pfranklin Reviews

Judgment at Nuremberg (1961)

This Movie Is More Revelant Today Than In 1961

[10/10 · 16 January 2007]

Wow ... I almost forgot the significance of this great movie. In fact it seems so much more significant today than it did in 1961. In light of the current political philosophy of fear mongering and removing rights via laws like the Patriot Act. Maybe every American should watch this movie again to prevent the United States from moving in the wrong direction.

What is so wonderful about this movie is not only a wonderful script but of course the excellent acting by screen greats Spencer Tracy, Burt Lancaster, Richard Widmark, Maxmillian Schell, Judy Garland, Montgomery Clift, Werner Klemperer and even a young Bill Shatner. This cast along with the script and Stanley Kramer's direction is as good as it gets.

The philosophical questions asked by this classic is timeless and must be addressed at times of great need such as now. And I doubt there is a better vehicle to ask these questions. Even though this movie a fictional drama about actual history it tells a great story while asking the most important question we can ask of society. This is truly a must see drama. It's significance is simply timeless. If you are lucky you will catch it on TCM.

The Producers (2005)

Better Than The Original Movie

[10/10 · 3 January 2007]

The first movie was great but this one was actually better. This is simply classic Mel Brooks at his finest. The production quality of this version is about as good as it gets. This was literally a Broadway production put on film and it was just perfect. I guess the magic was also in the remarkable casting and updated production values. I can see why they did the remake. This version should have one at least one Oscar but I guess it wouldn't happen because of the previous movie won. I guess Hollywood is not as crazy about Mel Brooks as they were in the 1970's.

This is comparable to Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and the original Willie Wonka. The re-make was better than the original but you can't help but still love the original. Rarely can a remake be better but these are examples that it can be done..

Dogville (2003)

A Most Unique and Exceptional Stage Play on Film

[9/10 · 14 April 2005]

This film is really much more of a stage play than what one would normally think of as a film. I simply couldn't imagine it having as much impact if it were a traditional movie. That being said it is very difficult to objectively review this film or stage play. Obviously the script, acting, and direction were excellent. But that falls short of any type of review.

The storyline is what makes this work somewhat unique. It is something of a black philosophical look at human nature. And what makes it rather exceptional is the historical reality of the Great Depression era it so carefully depicts. It asked some tough questions of human nature in difficult times, and it does so eloquently with purpose and strength. Even though this is the equivalent of a nine-act stage play it does not drift or drag. It stays on point building up to a climax that the viewer does or does not necessarily expect.

I simply liked this for all of the obvious reasons that anyone would enjoy a fine work of art, but I found exceptionally unique in its sense of purpose while being entertaining. In my opinion this is an exceptional and unique stage play produced on film. It's certainly worth the nearly three hours it takes to view it.

The Cat in the Hat (2003)

A Great Movie ... Too Many Just Don't Get It

[10/10 · 24 October 2004]

I simply don't understand all the poor reviews on this film. I think it proves that many of the people who went to see this film had no idea of what to expect from Dreamworks and Mike Myers. If you like the Austin Powers movies you will really like this. No it wasn't some dumb children's Disney movie. It was edgy and had a more of a sophisticated interpretation of the original Dr. Seuss book.

I'm guessing the problem is that most of those were expecting a re-enactment of the original children's book. And I doubt seriously Mike Myers or Dreamworks would do such a movie as that. My philosophy on movie and books is simply they are not one and of the same. The children's classic The Cat In the Hat was meant to be one of the first books a child could learn to read. It featured a wonderful use of colorful words to go along with the wonderful illustrations of that era of printed children's publishing. If that is what one expects then they would be best just stick to the classic original children's book. I would wager a bet that most of the parents who complained about this movie never bothered to give their children the book. Instead they just take their brats to the multiplex and expect them to have the same experience as actually reading the children's book.

No this is a highly entertaining and humorous critic of modern American life. The character of Mr. Humberfloob (Sean Hayes) and Quinn (Alec Baldwin) along with the mom played by Kelly Preston and the two wonderful child actors do in fact present a satire of modern life. No, children like Sally did not have Palm Pilot organizers in the original book. And no the children in the original book were not as uptight and materialistic as those of 2003. So naturally the Cat (Mike Myers) had to be more sophisticated and edgy.

Bottom line this movie is a view of modern day life in uptight urban America. It simply follows the storyline from Dr. Seuss's children's book. It was not meant to be a remake of the printed book. And if there are those out there that thought so then God help them. And unfortunately it seems this excellent movie is a waste for them because them are simply too dumb to get it.

The Grey Zone (2001)

A Superb and Gut Wrenching Human Experience

[9/10 · 20 December 2003]

Like so many movies I see this one just popped up on one of the many cable movie channels in which I subscribe. And in a way that is a very good way to watch a movie. So I wasn't prepared for this one. All I can say is that it grabbed me in a way very few movies do. Definitely one of the best of the Holocaust movies of all time.

Trying to describe this movie would be like trying to describe a sunset to a blind person. It is simply an experience that will touch you deeply. It touches the very core of our human existence in a brutal and tragic way. It touches emotions and feelings in us that very few movies ever do. So it is a must see movie for those who simply love this art form of telling a story.

My only other comment is that the production value is top-notch … great acting all around. And the movie set here is very convincing. This is simply an excellent example of how this art form can touch our human souls.

White Oleander (2002)

Excellent acting ... good melodrama

[8/10 · 25 October 2003]

This movie had excellent production value, casting, and a decent enough screenplay to make it a much better than average movie. I'm not too big on melodramas as a genre, however this is certainly one of the better ones as far as I can tell. The lead actress Alison Lohman was terrific. She's a great little actress and possibly the reason this movie came together. However the supporting actresses were excellent also. Overall not a great movie but a very good one. I look forward to seeing Alison Lohman in many more movies.

The Anniversary Party (2001)

Contemporary, great acting, and a little too dramatic

[6/10 · 31 July 2003]

I like two of the actresses very much so I might be biased. Jennifer Jason Leigh and Parker Posey are two of my favorites. Plus Parker had some topless moments. So that aside I will say this movie is worth watching if you don't mind an over done LA type of drama. It was well acted but the story line is very much been there done that type of theme. And I think there are times when the movies drags and doesn't flow as well as it could. If you are not too bored with this LA type of drama then it might be worth watching. If you like Parker Posey and Jennifer Jason Leigh as much as I do then it is a must see.

Mystery Train (1989)

Very original, and realistic character drama

[9/10 · 31 July 2003]

I liked this movie, yet it's hard to say exactly why. It was very realistic in it's overall story line yet very original in the way it presented it. The actors almost appeared real in that one was just observing them in real life. I think that was because of the story line, script and direction.

Also this entire movie is like a well thought out three-act play that takes place all at the same time. It is cleverly connected and dramatically effective at getting the viewer's interest in these character interactions over this one night period of time in Memphis. Attention to detail was as good as it could get.

If you are big fan of very high quality and original indie films you should not miss this one. It has the makings of a true classic.

Georgia (1995)

Falls a little short ... but it has Jennifer Jason Leigh

[7/10 · 16 March 2003]

This movie seems to have been ruined by a plot or that never really got off the ground. The scripting was very weak and cliche at times. But the saving grace for this movie was Jennifer Jason Leigh. Jennifer Jason Leigh was this movie. Without her it would never have never left the can. There was some very good music in this movie that is very much part of the mid-90's Seattle grundge scene. The plot of this movie is really not worth commenting on. Well I think the cinema photography was quite good also. If you love Jennifer Jason Leigh and don't mind seeing her playing a down and out role then you will enjoy this movie. Don't expect much of anything else though.

I read a few comments here by those that either really like Jennifer and those that don't. But I think she is a unique and original and highly crafted actress in a field of look alikes and clones. And like I said that is the only reason to watch this movie.

Shrek (2001)

One of a kind - Excellent

[10/10 · 9 November 2002]

I'm not big fan of Disney type movies. So I avoided going to see this thinking that it was just an over rated kids movie with good animation. Well the cast and script couldn't have been any better. This movie is simply a gem. If you have any doubt look at the cast of voices ... Mike Myers, Eddie Murphy, and Cameron Diaz. I never realized the overall significance of the script or voices in a movie. Obviously the animation is state of the art, but the voice acting credits here can't be overlooked. So when you combine it all you create a true classic for the ages. I know they will be doing a sequel, but this is going to be hard to top or even equal. This one is worth watching several times. I can't imagine any one not finding this film entertaining.

Saving Silverman (2001)

An excellent and very silly comedy

[9/10 · 14 August 2002]

First of all I gave this movie a 9 simply because I don't think comedies get the type of ratings that normally are reserved for more serious films. And as comedies go, they don't get much funnier (or sillier) than ‘Saving Silverman'. So my hat's off to the entire cast and crew of this film. Everything from the scripting, the acting and direction was first rate. Jason Biggs was a great choice for playing Darren Silverman. Jack Black was hilarious in his role as was Steve Zahn. But the real star here was Amanda Peet. I think Amanda Peet is one of the sexiest and possibly the best comedic actress in the business. I was a little disappointed by the movie ‘Whipped', although I did not think it was her fault. That particular script had many problems in my opinion. But ‘Saving Silverman' did not have those problems. This cast seemed to be a cut above, and it was just a much more funny plot. All I can say here is that if you like outrageous comedy and can survive a marathon of laughter then by all means rent this video or DVD. You'll be glad you did. You certainly don't have to be a big Neil Diamond fan to find this movie funny or entertaining.

Say It Isn't So (2001)

This is a Fun Movie - Nothing Great, but Fun

[7/10 · 16 April 2002]

If you are looking for something very funny this movie is worth the time. Don't be turned off by the overall low rating. This movie is very lighthearted fun and that's all it tries to be. It's biggest problem is some poor story line editing. The story line could have been streamlined to avoid some bumps. Chris Klein is is Chris Klein ... meaning he is the same character that he's always been in movies such as Election and American Pie. Personally I like this character. Heather Graham's acting was weak. I don't know if it was her script or just her approach to the character. She was unimpressive. I just don't think she was cut out for this role. However Sally Field was fantastic as usual. Her skills greatly added to this movie and really made up for Ms. Grahams weak performance. Orlando Jones was great as was Richard Jenkins.

The bottom line here is that this movie is funny and worth watching if that's what you are seeking. Its two main flaws are the editing and Heather Grahams performance or casting. If they could have improved those two things I think this movie could have been as high as an 8.

Magnolia (1999)

A good use of characters along with excellent acting

[8/10 · 12 April 2002]

First let me say that this is a long movie. However it keeps the viewers interest throughout. So be prepared to sit for a while. The host of actors such as William H. Macy, Tom Cruise, and Jason Robards do an excellent job portraying these characters. I don't know of anything else to say except that if you like movies that are different then this is a must see. I think it's best to watch this movie with no preconceived expectations. Just be prepared for a long movie with a different type of drama than appears in most storylines. It's definitely worth the time.

The Hudsucker Proxy (1994)

A very upbeat and truly unique comedy-- definitely Coen Bros.

[9/10 · 29 March 2002]

This is a very upbeat sophisticated movie that truly has the Coen This is a very upbeat sophisticated movie that truly has the Coen Brothers unique touch of comedy and style. More than merely a comedy it is in reality a satire directed at the American (or now world) corporate structure. It is very well done and Jennifer Jason Leigh is delightful. It shows a side of her acting ability that too few of her performances feature. Tim Robbins is also excellent and seems to be perfect for his role. Personally I feel I know exactly what the Coen Brothers were trying to do here. Keep in mind this movie was created in the early 1990's. When you realize the changing attitude of women in the modern corporate structure one truly appreciate Jennifer Jason Leigh's ability to satirize it to such a sophisticated degree.

The Coen Brothers also did something different here. They gave this movie a flavor of the way movies were done in the late 1930's to mid 1950's. They created a sense of what I like to call a fantasy of reality. Watch this movie and you will understand what I mean.

Life Is Beautiful (1997)

An outstanding landmark film

[10/10 · 20 January 2002]

Obviously not everyone will find this to be a great film with a most unique perspective of the most horrendous times of the 20th century. However Roberto Benigni did not create this film for the box office. He told a story of about the power of the human spirit. This work will stand by itself as one of the great film perspectives, which reveals the power of the human spirit over the evil and terror. I'm happy to see so many people who wrote reviews here did in fact find this to be a great work of our time. I saw this film on the big screen in its first release and again on home video and cable. It's just as powerful in all formats. For those who love great stories this film is a must see. This is one of those few films that actually deserve the '10' rating. This story will make you laugh and cry at the same time. Not too many stories can do that.