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Reviews
Return to Me (2000)
Gentle, Sweet, Sad, Funny
This was Carroll O'Connor's final performance. It's worth it just to see him as such a sympathetic and gentle old man--such a far cry from his Archie Bunker days.
All of the main characters are fleshed out equally which is really a nice treat. None of this lopsided "everybody exists only in relation to what they can do for the lead characters."
Two really funny scenes: 1) When the ex-priest comes over to take out Minnie Driver's character out on a date 2) The old guys sitting around playing cards and talking about Sinatra. Great stuff. Not terribly edifying or enlightening but nice. It's great to see a guy (Duchovny's character)on film who actually really loves his wife and suffers her loss as you would expect--long and painfully. But in the end, he's rewarded for his loyalty. Check it out--especially if you're a sappy chick like me.
Open Range (2003)
Open sore
Avoid this movie at all costs. One can only wonder who casts these votes on IMDB, because this lousy movie received a 7.6 average. You would think that the subtitle "A Kevin Costner Film" would have been warning enough, but no - I had to experience the entire 2 hour and 19 minute snoozefest first person. Granted, the film is beautifully shot, vibrant colors, wonderful angles on a big sky country. But there's only so much payoff in backlighting a turd. The script is dreadful, the acting flat, and the story - it's starts out absent and ends up absurd. I've wasted 139 minutes of my life. Do not make the same mistake.
Seabiscuit (2003)
Very few films and even fewer horses move like this one
Seabiscuit has its share of nay-sayers...pardon the pun. I'm not one of them. Even if you hate horses and care nothing for history you will be moved by this movie.
Tobey Maguire is a phenomenon for sure. I'm nothing short of stunned at his performance. It seems he completely mastered the very difficult skill of jockeying before shooting this movie. He must have had to train for 5 or 6 months to get as good and skinny as he is. It's amazing. However, the real show-stealer in this gorgeously shot, masterfully edited gem is jockey Gary Stevens. He's a natural. He has the presence of a giant despite topping out at 5'3" . If nothing else, go to the movie to watch him.
Miami Rhapsody (1995)
Woody Allen Goes South
Hmmm...Sometimes I watch this movie with the mute on. I just enjoy seeing all the scenes from my former hometown. I have to say that Kevin Pollack gives an absolutely fantastic performance as the philandering heartless husband. However, his paring with the mythically-sized Naomi Campbell is about as unlikely as a marriage between Howard Stern and Dr. Laura.
Watch it if there's nothing else on...especially if you live up North and it's winter. Seeing palm trees and sun, even on TV, can greatly reducing the symptons associated with Seasonal Affective Disorder. Don't forget the mute button!