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sophiewessberg
Reviews
Gone (2006)
Surprisingly good
Gone sure is a surprise - I didn't expect it to be as good. The soundtrack is almost perfect. All of the actors are good, but Scott Mechlowicz in particular. I first discovered him in Mean Creek (2005), and I must admit that although his character in Gone isn't nearly as moving and interesting, he delivers a solid performance that almost makes me sympathize with Taylor.
The pacing is somewhat off, and unfortunately, the suspenseful beginning is quickly brought to an end towards the end of the movie where the clicheés line up and actually make me cringe. The last twenty minutes, Gone transforms into a typical horror film, which is a shame, since the story does have potential in the beginning.
Excess Baggage (1997)
The best way to do a romantic comedy
I watched Excess Baggage for two reasons - one, it seemed to be a very funny and odd story, and two, Christopher Walken was in it. And while Excess Baggage is a romantic comedy, it is not a typical one - it is a very cool and charming movie with great acting by Christopher Walken and Benicio Del Toro, both very gifted actors. Alicia Silverstone was also quite good.
As the movie begins, I'm captured immediately. This is going to be a ride like no other before. It separates itself from all the romcoms produced in big chunks with an original story, a lot of humor, drama and romance and Benicio Del Toro's completely endearing character. I truly loved Vincent and all his wonderful lines. He reminds me (odd!) of Johnny Depp's Jack Sparrow - I think it is how Vincent balances between being as sharp and effective as ever, and being VERY disorganized and fuzzy in his behavior. One minute, he's like a shy teenager, the other one he's totally in control of what is going on around him. And I don't know why, but I'll bet you anything he's a movie geek. I also liked how he couldn't even look at Emily, or have her look at him, in the beginning.
Short said, Excess Baggage has more to offer than a romantic comedy in general. I can really see how both Vincent and Emily grow through out the film and add meaning and message to a movie which easily could have been nothing at all.
Reign Over Me (2007)
A truly heart breaking story with glimpses of hope
After having seen Reign Over Me a second time, I have to say I love this movie. Adam Sandler stars in a very fascinating role - he's the perfect choice for this. Don Cheadle and Liv Tyler are also very, very good. For Sandler, this is the best part he's done. I'm hoping he'll keep this up and do more dramatic films as he is truly wonderful as Charlie. Don Cheadle still have not topped his amazing performance in Hotel Rwanda.
The story is both so moving I cried like crazy in several scenes, and so funny I laughed out loud in many others. The dramatic and the funny part of the movie work together brilliantly - without the movie's wonderful humor, Reign Over Me could be too depressing.
It isn't perfect - the first half of the movie is much more interesting and subtle, while the other half takes a turn to sheer ridiculos. Don't tell me this is the way it works in the US. The first half is almost perfect and full of terrific details that describe the characters and the plot - especially Charlie's GoPed and the apartment full of toys.
After thinking about the movie for two days, I have to admit Reign Over Me has won me over - I felt strongly for Charlie and could relate to his fear and vulnerable state of mind. This is truly a wonderful movie with an exceptional sound track that added so much depth to the movie. Adam Sandler has found his way home!
The Last King of Scotland (2006)
Amazing political thriller
The Last King of Scotland is a very special movie within its genre. It is both funny, nice, moving and really scary. Forest Whitaker and James McAvoy are excellent as Idi Amin and Nicholas Garrigan. James McAvoy proves to be a very promising talent who first charmed my butt off as Paul Bettany's brother in Wimbledon - also a good movie. Even though I knew how the story would end, I was completely on edge for the last thirty minutes.
I was mildly frustrated by Idi Amin's compulsive behaviour, but on the other hand, that was a very effective tool to describe his personality. The Last King of Scotland is one of the best political thrillers I have ever seen. A true masterpiece and without a doubt one of the best movies in 2006.
Extreme Measures (1996)
Suffering beyond belief
In this movie, Hugh Grant proves he can do so much more than romantic comedies. I could easily picture him in one of the hospital shows on TV. Gene Hackman is good too, but David Morse - a personal favorite - is surprisingly stiff and boring. Sarah Jessica Parker isn't even worth mentioning.
So what can I say about the plot? Well, the beginning is interesting, and a little spooky. After that a quick cut to the hospital where we reveal the most idiotic name anyone could have ever thought of. I mean, Guy Luthan?? Despite the intriguing plot, it eventually stretches too far and becomes quite ridiculos. And then, as we enter the under ground, my suffering is beyond belief. A very fuzzy climax where David Morse's lack of enthusiasm becomes even more obvious. This movie could have been a lot better if it hadn't made all those mistakes that could have been avoided so easily. Although, it was fun to see Hugh Grant's rom com character peek out in this mildly efficient thriller - which doesn't make his acting worse but adds sympathy to his character and makes him more likable.
North Country (2005)
A great disappointment
After reading Backlash, I was very interested in this movie. Charlize Theron and Woody Harrelson are very good, and the movie is both touching and provocative. On the other hand, I would have liked to see more of the struggle in the court room instead of Josey's private history. And I mean the REAL struggle - Josey's sex life does not qualify.
Finally, I just have to add that if North Country was meant to be a powerful feminist film, it backfired severely. The only message in this sad Hollywood production is that no matter how smart, strong and ambitious a woman is, she needs a mans help to be heard.
Sunset Beach (1997)
SB on DVD?????
I first started following the show in 98', when I was going trough a really difficult time. No other show has come to mean so much to me. Sure, SB is no master piece, and it has certain obvious flaws, but at a time when I needed shelter anywhere I could find it, it kept me sane and gave me somewhere to regain my confidence.
Anyway - someone told me you could buy the episodes on DVD in England, but he didn't tell me where. Does anyone know? I have looked for episodes in Sweden, but there doesn't seem to be any. Plus, my video refused to let me tape any episodes - especially not the ones with Ben and Meg in them.
e-mail me at: sophiewessberg@hotmail.com