Based on the so-so casting and the lukewarm reviews, I wasn't sure what to think of this film... so I was pleasantly surprised! It could easily fall into a standard rom-com formula, but stays just... more
Based on the so-so casting and the lukewarm reviews, I wasn't sure what to think of this film... so I was pleasantly surprised! It could easily fall into a standard rom-com formula, but stays just interesting and different enough to keep your attention. The characters are slightly different from the norm and endearing, so you find yourself caring about who they are and how (or if) they will get together, despite some pretty big emotional walls. I liked the artistic filming techniques and actually wish they'd done more of that, to give the film even more edginess. I rather enjoyed Jesse Bradford's character; unfortunately, Cuthbert could barely act her way out of a paper bag. I wouldn't call it outstanding filmmaking, but it's endearing and cute for a romantic watch.
Based on other Netflix reviews, it sounds like I need to watch the Korean original on which this one was based; once I can get my hands on a copy of that one, I'll post an update with comparison between the two films.
Gerard Depardieu is in his element, perfectly, in this big screen adaptation of the classic story. Whether you're a long time fan of the novel, or you've only Steve Martin's goofy portrayal in... more
Gerard Depardieu is in his element, perfectly, in this big screen adaptation of the classic story. Whether you're a long time fan of the novel, or you've only Steve Martin's goofy portrayal in Roxanne, you owe it to yourself to check out this rendition of the beloved story of mistaken identity and true love. Fabulous and elegantly done!
Long before Depeche Mode enjoyed popular success with their Violator album in the late 1980's, they were creating solid, breakthrough music in the gothic/techno alternative music genre. Especially... more
Long before Depeche Mode enjoyed popular success with their Violator album in the late 1980's, they were creating solid, breakthrough music in the gothic/techno alternative music genre. Especially well known for their trance-like rhythms, haunting melodies, and darker themes, they were instrumental (pun intended) in bringing the natural sounds of human heartbeats and breathing into the multi-layered rhythms of their songs. They have a unique sound that's all their own, and have never really deviated from that.
This recent addition to their musical collection is solid, although I find some of the songs fairly frenetic, less melodic than their previous music - it feels grating at times. I'm glad to see they're having more commercial success, but after a 4 year hiatus from recording or touring, I was expecting something a little more polished and put together. Still, there are enough great songs here to justify a purchase, or just download your fav tracks from iTunes and skip the rest.
Loved this when I was a kid. The whole series, inspired by the novels, is exceptionally well done. Megan Follows perfectly embodies Anne's spirit, and Colleen Dewhurst's tough exterior and heart of... more
Loved this when I was a kid. The whole series, inspired by the novels, is exceptionally well done. Megan Follows perfectly embodies Anne's spirit, and Colleen Dewhurst's tough exterior and heart of gold is impossible not to fall in love with.
Fantastic film, and perhaps the ultimate treatise on a young Generation X. Very funny, and features several of my favorite actors (love Janeane Garofalo). Ben Stiller wrote, directed, and acted, and... more
Fantastic film, and perhaps the ultimate treatise on a young Generation X. Very funny, and features several of my favorite actors (love Janeane Garofalo). Ben Stiller wrote, directed, and acted, and I think this film is soooo much better than some of his later stuff (Zoolander, Night at the Museum) because while it's got a lot of humor, it also has a lot of heart. Love.
Whatever happened to The La's? They had a strong debut in the alt music scene around 1992-ish, and then sorta just disappeared... good music.
I thought it was hilarious that a Christian pop band... more
Whatever happened to The La's? They had a strong debut in the alt music scene around 1992-ish, and then sorta just disappeared... good music.
I thought it was hilarious that a Christian pop band, Sixpence None the Richer, remade one of their songs only 5 years after its original release - added nothing unique to the remake, and you gotta wonder if they even realized what they were singing about...
If I were a man (named Henry) and I were engaged to a woman who'd already had 7 previous husbands (named Henry), I might ask... what happened to the first 7 dudes???
Okay, to be honest, this movie was mostly pretty awful, due in part to a weak screenplay with weak dialogue and a seriously scrampy budget. I think it *meant* to be campy, on a level with The... more
Okay, to be honest, this movie was mostly pretty awful, due in part to a weak screenplay with weak dialogue and a seriously scrampy budget. I think it *meant* to be campy, on a level with The Princess Bride, but it just didn't pull it off quite right - I think it didn't go quite far enough, so you're never really sure if it's meant to be serious or meant to be over-the-top.
But, it has James Purefoy. And it's about knights and dragons and princesses. And I love Joan Plowright and Michael Clarke Duncan, even if they have bit parts. And did I mention James Purefoy? My goodness that man is handsome. Why has he never appeared in any American movies? (He did have a bit part as the dark prince in A Knight's Tale, but that's hardly enough to keep a girl going.)
Extremely talented and very easy on the eyes, too! I really respect that he's chosen to forgo some of the Hollywood superficiality in favor of more artsy films and theater... love actors with a... more
Extremely talented and very easy on the eyes, too! I really respect that he's chosen to forgo some of the Hollywood superficiality in favor of more artsy films and theater... love actors with a strong value system who are picky about their roles.
Soooo many of my childhood magic moment took place in a library. They're almost like churches for me - the quiet, the smell of old books, yummy! I think the Boston Public downtown is my favorite and... more
Soooo many of my childhood magic moment took place in a library. They're almost like churches for me - the quiet, the smell of old books, yummy! I think the Boston Public downtown is my favorite and my best.
My absolute favorite Don Bluth film to date, hands down. The cast is perfect, the characters are great, the artistry is stunning, the music is awesome. Just the perfect kind of animated film ever ... more
My absolute favorite Don Bluth film to date, hands down. The cast is perfect, the characters are great, the artistry is stunning, the music is awesome. Just the perfect kind of animated film ever - and, unlike most Disney princesses, this girl kicks butt!