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Reviews
Miss Meadows (2014)
Tribeca Review
I saw this at the Tribeca Film fest and I really liked it. Sure, the plot is clumsy at parts but it is all part of the fun. It's actually hard to describe this film since it has such a unique tone. Think Mary Poppins meets John Waters. It's funny, dark, campy, and it's very out there. I have to say my favorite thing in the film was Katie Holmes. This type of role you just do not expect from her and I hope she continues to do characters outside of her comfort zone because she certainly has the chops to bring them to justice. This is the best performance I've seen from her. the movie got a very generous applaud at the screening I attended at the festival but I don't think this will be a mainstream hit. I think it will eventually find its audience though. I wouldn't be surprised if in the future it joins the list of most respected transgressive cult films.
Soldier's Girl (2003)
Ahead of its time (VERY MINOR spoilers)
Truly ahead of its time, Frank Pierson's "Soldier's Girl" experiments human sexuality in a very controversial way (in political and social standards). I've heard many say "This was truly a love story between a man and a WOMAN." People, Calpernia (Lee Pace) is a transsexual(a person with a psychological urge to belong to the opposite sex that may be carried to the point of undergoing surgery to modify the sex organs to mimic the opposite sex). Still, a MAN! OK, OK... true love comes from the inside, and she(he)felt like a woman inside, so it's debatable, I guess.
Anyways, this movie is a gem waiting to be discovered. Not many 'normal' viewers notice this, but the editing, photography, art direction and cinematography in this movie are awe-inspiring. From the first moment Calpernia was shown on stage as a 'Drag Queen' (or as some might feel more comfortable saying: night club performer), we can appreciate all the hard work put into this film.
The acting was incredible in most parts. I was especially impressed with Lee Pace as Calpernia; no, a woman shouldn't have played this part, one of the plot points of the movie is that 'she' is a he (or 'he' is a she, it's confusing!) and it is credible this way. Especially with that excellent-looking silicone falsie pair of breasts! I was also very much impressed with Shawn Hatosy (keep up the good work!). He really could've come through as a stereotype but managed to keep his presence the most ambiguous as possible. Troy Garity was also very good as Barry. He looked uncomfortable with the camera or something during the first 5 minutes of appearance but he ended up giving a heartbreakingly passionate performance. So overall, very powerful performances all around.
I recommend this movie to anyone daring to accept (or at least tolerate) it as it really is, which I admit can be a bit difficult for an instant. Conservative viewer's discretion is advised, tolerance is suggested. So you have an idea of how this movie is, I'll describe it as Pedro Almodovar's artsy directed and controversially themed "Todo sobre me Madre (All about my Mother)" or "La Mala Educacion (Bad Education)" but without the Hitchcock-inspired crime/mystery elements, mixed in with Shakespeare's love narrative style in "Romeo and Juliet" or "Othello." Shake well and enjoy the ride! But beware, it has shock value all the way through (unless you want to metaphorically hide it) and it is based on real events (the script was written from the court sessions, police investigations, and of course Calpernia's testimonies). This is not your typical happily ever after Hollywood formula crowd pleaser. It's here for other reasons, and I have faith that time define it in society's standards for what it really is. I repeat, for me at the moment... I just consider it a gem (something valued for beauty and near-perfection).
Wasted (2002)
definitely not a waste of time
I saw this movie yesterday night and it was one of the best made for TV films I've seen. It was very well directed and the acting was superb, very convincing. The music was good and the cinematography was beautifully shot. Take out the hopelessness out of Requiem for a Dream and you get wasted. An excellent depiction of the world of drug addiction and its consequences given in a very open way in wich anyone can relate to. cudos to mtv for giving us a good flick for a change from !*$*% like Crossroads.
WiseGirls (2002)
What a great and fun movie!
I had the privilege to see Wise Girls at a special screening at the Sundance Festival on Sunday January 13th, and I absolutely loved it! At first when the movie started, I really didn't know what the movie was about, and I though it was going to be a chick flick. But hell it wasn't! It's about three waitresses that work in a mafia owned restaurant and they get involved with the business when one of them witnesses a crime. I love movies that I really get into, and this was one of them. But I wasn't the only one, the whole theater was into the movie, we all laughed, gasped, got scared(specially in a part involving a nose), and when the movie ended everyone gave a standing ovation, including me. The performances were excellent. Mira Sorvino(Aphrodite) was great as always. Melora Walters(Magnolia) didn't quite convince me at first, but there is a good explanation later in the movie. But the big surprise was Mariah Carey(Glitter), she was very good, unlike in her film debut Glitter, and I have to say she is one of the spotlights in the movie, and most of the people agree with me. About the director David Anspaugh, well... I didn't know much about him, I've only seen Rudy(which I fairly enjoyed), and I'll have to check if it's really his' because the two movies are so different. Anspaugh did a great job. So... when you get a chance go see this movie, I recommend it. P.S. Robin Williams' One Hour Photo was excellent too!
Glitter (2001)
A Good Musical. A Good Mariah.
I went to see this movie for 2 reasons, this movie is the only wide release, and I'm not that much of a Keanu fan. I'm not either a Mariah fan, but I wanted to do something else other than watch the news. So I went to the movies with my friends and saw Glitter, I had heard about the movie because of her breakdown but never saw the trailer. What I can't believe is that I liked this movie, and mariah is good in it, and it's not just a girl makes it big story, it has other interesting plots, and overall it's a feelgood movie, and I needed that. What people forget is that movies are made to entertain you, and this movie does that! B+ Oh! bye the way, the music was great!
Requiem for a Dream (2000)
disturbingly beautiful
This is the most disturbing movie I have seen in years, and I loved it. I is beautifully made and wonderfully acted. Jared was excellent, his performance will open many doors. It is very graphic in the depiction in drug addiction, vices and goals. I saw the edited version and can't wait to see the uncut one. I recommend this movie to everyone, well, everyone over 16 at least. :)