Krepta Reviews

Patriot Games (1992)

I screwed up by reading the book first

[2 August 2002]

I think if I had seen the movie first, I might have liked it better than I did, comparing it the whole time. Then again, some of my friends who hadn't read the book didn't understand a lot of it.

A lot of explanations for why things happened were left out of the movie, so that even I, who knew why they'd (SPOILER) bugged the book shop, was left asking "Why?"

Characters were left underdeveloped, or were purposely shortchanged. (SPOILER, again) One of the big themes in the book was that Jack didn't like killing, and didn't want to. So what does he do at the end? Impales the bad guy on an anchor. They sacrificed a lot of good, smart story for some action that wasn't worth the sacrifice. The book was a smart read that made you think, and had enough action to be exciting. The movie was simply action, and it wasn't that you had to think, it was just confusing.

Now, after I've bashed the movie, I'd like to say it wasn't that bad, just horrible compared to the book. Harrison Ford redeemed the movie enough to make it worthwhile.

::Absolutely unrelated and not important:: For all Sea Quest Fans, if there are any left: The one scientist with the glasses, the geeky guy, was here, too, playing a geeky guy with glasses who helped Jack with the satelite shots.

The Importance of Being Earnest (2002)

A great movie

[6 June 2002]

I seem to be one of the few people who has never, by some strange twist of fate, seen or read any other version of this movie. I fully intend to see the '52 version, however, just to get another shot at this comedy. I don't understand why it got such bad reviews; I'm not a big movie buff, and hadn't even heard of it until I wanted to go to the movies and we found it was the only thing playing at the time.

Boy were we lucky! The movie was wonderfully acted, and it just seemed to flow. The comedy was wonderful, witty, and refreshingly clean. It was wonderful to go to the movies and find something so hilarious and completely free of sex and dirty humor. Everet was as wonderful as ever, and Witherspoon was her usual gifted self; she plays such a wonderful character, so dreamy and head-in-the-clouds and completely sure of herself and her life.

I recommend this movie to anyone who wants a romantic comedy that will have you turning red in the face, trying not to laugh so you don't miss the next line. It's wonderful.

Jane Eyre (1996)

Can you say, "God awful?"

[6 June 2002]

Ugh. I love this book. It is a classic, and it deserves to be one. It is a wonderful story of a girl who makes it through a very difficult life, is betrayed by people and circumstances, and still manages to be strong and trust and love people. The main character, Jane, is smart and witty and honest and honorable and outspoken for her position and not unhappy with that. She knows her position, is aware that it is low, but recognizes that it does not lower her as a human being. Rochester is a Byronic hero (yes, I learned that in a lit class) and despite his faults and broodiness and, at times, distance, he is totally captivating.

The movie has none of these qualities, and it is an insult to give it the same name as the book. Jane is not true to character, and she is way too submissive. Rochester just isn't interesting. All of the funny, deep, cute, make-the-character lines are missing. I haven't seen any other versions of this story, but I sure hope they're better than this one. Bronte should be rolling in her grave at this awful rendition of her gorgeous story.

Magnificent Obsession (1954)

Glad I caught this one! Minor spoiler

[6 April 2002]

I was just flipping through the channels the other day, and my mother walked in and told me to go back. SO glad I did. I was surprised, because I'm not usually one for older movies, but I liked this one. Granted, it could be kind of corny, but it was sweet.

My one big qualm? The scene at the hospital when they first learn she is blind, and Merrick wanted to go into her room. He is told "She doesn't want to see you." Could they have picked a worse phrase? SHE CAN'T SEE HIM!! Of course she won't see him - she's BLIND! I almost fell off the bed laughing with my mom.

But I really did like it, and for a great old love story, I think it's fantastic. Very enjoyable.

Firestarter: Rekindled (2002)

Well put together and a good story line

[9/10 · 22 March 2002]

I really liked the whole thing, and was pleasantly surprised - I was half-expecting a sloppy horror movie without much of a plot. Not at all. Malcom McDowell is always good, here as elsewhere, and he was appropriately frightening, in that insanely calm, logical way.

Moreau was good, too, and played very nicely off the others as well. I was very pleased with the whole thing. It had enough scary stuff in it to make it fun, and it was creepy at times, and we got a little romance along with it. What more could you want?

A Little Princess (1995)

This was such a moving movie!

[24 February 2002]

SPOILER!!

This was the most amazing movie. I know I watched it a lot when I was younger, and I remembered it, but I was watching it again recently, and I couldn't believe how moving the ending was. I don't usually cry that much at movies, but the tears were pouring down at the end. I mean, it's about the thing you love most in the world - your own father, for goodness' sakes! - not recongizing you, and then finally running to her... It was a beautiful scene.

And the song that runs through the movie. It's absolutely gorgeous, and if you haven't paid attention to what she's saying in the lyrics, you should. I love this movie.