Italy-Wedding Reviews

Shallow Hal (2001)

Better than I expected

[27 August 2004]

Gwyneth Paltrow can act, there is no discussing about that, she did some great movies like "Shakespeare in Love" and "The Talented Mr. Ripley".

But what happened afterwards? She made "Bounce", "Possesions" and "A View from the Top", not that good stuff in my opinion. Shallow Hal is one of the better films that she recently made. Although it was very funny at times, it had some dull moments, but the message was beautiful: "the inside of a person count". I don't like Jason Alexander, but he did his best - still I don't see him as an A-list actor. Jack Black is way to scary to be seen as a great actor, but I look forward to his performance in "King Kong".

There is certainly hope for Gwyneth, I guess "Proof" and "Sky Captain" will be great movies, and I heard some great things about "Sylvia". But I hope that she will stop talking about where she will live 'London, Spain, New York" and also stop about the willing to stop acting to become a full-time mother .... She should better focus on acting, I am sure she is a great person and actress to, but sometimes it's too much for me and others.

Still I give this movie 7,5/10, because of the good directing and exceptable performances.

Dogville (2003)

Lauren Bacall is back in this masterpiece of Lars Von Trier

[9 July 2003]

I had to see this movie for three reasons. 1- Because this movie is from Lars Von Trier and his ‘Dancer in the Dark' just shocked me in every sensible way.

2- Nicole Kidman is great in controversial films, just as in ‘The Hours' 3- But my principal reason is ‘Lauren Bacall', there are not a lot of words for her career, just stunning !

Dogville is a long film, 165 minutes of pure emotions. We have a lot of characters in the movie. All great actors and they all give fine performances. A few names ; Patricia Clarkson, Paul Bettany, Philip Baker Hall, Lauren Bacall and of course Nicole Kidman.

What strikes me the most is the way of filming. It is like theatre a kind of Bertold Brecht's work. White lines and a lot of imaginations were used to make this movie.

Yes, Nicole's performance is good, but don't forget the other ones. They give the best of themselves. There also a lot of rumors around the anti American message. I didn't see a lot of it, only in the credits, there you saw a picture of Richard Nixon. But the real message about America will come in the next movie ; ‘Mandalay'.

The story is quite simple : Grace runs away from her father and she hides herself in Dogville and the citizens have to protect her, but it causes problems...

My opinion : it is a quality movie, but I don't know if everyone will likes this. It is not a usual movie, with a usual message. But I was ready for a chance and the actors were also prepared for it. When you would ask me ; ‘which film do you prefer The HOURS or Dogville' ?Well I would go for The Hours because it was more a film that interested me and I needed a lot of imagination to follow ‘Dogville'. But it becomes better the more you think about it. It is the comeback of Lauren Bacall who retiered for a while after ‘Diamonds'. She is great and I love her. She is the only actress from the 40's who is still working and I realise now after the lose of Katharine Hepburn and Gregory Peck recently, that we have to keep in great honour. By the way it's also a small comeback for me. I stopped writing comments for a while, but now I am back just as Bacall.

Rating ; 8,5/10 or ***1/2 out of ****

Mickey Blue Eyes (1999)

It ‘s not Mickey (Blue Eyes) Mouse, but you will certainly have fun...

[31 December 2002]

I saw this movie twice, when someone asks for a good comedy, I always refer to this one. I guess this movie is wonderful because of its great dialogue and its brilliant performances. Although I found some moments really stupid.

This film is Kelly Makin's debut. The cameos surprised me. This time they weren't big stars.

This movie includes a massive cast : Hugh Grant : Michael Felgate (Simian Films produced this movie (his company). Jeanne Tripplehorn : Gina Vitale James Caan : Frank Vitale (perfect performance) James Fox : Philip Cromwell (a stupid part, but James made it something) Burt Young : Vito Graziosi (it seems like he likes the Mafia)

Joe Viterelli : Vinnie "the Shrimp" I think this movie deserves much more than (5,8/10). I guess 7,5 is a good average for it.

This movie carries out a lot of aspects: marriage, Mafia, Italian families. This movie looks like ‘Analyze This /That'. But I liked this one better. I also liked Hugh Grant's performance, he is brilliant in comedies. ‘About A Boy' is one of the best comedies of the year and I think ‘Notthing Hill' is one of the most 90'S brilliant comedies. I think, that he is better taking a more serious part like in ‘Small Time Crooks'.

Jeanne Tripplehorn had the simple part of saying ‘I have to be beautiful and that's it.'

I thought that James Caan would stop (3 years ago) but he is active now (more than ever). With projects as ‘Incredible Mrs. Ritchie', ‘Dogville' & ‘Elf'. It seems that he is perfect for his job. I think that this part, was the part that he needed. I never saw him in a comedy and he is good in it.

James Fox, What a stupid part he chose! I guess that he wasn't happy about it. He's such a good actor. His acting was good, but the final result was a complete disaster.

I liked the movie, but it has also its dull moments, but I liked it, so I am happy that I saw it...

Rating: 7,5/10 or *** out of ****

xXx (2002)

Bond is the good one, XXX is the bad one...

[28 December 2002]

Everyone is talking about this movie. I thought, ‘Maybe it isn't bad'.

In the beginning, it seemed to be a movie with a lot of action. But there was still a story. That is the thing that disappeared after 30 minutes. That was that, no plot, no story.

I only liked Samuel L. Jackson's performance, the part of August Gibbons, was well chosen, but I would have rather liked that he had played in a movie better than this one. He is always good (Jackie Brown, Unbreakable) but this time he did it completely wrong. He has so much talent, and he even decides to make another XXX movie, which is pitiful!.

We have different tastes, I guess.

Vin Diesel, I guess he did quite well (according to circumstances) but he would better do something different. I would love to see him in ‘Guys and Dolls' along with Nicole Kidman.

I guess that this isn't something for me and I guess a lot of people agree with what I am saying, because a lot of viewers returned home without joy or something to think about.

I wonder why I didn't choose to see any other movie in the teather?'

Well I'll have better luck next time...

The only good thing about this film are the visual effects

Maybe they have to try to find a good story, before they think they can imitate James Bond.

Rating: 5/10 or *1/2 out of ****

Road to Perdition (2002)

Great cinematography and great acting from Michael Sullivan Jr

[19 December 2002]

The Road to the Perdition

It's been a long time ago since I saw a Tom Hanks' movie, I believe the last one was "You've got Mail" , but it wasn't that great. I haven't seen "Cast Away" yet. It's also been a long time since Tom Hanks has made movies, but finally thid movie is featuring him as main character. Sam Mendes has honored many times because of "American Beauty", I've ever seen that film either,but I will do after seeing this.

I choose this film because of old golden boy, Paul Newman. One of the greatest actors of the 20th century and you don't often get the opportunity to see a movie with these two great actors together. So I thought, what could I lose?, so the adventure of "The Perdition" began.

Cast: 1. Tom Hanks: Michael Sullivan, 2. Jude Law: Harlen Maguire, 3. Paul Newman: John Rooney, 4. Jennifer Jason Leigh: Annie Sullivan...

Story: This story took place around 30's in the USA. A time of corruption and money... Corruption, money and murder are also the main subjects in this film. John Rooney, an old "Don Corleone", Mafia man is the head of a corrupt family. His "son" Michael Sullivan helps him to murder people who want to endanger the plans of the family. But ONCE it goes totally wrong. Annie (Michael's wife) and Peter (his son) are murdered by companions of John Rooney. He has to get away with his son Michael Jr. You get two hours of the love that a father could have for his son, the danger to stay alive, the suspense of every step they make and the wonderful screen images, which were extraordinary. I loved every scene, it was rather predictable, but it was a good movie... the greatest actor was Tyler H. (Michael Sullivan) he did a wonderful job.

Oscars: would I give Oscars to this movie? Yes, I would for best cinematography and for best supporting actor, Paul Newman... But I think two Oscars are enough for this movie... This movie is a mixture of 70S' movies.. there are a lot of scenes referring to other filmmakers, especially John Ford.

Rating: 9/10 or *** 1/2 out of ****

The Portrait of a Lady (1996)

Nicole, Nicole, we love you all ...

[26 September 2002]

In 1996, Nicole Kidman was only "madame cruise", just that. Oh yes we remember her because of To Die For with Joaquin Phoenix and Matt Dillon. And was also possible that she played once with Michael Keaton in "My Life". But 2001, a year full of surprises and tragedies (sadly). Mr. Tom Cruise said `I want to divorce, I am interested in Pénelope Cruz'. Well Mr. Cruise, Nicole Kidman is better than ever. She has become the greatest actress of this time and she plays in great films like "The Others" and "Moulin Rouge". Let's forget "Vanilla Sky".

But something that we not may forget is this film "The Portrait of a Lady" based on a book written by Henry James and directed by Jane Campion (The director of `The Piano'). Although this film got mixed reviews, it is wonderful to watch.

It is quite difficult to explain the story, but I'll try.

We are around 1800, Isabel Archer (Nicole Kidman) lives with her uncle ,Mr.Touchett and his wife (Shelley Winters) in England. She comes from America. She also has a cousin, Ralph Touchett (Martin Donovan). She has a lot of admirers, one of them is played by Viggo Mortesen. But she always rejects them, then she meets Gilbert Osmond (John Malkovich), she also meets Serena (played by Barbara Hershey). Between Isabel and Gilbert there is strange relationship with passion, betrayal ... and then Gilbert's daughter causes problems. (I don't think she causes problems, in fact Madame Merle was the one who got Nicole in trouble because of her lies)

THE ACTORS.

NICOLE KIDMAN: [Moulin Rouge, Cold Mountain, Dogville] she is great, but I have seen a critic and he said she is everything except a gentle character and I am afraid that it is true. But it is her part so I say she is perfect.

JOHN MALKOVICH: [Le Temps Rétrouvé, "Napoléon", Being John Malkovich] this is hid role, It couldn't have been better played than the way he did. A great person and a good actor as well.

MARTIN DONOVAN: He's not well known, but he has his remarkable performance, I think he is the best actor of the whole cast.

BARBARA HERSHEY: [Dangerous Woman] a good actress, she was nominated for an oscar, BUT she didn't get it. But 1996 was also a tough year for the oscars, it is difficult to choose among Lauren Bacall, Juliette Binoche and Barbara Hershey. Although Juliette won, it was a great surprise.

JOHN GIELGUD: [The Elephant Man, Shine, Julius Caesar, Arthur] he has a small part, but he was 92 when he played this part and he made 6 films that year. A great actor, who his known for his great Hamlet performances and it is very good that he appears in this film.

SHELLEY WINTERS: [The Secret Diary of Anne Frank, Alfie] also a small part, but also great to see.

I loved it, I really did!

When you want to see another great comment about his film, check the comment of Hernan Amado ([e-mail]), he is the greatest lover of this movie, that I know of.

Rating: 8,5 /10 or *** out of ****

Killing Me Softly (2002)

Killing me softly: The critics hate it, BUT I didn't!

[22 September 2002]

I guess everyone knows Joseph Fiennes, the actor of "Shakespeare in Love" and "Elizabeth", it is quite a long-time that we hear something of him. Well we've got some films but they are not great. Only "Enemy at the Gates" was well known, the rest of his work was forgotten. Now it is always difficult to make a comeback and certainly when you have a brother who is more successful than you are. Yes indeed his great brother Ralph, who he is always mentioned with.

Joseph Fiennes hoped to make a success together with actress Heather Graham, who was quite successful in "From Hell", although the film received some negative reviews, and it was especially the performance of Johnny Depp, who helped the film and not the performance of Heather.

But they both took a risk choosing a quite bad script, but a director who you can trust, because of his better films before this one. "Killing Me Softly" based on a book with some violent scenes.

All critics didn't give good comments on this movie, they didn't see one good thing in this movie and I think that is not true. Ok, I admit, it isn't perfect, but which film is really good these days?

Yes, the script is bad, but you can't say that the performances were that bad. Although I didn't like the character of Heather Graham at all, and her performance was not good, and I didn't like her because she had such a stupid character. She has everything that she needs but then she meets another guy and she leaves her boyfriend, just like that. I don't like those people, they think they 're the kings of the world.

But al least you can say something about Joseph's performance. He did it well, and I hope he will receive more attention in his next films; "Leo" with Dennis Hopper, "Luther" with Peter Ustinov and "The Great Raid" with Benjamin Bratt".

He was good, but not really what I expected after seeing "Shakespeare in Love" He can be better, but I have seen worse performances.

As for scenes; well I think that the nudity in the film is overrated Heather doesn't have problems to appear nude in front of the screen, well that is her problem, not mine. But she can't save the film being nude. I think that the film would be totally different if Gwyneth Paltrow or Kate Winslet replaced her. They are much better (playing that part) in my opinion at least. Joseph Fiennes also appeared nude, but certainly not much. I think that there isn't as much nudity as you see in "Irréversible" or "The Pillow Book"; however I didn't see these films.

But there are also some beautiful images of mountains and London, but that 's all.

The story:

Alice meets Adam Tallis, she falls in love with him and she leaves her friend Jake. laTer she meets his sister, after she married Jake, she discovers some weird things about him. What is the past of this man?

You would think that this film is a thriller, but just see it as a step out of reality.

AS I said: "the critics hate it, BUT I didn't". I don't mean that I loved it, but you can say 'it is bad' just like that. A lot of people have worked on this movie and you can say your opinion with some respect.

Rating: 6,5/10 or ** out of ****

Enemy at the Gates (2001)

A good movie about the war with great performances from Rachel Weisz & Jude Law.

[13 September 2002]

"Enemy at the Gates" is a movie about World War II. Most movies about this part in the history are full of violence and murders. And in this film it isn't different. But it is always fine to see how each director sees it. The best war movie so far is "Saving Private Ryan".

This movie is quite interesting because you have a great cast again;

1.Jude Law: Vasseli (lead actor) 2.Joseph Fiennes 3.Rachel Weisz 4.Ed Harris

This movie is About the fight around "Stalingrad" in Russia. Vasseli is a Russian too but he is well known because he is so good at shooting. The Germans send Major Köning (Ed Harris) to Russia, with the intention to kill Vasseli.

A commander (Joseph Fiennes) and his good girlfriend (Rachel Weisz) support Vasseli.

For me every movie has something special also in this movie there are some interesting things to see:

-How children play an important part in the war and how they become victims. This movie has given a wonderful part to a child, Sacha. He did it amazingly .

-You could say that the movie has a slogan: "Love don't declear war".

-There is also place for a twist about the love of someone.

-You see how crazy war is.

The performances were really strong especially those from Rachel Weisz and Jude Law. They were perfect.

Joseph Fiennes was good too, but I like the acting of his brother (Ralph Fiennes) more.

Ed Harris is great too.

Also the supporting parts were wonderful.

I can't see a lot of bad things in this movie, maybe that the love in the war was idealised and the end was too romantic... but life has to go on...

Rating: 8/10

Two Much (1995)

A disappointing result, but still some good performances.

[13 September 2002]

*The cast:

• Antonio Banderas : Art / Bart Dodge

• Daryl Hannah: Liz Kerner

• Melanie Griffith: Betty

• Joan Cusack: Gloria

• Eli Wallach: Sheldon

*The story:

Art Dodge is an art swindler. He looks at the death announcements in the papers. At the day of the funeral, thên he goes to the family and says that the dead person had bought a painting of him a few weeks before he died. At that moment, he meets Betty a rich woman who divorced the same man twice.

They fall in love with each other, but love becomes complicated when Art meets Betty's sister... he is deeply in love with her too. So he decides to transform himself in Bart (his twin brother) and then you get some humoristic moments, which aren't very funny at some moments.

Sheldon is the father of Art. Joan Cusack is the employee of Art.

An interesting note is that Melanie and Antonio fall in love on the set, and they married and had 1 child, Stella Banderas.

*Appreciation: This film is too confusing and although Daryl Hannah played her part wonderfully, the film has something of a disaster. Although the actors did their best to make a comedy. A catastrophe occurred

But don't forget that alL these actors had done some wonderful acting. Some examples; Melanie Griffith: Cecil B. Demented -- Daryl Hannah: Steel Magnolias -- Antonio Banderas: Philadelphia and Eli Wallach: the Misfits.

Sadly they made this time a wrong choice...

Mostly I like the movies that I saw and on the whole I give good comments about them. But this time I can only say that this film was a big disappointment and I hoped that it would have finished quickly. However I didn't lose my faith in the actors because it was just the wrong script that didn't work.

Rating: 5,5 /10

8 Women (2002)

8 flowers

[21 August 2002]

The French cinéma has a new memorable movie after `Le fabuleux déstin d' Amélie Poulain'. This time with well known actresses: the French divas are Catherine Deneuve, Danielle Darrieux, Isabelle Huppert and Fanny Ardant. Supported by Ludivine Sagnier etc... Directed by François Ozon, who became famous with movies like `Sous Le Sable' with Charlotte Rampling and `Sitcom".

A worth about the film and the view of it

François Ozon has chosen for a whodunit story in the way of Agatha Christie. The story goes about a family reunion in a lonely house with Catherine Deneuve as the head of the family (Gaby), her mother (Danielle Darrieux, she played Catherine's mother for the 3rd time in her life), the sister of Gaby (I. Huppert) and the two daughters of Gaby,. Than they discover that Marcel, Gaby's husband is murdered, but who did it? Later Marcel sister, (Fanny Ardant) and maid join the group.

You would think this is simple story like there are many, but that is a wrong opinion. A view points why this film is special: - This is the first time that a French film has such a great cast with all the leading actresses of French cinema (only Juliette Binoche and Audrey Tatou aren't in it) - It is the comeback for Daniele Darrieux, she is more than 80 years old and still a very good actress. - Every actress sings in this movie with no duped voices.

• The end is really different form an ordinary movie. - The decor has something nostalgic, just like the clothes of the actresses. - Every actress gives the best of herself.

François Ozon is already working on a new project "Swimming Pool" with Charlotte Rampling.

He is one of the new great directors of France after François Truffaut, André Techiné and Louis Bunuel...

Admiration for the actresses;

I have to say that all actresses are really good, they are just flowers like François Ozon shows us on his promotion poster...

But I have a great admiration for Catherine Deneuve, she is gorgeous and dominates every scene. In a few months she begins on her 100th movie with André Téchiné. I hope for her that it will be a big hit. But she is the queen of French cinema (in my opinion).

Maybe it goes sometimes to slow for some people, but grace to that you have the time to enjoy and feel the quality of this movie. French cinema is certainly as good as the Hollywood cinema. This film proofs it.

Rating: 8,5 /10 or *** out of ****

Gosford Park (2001)

Great cast and a good direction

[21 August 2002]

I saw two movies with Robert Altman as director; "Prêt à Porter" with Julia Roberts and Lauren Bacall and "Cookie's Fortune" with Glenn Close, Chris O'Donnell. They were both a little disappointing, although there were great performances. But I can assure you Altman is back with this British whodunit story, plenty of great British actors (Maggie Smith, Kristin Scott Thomas, Alan Bates, Hellen Mirren...) and also a few Americans like Jeremy Northam. Altman is known for his cast, there are always great actors in his films.

He still is a great director, he was responsible for 'M*A*S*H' or 'Short Cuts'. I was wondered what this Agatha Christie story would bring?



Well like in the most films of Robert, there are a lot of characters and that makes it sometimes confusing. We have 2 groups of people in this film.

(1) The servants, the butlers, the maids, the cooks... = the people from downstairs like Helen Mirren, Emily Watson, Alan Bates...

(2) The countesses and people with a lot of money = the people from upstairs like Maggie Smith, Michael Gambon, Kristin Scott Thomas. So we get an upstairs, downstairs film, where the two classes are wonderfully shown to us.

We have almost 15 characters in this film and you hardly know all their names. But grace to the director and screenwriter you can follow the film very good. There is also a guide in this story, Kelly Macdonald (the maid of Mrs. Trentham). Well you don't see clearly, but she is there in every important scene. Every character gets the time to show to the public, who they are, what they want. This kind of cinema is a good opportunity for the actors to give the best from themselves and you see that they enjoy it, but I give lather some more details about the performances of each actor.

Now something about the story: The shooting party in "Gosford Park" is always a great event; a lot of visitors come to enjoy the event together with their employees. But than suddenly Sir William (M. Gambon), the head of Gosford Park is killed and nearly everyone could do it and almost everyone has a motive. So detective Thompson (S. Fry) comes to look at the case.

In this movie you have two things to follow; - Who has murdered Sir William? - The evolution of each character.

I choose the most important characters to follow, because follow every character is too difficult.

Some words about the performances of the actors:

Maggie Smith: {Harry Potter, Richard III, Death on the Nile, Sister Act...} plays Countess Constant Trentham. She is one of the greatest leading actresses of England, and also one of the oldest. But she is great as snobistic countess. I am happy that in Europe the older actresses aren't forgotten like in Hollywood. Maggie is great and she is still acting wonderful. Her Academy Award nomination is totally deserved, she even deserved the Oscar.

Kristin Scott Thomas: {Four Weddings and a Funeral, The English Patient} plays Lady Sylvia the wife of Sir William. She is beautiful in this film, the perfect actress, in the perfect part. The scenes between Maggie & Kristin were the most beautiful of the movie.

Helen Mirren: {Roman Spring of Mrs. Stone (2002 - tv movie), The Madness of King George} played one of the servants. One worth for here performance GREAT. She said in the movie, I have no life, because I am the perfect servant, well she also the perfect actress.

Ryan Phillipe: {Cruel Intentions, Igby Goes Down, AntiTrust} a great talent, wonderful performance and a great Scottish accent, he has nearly the same accent as Sean Connery. He played wonderful as Henry Denton, also a servant of an American guest.

Alan Bates: {The Sum of all Fears, Far from the Madding Crowd} played in his own, good style a very good butler, Jennings. His performance was similar to these of Derek Jacobi.

Other actors are E. Atkins, S. Fry, M. Gambom, E. Watson, J. Northam...

This a great, I hope that `Voltage', the next film from Robert will be as good as this one or even better. He has again a great cast for that one; Joaquin Phoenix, Liv Tyler...

Who murdered is the question, but don't forget that there is so much more to enjoy. Enjoy every moment of this is long movie (but one with quality).

Thanks Robert for the fantastic 2 hours (and 17 minutes) of cinema pleasure.

Rating: 9/10 or ***1/2 out of ****

The End of the Affair (1999)

Ralph & Julianne instead of Romeo & Juliette

[21 August 2002]

first of all a great cast:

*Ralph Fiennes = Maurice Bendrix *Julianne Moore = Sarah Miles *Stephen Rea = husband of S.Miles *Ian Hart = detective

Notes:

-Directed by Neil Jordan -This move has been made before with Deborah Kerr

The story:

Sarah Miles and her husband meet Maurice Bendrix. The passion in the relationship of Sarah Miles and her husband is over. When Sarah decides to go out with Maurice, the affair begins, but when will it end?

Well the story is set during the second World war were Maurice nearly died in an explosion, but he survived. Sarah promises God to forget him and reconcile with her husband, however Maurice wants her back, but she refuses to be with him At the end of the story, Maurice and Julianne come back together, but she dies about 2 months later.

Work of the actors:

-Ralph Fiennes: he is very good, although his part is very similar too "The English Patient", he still plays wonderfully. He is A great British actor. He played his part with a lot of passion and feelings. (8,5/10)

-Julianne Moore: she is great, what a performance! She loves two men and she gives an explanation why she does everything. I have a lot of sympathy for her character. She is a great actress, good work Julianne... (9/10) -Stephen Rea: a very difficult part, a husband who doesn't fight for his wife's love, is that normal? He loves her, but he let her go to another man.

He played well, but a very odd part. (7/10) -Ian Hart: a small part, but worth watching (7/10)

Remarks:

-It is a typical Romeo & Juliette story, like many we see these days. But it is a good movie... great acting performances by Ralph & Julianne...

-It is different from the previous version, but this one is certainly as good as the 1956'S version. -God plays an important part in the film. Sarah believes in him, he doesn't.

This gives this movie is a twist between them.

Rating: 8/10 or ***1/2 out of ****

Bus Stop (1956)

Still great, 40 years after her dead

[5 August 2002]

Marilyn Monroe, a myth even 40 years after her dead...

In this movie she plays Cherie together with Don Murray.

The cast: *Marilyn Monroe : Cherie *Don Murray: Beauregard

The story: A kind a western man, Beauregard goes for the first time in his life to a great city. He doesn't know how to behave, but one thing is sure, he has to find a wife. His wife will be as an angel and guess who his angel will be. Yes it is Marilyn Monroe. She doesn't love him, but wants to get her, with a lot of trouble afterwards. But the romantic Hollywood movies have to end in a good way, so they don't change this time.

Marilyn Monroe did a great job as Cherie but it isn't her best film. Her Billy Wilder (died some months ago) films are much bigger and better too.

But this film is important, because Marilyn let us see that she is more then only a blond girl, she can act and maybe it was good for her to do something else after "The Seven Year Itch"...

Don Murray is a good actor, although he isn't very famous. But sometimes Beauregard goes too far, catching a woman with a rope, is that normal?

Remarks:

* Don Murray married with Eileen Heckhart (died also recently) after making this film, she was also part of the cast. * Beauregard is the french translation for good looking.

Rating: 8 / 10 or *** out of ****

One thing is sure, Marilyn isn't forgotten after 40 years...

The English Patient (1996)

The most wonderful movie that I have ever seen. This is Anthony Minguella's best movie so far.

[29 July 2002]

The English Patient is perfect as well as the cast. Some reasons why it's so great are:

1. Ralph Fiennes is superb as Count Almasy (the English patient)

2. The French actress Juliette Binoche is beautiful as Hana

3. Kristin Scott-Thomas shines on screen as Catherine

4. Colin Firth plays a good small part as the husband of Catherine and also Willem Dafoe as David

The film is set during the WWII.

This is a story about love and how far it can go and ruin your life, but it's also about the wonderful moments you can share together.

This movie tells the story of the forbidden love between Count Almasy and Catherine. They met whilst a meeting between establish Englishmen who want to stop the Germans. Love begins when they rest by themselves in a desert. Their love is beautiful but it's very fragile, however she is married.... Their love is too great to forget each other. After this beautiful love, Catherine's husband finds out about their love and wants to murder Count Almasy.

He flies his plane towards him, but Catherine's husband gets killed instead. Catherine was also in the plane, she survives from it and the Count helps her to go to a cave. He searches for help, but then they find out that he is a German spy. They lock him up and he has to travel away, but he kills someone on the train and he escapes. Of course he goes back to the cave, but Catherine has died. He takes the plane and he wants to go to England where she wanted to be buried, which was her last wish. The plane crashed, and he's hurt badly.

He goes to a hospital, and the nurse who has a special attention for him is Hana. She knows that he will die soon and she decides to stop the long trip for him and she goes with him to a cloister. She reads his diary and then they get a new habitant, David who has known him. But he is not sure if it is Count Almasy, because his face is burned and he tells that he doesn't remember his name. But through the diary readings, he becomes sure that he is Count Almasy. At the end they are sure that it is him, because he says it, and dies minutes later

He is again with his great love, Catherine...

It is maybe a difficult story, with a lot of flashbacks, but it's a movie that really moves you!

Ralph Fiennes was the best actor, he gave the best performance in this movie!

Also Juliette Binoche was wonderful, but in my opinion Lauren Bacall deserved the Academy Award, but Binoche deserves it as well.

The English patient is the nickname for Count Almasy, because he doesn't remember his name.

Rating: 10/10 or **** out of ****

The greatest film in 25 years.

Earthly Possessions (1999 TV Movie)

A FANTASTIC MOVIE with great performances of Sarandon and Dorff...

[30 June 2002]

Charlotte (Susan Sarandon) wants to leave her husband, Zack, because she is not happy at all with her life. She decides to go to the bank, to ask all her money and to begin her new life. But then Jack (Stepen Dorff) comes in that bank and robbers it and she has to go with him. Jack needs the money for his pregnant girlfriend and he wants to help her. Whilst the film is moving on, Charlotte changes from an old lady in a modern woman. There is something between them and you can speak of a 'victim'. No she doesn't care anymore about the robbery. She is even happy, finally she lost her husband. But then they see Mindy, the pregnant girlfriend of Jack and that is more or less the end of their love together. She decides to go back to her husband and Jack and Mindy go to Mexico were they have a good life with their daughter. Although Jack misses Charlotte a lot, she knows that this is the best for both.

CRITIC: SUSAN SARANDON: she is the actress with the most style and talent in Hollywood. She can play everything and she made great films. She is perfect like always. So is STEPHEN DORFF, who is not so well known but he surely plays a great role.

WORTH SEEING, EVEN WHEN IT IS A TELEVISION MOVIE...

Rating; 8/10 or *** out of ****

The Muse (1999)

A Hollywood movie about Hollywood supported by SHARON STONE

[29 June 2002]

Albert Brooks' new comedy has again big names: Sharon Stone (as The Muse / Sarah), Andie MacDowell (as Laura) and Jeff Bridges (Jack).

The plot: Steven (Albert Brooks), has a difficult period in his life... no, he isn't sick or his marriage isn't breaking down (well not so far...) no, he lost his inspiration and that is what he needs for being a good screenwriter. He needs help and he asks a very good friend (played by Jeff Bridges) to give him a solution. Sarah, one of 9 muses is the best way to give him inspiration, but she is difficult muse, she has her quirks from time to time and sadly for Steven, her quirks are very expensive... but at least she gives him inspiration. Laura, the wife of Steven gets also inspiration from Sarah. She starts a little cookie -company. The rows between Steven and Laura begin to reach its peak. Then begins the fight for "the Muse"...

This movie wasn't great, but it was worth watching... my opinion is that every movie has something special and this also the case for this one...

Certainly the performance of SHARON STONE was wonderful, she is the best muse that I ever saw... I hope she continues to make movies after a stop for 2 years... lets hope that her health is good enough to carry on... ALBERT BROOKS was good as an actor, but sometimes the script didn't please me that much, probably the script that he is writing in the movie is better then the script of the movie. I hope that his upcoming movie with MICHAEL DOUGLAS will be a little bit better. ANDIE MACDOWELL was good to but she doesn't make a lot of movies... but I think it was very difficult to make something remarkable from her personage. JEFF BRIDGES was remarkable too; well he has the talent of his father Lloyd Bridges.

SPECIAL THINGS about the movie: 1. THE CAMEOS from Martine Scorcese (director from "The Gangs of New York) Rob Reiner (director from "The Story of Us" (see my review) James Cameron (director from Titanic) Also Jennifer Tilly and Lorenzo Lamas get a part in the movie as well. 2. The music from ELTON JOHN

WELL IT IS MAYBE NOT A HIGHFLYER BUT IT IS AMUSING FROM TIME TO TIME... GO AND SEE IT

Rating: 7,5 / 10 or **1/2 out of ****

Small Time Crooks (2000)

Wonderful Allen Film, with a great cast and great humor...

[9 April 2002]

This time Woody Allen did a very great job with "Small Time Crooks", he gave 94 minutes of cinema pleasure. His films are always light and amusing. It seems that everybody wants to work with him, although he has a very small budget. But working with him is an experience for live. Liv Ullman, Hugh Grant, Jon Lovitz... had the seam idea and were the stars for his 200 movie "Small Time Crooks". Like mostly Woody took the lead-role. He plays the corrupt husband of Ullman. He has the plan to robber a bank, and he wants to dig a tunnel to get to the safe of the bank. But it had to be inconspicuous, so he rents the store next to the bank and his wife makes cookies for selling and in that time Woody and his companions make the tunnel. But instead of digging a tunnel and robber the bank, the cookie store became a huge success. So they get a company of "Crooks". Ullman is head of the company and she became involved with David (Hugh Grant) and he is mean, he wants her money and Ullman falls in love and the marriage is breaking up and they almost divorce but the company becomes bankrupt. And Ullman is now alone with her debts and yes she finally gets with Woody back. But she has still a box of Count Edward XI and she sells it and now she has a lot of money and they move to Florida.

The Actors:

1. Woody Allen gives a fine and funny performance

2. Liv Ullman is the best of all, everything is perfect her language, her looks (who she walks.... everything is perfect for her character that she plays)

3. Hugh Grant is great actor, he says that he has panic attacks on the set, but I ask myself, Why? He is good, he maybe has to make more films than it maybe would disappear instead of stop with acting.

This film was great instead of bad critics... so my rating is: 8,5 / 10 or *** out of ****

Another Diamond of Allen...

Misery (1990)

A short appearance of my favorite actress, Lauren Bacall

[23 March 2002]

I watched this film for two reasons:

Because Lauren Bacall played in it & Kathy Bates won an Oscar for it, so it couldn't be that bad... Based on a story of horror-writer Stephen King, about a fan (Annie played kathy bates) who locks the writer Paul Sheldon (played by James Caan) in her house. She lives in very silent neighbourhood, but how long gan she hide her secret? She is willing to do everything, but how far can she go? And which consequences will have this for Paul Sheldon & Annie? Lauren Bacall plays the publisher of Paul Sheldon. She is worried about his vanishing, thanks to her this film was worth watching.

This film was good and I liked but I guess "Dolores Claiborne" (another film based on a book of Stephen King with Kathy Bates & Christopher Plummer) is better

Lauren Bacall played also in "The Fan" which is about the same theme.

Rating: 8,5/10 or *** out of ****

Quills (2000)

Wonderful acting & a beautiful story

[16 March 2002]

I never saw a film of Philip Kuffman, but I knew that he could be very bombastic. I didn't knew what I had to expect but there were good actors in it, so it couldn't be that bad. The story goes about Marquis De Sade (Rush) who is mad. He wrote a few erotic novels and Napoleon isn't happy with that so I commands that a doctor (Caine) goes to the hospital to go look at De Sade. There, he mets Madeleine, the maid (Winslet) and the Reverend (Phoenix).

I think this film is wonderful, a lot of great scenes, but sometimes a little bit stupid (the scenes where De Sade is becoming crazy and they cut his tongue). But the end was fantastic and I liked the acting...

M.Caine was wonderful as the doctor, he is one of the greatest actors of his generation.

J.Phoenix, I was surprised that he played an abbé, but he did in a way that never could be better.

K.Winslet, after Titanic she was slowing away, but with this film she is back. Sometimes it is unbelievable how she likes De Sade.

G.Rush was the perfect man to play De Sade...

a very good film with some negative points but I rated it:

8,5/10 or *** out of ****

Dead Man Walking (1995)

Susan Sarandon at her best and Sean Penn is superb!

[9/10 · 8 March 2002]

Tim Robbins makes a wonderful film. His wife (susan sarandon) gives a wonderful performance as the sister Helen Perjean who wants to help Mattew Poncelet (Sean Penn) who is accussed of murder and who also will die of an injection... 120 minutes of splended acting and touching scenes is what you get. Great acting and it is a film that gives something to think about!

Susan Sarandon deserves the oscar of 1995 best actress. It is probably one of her greatest films ever.

I didn't see 'The Craddle will Rock" but I sure have to see more films of Robbins.

Rating: 9 / 10 or ***1/2 out of 4. Go and see.....

A Beautiful Mind (2001)

A good film with wonderful actors. Russell Crowe gives a very good performance... but there are also bad points.

[3 March 2002]

First I want to say that this movie was very well written. The dialogues couldn't be better. Also the story was wonderful. I didn't know a lot about the figure of "John Nash", but that wasn't very bad. That man is very great genious but he suffers from sichzophrenia. And that makes his life too a hell. The subject of psychological illnesses were good, but I think it is not correct that Alicia (the wife of Nash) didn't bring him to a psychological centrum. First she did it, but when he had to return because his illness became worse she followed Nash and that was totaly wrong. This film can give a wrong interpretation of a psychological centrum and it will influence people that such a centrum is a hard place to be and that it is better that you don't go to such a place. But this is totally wrong!!!!! It isn't a bad place... it aren't terrible places. They help you there! The scenes of John Nash, who is trilling of electrian shocks is totally misplaced! For the rest is this movie very good, only the typical Hollywood scenes. Especially the handkerchief scene is a little bit too much of it.

The movie gives a wonderful image of the life of John Nash!

The actors:

1. Russell Crowe: JOHN NASH : he gives the performance of a real sichzofreen. I guess that they have such a life. He is nominated for the Oscars and he may win, but Ewan McGregor (Moulin Rouge) may win for me, but he isn't nominated. So I can agree that Russell will win.

2. Jennifer Connely: ALICIA NASH : she isn't much on screen this time, but when she is there you can't give any bad comments on her.

3. Ed Harris: WILLIAM PARCHER: he is a real actor and this was the perfect role for him.

4. Christhopher Plummer: DR. ROSEN: an old legend, he is always nice to see in such films, I hope he will continue to make such films and not such films as 'Dragenhunt' or something like that.

5. Paul Bettany: certainly one of the best actors of this year with 'A Knight's Tale' and the upcomming movie 'Dogville' from L. Von Trier. He is a great actor and he couldn't be better!!

The movie is good, but I can understand that some filmlovers didn't love it. The film had some Hollywood aspects, but thanks to the actors, it became one of the best films of 2001, but not the best.

First I thought it would be something for adult people and not for adolescents like me. But yes this film is for everything from 17 until 100.

Rating: 8,5 / 10 or ***1/2 out of ****

The Others (2001)

Nicole does it again. She made a brilliant movie!

[15 February 2002]

After Moulin Rouge, Nicole Kidman was again very good in 'The Others'. A film of a almost unknown Spanish director. I heard it was good and oh yes it was!! Especially the end was great. The film was a drama, thriller and also a bit of a horror movie. The story (screenplay) and the acting were the great points of the film. Also the children were remarkable (for both it was their first movie). Nicole is the top actress of the moment and she deserves it. I can't get enough of her acting. I hope that her next movies will be as great as this one.

The story is difficult to explain but I will try it. -Grace a woman lives with her two children (Anne & Nicholas) in an old, lonely house. She has 3 servants who help her, but than she hears some strange noises. It makes her crazy, but what is it?

You have to see this, I can't believe the bad comments of some people, I enjoyed this movie very much and it is certainly one of the best films of 2001.

Nicole Kidman is now working on Dogville with Lauren Bacall (also a great diva) and Jeremy Davies... probably one of the great films that are expected.

Rating: 10 / 10 or **** out of ****

Ocean's Eleven (2001)

Soderbergh is great. The cast was wonderful too.

[10 February 2002]

This film is a remake of a Sinatra film in the sixties. I didn't see that version, so I can't say if it is better or not. But it certainly can't be much better. Soderbergh surprised me with "Erin Brochovic" so I expected another wonderful and I get it. Sometimes it was confusing because there were a lot of characters in the film. But at the end I know everything. The confusing part was certainly a suspense factor.

The first thing that was amazing was the cast: we have:

-George Clooney: Danny Ocean, did it quite well and he gave also a romantic aspect at the film. -Brad Pitt: he was at his best -Julia Roberts: Tess Ocean, she has a small part, but seeing her once was enough to have a good feeling. -Matt Damon: Linus, he prooved his status as a formidable actor. -Carl Reiner: Saul, I didn't see him playing before, but he was great and he proofs that old actors are certainly as good as young actors. I hope he will continue making films. -Elliott Gould: he was funny and good as always... -Andy Garcia: Terry Benedict couldn't be better played than Andy did it!

-Story: Danny Ocean is free after spending 4 years in prison. He wants to robber a casino in Vegas, with the help of 10 other men. The group is "Ocean's Eleven". One problem, the owner of the casino (garcia) has an affair with tess (roberts) the (ex)wife of ocean. How will this end?

Rating: 9/10 or ***1/2 out of ****

Niagara (1953)

Who says that Marilyn can't act?

[2 February 2002]

Well Marilyn is again wonderful as Rose Loomis. She was beautiful with her perfect clothes and she was certainly at her best. Sadly she didn't have the real main-part. This part was for Jean Peters who acted well, but the have the presence the way Marilyn have. Marilyn only have the wink and the screen is on fire. But Marilyn has also other things. Oh, yes she can act. The story was maybe a little bit predictable but the performances of Joseph Cotten & Marilyn Monroe were superb!

But the partner of Jean Peters in the film didn't act that well, he was unbelievable. He was not bad, but it could been better.

The story goes about a woman (Monroe) who fall in love with someone but she is already married with Cotten. So Cotten has to die... but then Peters and her husband come along and the film really begins.

RATING: 8/10 or *** out of ****

Murder by Death (1976)

A great cast

[27 January 2002]

Neil Simons made a very surprising movie with a lot of black humor. The 5 best detectives of the world are invited to visit the mysterious Loinel Twain and the casts will remember there visit!

The Cast was great: -David Niven is great as Mr. Charleston and his wife is played by the still wonderful Maggie Smith.

-Peter Sellers is again funny as the Chinese detective

-James Coco & Cromwell are the Belgian detectives. James Coco gives a funny interpretation of a Poirot type.

-Elsa Lanchester & Estelle Winwood: Jessica Marbles and her old maid represent the female detectives. (for both this film was sadly there last, only Lanchsester gave a little performance in Die Laughing, this was her last mayor role)

• Peter Falk is the last and also the most clever detective.

-And Alec Guinness as the mysterious blind butler...

This movie is wonderful, certainly the actors are worth watching!!

Rating: 8/10 or *** out of ****