Drewboy-2 Reviews

When We Last Spoke (2019)

Excellent film, very memorable, clean

[10/10 · 1 November 2020]

Not rated yet, but I'd give it a PG. Clean language, wonderful story! Watch for touching moments with Melissa Gilbert's character that recall Michael Landon's musical passion from Little House on the Prairie - like a tribute to him!

The Bradys (1990)

It wouldn't have lasted long...

[6/10 · 10 October 2020]

...because Robert Reed died in 1992. Well, maybe then there would be stories with Carol being a widow.

Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again (2018)

Just too good for words...

[10/10 · 2 December 2018]

Wonderful film, can't get enough of it! The music is awesome, the dances and even the plot line make a great story.

The Five-Year Engagement (2012)

First time I walked out of a movie in 20 years!

[1/10 · 28 April 2012]

If I could rate this a zero, I would. Meanwhile I'll say this: if you are a young parent with kids who can't get a sitter, don't even THINK of bringing young children into this film! This is considered a romantic COMEDY? Ridiculous! It's a raunchy comedy, but any respect for the sanctity of marriage is completely thrown by the wayside here. Scenes showing male depression, a professor hitting on a student, people of Asian descent (as well as elderly parents) using the "f" word on each other, black racial stereotypes, the state of Michigan portrayed the worst it's ever been, frostbite injury seen as humorous (it is not), someone getting shot with an arrow, children watching their mother and aunt cursing right in front of them while imitating childhood TV characters, a woman demeaning a man's sexuality, all of this is just totally unfunny. I'm only 52 but as I watched this I felt very sad that the audience in my theater just laughed at every dysfunctional, pathetic joke. Is this what the idea of marriage has fallen to amongst people in their 20s and 30s? I also found myself wondering how long it would be until this excuse for a movie ended, finally walking out - couldn't take any more. Has our society fallen this far? I thank God that I am naive to this kind of trash! I will never watch another movie starring Jason Segal, and that includes "How I Met Your Mother" as well.

Friends with Kids (2011)

This ready shows us what marriage and commitment has become...

[2/10 · 28 March 2012]

...and believe me, it ain't pretty! We have a narcissistic character in Jason, who must think he's God's gift to women (oops, can't say that as he's against organized religion) and his baby-mama who seems very insecure and can't stop chattering. We have the typical scenes...New York City, people in their 20s and 30s, pushing the envelope on everything traditional, selfishly bending all morality to their way of thinking. A life is now involved, their son, and what will he think as he grows up and understands the situation better? This movie stank to high heaven, and is totally unrealistic. Real people want commitment. Those who can't hack that shouldn't be making babies, period.

Though None Go with Me (2006 TV Movie)

I'll never forget this film - and wish I was alive then -

[10/10 · 8 April 2007]

I am only 47 but I agree with a previous poster regarding America's "Golden Age" but I would slightly shift the dates - from 8/15/1945 to 11/22/1963. After the Kennedy assassination and the arrival of the Beatles, this country started a long slide downhill. In actuality, the fall started in 1962 when the Supreme Court ruled against prayer in the public schools. This is why it was such a pleasure to watch this wonderful film last evening on the Hallmark Channel. Korea was a "hot" war that is often overlooked today. I teach English there now, and many older Koreans who lived through the war will come up to me say "thank you" even though I wasn't even born yet. Much of the younger generation there is defiantly anti-American, forgetting the sacrifices made for them. I thank God we had so many people step up like the fictional character Ben for what he believed God was telling him to do. We have lost so much of this in America. Even men will shed a tear at this film - the characters are so noble and believable.

A Walton Easter (1997 TV Movie)

Time warp is right -

[6/10 · 22 January 2007]

Good show, but there are some obvious time line problems. First, in the original "Homecoming" it was stated that John Walton died in 1969. It conceivably could have been set before his death, but he looks very good here. In another earlier show, Grandma's age was noted as 68 and that she lived to 94, which would have put her death date at about 1960. But here it is, 1969, and she was over a century old! The kids, especially Elizabeth and Jim Bob, looked far too young to be playing their characters. All this could have been rectified if the producers had set each reunion movie ten years earlier than they turned out, but then it wouldn't have worked with the Kennedy theme in "A Walton Thanksgiving".

The Nativity Story (2006)

A warm, wonderful and quite accurate portrayal...

[10/10 · 26 December 2006]

I just finished watching this film in Busan, South Korea. I went in wondering if this would be as good as other portrayals of this period in the lives of Mary and Joseph leading up to the birth of Christ. It exceeded my expectations! The acting was superb and the timeline was followed out of the Biblical narratives. The explanation given for the bright star (actually 3 stars) by the Wise Men was accurate as well, and the anticipation of this added to the story. Overall, only one downside - the period after the birth of Christ, with the Wise Men deciding not to revisit Herod and Herod's subsequent decision to kill off the newborn babies, was rushed. Nothing was mentioned regarding the presentation of Jesus in the Temple at the age of 8 days, Simeon's sighting of the Christ child, both of which happened prior to Gabriel's warning to Joseph to head to Egypt. Otherwise - excellent!

Just Like Heaven (2005)

The best of its kind since "Ghost"

[10/10 · 2 December 2005]

This movie was just released in Korea and I went to see it this evening, having waited patiently since it came out in the US. I knew from the trailers it was a good film, and I wasn't disappointed. The chemistry between the leads is fantastic and the storyline is dramatic toward the end. This one really made me feel good - that there is someone out there for everyone, sometimes in the most unlikely places. Many tears were in evidence in the theater. Reese Witherspoon ably handles romantic comedy in the Meg Ryan tradition! In fact, they'd be great in a film together as sisters. Mark Ruffalo has now had the enviable position of working with both these ladies, but this film certainly has more beauty, style and class than "In the Cut" ever did - he is one great actor! Watch this with your special someone and cuddle close after watching.

Heaven's Fire (1999 TV Movie)

If it's set in Seattle, film it in Seattle!

[8/10 · 20 November 2005]

I saw this film last night on TV at a hotel in Daejeon, South Korea. It really did make me think, okay, one part "Towering Inferno", one part "Poseidon Adventure". But now that I see this film was made in 1999, can't help but wonder if it might've been watched by Al-Qaida and Osama bin Laden and been an inspiration for them, especially the helicopter crash sequence. Also, it gets SO irritating to see that a movie is set in an American city that I've lived in (Seattle) but then absolutely nothing looks familiar and sure enough, it turns out to be filmed in Vancouver BC which stunt-doubles for so many places in America. Film in America, please! But all in all, a good suspense piece.

Bewitched (2005)

Better than my expectations!

[10/10 · 27 August 2005]

Bewitched is a good film - and the influence of both Nora Ephron and Penny Marshall can clearly be seen in the dialog and romantic style. Nicole Kidman came off OK and she's really cute, but many of her lines were delivered a la Marilyn Monroe's breathy style. Will Ferrell is good too, but somehow seems a bit miscast. I couldn't help but think that since this movie was about a remake of the series instead of a direct plot repeat, it could have been a good vehicle for a fourth Meg Ryan-Tom Hanks pairing. Kept seeing Meg every time Nicole was on screen, with her hair beautiful as it was in You've Got Mail. Hanks would have done Darrin proud. Even though she's almost 44 and he's 49, they still aren't too old to do this. The soundtrack was excellent, probably the best part of the movie. The Ephron signature is evident also by the inclusion of a Jimmy Durante tune during the closing credits, as was the case in her previous movies. Nevertheless, since the plot has been laid, I would hope for a sequel along the lines of art imitating life. Next time, cast the characters still doing the show, but living it as well when they go home for the night. Nora Ephron and Penny Marshall haven't lost their touch!

Titanic (1997)

Excellent - a true classic!

[10/10 · 13 September 2004]

The first thing I'll say about this movie is that it was excellent and will long be remembered as a classic for this generation. The casting was excellent with the possible exception of Leonardo DeCaprio - somehow he just seemed a bit young for the part. Chris O'Donnell or Josh Lucas would've been a bit closer to the mark here. As far as the Rose character, wonderfully portrayed by Kate Winslet, it didn't take a lot of time to see the possible real person she was based on. Her mannerisms and defiance of custom seemed to emulate the late Alice Roosevelt Longworth (1884-1980), daughter of Theodore Roosevelt. As I watched Kate, I began to see Alice, literally! If you don't know much about Alice and her later impact on Washington DC politics and mores, there are several great bios available. I would recommend this film to anyone over 13, parents should watch out of the eyes of the little ones. Excellent film!

All in the Family (1971–1979)

AITF is to TV what the Beatles were to rock music!

[10/10 · 13 September 2004]

Total change - that's the only way to describe it. I remember sitting in the living room with my parents and my aunt and uncle (who in many ways reminded me of Archie Bunker) and we watched history being made on the night of January 11, 1971. It reminded me of watching "The Ed Sullivan Show" on February 8, 1964. My mother went "oooh" when Archie used his first slur, then put her hand over her mouth. I never thought they'd watch it again, but sure enough their curiosity overcame them and next week they watched again, and again. Total classic TV, broke the way for all that was to follow! Within 18 months, the last of the older-style sitcoms that were on from the 1960's (Bewitched, My Three Sons) would go off the air, to be replaced by groundbreaking Norman Lear shows such as Maude, Good Times, etc. Finally TV caught up to the times, as music had seven years earlier!

The Passion of the Christ (2004)

Greater love hath no man...

[10/10 · 29 February 2004]

I just finished watching this long-awaited film this morning and like many others, I was stunned silent by the graphic, yet totally realistic, portrayal of the Passion and crucifixion. No other film about Jesus Christ comes close in showing what He did for all of us. Greater love hath no man than to lay down his life for his friends.

Italy was made to effectively resemble Jerusalem in AD 29, the year scholars have placed the death and resurrection of Jesus. The decision to film in Aramaic and Latin added a reality that an English version would have detracted from, and the subtitles in no way distracted from the screen action.

Mel Gibson did a totally fantastic job in his direction, and Jim Caviezel was spellbinding in his portrayal of Christ. Ever since seeing this actor for the first time in FREQUENCY, he has brought a sense of morality and decency into all his acting, even when he ultimately played the bad guy in HIGH CRIMES. Maia Morgenstern and Monica Bellucci brought wonderful reality to their roles, respectively, as Mary the Mother of Christ and Mary Magdalene. I loved the flashbacks, especially since this film showed the Lord as a dutiful yet sometimes feisty son (watch for a funny scene between Jesus and His mother that was probably the only laugh in the whole film - wonderfully done). Also, the actress who played Claudia, the wife of Pontius Pilate, was exquisite. A scene between her and Mary the Mother of Christ was wonderfully done and showed her to be a totally unselfish and loving person. I also could even feel for Pilate as he agonized over what to do in the situation. He did not want to put Jesus to death, but had no choice. I often wonder what would have happened otherwise. The actor playing Simon of Cyrene, who carried Christ's Cross to Golgotha, did an excellent job as well portraying a man riddled with doubt yet ultimately believing in the Messiah. Simon's character is the one referenced in the Christian song "Watch the Lamb".

Please go see this movie with an open mind and watch how this man suffered to redeeem all of us. Be prepared to cry, and guys - don't be ashamed of it if you do. And to the charges of anti-Semitism, I say it is ridiculous. Not one reference in this film that Jews were totally responsible for the death of Jesus - it was all of us, Gentile and Jew alike, from those times even to the present.

This film will change your life if you let it. See it soon.

The Ghost & Mrs. Muir (1968–1970)

Great sitcom - rest in peace, Hope Lange!

[10/10 · 23 December 2003]

This was a great show that stayed true to the theme of the 1947 movie it was based on. Hope Lange did a wonderful job and Edward Mulhare made an awesome captain. Sadly, this lovely actress is no longer with us, but her smile could sure brighten up your day - as a boy, I looked forward to this show and was sad when it was cancelled after only two seasons - it deserved a longer run.

Terms of Endearment (1983)

What is the proper timeline?

[10/10 · 12 December 2003]

SPOILER ALERT - SPOILER ALERT!!! I couldn't understand the timeline this movie was supposed to cover. When the sequel THE EVENING STAR came out, it began in 1988, with Melanie at 18 as a college freshman, putting her birth in 1970. When Aurora later describes Melanie as being 3 years old when her mother, Emma, passed away, it puts Emma's death in 1973. However, earlier in the film, Emma is seen driving with her lover in a late 70's Pontiac through the Iowa countryside. Not only this, but looking at the ages of her sons at the point of Emma's demise indicates they were about 10 and 5 at the time, which would put Emma and Flap's marriage in about 1959 or thereabouts. Why then did Flap have long hair and speak as though it were the late 60's? Why was a mid-60's Chrysler seen in Aurora's driveway before Emma's marriage? So frankly, I don't understand - am I off by ten years, or was THE EVENING STAR wrong in its timeline all together? McMurtry's novel puts Aurora's birth in 1913 and Emma's in about 1940, which is in line with the opening shots of Aurora as a young WWII wife with a baby. Time is off seriously in this whole movie BUT...

It was wonderful!!!

The Gospel of John (2003)

Best portrayal of Jesus I've ever seen!

[10/10 · 10 November 2003]

Henry Ian Cusick does a fantastic job of capturing the kindhearted, casual, loving Jesus any of us would want as our friend. It reminds me of that drawing of Christ laughing!

In some of the older portrayals, Jesus comes off as wooden, isolated and somehow above everyone else. Not here! Jesus smiles at others' limited understandings, but with compassion, as if he wants to teach them something by his very presence.

The best special effect had to be the walking on the water. Beautiful photography throughout - Filmed in and near Malaga in Spain, it does Jerusalem and Israel proud!

Please consider inviting your friends to see this film. It has so much to offer and it gets the point across - Jesus is the Savior of the world!

In the Cut (2003)

Meg, WHAT were you THINKING?

[1/10 · 8 November 2003]

First, I could not believe this film got an "R" rating - "NC-17" bordering on "X" should have covered it! Meg Ryan certainly ended her image as the modern Doris Day with this film - ironic that "Que Sera Sera" frames the film like musical bookends.

The plot was disjointed and shallow and appears to be merely a conduit for Meg to be naked. Meg's forte is romantic comedy, and at 42 she still looks fabulous - keep 'em coming, but PLEASE - no more of these kind of films!

Under the Tuscan Sun (2003)

Excellent!

[10/10 · 1 November 2003]

From beginning to end, this film is a classic! Last night I was in a very down mood and I went to see this movie that I'd heard so much about. Sure enough, it didn't disappoint! What a story of triumph over circumstances! The lush Italian scenery, the colorful characters, the Romeo-and-Juliet romance between a lovely Italian girl and a Polish laborer - breathtaking! Loved the Italian grandma - she saved the day for her granddaughter by her testimony. Sandra Oh did an incredible job, but the true credit for this picture goes to Diane Lane - what a beautiful smile she has. She was perfect for this role. My recommendation? GO SEE THIS FILM!

While You Were Sleeping (1995)

Why can't they do a film like this from a GUY'S point of view?

[10/10 · 27 September 2003]

Wonderful romantic comedy - but sometimes I wish the characters had been reversed. I'm a guy in the same position as Lucy - dead parents, no family - but this is never explored. Sure would like to know why. Excellent film, however - great comedy, even some drama involved. But let's do a guy film, OK?

Sweet Dreams (1985)

Some inaccuracies noted...

[10/10 · 20 May 2003]

Patsy Cline never had an affair with her manager, Randy Hughes, as this movie implies. Nor was she separated from her husband, Charlie Dick, at the time of her death. I am somewhat surprised that these allegations were made in this film. Also, no mention of her friendship with Loretta Lynn at all.

A good film overall, but could've been more detailed and more truthful. Jessica Lange OK, but I would have cast Beverly D'Angelo again (who played Patsy in Coal Miner's Daughter) with Ed Harris.

Ordinary People (1980)

In THIS film, the "foul" language is a part of LIFE

[10/10 · 2 March 2003]

I must respond to the comment recently made regarding the use of profanity in "Ordinary People". Remember that this movie was made in 1980 - it is now 23 years old. I was 19 when it came out, having recently lost both my parents and struggling with the grief that covered my life. For its time, this movie was EXTREMELY realistic - the "R" rating was exclusively from Conrad's outbursts with, not directed at, his therapist. Much of it was his own anger against himself, his guilt for simultaneously loving, yet hating, his idolized brother. When profanity is merely inserted into a movie a certain number of times to drive up a rating, increasing its market appeal, it makes the movie trashy. But "Ordinary People" showed us the real depth of pain in Conrad's soul, and that is why it won Best Picture and Timothy Hutton an Oscar. Even today, it chills me to watch Beth react so coldly -

A person in this much pain in a therapist's office will do anything at first to appear normal, especially a young person. Could we reasonably expect Conrad, in the moment of crisis during the last 30 minutes of the film, to stop and say "oh no, I can't say that - it's bad!" I don't think so.

I do agree that many movies today HAVE deliberately inserted profanity to gain a bigger market. But "Ordinary People" wasn't one of them. I would suggest, though, that children under 13 or so not be allowed to see it because it could frighten those younger, even today.

Eight Crazy Nights (2002)

Don't waste your time or your money on this...

[1/10 · 8 December 2002]

The animation looked pretty good - the police car was up to date at least. But the plot line in this sophomoric stinker was the worst I'd ever seen, with only one possible exception. The rating should have been an "R" and it wouldn't be the first for an animated feature. Insulted my intelligence!

The Christmas Shoes (2002 TV Movie)

Simply wonderful...

[10/10 · 7 December 2002]

I saw this at a friends home last night - she had videotaped it when I couldn't see it Sunday last. It really brought a lump to my throat - and it was very well done. The mother did look so beautiful with the shoes.

***SPOILER ALERT*** The major part of the story was set in 1985 in Massachusetts. Rob Lowe, however, did not look like he'd aged in 17 years when the film came up to date. And how did the hat given the boy so many years before still fit him after he grew up? ***END SPOILER***

I recommend this film be seen by anyone who has lost a mother out there - and NEVER forget all that they do for us - all the love so many have given us.

Far from Heaven (2002)

Vastly underrated....

[10/10 · 24 November 2002]

I saw "Far From Heaven" twice last night. I watched it once and then had to see it again right away, so I watched two back-to-back showings. Simply stunning film! Yes, I recognized the Douglas Sirk influence right away - while watching both times, I literally felt as if it were 1957-58 in real time, because this movie both looked new yet seemed as if it were straight out of those years. I thought first of a comparison with "Imitation of Life".

The cars were stars! The 1956 Buick wagon with the blue fender skirts, the 1957 Plymouth Fury four-door hardtop of the best friend, the 1958 Edsel owned by the town gossip, even the big grey 1958 Buick parked at the curb. Excellent attention to detail in this area - I looked hard for any 1959 or newer cars to report an error to IMDB as so often happens in these period pieces, but nary a one to be found!

If I had to think of a real life person that Julianne Moore's character reminded me of, that would have to be the late Pat Nixon. Moore's character has that same frozen smile, the perfect demeanor as she swirls her skirt for that "perfect" picture; she even in some scenes resembles the former first lady.

To those who trash this film because of the so-called "Sirk influence", I say watch it again - carefully. Look for those little things that say volumes that we tend to gloss over in the films. For instance (SPOILER AHEAD) watch the way Cathy Whitaker treats her children: every time they want to talk to Daddy or share their experiences with Mom or Dad, they are told either to go upstairs and do their homework or something to the effect of "your father's busy - don't bother him!" If this was common in the late 50's in many families, is it any wonder that these same kids would turn the country upside down ten years later? Think about it - stuff like this is important. There was no real communication!

Frankly, with the kind of prejudice I saw from both black and white folks, I had to remind myself occasionally that this was set in Connecticut instead of Mississippi. I just never realized how much of these kind of slurs and innuendo were cast up in the most liberal Northern bastions.

Was also reminded of the Whoopi Goldberg-Sissy Spacek film, "The Long Walk Home" because of the white woman (Moore in this case) making an agonized decision on whether or not to help the black cause from the vantage point of an upper middle class housewife.

I hope this earns some kind of Academy Award this year - probably not for picture itself but for Julianne Moore's acting. Stellar!