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Reviews
Best in Show (2000)
Classic Guest
Christopher Guest is a terrific social commentator. The characters in "Best in Show" (as well as in "Guffman") are terrific archetypes, and hysterically funny (The user who commented that the movie was "Not funny" appears to have a different sense of humor). The jokes are not subtle--they're not meant to be. The humor lies in how clueless each of the characters is, and their general lack of self-awareness. And while Guest (and his wonderful actors) certainly has fun at the characters' expense, there is also real affection for these people. It's funny but not mean-spirited.
A Man for All Seasons (1966)
Wonderful dialog and a wonderful movie.
This movie is a fine example of sound ideas and ideals presented in a very attractive package. Scofield may not demonstrate the fireworks that another user here desires, but that's not what the part asks of him. He is a moral man who can explain his position with clarity and simplicity. He is an honorable man in dangerous times.
Robert Shaw is splendid as King Henry, and Roddy McDowall does well as a young man who should not place himself in the path of temptation.
This movie is not an "extravaganza", but not every movie should be. This movie presents noble ideas and demonstrates the weakness of the rabble quite well.
Xiangnu Xiao Xiao (1987)
Beautiful imagery compliments a very human story.
I ran across this movie late at night on the Independent Film Channel and was utterly under its sway within minutes. The story of the young girl/woman who spends her youth as a caretaker for her future husband is heartbreaking. The cyclical nature of cultural traditions is explored in a very straightforward manner, but the beautiful, static scenes puntuating the different acts of the movie are a wonderfully poetic touch.
A Knight's Tale (2001)
Not too deep, but plenty fun
I took my 12-year old, not planning to enjoy the movie too much myself. Yes, there are plot holes. True, some of the acting is wooden. The story is predictable.
But the movie overall is a kick. With Queen's "We Will Rock You" in the opening credits, you might as well figure: in for a penny, in for a pound. And once you make that decision, you might as well relax and enjoy this confection.
It's not art. It's fun.
The Worst Witch (1986)
Charming children's movie.
This is a really charming kids' movie with the usual "good overcomes evil" crossed with a sort of ugly duckling fable. The cast doesn't play down to their audience, and so what could be a bit hackneyed is, in fact, very enjoyable.
Deadly Advice (1994)
Dark humor with fine performances.
This is a funny and original story that gets a bit bogged down towards the end but finishes well. Jane Horrocks is superb, as always. Imelda Staunton, Brenda Frickers, and Jonathan Pryce do fine by their characters as well. It's the story, not the performances that get a bit stuck about 3/4 through.
La cité des enfants perdus (1995)
Visually rich, with an uneven, but enjoyable, storyline.
The storyline is a little hard to follow, but only if you overthink it. If you can relax and enjoy the colors and imagery, and just let the story take you where it wants to go, this movie is well worth a $3.50 rental fee.
Angels and Insects (1995)
A beautiful movie, but an utterly predictable story.
The sets, costumes, and players are all beautiful. The acting is quite good. But the story is predictable pretty much from the get-go, which makes the conclusion anti-climactic. A beautiful, boring movie.