Hunyak Reviews

Casablanca (1942)

The Greatest Film Ever

[12 February 2003]

This is simply the greatest movie ever made. A flawless script,

cast., directing, art directing, Casablanca is a film that has

everything a masterpiece embodies.

Made in 1942, this film will live in the human heart as long as long

as the sun shines.

Hearts in Atlantis (2001)

This is the kind of film that has always made me love the movies.

[10 October 2001]

Hearts In Atlantis is the kind of film that has always made me love the movies. Films like, A River Runs Through It, The Sixth Sense, The Shawshank Redemption and now, Hearts In Atlantis have this underlying quiet metaphysical magic to them that I find spellbinding as I sit in the dark cave of the theater. This kind of movie making intensity even makes the recorded sounds of the foley artists delicious.

A life-long sucker for the movies, I don't sit there and try to guess the next story turn, or try to figure too much about a character. I'm along for the ride, and this one was like a gentle ride through the country in the spongy backseat of one the large finned cars of the 1950's, the period of the film.

It is an intelligent film, though one could possibly argue that it comes to being too sentimental. I don't care. I loved it for that. For the sentiment to me is real. You hardened cynics out there will probably tear this film to pieces and if you feel that way I feel sorry for you that you can't let out a deep breath and sink into this one. Better luck to you in your next life.

This is a soft and loving story about a boy desperate to know his father who has passed away. The boy's Mom is a frustrated woman obsessed with herself. The mysterious boarder played so carefully and beautifully by the great Anthony Hopkins comes into the boy's life as an angel might.

This was the decade of my youth, so I especially identify with the naivete of the era, the familiarity with the look of the art direction, the men's hats, the bicycles, the furniture, the shadowy g-men.

This story by Stephen King feels to me a lot like of Ray Bradbury influence combining elements of an intimate story that is turned by the metaphyical. I am now so curious to read the book to read the source of this wonderful story.

Anthony Hopkins is once again a master's master. Mr. Hopkin's command of time and space holds the universe of the story together. Even watching Mr. Hopkins drink rootbeer from a bottle is a treat. Anton Yelchin gives an amazingly touching performance as the boy. Mika Boorem is perfect as Carol.

A life affirming film, Hearts In Atlantis is a thoroughly satisfying movie experience. You movie lovers out there, see Hearts In Atlantis in the movie theater, don't wait for the rental, please!!!

Magnolia (1999)

An unbelievable waste of time, talent and resources.

[3 February 2000]

I could not think of another method to weigh in concerning this waste of time, talent and resources other than to tell everyone I know not to waste their time watching this utterly vacuous moronic piece of I don't even know what.

The fact that I stayed for the full three hours and ten minutes shows you how dumb I am and the only thing I can say is that the seat was comfortable. All of you connected with this awful project -- you owe me $9.00 and three hours and ten minutes.

Into the West (1992)

A beautifully crafted uplifting movie

[20 October 1999]

This is a movie that takes you into a world of children's fantasy, the intense love that bonds a family, and masterful cinematography, scripting and performance. What else could any moviegoer ask for? It's the kind of film every filmmaker desires to be a part of. Although I found the film at my local Blockbuster video store tucked away on the Children's shelf, this is anything but a sappy family film that so often inhabit the world of the simplistic often dopey family category. The two boys in the film are terrific and Gabriel Byrne is excellent as the disconnected father and widower. And yes, beautiful scenery is often just that but here the magnificent landscape is as much a part of the story as the plot line. Treat yourself!