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JDooley
Reviews
Under the Banner of Heaven (2022)
Better with each viewing!
Absolutely terrific storytelling. No character hits a false note. The "Lamanite" police detective, especially, gives a standout performance. Daisy Edgar-Jones is extraordinary in her role; this is the first production of hers that I've seen. Both she and the other detective (our star, Andrew Garfield) are British actors, but their American accents are spot-on.
I had not read the book, so I didn't know exactly what was going to happen. So, wow.
I am very familiar with current LDS teaching and practices, and also with the Church history, and all of it is depicted with extreme authenticity.
The story, production, acting and everything else are simply sensational.
Under the Banner of Heaven: Revelation (2022)
Model of a good Bishop
Brenda's father shows himself as a caring father, a caring father-in-law, and someone who must have been a terrific Bishop in the Church. Compare his attitude and approach with any of the other Bishops we meet; he's the tops.
Santa Girl (2019)
Wonderful take on a predictable story!
Cassandra Claus, Santa's daughter and our main character, has a slow start but really blossoms as a kind of Kimmy Schmidt in the real world. We like all of the right people. Cassie's elf, Pep, more than lives up to her name and truly brings a lot of nuance to the role; she is a delight! All of the characters, especially Santa, the campus barista, and one college student who keeps being startled by Cassie's appearances, are carefully crafted and totally believable. Everyone adds value to the production. Yes, some of the plot movements are predictable, but one thing that might surprise the viewer is just how enjoyable this movie actually is. Filmed on a real college campus in northwestern Virginia, the settings are totally authentic.
Sonu Ke Titu Ki Sweety (2018)
Good performances, enjoyable characters, disappointing conclusion
I'm not offering any spoilers, just a comment. I was very disappointed in the ending; I think that it should have turned out differently, no one really had to lose. I'm giving the entire film eight stars because of the performances and the various characters, but I'm not recommending the film because of what happened (or what didn't happen). I realize that this may make people feel that they have to see it just to see what I mean; sorry about that! But if you've seen it, care to weigh in?
Me Myself I (1999)
Very enjoyable! Interesting to compare to "Family Man."
If you wanted to enjoy "Family Man" with Nicholas Cage (Dec 2000), but found that it didn't quite meet your expectations, please see this movie, "Me Myself I." The concept is very similar -- a person has the chance to see "what might have happened, if only . . ." -- but the alternative life in which our heroine finds herself is much better realized. The direction is superb; quite often, what we think is happening is not quite the case! The scenes range from thoughtful and sad to downright hilarious. The film is ultimately life-affirming in a way that the "self help" mantras can never match! A wonderful film! (And the secondary roles are all played to perfection!)