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tedmiller
Reviews
Bless the Child (2000)
Finally... an action film for Bible Camp
I'll give "Bless the Child" 5 out of 10, and only because it gets better in the final third.
There are some thrilling moments (important to have in a "thriller") and they're well done. But the movie grows thick with religious overtones-- meaning it beats you with them OVER and OVER. I can imagine a convent erupting in cheers at the scene where nuns rally to save the girl-- by organizing a prayer group. It should be an exciting scene, but I'm the wrong audience. My sister, who's very religious and active in her church, would enjoy this film much more.
The movie's weak points are the dialogue and character interaction. Despite Kim Basinger's desperation to get the child back, she seems to do everything she can to work AGAINST the agent who wants to help. Some character mood changes come too easily, while others wear a bullseye on their forehead the instant you see them. The good Samaritans, however, were a nice touch, and the subtlety of their characters was welcome.
Some abrupt scenes make you wonder what they left on the cutting room floor. One such scene features Ian Holm. Despite His high standing in the credits, it's a cameo-- and his delivery is nothing short of "blustery."
I'm not a Basinger fan, but I wouldn't replace her or Jimmy Smits. The casting worked. I've read criticism that Basinger's glamorous looks are out of place and Smits's action-poor FBI agent wouldn't work on the NYPD. I can say the first is unjustified, and the second is inaccurate.
Christina Ricci-- who I do like-- puts in the worst performance of her career. I've never seen anyone else UNDERact and OVERact in the same scene. Watch how she treats the cigarette in the diner, you'll see what I mean. I could understand if she claimed she just got her script the day of filming.
The real reason I went to the movie was Angela Bettis, who had a small role in "Girl, Interrupted." She befriended me at a film festival last year. She seems to make the tears come so easily, so again I'll blame the shortcomings on the script. But Angela, advice from a friend, find some other roles besides drug addicts.
The Floys of Neighborly Lane (1998)
So inventive, you'll want more.
It's rare you find a short film that, just five minutes into the film, you're already looking forward to the full-length motion picture.
My one regret is that most people will not get to see this independent short. It is brilliant.
Danielle Faraldo's creation is like the Addams Family flipped on its head. Instead of being weirdly endearing, the Floys are sweet to the point of disturbing. It's like the kitchiest, happiest 50's sitcom seen through bubble gum-colored glasses.
Until a family moves in across the street with a girl who is always watching the Floys from her bedroom window. Always. She never leaves, she never smiles, and the Floys don't know what to make of it. Suddenly the Floys discover a new feeling: Paranoia.
The movie is beautiful to look at from beginning to end, even the youngest actors are fun to watch, and the ending is absolutely uplifting. You'll be in stitches until the end, when your eyes will be open wide with wonder.
As the lights came up, I commented to my date "I can't wait for the 90-minute version!" The woman sitting next to my date said, "Thank you, I'm working on it." That's the beauty of going to independent film festivals. Thanks, Danielle, and the best of luck to you.