hgaza Reviews

Shopgirl (2005)

Claire Danes is adorable...

[9/10 · 1 September 2006]

I rented this movie without any expectations and I was pleasantly surprised. Claire Danes is adorable and you can't help but fall in love with her in this movie. Steve Martin was the older man who courts Claire's character and does a wonderful job. Jason Schwartzman is also great as the goofy boyfriend. We need to see more of him at the movies.

The movie is very real. It takes you through all the emotions we go through with relationships. From the awkwardness of the first date and the goodnight kiss...to the realization of the end of the relationship. Claire does a really good job in this movie. She will definitely be around in this business for a long time. I would recommend this movie to everyone.

The Phantom of the Opera (2004)

Better than I expected...

[8/10 · 1 September 2006]

I was fortunate enough to see the musical on Broadway a few years ago and absolutely loved it. When I heard that a movie version was coming out, I did not expect it to be as wonderful as the show, so I decided not to watch it when the movie came out 2 years ago. Then for some reason when it came out on video, I was curious so I rented it. It was definitely better than I expected. Emmy Rossum is wonderful in this movie. Her voice is absolutely magical. From the first moment I heard her voice, I became a fan. Nobody else could have played this part for the movie. Now I wish that I had the opportunity to see the movie on the big screen. I recommend this movie for everyone to see...

Holly (2006)

A powerful and moving story...

[10/10 · 22 August 2006]

I had the privilege of watching "Holly" at the Edinburgh Film Festival last week. What a powerful and moving story! Holly is a 12 yr old Vietnamese girl who is sold into prostitution by her own family and living in a brothel in Cambodia. Patrick (an American) comes into Holly's life and decides he wants to help her. When Holly is sold again, Patrick desperately searches for her. We follow they're difficult journey through Cambodia and hope for their reunion.

Holly is one of millions of children who are sold and trafficked every day. The movie portrays this difficult issue without crossing the line. I walked away wanting to know more about the issue of child trafficking and asking how can I help? This movie should be seen by everyone because it is a beautiful story and it exposes an issue that we should no longer ignore.