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badkittyuno
Reviews
Burglar (1987)
My GOD why did they make Bernie a woman?
I love the Bernie Rhondenbarr books (written by Lawrence Block) and was thrilled to learn on his website that a movie version had been made of "Burglar in the Closet" that I'd never seen (give me a break - I was like 3 years old when it came out). Then, I read that Bernie was played by Whoopi Goldberg. Nothing against Whoopi, but that's horrifying. Bernie works so well in the books because he is this strange little Jewish man, not because he is a loud, obnoxious black woman. Doesn't fit. I saw the movie anyway, and was hugely disappointed. Maybe if I was unfamiliar with the books, I could have enjoyed it more, but instead I came away feeling upset with the butchery of a character I adore. I have heard, however, that Block has considered turning "Burglars Can't be Choosers" into a film starring George Clooney. I hope it will fare better.
Red Dragon (2002)
Amazing
First of all, the people who keep referring to Red Dragon as "Hannibal II" are really starting to grate on my nerves. Red Dragon is the REMAKE of Manhunter (1986), the first of the Hannibal movies, and based on Thomas Harris's book "Red Dragon" (I think they changed the name of the movie to avoid the stigma of other 'dragon' titles, and at least it helps to distinguish the two). Red Dragon is far superior in quality and accuracy (relative to the novel) than Manhunter. Although it begins by taking some liberties with the book, the new start is interesting and believable. I saw Red Dragon with several friends, and three of us (including myself) had read all the books and seen all the previous movies. After seeing Red Dragon, we all agreed: this movie is amazing. Sir Anthony Hopkins is, of course, perfect, but Ralph Fiennes as Dolarhyde was really my favorite. He fleshed out such a perverted and sickening role in a way that Tom Noonan in Manhunter could never in a million years. You actually feel sorry for him as he slices the throats of innocents. Norton was also surprisingly good (not to mention, good-looking), considering his horrible role in "Death to Smoochy (2002)". Of course, the movie is incredibly violent, but that's why it has an R rating. Don't take your four year old to see it. I am sixteen, and an avid horror fan, but even I had to turn away when the journalist...well, I won't ruin it. Go see this movie. But read the book first.