every time that the film would get really good, Joseph Gordon-Levitt's acting would go over the top and spoil the moment. I love him in "Inception" (and even "Angels in the Outfield"), but he did not play this role very well. Outside of the acting, the story had a great mystery to it, particularly leaving the audience in the dark about Emily's message until you progressively discover the meaning. I'd like to see this film redone in a few years with a cast more like the kids from "Super 8," giving the appearance of teenagers but the quality of veteran actors.
Knight and Day - 4 stars out of 10
Knight and Day - 4 stars out of 10
Knight and Day was an enjoyable action comedy but did not have much depth beyond that. The action sequences were intense and Tom Cruise's character was really entertaining, but I found Cameron Diaz to be pretty annoying and didn't understand why her Boston accent only appeared in 3 scenes during the movie. The plot was okay, though it is obvious that the writers focused on the interactions of the main characters and neverending gunfire than on the believability of the plot. Far-fetched action films can still be believable, but this one didn't even try. I would recommend sitting down and watching this film when you're in the mood for a laugh or to put it on in the background while you're doing something else, but don't expect a life-changing experience when you experience Knight and Day. If you want a REAL action comedy, see "Red."
Knight and Day was an enjoyable action comedy but did not have much depth beyond that. The action sequences were intense and Tom Cruise's character was really entertaining, but I found Cameron Diaz to be pretty annoying and didn't understand why her Boston accent only appeared in 3 scenes during the movie. The plot was okay, though it is obvious that the writers focused on the interactions of the main characters and neverending gunfire than on the believability of the plot. Far-fetched action films can still be believable, but this one didn't even try. I would recommend sitting down and watching this film when you're in the mood for a laugh or to put it on in the background while you're doing something else, but don't expect a life-changing experience when you experience Knight and Day. If you want a REAL action comedy, see "Red."
Soul Surfer - 9 stars out of 10
Soul Surfer - 9 stars out of 10
"Soul Surfer" will have you emotionally on edge from start to finish. The film is an example of excellent pacing. The writers develop the characters and create the warm family connection, they show the tragedy, they deal with the recovery, and then they show the perseverence. The film is succinct while cultivating the important emotional content to create several "cry moments." If you don't feel as if you might cry at any moment, you do not possess a soul. AnnaSophia Robb is wonderful in the role of Bethany Hamilton, emotionally reserved throughout the tragedy but proving herself as a true actress when she breaks down in her scene with Carrie Underwood. In real life, the Christian aspect was important as Hamilton persevered through her tragedy, but the writers managed to give it a significant presence without shoving it down your throat. It was nice to see some big-name actors jumping on board to tell this inspirational story, like Helen Hunt and Dennis Quaid as the parents who became a crutch and encouragement to the main character. The cinematography is top notch through the surf scenes and gorgeous Hawaiian atmosphere. I highly recommend this clean but inspirational story of hope about a girl who learned to embrace more people with one arm than she ever could have with two.
"Soul Surfer" will have you emotionally on edge from start to finish. The film is an example of excellent pacing. The writers develop the characters and create the warm family connection, they show the tragedy, they deal with the recovery, and then they show the perseverence. The film is succinct while cultivating the important emotional content to create several "cry moments." If you don't feel as if you might cry at any moment, you do not possess a soul. AnnaSophia Robb is wonderful in the role of Bethany Hamilton, emotionally reserved throughout the tragedy but proving herself as a true actress when she breaks down in her scene with Carrie Underwood. In real life, the Christian aspect was important as Hamilton persevered through her tragedy, but the writers managed to give it a significant presence without shoving it down your throat. It was nice to see some big-name actors jumping on board to tell this inspirational story, like Helen Hunt and Dennis Quaid as the parents who became a crutch and encouragement to the main character. The cinematography is top notch through the surf scenes and gorgeous Hawaiian atmosphere. I highly recommend this clean but inspirational story of hope about a girl who learned to embrace more people with one arm than she ever could have with two.
Wednesday, August 10, 2011
The Glass Menagerie (1973) - 10 stars out of 10
The Glass Menagerie (1973) - 10 stars out of 10
"The Glass Menagerie" is a slice of Americana, showing the opposite of the American dream as a single mother struggles to hold her family together. This Tennessee Williams play uses a cast of four, each with a completely opposite personality. It takes true talent to play any of these roles because each personality is taken to its extreme. Hepburn gets into the role of Amanda to the point that you would argue that her southern accent is her true voice as she flawlessly delivers pages of dialogue without hesitation. The entire sequence with Laura is enchanting as this unfortunate girl finds Jim, who is almost symbolic of everything that Laura desires. Joanna Miles personifies innocence beautifully while Michael Moriarty has the charaisma and likeability to create a perfect contrast. Enough cannot be said for Sam Waterston whose personality evolves from sympathy to frustration to rage and back to sympathy in a matter of minutes through his dialogue with Hepburn. His narration as Tom shows the remorse and yet necessity of following in his father's footsteps. To keep things interesting, the straightforward story throws in a few twists though the focus of the film is the characters and not the story. It is fitting at all four actors were nominated for a Primetime Emmy and unfortunate that all four could not win. "The Glass Menagerie" transcends made-for-tv movies and should be regarded as one of the finest examples of acting in the world of cinema.
"The Glass Menagerie" is a slice of Americana, showing the opposite of the American dream as a single mother struggles to hold her family together. This Tennessee Williams play uses a cast of four, each with a completely opposite personality. It takes true talent to play any of these roles because each personality is taken to its extreme. Hepburn gets into the role of Amanda to the point that you would argue that her southern accent is her true voice as she flawlessly delivers pages of dialogue without hesitation. The entire sequence with Laura is enchanting as this unfortunate girl finds Jim, who is almost symbolic of everything that Laura desires. Joanna Miles personifies innocence beautifully while Michael Moriarty has the charaisma and likeability to create a perfect contrast. Enough cannot be said for Sam Waterston whose personality evolves from sympathy to frustration to rage and back to sympathy in a matter of minutes through his dialogue with Hepburn. His narration as Tom shows the remorse and yet necessity of following in his father's footsteps. To keep things interesting, the straightforward story throws in a few twists though the focus of the film is the characters and not the story. It is fitting at all four actors were nominated for a Primetime Emmy and unfortunate that all four could not win. "The Glass Menagerie" transcends made-for-tv movies and should be regarded as one of the finest examples of acting in the world of cinema.
Tuesday, August 9, 2011
The Family Man - 7 stars out of 10
The Family Man - 7 stars out of 10
A businessman has an opportunity to see what his life would have been like if he had married his college sweetheart instead of pursuing his career. It sounds a little bit like "It's A Wonderful Life" but is totally different. Tea Leoni is undoubtedly the highlight of this heartwarming story. She was adorable and playful in her role, and yet totally turned on her emotional side for one of the most heartfelt speeches I've ever seen in a movie. Nicolas Cage is... not quite as good, although this performance is before his acting became awful and he started to take on terrible roles. Although Cheadle and Piven (and Josef Sommer aka Mr. Ducksworth from The Mighty Ducks!) might attract you to this film, the only characters that get significant screen time are Cage and Leoni. I recommend this film but don't be fooled by reviews/synopses that compare it to It's A Wonderful Life.
A businessman has an opportunity to see what his life would have been like if he had married his college sweetheart instead of pursuing his career. It sounds a little bit like "It's A Wonderful Life" but is totally different. Tea Leoni is undoubtedly the highlight of this heartwarming story. She was adorable and playful in her role, and yet totally turned on her emotional side for one of the most heartfelt speeches I've ever seen in a movie. Nicolas Cage is... not quite as good, although this performance is before his acting became awful and he started to take on terrible roles. Although Cheadle and Piven (and Josef Sommer aka Mr. Ducksworth from The Mighty Ducks!) might attract you to this film, the only characters that get significant screen time are Cage and Leoni. I recommend this film but don't be fooled by reviews/synopses that compare it to It's A Wonderful Life.
The Mission - 6 stars out of 10
The Mission - 6 stars out of 10
"The Mission" tells an interesting story but I just couldn't get into it. Despite excellent performances by DeNiro and Irons, I never found an emotional connection to their characters. The highlight of this film (as pointed out by Jack Black in The Holiday) is the beautiful musical score penned by Ennio Morricone. He combines beautiful melodic lines with 4-part tribal voices, elevating each emotional scene (especially any time that Ave Maria Guarani plays). This isn't the greatest film that I've seen but I would watch it again, even if just for DeNiro's penance scene and the beautiful music.
"The Mission" tells an interesting story but I just couldn't get into it. Despite excellent performances by DeNiro and Irons, I never found an emotional connection to their characters. The highlight of this film (as pointed out by Jack Black in The Holiday) is the beautiful musical score penned by Ennio Morricone. He combines beautiful melodic lines with 4-part tribal voices, elevating each emotional scene (especially any time that Ave Maria Guarani plays). This isn't the greatest film that I've seen but I would watch it again, even if just for DeNiro's penance scene and the beautiful music.
Murder in the First - 8 stars out of 10
Murder in the First - 8 stars out of 10
"Murder in the First" is an intresting courtroom drama that will prey on your emotions through graphic portrayals of prison life (and its effects) and appease your movie critic side through its fine acting. The tone is set with the opening solitary sequence, which is brutal, and continues its dark imagery from start to finish. Although the film deviates from what actually happened (and is barely a true story once the screenwriters finished rewriting history), as a fictional work this story is wonderful. The true draw for this film is its raw, realistic acting. I often demean Kevin Bacon for his lack of acting skill, but his portrayal of the almost animalistic Henri Young is quite impressive. Each of the sides of the personality that he portrays - the tortured, innocent man and the fragile, traumatized victim - are so upsetting that he's difficult to watch at times. I didn't care for Christian Slater in the lead role (and would've preffered to see someone like Kevin Costner), but Gary Oldman was wonderfully evil and bordered on being sadistic. My ears perk up every time that I see William H. Macy's name during the opening credits of a film and he was great in this character role, but I was less than impressed with R. Lee Ermey as the judge. Unless you are a historian looking for accuracy, I think that anybody will value this haunting tale from Alcatraz (unless you have a weak stomach).
"Murder in the First" is an intresting courtroom drama that will prey on your emotions through graphic portrayals of prison life (and its effects) and appease your movie critic side through its fine acting. The tone is set with the opening solitary sequence, which is brutal, and continues its dark imagery from start to finish. Although the film deviates from what actually happened (and is barely a true story once the screenwriters finished rewriting history), as a fictional work this story is wonderful. The true draw for this film is its raw, realistic acting. I often demean Kevin Bacon for his lack of acting skill, but his portrayal of the almost animalistic Henri Young is quite impressive. Each of the sides of the personality that he portrays - the tortured, innocent man and the fragile, traumatized victim - are so upsetting that he's difficult to watch at times. I didn't care for Christian Slater in the lead role (and would've preffered to see someone like Kevin Costner), but Gary Oldman was wonderfully evil and bordered on being sadistic. My ears perk up every time that I see William H. Macy's name during the opening credits of a film and he was great in this character role, but I was less than impressed with R. Lee Ermey as the judge. Unless you are a historian looking for accuracy, I think that anybody will value this haunting tale from Alcatraz (unless you have a weak stomach).
Monday, August 8, 2011
Witness for the Prosecution - 10 stars out of 10
Witness for the Prosecution - 10 stars out of 10
Um... A QUADRUPLE TWIST!?!?!?!? This incredibly inventive courtroom drama begins with incredible acting, continues with wonderfully written dialogue, and concludes with your jaw in the dropped position. Charles Laughton lights up the screen with as much emotion as any actor could possibly portray on the screen. Occasionally comical but constantly intense, you will be hanging on his every word. I didn't care for Marlene Dietrich but Tyrone Power made up for it as he screamed across the courtroom from the witness stand. And in the end... Marlene Dietrich managed to redeem herself (you'll understand when you see this), both through her incredible acting during her witness stand freakout and what happens to her character. Strong performances all around transform a flat screen into a world with incredible depth, and leave it to Agatha Christie to provide a story that will bend your mind in the end.
Um... A QUADRUPLE TWIST!?!?!?!? This incredibly inventive courtroom drama begins with incredible acting, continues with wonderfully written dialogue, and concludes with your jaw in the dropped position. Charles Laughton lights up the screen with as much emotion as any actor could possibly portray on the screen. Occasionally comical but constantly intense, you will be hanging on his every word. I didn't care for Marlene Dietrich but Tyrone Power made up for it as he screamed across the courtroom from the witness stand. And in the end... Marlene Dietrich managed to redeem herself (you'll understand when you see this), both through her incredible acting during her witness stand freakout and what happens to her character. Strong performances all around transform a flat screen into a world with incredible depth, and leave it to Agatha Christie to provide a story that will bend your mind in the end.
Frida - 5 stars out of 10
Frida - 5 stars out of 10
"Frida" is an interesting biopic of the life of Mexican painter Frida Kahlo. In the world of Hispanic actresses, Salma Hayek will always be second to Penelope Cruz. However... she is still second. Her acting is superb in this role that earned her an Oscar nomination for best actress. The physical pain on her face as well as the emotional pain in her voice give the film a constant energy. All of the acting is superb throughout the film, noticeably in Alfred Molina as he portrays her womanizing husband, and subtly through Geoffrey Rush whom I did not even recognize until the closing credits informed me that he was in the film. There is a lot of graphic sex throughout the film and I don't feel that it was necessary to move the plot along. The cultural soundtrack is very nice in all of its Latin glory, though I am sad that it defeated John Williams' free jazz soundtrack to "Catch Me If You Can" for an Oscar. Also, I do not understand why it won for best make-up, since the only noticeable make-up was Hayek's unibrow but at least this gained some attention for the film. This film is a one-time-watch for me but still, it's an incredibly well done one-time-watch.
"Frida" is an interesting biopic of the life of Mexican painter Frida Kahlo. In the world of Hispanic actresses, Salma Hayek will always be second to Penelope Cruz. However... she is still second. Her acting is superb in this role that earned her an Oscar nomination for best actress. The physical pain on her face as well as the emotional pain in her voice give the film a constant energy. All of the acting is superb throughout the film, noticeably in Alfred Molina as he portrays her womanizing husband, and subtly through Geoffrey Rush whom I did not even recognize until the closing credits informed me that he was in the film. There is a lot of graphic sex throughout the film and I don't feel that it was necessary to move the plot along. The cultural soundtrack is very nice in all of its Latin glory, though I am sad that it defeated John Williams' free jazz soundtrack to "Catch Me If You Can" for an Oscar. Also, I do not understand why it won for best make-up, since the only noticeable make-up was Hayek's unibrow but at least this gained some attention for the film. This film is a one-time-watch for me but still, it's an incredibly well done one-time-watch.
The Phantom of the Opera (1925) - 6 stars out of 10
The Phantom of the Opera (1925) - 6 stars out of 10
"The Phantom of the Opera" may be the greatest silent horror film of all time, inspiring the long string of monster movies by Universal in the 1930's. Although I am not a fan of silent films, I cannot help but be mortified by the appearance of Lon Chaney as the Phantom. Considering his limited screen time, his grotesque appearance leaves a strong impression and it is hard to believe that any normal-looking person could transform himself into this inhuman monster. After seeing this, all other portrayals of the Phantom will be unintimidating. Mary Philbin is also wonderful, bringing this damsel in distress to life. The film includes tinting during different scenes to portray a certain mood but a very unique characteristic of the film is its unexpected use of Technicolor in the Masquerade scene. The sudden appearance of color renews the film's energy midway through. Although it does not have the "scare factor" that modern horror films achieve, in its time the unmasking scene is said to have made audience members scream and faint in their seats. That terror is what makes Chaney "The Man of a Thousand Faces" that revolutionized make-up artistry in film and set the wheels in motion for the screams of movie patrons today.
"The Phantom of the Opera" may be the greatest silent horror film of all time, inspiring the long string of monster movies by Universal in the 1930's. Although I am not a fan of silent films, I cannot help but be mortified by the appearance of Lon Chaney as the Phantom. Considering his limited screen time, his grotesque appearance leaves a strong impression and it is hard to believe that any normal-looking person could transform himself into this inhuman monster. After seeing this, all other portrayals of the Phantom will be unintimidating. Mary Philbin is also wonderful, bringing this damsel in distress to life. The film includes tinting during different scenes to portray a certain mood but a very unique characteristic of the film is its unexpected use of Technicolor in the Masquerade scene. The sudden appearance of color renews the film's energy midway through. Although it does not have the "scare factor" that modern horror films achieve, in its time the unmasking scene is said to have made audience members scream and faint in their seats. That terror is what makes Chaney "The Man of a Thousand Faces" that revolutionized make-up artistry in film and set the wheels in motion for the screams of movie patrons today.
Sunday, August 7, 2011
Little Shop of Horrors - 8 stars out of 10
Little Shop of Horrors - 8 stars out of 10
"Little Shop of Horrors" is one of the strangest (and yet wonderfully fun) musicals out there. It's list of credits are incredible, from the acting talents of Rick Moranis and Steve Martin to the music by Alan Menkin and the direction by Frank Oz. The unexpected cameos (like John Candy and Bill Murray) pop up everywhere in the film's minor roles, while Rick Moranis plays the best role of his career and Levi Stubbs brings Audrey II to life (literally). This movie has a lot of entertainment value and will bring a lot of laughs, especially when Steve Martin comes into the picture. I found Ellen Greene more annoying than entertaining, but the rest of the film is golden. The story itself is very clever, as the mystery of Audrey II is revealed one step at a time. The character development of Seymore from an innocent klutz into a man overtaken by his fame is also very clever. When it comes down to it, nobody can resist the catchy 50's music and characters unlike those from any other film in existence.
"Little Shop of Horrors" is one of the strangest (and yet wonderfully fun) musicals out there. It's list of credits are incredible, from the acting talents of Rick Moranis and Steve Martin to the music by Alan Menkin and the direction by Frank Oz. The unexpected cameos (like John Candy and Bill Murray) pop up everywhere in the film's minor roles, while Rick Moranis plays the best role of his career and Levi Stubbs brings Audrey II to life (literally). This movie has a lot of entertainment value and will bring a lot of laughs, especially when Steve Martin comes into the picture. I found Ellen Greene more annoying than entertaining, but the rest of the film is golden. The story itself is very clever, as the mystery of Audrey II is revealed one step at a time. The character development of Seymore from an innocent klutz into a man overtaken by his fame is also very clever. When it comes down to it, nobody can resist the catchy 50's music and characters unlike those from any other film in existence.
Grumpier Old Men - 6 stars out of 10
Grumpier Old Men - 6 stars out of 10
"Grumpier Old Men" is a fitting sequel and is a success because it feels like an extension of the first film, rather than giving the impression of a hastily thrown-together money maker that is inconsistent with it's predecessor. Although it cannot compare to the humor and story of the first, Matthau and Lemmon make a perfect pair with Sophia Loren tossed into the mix. The plot has similarities that give it the same feel as "Grumpy Old Men" but moves in new directions to give it an unpredictable feel, especially the unexpected twist during the wedding! Any fan of the original will enjoy this sequel as Burgess Meredith (a.k.a Mickey) steals the spotlight in his last on-screen performance. It received a lot of negative reviews for being too reminiscent of the first but if the first was so wonderful, how is that a bad thing?
"Grumpier Old Men" is a fitting sequel and is a success because it feels like an extension of the first film, rather than giving the impression of a hastily thrown-together money maker that is inconsistent with it's predecessor. Although it cannot compare to the humor and story of the first, Matthau and Lemmon make a perfect pair with Sophia Loren tossed into the mix. The plot has similarities that give it the same feel as "Grumpy Old Men" but moves in new directions to give it an unpredictable feel, especially the unexpected twist during the wedding! Any fan of the original will enjoy this sequel as Burgess Meredith (a.k.a Mickey) steals the spotlight in his last on-screen performance. It received a lot of negative reviews for being too reminiscent of the first but if the first was so wonderful, how is that a bad thing?
What Dreams May Come - 4 stars out of 10
What Dreams May Come - 4 stars out of 10
"What Dreams May Come" won an Oscar for Best Visual Effects and that is likely the main reason that anybody might watch this film. Outside of the unique visual "Heaven" created by the art designers, and filmed on rarely used Fugi Velvia film to bring the vivid landscapes to life, the rest of the movie is odd and confusing. Robin Williams is a great dramatic actor but this is not a good display of his talents - his character is very bland, which is surprising since the first 10 minutes really set you up to love his character. I was very impressed with Annabella Sciorra, whose lovely voice fit the role wonderfully, and whose emotional acting stood out just as much as the elaborate backdrops. I like the few twists and turns as you discover who his guides are but still, the movie doesn't seem to go anywhere and the characters don't develop. I did enjoy the sentimentality of the final scenes and feel that the film was worth watching to get to that point, though the journey to get to that point lacked. Michael Kamen's musical soundtrack did not do much for me until that penultimate scene when the themes came together to deliver the necessary emotional impact at the end. This isn't the greatest movie (and the Family Guy reference to it is very true) but is worth giving a watch for the paint scene and the very ending... just be prepared to get confused along the way.
"What Dreams May Come" won an Oscar for Best Visual Effects and that is likely the main reason that anybody might watch this film. Outside of the unique visual "Heaven" created by the art designers, and filmed on rarely used Fugi Velvia film to bring the vivid landscapes to life, the rest of the movie is odd and confusing. Robin Williams is a great dramatic actor but this is not a good display of his talents - his character is very bland, which is surprising since the first 10 minutes really set you up to love his character. I was very impressed with Annabella Sciorra, whose lovely voice fit the role wonderfully, and whose emotional acting stood out just as much as the elaborate backdrops. I like the few twists and turns as you discover who his guides are but still, the movie doesn't seem to go anywhere and the characters don't develop. I did enjoy the sentimentality of the final scenes and feel that the film was worth watching to get to that point, though the journey to get to that point lacked. Michael Kamen's musical soundtrack did not do much for me until that penultimate scene when the themes came together to deliver the necessary emotional impact at the end. This isn't the greatest movie (and the Family Guy reference to it is very true) but is worth giving a watch for the paint scene and the very ending... just be prepared to get confused along the way.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)