redpenedtg Reviews

Kennedy (1983)

Best Kennedy Portrayals On Film

[9/10 · 20 December 2004]

I waited a long time for this mini-series to come to VHS, and even longer for it to hit DVD! Whenever I see a portrayal of a member of the Kennedy family in film or on TV, this is the film I compare it to, and this film comes out on top every time! Martin Sheen is not JFK's physical twin, but his speech patterns are perfect. Blair Brown delivers the best portrayal of Jackie Bouvier Kennedy you're likely to see, ever. The supporting cast is great, as well. I think only "Thirteen Days" ranks with the supporting cast portrayals, but Sheen's JFK is far and away the best on film!

Anyone interested in the Kennedy clan would enjoy and learn a lot from this film!

Dreamcatcher (2003)

King at His Lazy Worst

[1/10 · 16 July 2004]

This film may have achieved the impossible in taking the crown of Worst Stephen King Film Ever away from the TV-remake mess of "The Shining."

This plot contains every already-used King plot point, mixed with several cliches, to make a complete waste of 2 hours of your life. Childhood friends gather in adulthood to battle a monster (hmmm . . . "It"?). Each friend has a special supernatural talent (hmmm . . . "Firestarter"? "Carrie"? Every King novel ever written?). A terrible snowstorm traps the men in a small town, and makes escape impossible (hmmm . . . "The Shining"? "The Storm of the Century"? "Misery"?).

I was very embarrassed for Morgan Freeman, a fabulous actor with classic movies on his resume, appear in this pile of nonsense. You'll also see (if you choose to watch) Jason Lee of "Chasing Amy" and Thomas Jane, who did a wonderful job as Mickey Mantle in the cable film "51*". I wonder if any of them will ever get work again after this one.

Stephen King seems to write as if he wants us to run screaming. This time, you should do it BEFORE you watch "Dreamcatcher"!!

Always (1989)

Best character/actor match ever

[10/10 · 6 August 2003]

I remember a review of "Always" in Us magazine that read: "As close to perfect as a movie gets." I agree. There is nothing to dislike about this film. The characters are well-written, well-acted, three-dimensional and lovable. The first third of the movie (before Pete's accident) is loaded with honest laughter, inspired by real humor. No sight gags, cursing-to-get-a-laugh, or parody. Pete's death is felt by the audience, who already likes him, and his interaction with those he left behind is at times hilarious, touching, and (ironically) human. His friendship is felt, and his jealousy is understandable. The entire cast acted with their hearts, not their heads, and that makes "Always" a true masterpiece of entertainment.

Always (1989)

Best romantic "dramedy" ever

[10/10 · 6 June 2003]

For me, this movie has everything: comedy that's honestly funny, drama that touches you, and an exceptional cast. Each actor is completely believable in his or her role, and you care about the characters. A great story about love, friendship, death, and beyond.

Late for Dinner (1991)

Great characters

[8 June 2001]

While this is not a classic film in any sense of the word, what sticks out in my mind are the characters. With a relatively silly plot, the actors do well in treating it seriously. The characters are colorful and the rapport seems genuine. This is a good rentable movie for dates and rainy nights.