According to Wiki there have been 12 film adaptations of Edmond Rostand's play, Cyrano de Bergerac. Now make that 13 with Rhino, AKA It Takes Three-2021-revolving around modern day high schoolers which means nerdish male and female leads opposite popular boy poser and their smart but popular counterpoint. I started watching it with skepticism but stayed and enjoyed it. Some plot points seemed too contrived, the beautiful, young and way too hip Principal, as an example. Also, the two moms factor seemed a little off but better than a modern version Ozzie and Harriet. The 1987 Steve Martin version, Roxanne, remains far superior. This should make your watch list, perhaps in the lower third. However, if you keep your expectations in-bounds, you should enjoy the actors and the brave attempt to make it modern.
Reviews
16 Reviews
It Takes Three
(2021)
Yet another film adaptation of Cyrano de Bergerac, with a twist
24 November 2022
The Greatest Beer Run Ever
(2022)
It's like an onion.
30 September 2022
It's like an onion. Many layers working correctly together. The title may sound like a bad late night teen movie but quickly showed its many layers it to be much more a social commentary than a war movie. Excellent cast overall and the leads were particularly stellar. Based on real events and people, within a short real life time-frame of 1967 America and the Tet offensive, lies this very good film. Partially a heavy dose of beers and bros from Philly juxtaposed with 1960's America's unflinching coursework on a culture of war escalation like we did in 1945, says Bill Murray as The Colonel. Those sentiments juxtaposed with the Prophetic words from Viet Nam War Correspondent, Russell Crowe, "It isn't the truth that hurts us. It's the lying that hurts...". Well worth your time!
Toscana
(II) (2022)
Somewhere between 4 and 7
1 September 2022
I wanted to really like this film as it seemed it would check many of my film boxes. Unfortunately, what began with some intensity in the acting and visuals soon faded. Missed the mark as a food film, a romance, a Danish film, and even as an Italian travel film. The sub-plots did not add to the story or the experience as a whole. Sometimes it was distracting enough to get a beverage, come back and not have missed anything.
The two leads were interesting actors but their characters written in two dimensions. Gaps in the story were overt and it finished as better than a Lifetime movie but not by much. After watching the entire movie, good acting and interior scenes but, not as interesting as Stanley Tucci's Searching For Italy.
The two leads were interesting actors but their characters written in two dimensions. Gaps in the story were overt and it finished as better than a Lifetime movie but not by much. After watching the entire movie, good acting and interior scenes but, not as interesting as Stanley Tucci's Searching For Italy.
Metal Lords
(2022)
Great young leads held back by an old story.
21 August 2022
The three young leads shine brightly, perhaps restrained by the story which was somewhat predictable at times. Also, if frequent heavy metal tracks don't appeal to you your enthusiasm for this film will likely be restrained. That aside, this is an enjoyable movie for those who enjoy first love and High School angst told with the sympathetic lead voices. Some extra praise for including neuro-atypical characters in a meaningful manner. So don't expect Oscars or the next great classic but do invest the time for some good fun and maybe a better understanding of heavy metal even if you're not a fan (as I am not). I highly recommend this teen musical-comedy-drama more suited at times for their parents.
Skyggen i mit øje
(2021)
WW II Through a European Lens
3 July 2022
This is an excellent movie start to finish, that almost all will find compelling. Does not deserve a score less than 9 and if I could, mine would be 9.5. Perhaps a bit uneven in the process of portraying the Allied side of this unforgettable film. So may wonderful things to say however, the actors, particularly the child actors were stunning. The story line of the young nun and the collaborator was fascinating and I would have liked to have seen that more fully developed. However, the editing was crisp and the length perfect as is.
Finally, a WW II movie not from the perspective of the often jaded American viewer. Wonderful to see this important part of a localized European perspective and through the eyes of children.
An important movie to watch and then watch again.
Finally, a WW II movie not from the perspective of the often jaded American viewer. Wonderful to see this important part of a localized European perspective and through the eyes of children.
An important movie to watch and then watch again.
Don't Look Up
(2021)
"Will there be merch?" (From the closing credits song lyric)
26 June 2022
Of course! Get your PDCO merch right now. Also, many, many memes will surface that all will finally know what a meme actually is.
So many possible titles for this film review (I really thought, "Yes! Cockroaches Will Survive!" would be good.) and questions about reviewers who loved it and had glowing remarks except for one or two small items, then gave it 7, 8, or 9 stars. And the very low scores, well, must have been the oysters, hard to explain.
There is no prefect film and this excellent film has its small share of "goofs". However, on the whole the creators, cast, and crew have crafted a wonderful, complex amalgam of satire, comedy, and drama with a script that has so many funny and bitingly true lines and themes that one has difficulty catching them all. Be prepared to rewind here and there to catch them all, some nuanced and some blunt as a, forgive me, blunt as if a comet might hit the earth.
If one starts with a great idea, is able to knit a script filled with great humor, honesty, drama, and thoughtfulness then it is, for me, a 10. What is left to praise? The Cast! I certainly have not read the more than 4600 User Reviews, but of those I have, I did not see Mark Rylance singled out for an excellent performance, which would be a huge oversight! I thought the entire cast was great, stellar, and left it all out there. And they all deserve a mention. No one just phoned it in, in this fine work of art.
There are obvious comparisons to previous great films and characters, Peter Finch and Slim Pickens come to mind, and Don't Look Up will be remembered as one of the best.
For me, obviously, this is a Must See.
So many possible titles for this film review (I really thought, "Yes! Cockroaches Will Survive!" would be good.) and questions about reviewers who loved it and had glowing remarks except for one or two small items, then gave it 7, 8, or 9 stars. And the very low scores, well, must have been the oysters, hard to explain.
There is no prefect film and this excellent film has its small share of "goofs". However, on the whole the creators, cast, and crew have crafted a wonderful, complex amalgam of satire, comedy, and drama with a script that has so many funny and bitingly true lines and themes that one has difficulty catching them all. Be prepared to rewind here and there to catch them all, some nuanced and some blunt as a, forgive me, blunt as if a comet might hit the earth.
If one starts with a great idea, is able to knit a script filled with great humor, honesty, drama, and thoughtfulness then it is, for me, a 10. What is left to praise? The Cast! I certainly have not read the more than 4600 User Reviews, but of those I have, I did not see Mark Rylance singled out for an excellent performance, which would be a huge oversight! I thought the entire cast was great, stellar, and left it all out there. And they all deserve a mention. No one just phoned it in, in this fine work of art.
There are obvious comparisons to previous great films and characters, Peter Finch and Slim Pickens come to mind, and Don't Look Up will be remembered as one of the best.
For me, obviously, this is a Must See.
No Time to Die
(2021)
Tired writing and ultimately degrades the genre.
14 June 2022
So sad it is almost a satire despite some fine actors, not necessarily fine performances, it is impossible to save the plot and script from this becoming one of your last "Bond" choices to view. Daniel Craig seemed disengaged and the typical Bond eye candy is no reason to watch on streaming, let alone to pay to view.
Norm Macdonald: Nothing Special
(2022 TV Special)
If you're familiar with Norm McDonald, you should love this.
4 June 2022
However, very few fully knew Norm and those likely closest to him, Letterman, Chappelle, Shannon, Spade, Shannon, Sandler, added greatly to the appeal of this very Special show. Mostly comedy with shades of tragedy, it is a Must See for his current and new fans. The discussion afterwards is as rewarding as the at home performance itself (see if you hear David Spade's slip of the tongue). Highly recommend this Special.
Shameless
(2004–2013)
Watch the British Shameless and skip the weak American version.
8 May 2022
As my title suggests, (I'm American), this brilliant comedy is far superior to its later frightened American version despite the work by the hilarious William Macy. As witty, biting, and provocative social satire/comedy with a bit of drama, the second is a weak copy. That is meant literally, weak and a copy. So much of the second version, set in America, is fearfully written and transparently of the original, that it quickly became for me unwatchable after being spoiled by the creative acting and writing of 2004's Shameless.
Despite the show being continued two or three seasons too long, it remains for me, a classic example of brave creativity in themes, writing, acting, casting, and a take any chance attitude. A shame (no pun intended) more shows haven't and won't adopt the same attitudes. It perhaps inspired and allowed a few others, Phoebe Mary Waller-Bridge comes to mind, to be creative in new daring ways with little concern for broader, meek sensibilities.
So many praise-worthy actors, directors, writers, and others to mention however, the product is, overall, brilliant. Perhaps this show, like well-loved friends or relatives you were glad having over, then maybe they stayed too long, you still enjoyed them and want them back. I still love and laugh at the tone-setting, hilarious voice of the father in the openings, "End poverty, free drugs now!". That alone lets potential viewers what they're about to watch. Sit back and enjoy the ride.
Despite the show being continued two or three seasons too long, it remains for me, a classic example of brave creativity in themes, writing, acting, casting, and a take any chance attitude. A shame (no pun intended) more shows haven't and won't adopt the same attitudes. It perhaps inspired and allowed a few others, Phoebe Mary Waller-Bridge comes to mind, to be creative in new daring ways with little concern for broader, meek sensibilities.
So many praise-worthy actors, directors, writers, and others to mention however, the product is, overall, brilliant. Perhaps this show, like well-loved friends or relatives you were glad having over, then maybe they stayed too long, you still enjoyed them and want them back. I still love and laugh at the tone-setting, hilarious voice of the father in the openings, "End poverty, free drugs now!". That alone lets potential viewers what they're about to watch. Sit back and enjoy the ride.
The Woman in the House
(2022)
I feel like I was hit by a Mac truck written by a 9 year old.
12 April 2022
Satire? Drama? Bad drama so let's play it off as satire? In any case it doesn't work. Save your time unless you're in it for mild eye candy. High production values however, half way through you will regret wasting your time.
Tru Love
(2013)
A May-December romance beyond the usual.
1 April 2022
I am usually put-off when one person stars, writes, and directs-or other multiple roles-in a film however, this is the example that proves it can become a worthwhile effort. Thank you Canada, love is not only found on tropical settings with skimpy bikinis and oiled torsos. At its heart, this is a romance that could have driven itself off the cliff into a soapy film that is only trite. Given the story lines of age, sexuality, loss, and family conflict, the result is an honest product that I think the cast and crew as well as most viewers will find rewarding. If you are looking for an LGBTQ+ salacious tease, you will be disappointed. It is an honest effort with high production values and I feel it is worth your time to watch.
Behind Closed Doors
(III) (2021)
Low budget film and it shows.
24 March 2022
This film is seriously flawed and either lost its good intentions or was meant to be exploitative and tried, vainly, to recover some degree of cinematic and moral gravitas with thin underlying moral messages. Primarily what is seen is an LGBT movie with several scenes of primarily women being intimate, exploited, or naive. Probably an R rated product with a low budget and some gaffs that are nearly laughable particularly the hypocritical minister's eulogy including the phrase "when the rubber meets the road".
Very little to applaud in this effort except, perhaps, the bravery of the actors for signing on if they read the entire script beforehand.
Very little to applaud in this effort except, perhaps, the bravery of the actors for signing on if they read the entire script beforehand.
Gurov and Anna
(2014)
Excellent Canadian Film With A Large dose of Chekov
2 March 2022
Intelligent and attractive cast in a French and English language production from Canada. An adult and dramatic effort about adults mirroring Chekov in their lives and writing. Excellent acting and directing with beautiful images that even makes cold and snowy winter look romantic yet bleak and part of the story. Well worth the time to view and absorb this thoughtful effort.
Ten Million Throwaways
(2021)
A very poorly done "documentary" no matter how you feel about pornography and how you should feel about child abuse.
2 January 2022
This self-described documentary film is flawed for so many reasons, it is difficult to know where to start. I will be brief. It will be easy to avoid spoilers as anyone vaguely aware of the topics involved will not be surprised by any content or opinions in the film.
Simply diluted soup that inadvertently ignores the most serious issue. This is due in part, I think, for three reasons. First, there is a minimal amount of factual information particularly regarding the very important and broad topic of child exploitation and abuse. To say that there are few or no laws or programs available to help these victims is fiction. Is there enough being done, not even close but much more than is implied. A simple internet search would reveal thousands of programs and research on abuse topics as well as countless laws.
Second, the content and style by the writer/director, regarding his seemingly recent discovery that pornography use is increasing world-wide (wherever a non-draconian government allows it), makes the slap-dash edits of the film look like a bad mix of Reefer Madness mongering and outtakes of Nancy Reagan/Phyllis Schlafly cutting rooms floor clips of a beautiful and pure America spoiled by insidious enemies. The approach comes across as grainy, outdated, dubious, and naive. It is as though he has not watched a modern documentary or any sincere film in decades. Many comments are included that cry out for editing or specific support, perhaps available, but are left hanging like a shirt on a clothes line with only one clothes pin: Flapping an incomplete effort with valid points obscured.
Finally, again trying to be brief, this poor effort at documentation seemed to offer again and again, the same images, interview clips, screes, and conflated statements on pornography and its addiction to MEN of America.
I've seen this said here before and it is worth repeating, but this is 90 minutes of my life wasted and irretrievable. I tried to be fair and stick it out hoping the first several minutes would not continue as badly, however I was wrong. Bad writing, editing, and directing cannot help to shed light on important topics.
Simply diluted soup that inadvertently ignores the most serious issue. This is due in part, I think, for three reasons. First, there is a minimal amount of factual information particularly regarding the very important and broad topic of child exploitation and abuse. To say that there are few or no laws or programs available to help these victims is fiction. Is there enough being done, not even close but much more than is implied. A simple internet search would reveal thousands of programs and research on abuse topics as well as countless laws.
Second, the content and style by the writer/director, regarding his seemingly recent discovery that pornography use is increasing world-wide (wherever a non-draconian government allows it), makes the slap-dash edits of the film look like a bad mix of Reefer Madness mongering and outtakes of Nancy Reagan/Phyllis Schlafly cutting rooms floor clips of a beautiful and pure America spoiled by insidious enemies. The approach comes across as grainy, outdated, dubious, and naive. It is as though he has not watched a modern documentary or any sincere film in decades. Many comments are included that cry out for editing or specific support, perhaps available, but are left hanging like a shirt on a clothes line with only one clothes pin: Flapping an incomplete effort with valid points obscured.
Finally, again trying to be brief, this poor effort at documentation seemed to offer again and again, the same images, interview clips, screes, and conflated statements on pornography and its addiction to MEN of America.
I've seen this said here before and it is worth repeating, but this is 90 minutes of my life wasted and irretrievable. I tried to be fair and stick it out hoping the first several minutes would not continue as badly, however I was wrong. Bad writing, editing, and directing cannot help to shed light on important topics.
Cruise
(2018)
Same old story line updated with social props, cars, and puffy lips.
31 December 2021
If it seems familiar, go with the feeling. Bad boy from wrong side of tracks (Italian, of course) falls for thrill seeking girl in ivy league college from the suburbs (Jewish American Princess with lips only a Plastic Surgeon could admire). This version is a little more adult but is on the spectrum of Hollywood young "love" stories. Even a faint whiff of Romeo and Juliet meets Dirty Dancing, that's how trite it seemed at times.
On the "Pro" side, the budget was on the screen, the actors played their stereotypes, and the leads were good enough. Emily Ratajkowski's lip job, if just for vanity and not medically needed, should be a warning to young people, natural beauty is always better than surgical.
On the "Pro" side, the budget was on the screen, the actors played their stereotypes, and the leads were good enough. Emily Ratajkowski's lip job, if just for vanity and not medically needed, should be a warning to young people, natural beauty is always better than surgical.
The Ten Commandments
(1956)
Then, new epic visuals. Now, simply awful.
7 June 2021
Not easy to write a review after more than 300 however, after reading a dozen or so positive to glorious reviews, I'm forced to give some perspective. Mid 1950's and DeMille produces an "epic" film for its day with all-star cast names and huge visual effects. The fact that its long presentation of the biblical story wanders a bit and used trite devices to make it popular to a large, white, shock-avoidant audience, was widely ignored. 1956 America was white, largely middle-class, and all about Ozzie and Harriet and Art Linkletter stereotypes. The most disturbing TV viewing, and it was largely ignored, was a white, redheaded Lucy Ball married to a Cuban American Desi Arnaz while sleeping in separate beds.
DeMille's movie, in retrospect, portrayed a 19th post-civil war Southern depiction of the Bible with an all white cast playing Semitic characters. The worst offense, unforgivable, in my opinion, Edgar G Robinson with a New York City accent. I like much of his work, Soylent Green as an example, but this was absurd. A close second, Heston because his acting was stiff and fake. Chosen reportedly, because he looked the most closely physically to the way the people of the Bible, (Egypt, Israel, et al are in the Middle East-not Europe) in those days and mostly still are. People of Middle Eastern descent were portrayed in every other medium from calendars to portraits, as fair skinned, blue-eyed even, and European. If this was and is a 10 out of 10 movie, why do we only see it at Easter and similar holidays? Because, it is traditional and few movies are made these days for those holidays. It is an old, outdated, racially and religiously offensive movie made by a director who was racially and religiously offensive and a studio system past its prime days of morality, if ever. This movie deserves to only be shown in a college History of Film class, freshman level. I would not recommend it to anyone, ever. However, if it is your family's Easter tradition and Brenner's Russian accent and Robinson's NY accent don't make you laugh out loud, then waste the time and try to keep the kids in the room. Even then, think twice.
DeMille's movie, in retrospect, portrayed a 19th post-civil war Southern depiction of the Bible with an all white cast playing Semitic characters. The worst offense, unforgivable, in my opinion, Edgar G Robinson with a New York City accent. I like much of his work, Soylent Green as an example, but this was absurd. A close second, Heston because his acting was stiff and fake. Chosen reportedly, because he looked the most closely physically to the way the people of the Bible, (Egypt, Israel, et al are in the Middle East-not Europe) in those days and mostly still are. People of Middle Eastern descent were portrayed in every other medium from calendars to portraits, as fair skinned, blue-eyed even, and European. If this was and is a 10 out of 10 movie, why do we only see it at Easter and similar holidays? Because, it is traditional and few movies are made these days for those holidays. It is an old, outdated, racially and religiously offensive movie made by a director who was racially and religiously offensive and a studio system past its prime days of morality, if ever. This movie deserves to only be shown in a college History of Film class, freshman level. I would not recommend it to anyone, ever. However, if it is your family's Easter tradition and Brenner's Russian accent and Robinson's NY accent don't make you laugh out loud, then waste the time and try to keep the kids in the room. Even then, think twice.
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