photographer78 Reviews

'Til There Was You (1997)

Simple, Complicated, Shallow, Deep

[7/10 · 20 September 2005]

I caught this on TV last night(sans ad-breaks), and I have to say, I liked it a lot. I had tried to watch it a few times before on TV, but had never really got hooked into the story enough to stick with it until the end.

I'm glad I did now. I hate Sex And The City, especially SJP's character in it, but she was great in this movie. And (gulp!) very sexy in it. Must have been the Bob.

Jean Tripplehorn is very underrated, and has had some casting misfortunes in the past, which have overshadowed her talent and potential. Even though her character here was for the most part a little distant and icy, she still managed to bring a bit of warmth to the part. And she's also extremely attractive, which never hurts.

Jen Aniston "didnt play Rachel", which was a good thing. The supporting cast did their jobs well, and Dylan McDermott? Well, you either like him or you loathe him, I have found. I thought he was quite watchable in this.

I was amused to see reviewers on here, knocking the film because people smoked in it. Honestly, I don't understand what that has to do with a film's artistic merit. On matters like smoking and drug use, some of our

members(non-UK, usually) tend to let their right wing views tarnish their opinions of a film. Which is, as they say on message boards, "Retarded".

Take a chance and see this film. It's not Con Air, but it has a story, characters, and lots of smoking.

(irony) Which is wrong, as Jesus doesn't like smoking. Or homosexuals(/irony).

7.5 out of 10,

Goodnight.

Ray (I) (2004)

Superb Musical Biopic

[9/10 · 9 June 2005]

This is the film that Michael Mann's "Ali" wishes it had been.

I didn't take my eyes off the screen for a single second. Jamie Foxx WAS Ray Charles, he'll never top that performance if he lives to 100. And I didn't even particularly like his music before I saw this film. I do now.

The supporting cast gel perfectly together, and draw you into the story. Nothing is overplayed, there is no ham here. The casting is perfect for this type of film, no showboating from the support, to take away your attention from the subject of the biopic, but all the performers put in strong performances.

The way we gradually learn about the tragedy in Rays past, through flashbacks, rather than a straight telling, makes for compelling viewing. The way this affects Ray in the present, helps us to understand why he felt the need to find comfort in Heroin.

Finally, I like the way the film pays homage to Ray, but doesn't sugar-coat the story, pulling no punches with regards to his drug use, or his infidelity. The latter was refreshingly portrayed, as the filmmaker made no attempt to make any excuses for this side of Ray's personality, where some might have tried to pass the buck.

Great movie, pretty much anyone will enjoy this.