Rustyone Reviews

Mindwalk (1990)

A film about looking at the world from different angles

[8/10 · 28 March 1999]

This slow paced film is definitely not for any viewer who craves a lot of action. Instead, this movie contrasts the philosophical viewpoints of three people: a scientist (played by Liv Ullmann), a poet (played by John Heard) and a politician (played by Sam Waterston). Although the content of the movie is interesting (providing you with physics and science), the movie is not fulfilling because it fails to invite the viewer to develop any emotional identification with any of the characters. Hints of this emotional element do show up briefly in Ullmann's relationship with her daughter and as well as Waterston. However, the movie left me feeling slightly empty and unfilled. The backdrop of Mont. St. Michel is interesting but it is not enough to carry the movie.

Gandhi (1982)

An epic spanning the first half of the 20th century

[26 February 1999]

This magnificent movie, the winner of 9 Academy Awards, covers most of the adult life of Mahatma Gandhi. Skillfully played by Ben Kingsley (who won for best actor), it carefully develops the Indian movement for self rule from the British. Its only drawbacks are its 3 hour length and somewhat slowing pacing. This is a movie for anyone who wishes to be inspired by one of the greatest lives ever lived. The supporting cast is solid but they are overshadowed by Kingley's performance. This film is a must see for any true video hound. ***** out of 5 stars!

The Madness of King George (1994)

Well acted period piece

[9/10 · 23 February 1999]

As the title suggests, this movie deals with the insanity of King George III following the loss of the colonies in North America (i.e. the United States). The movie works on several levels--a commentary on the barbaric medical practices of the day, a love story between King George (Hawthorne) and his Queen (Mirren), dispute between the generations, and most importantly, of the overcoming of hurdles. Like many British films, this is one is well acted and directed but the pace is sluggish for most Americans. Overall, the general character of the movie is uplifting and when combined with the fine performances make it Academy Award material. Four and 1/2 stars out of five.

The Seventh Sign (1988)

A solid film with an uplifting message

[7/10 · 20 February 1999]

This movie develops three themes that later come together in the climax of the movie. The first is that of the troubled pregnancy of Abby Quinn (Demi Moore) and their seemingly unrelated decision to rent a room to a boarder. Ms. Moore is the star of the movie and plays her role convincingly. The second theme involves Russell Quinn's fight to save the life of a convicted murder (John Taylor) plus keeping his wife as calm as possible during her pregnancy. The last theme is that of the mysterious boarder, played well by Jurgen Prochnow, who shows up in the oddest places. The movie is capably acted by everyone involved and offers some supernatural thrills without going overboard. The ending is sad and yet uplifting which makes the movie a winner. This is a must for viewers who like to collect small movies that most people have never heard of.