LenB Reviews

Practical Magic (1998)

It's Not About the Magic.

[7 October 2002]

I have read through more than half of the reviews that have been posted for this film and have been amazed that no one seems to have caught on as to what it's really *about*.

It's NOT about the Magic. It's NOT about the witchcraft. It's NOT about the romance. It's about the power of numbers. In particular, it's about how women grouped together have power to fight the physical abuse of womankind, when a lone victim, with or without one or two relatives or friends, does not. On a lesser level, it's about how women who are not prone to being victimized can help rescue those who are. Everything else is just for flavor. Is a pumpkin pie about the spice? Is a dish served flambe about the alcohol?

This movie contains much food for thought. Comments about whether it does or does not accurately portray the practice of Wicca are so far off the point as to be meaningless.

Superficially, yes, it's fluff, and meant to be fun, and not meant to be taken seriously or as a work of art. But dig a little bit deeper, for goodness sake, and see what's underneath that puffy exterior. There's a lot there!

The Woman in White (1982– )

underrated classic

[3 September 2002]

I saw this 1978 BBC production when it was rebroadcast in the early 1980s on US television. (PBS, I think, or possibly A&E.) It has remained 'stuck' in my mind ever since.

From the understated elegance of the acting and production design to the fabulous adaptation of the original novel, this miniseries is and ought to be a classic. Walter Gerroll and Jenny Seagrove are incredible, and the gentleman who plays Count Fosco is as gently creepy as you could want-- but the one who really steals the show is Diana Quick. Strong and determined, she becomes more beautiful the better you get to know her. Seagrove has the 'looks,' but Quick has the character.

A wonderful series.

Dune (2000)

At last, a Dune that makes sense.

[9/10 · 5 December 2000]

The David Lynch movie was the worst movie I've ever seen, and believe me that's saying a lot, because I've seen a lot of bad movies.

The current TV miniseries completely takes that bad taste out of my mouth, at long last. It's not the greatest movie ever made, not even the greatest miniseries ever made, but it's very, very good. It makes sense, even if you haven't read the book. I know because the person I watched it with had never read the book, hadn't even heard of it, and the miniseries made sense to her. It also worked for someone who loves the book, namely me.

With the exception of Chani, the casting was perfect.

My only complaint is that the series needed to be about two episodes longer-- then they wouldn't have had to take any shortcuts at all. As it is, the shortcuts are OK, if you're not a fanatical book cultist.

Long live Mua'd-dib !!!

Snow Falling on Cedars (1999)

Loved it.

[9/10 · 6 February 2000]

Very few movies are 'better than the book.' (Dr. Zhivago, The Horse Whisperer.) This is one of them. It's much closer to the book than those two are, but the few changes there are make it stronger. Especially the surprise in the final scene, which is not in the book at all. It caught me off guard and took my breath away. *** I agree with those who say Max Von Sydow is the standout performance, but the female lead is also stunning. And Sam Shepard is, as always, quietly excellent. *** People who carped about the music score don't know what they're talking about. It was perfect. *** The cinematography is the strongest point-- Oscar nomination for sure.

Last Night (I) (1998)

Top twenty all time.

[10/10 · 30 May 1999]

I saw this movie at the Seattle Film Festival and voted for it for best movie in the festival. In my opinion it's the best movie since Sweet Hereafter (can you tell I like Canadian directors?). It goes somewhere in my all-time top twenty, along with such classics as The Seventh Seal, 2001, and Casablanca. *** In spite of the premise-- that the world is going to end in six hours-- this is one of the most upbeat, uplifting, spirit- filling movies I've ever seen. The performance of Sandra Oh alone would be worth the price of admission, but everyone else is almost as good, including star and director McKellar. Even Genvieve Bujold, looking 90 if a day, is up to the level of the others. The music is wonderful, providing a tongue in cheek commentary on the action some of the time. The script is incredible. The direction is perfect. *** I cannot recommend this movie too highly. It's one of the best ever.