[e-mail] Reviews

Conversations with Other Women (2005)

Wraps you in, funnier than you'd think, but makes you think

[9/10 · 2 July 2006]

I saw this at the LA Film Festival and frankly was expecting it to be very artsy, interesting, and a real downer. It was far above all those things. The split screen is easy to adjust to and really wraps you in, you're quite fascinated to see what these two people will do next. I loved the set up; it lent itself to a nice surprise for the audience and felt completely natural.

What really shines in this movie is the dialog...it's some of the most brilliant original dialog between two people with a shared past that I've ever heard. During the Q&A afterward, I was actually a bit disappointed the director didn't give the screenwriter more credit for her amazing script (which she wrote in three weeks). It's so engaging and natural, you might guess it was improvised...but 99% came directly off the page.

Helena Bonham Carter and Aaron Eckel really landed plum roles for themselves in this story and I've never loved them more than here. The reviewer who thought Helena was miscast is way off in his perception. It's not about wedding sexual tension (good grief) and it's far from a chick flick...it's about the deep connection between two people regardless of time and similar to "Before Sunrise," etc., yet quite different, but I don't want to spoil it.

The film is touching, very humorous, and deeply thoughtful. You will want to watch it several times to catch all that happens.

Who Needs Sleep? (2006)

A Grassroots Movement to Wake Up & Smell the Danger

[9/10 · 24 June 2006]

Wexler does a magnificent job of persuading his audience to wake up and smell the very real dangers of overworking and the pricey toll it's taking on our health and our lives.

It would be tough to leave this film and not be stirred to stop accepting the status quo of corporate America. Ultimately this film shows us that the system needs an overhaul. But it's clear that the leaders of the unions and our government organizations, like OSHA, who are "suppose" to be operating to protect the little guy -- clearly are not. Like other health and life issues throughout history, e.g., smoking and drunk driving, it's the little guy who has the biggest voice, once he decides to use it. Time and time again, the film shows us through clear, objective reporting on the part of Wexler, that the leaders are only passing the buck. They refuse to directly answer his questions which are quite reasonable, and instead offer replies that merely attempt to detour the filmmaker from initiating any real change. Wexler is a stalwart champion (with a dry and down-to-earth sense of humor) who uses this issue to persevere with this film, eight years in the making.

This is not just for film crew people but for all workers who long to shake off the heavy cloak of overwork-dom mystique that is killing many of us, literally. Thought-provoking and entertaining...factual and inspirational.

The Family Stone (2005)

Two ring-fingers up!

[8/10 · 16 December 2005]

This is a hilarious movie with heart, sometimes quite tear-jerking yet not depressing. Real, interesting characters you'd want to know, maybe sometimes want to choke, but still can't resist. I didn't think the writer could pull this off so well (i.e., the relationship switch), but he did. Fantastic dialogue, original and memorable. Sarah Jessica Parker had no problem leaving "Sex and the City"'s Carrie in the closet to play this new role and Diane Keaton didn't disappoint either. In fact, nearly everyone in the movie brought it home. Not a slow scene in the bunch and a fresh twist on the dysfunctional family brought together by the holidays. Definitely not just a chick flick, but something for everyone. I think most will embrace this movie, especially during the holidays.

Bride & Prejudice (2004)

Feel good, fantasy musical that lets you escape for a while.

[10/10 · 8 March 2005]

This movie splashes onto the screen with cheesy optimism, foot-shaking music and dance, and the belief in true love. Brings back the old romantic musicals. Corny, but beautiful. Funny, yet touches on something deeper. Both leads glow and Navreen Andrews (from "Lost"), does some kick-ass dancing. Some of the accents are tough to decipher, but this movie's strength is its visual canvas. Cynics won't like it, romantics will love it. I think the movie could have offered even more dancing/singing scenes. Come to the movie with an open heart and you'll enjoy it. Could put several of the scenes in a music video. Just wish Martin Henderson could have done some dance scenes like Navreen Andrews did.

Lara Croft: Tomb Raider (2001)

A.J. is the perfect kick-ass high-tech female Indiana Jones.

[10/10 · 19 August 2002]

This movie surprised me. It was far better than I'd expected and the credit should be equally shared by Jolie and the writers. I don't know why this was slammed by critics... maybe because most of them are male? Women have been waiting too damn long for a heroine like this!