Change Your Image
Jill-2000
Reviews
Empire (2002)
Great Gangster Flick
An enjoyable multi dimensional gangster film with an unusual angle. What happens in a battle of wills between a street smart dealer and a big time Wall Street Investment banker? The story has strong action elements and romance as well. Leguazamo proves himself an excellent actor and a strong leading man.
Simon Birch (1998)
Magical Quality
A beautiful tale with an magical quality, Simon Birch, is a surprising gem of a movie.
This is one of those movies to watch to restore your faith in humanity.
A great family film that will tug at the hearts of kids and parents alike.
One Hour Photo (2002)
Unusual Disturbing Psychological Drama
One Hour Photo is suspense-filled and psychologically twisted, although a bit slow. It is also an unusual look at obsession... not typical by Hollywood standards. Robin Williams is notable for his restraint in this film and has not gotten enough credit from those who can't accept him as anything but a manic comedian.
Also notable, the director shows his music video background with sophisticated production design. Pay attention to the shelves in the store, they are a design feat.
I recommend this movie to people who would like to see an unusual psychological drama with the patience for a slower pace.
My Big Fat Greek Wedding (2002)
Great Little Romantic Film that Could
What an amazing achievement... for this small ethnic indie to make it so big. How this film got made and marketed is not typical of the way things are done in Hollywood. The extraordinary success tells all. Movie execs must heed the results of this film. I would love to see more films that do not quite fit Hollywood's neat little formulas.
It also proves that tales dealing with ethnic people with ethnic issues in the story can be universal. So many people are from "somewhere else" with unusual families that may not fit in. Obviously it did not hurt that Tom Hanks was involved. Perhaps this is a message to Stars to step-up to the plate and help other independent film makers.
It's been an interesting couple of years for films that mix love and ethnicity. In addition to Greek Wedding there were two other great films: Chocolat and Gabriela. Hopefully we'll see more.
Greek Wedding is a small film with a big heart. I would strongly recommend this film to people who like romantic comedies and love stories.
Chocolat (2000)
Food and Love
So many movies have combined food and love.
Here chocolate is central to the story.
I am strangely drawn to this and other stories like it.
Perhaps there is something primal that connects our desire for food and love.
I enjoyed every minute of this movie and would recommend it to anybody (over the age of 13). Remember to eat some chocolate while watching.
Gabriela (2001)
An Unusual Love Story
Gabriela is unusual in so many ways.
Most love stories are put out by big studios with big stars, but Gabriela is put out by a small studio with less known stars.
Most love stories are simplistic and predictable, while Gabriela is rich, complex and full of twists.
Most love stories are either comedies or dramas, while Gabriela has both drama and humor.
I had not heard of this movie before, so it was a pleasant surprise when I rented it. The acting is very good and the story is wonderful.
This was a very enjoyable movie that I would recommend to anyone (over the age of 13).