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timmcginnis
Reviews
Enough (2002)
Much, much better than I would have expected
I have to admit that I was surprised by how much I liked this movie. There is a decent plot construction that gets to the point without belaboring the point. The characters are interesting, and the scenes and settings are staged well. There are multiple characters, but you always know who they are and what their relation to the story is. I'm typically cynical about certain "stars", but I'm not ashamed to say I thought Jennifer Lopez, and the rest of the cast, gave very good performances. There is suspense, action, and you don't get bored. I was very entertained. No, this is not going into the list of Hollywood's greatest films. But for good solid entertainment, I give it a generous above average rating.
Public Enemies (1996)
Jaw Droppingly Awful
Some people may remember Ms. Russell from films such as "Black Widow", which had some appeal and critical acclaim. Boy, she must have really needed a rent check when she signed on to do this dog.
Yes, there will be those who like the gratuitous violence and nudity. But one must sit back and wonder, in retrospect, what possessed anyone to spend money and time to make this in the first place. I just saw this movie on one of the "HBO's", and I can't believe they picked it up.
In 1996 Ms. Russel didn't have the physical attractiveness she did earlier in her career. But, come on! Having her play Ma Barker??? Her "sons" all look like they could be her brothers. It's also creepy in that you think there are going to be incestuous relationships occurring (thank goodness there aren't, hope that doesn't count as a spoiler). With Eric Roberts and Alyssa Milano added into the cast, this one is B-movie 'straight to video' all the way.
The scenes between Purvis and Ma Barker, either in person or on the phone, are a primer in terrible, terrible acting. Oh, wait, I forgot terrible, terrible writing as well. Chalk this one up to experience. A bad experience.
The Poor & Hungry (2000)
Started watching, couldn't stop.
I came across this film on IFC one night, very late. I started watching and though I was really tired, I just couldn't pull myself away. I ended up thinking about it long after the final credits had rolled.
This is a fine film with very strong performances. Like many of the best independent films, you get a fresh story about people you don't know, played by people you don't know. No preconceived notions. You get to learn about their world. And through the strength of the story and the acting, you begin to care about it.
Lyndsay Roberts gives an exceptional performance. I'm surprised I've not seen more of her, or other actors from this film, since. Craig Brewer has gone on to "bigger" things such as Hustle & Flow, and we'll likely see more from him.
I'd really like to see The Poor and Hungry released to DVD so that more people can have access to this nice piece of film making.