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magskier
Reviews
Deadwood (2004)
Yes they did talk that way!
We love Deadwood at our house. I heard an interview on NPR with a historian regarding the colorful language used in the series, and yes they spoke that way. It wasn't called the Wild West for nothing. Do these folks the really think the old West was like the old John Wayne movies? Get real. Same NPR story, said prostitution was legal in the real Deadwood as late as the 1980's.
Ian McShane (who was great in LoveJoy series) is fantastic, as are all of the other characters. I really like Calamity Jane! Hopefully, she'll be sticking around for a while, what with Wild Bill gone.
I disagree with those who think the writing sucks. My response, get your own show.
The Green Man (1990)
Finney and cast in a delightful British Inn romp
I loved this 3 part series, and have seen it 3 or 4 times over the years. Albert Finney's character, Maurice, does have many unappealing traits. However, Finney makes the character irresistible. Finney plays the anti-hero to perfection. The script is excellent. I loved the scene where Linda Marlow and Sarah Berger (excellent performances both) pull a fast one on the `manipulative' Maurice. Just reading the other reviewers' comments makes me eager to see this British gem again!
Nine Months (1995)
This is my first "1"!
Of the 122 films I have rated thus far, Nine Months is the first film I have awarded a 1 to. Can you spell WOOF? My husband and I gamely watched the first hour, and finally could take no more. I was disappointed in Julianne Moore's performance, though she did not have much to work with given the awful script. Hugh Grant was whiney and annoying. Not even Robin Williams helped this mess. I could have cared less about Hugh Grant's character's arc; or any other of the rich, spoiled and petulant (supposedly adult) characters.
Desk Set (1957)
Nice movie to watch over the holidays.
I was sitting here thinking of movies I like to watch over the holidays, and Desk Set certainly made my list. The office Christmas party is classic.
I love this movie and have seen it a number of times. Though set in the late 50's I do not feel like the story seems that dated. The fabulous women in this cast, Kate Hepburn, Joan Blondell and Dina Merrill are witty and sexy. I think their roles are more relevant than many of the women's rom-com roles today (think Meg Ryan in Sleepless in Seattle or Sandra Bullock in While You Were Sleeping). While Bunny (ok, I kind of cringe at that name but maybe it was meant in the New England prep stereotype of a name) does put up with Mike's (played perfectly by Gig Young) oafish behavior, it is obvious that her profession is of more importance to her than getting married. All of these women are incredibly bright. Watch this movie and you'll wonder why women's roles today are so one-dimensional.
I love that Bunny is attracted to Sumner because he is brilliant... and of course funny. Spencer Tracy as Sumner is outstanding as always. He is much more attractive than the typical leading man with pretty boy looks and little substance.
Is anyone in Hollywood listening??
Hysterical Blindness (2002)
Hysterical Blindness was, well, bland.
I looked forward to watching Hysterical Blindness, as the HBO promos showed some promise. It is the story of two 20 something New Jersey women coping with dead-end lives by hanging out at the local bar, Ollie's. The script did not tell enough of a story to keep me interested. I felt the story was very predictable, no surprise what happens after Debby and Rick sleep together.
The main characters were not sympathetic at all. I had to force myself to watch the entire movie. Debby (Uma Thurman) and Beth (Juliette Lewis) were selfish and self-pitying. We get glimpses of their back-stories to perhaps help the audience understand their behavior. But even then I could not bring myself to care what caused their immaturity.
Uma's character did not have enough of a character arc, and I was hoping Beth would but to no avail. Juliette Lewis gave a good performance. Uma's was too over the top. I did not think her looks worked against her, she looked very 80's cheap Lycra bimbo. Her gestures and accent were not believable. The best scenes in the movie involved Gena Rowlands and Ben Gazzara, and I would have preferred a story where they were the lead characters. I enjoyed the direction, but even Mira Nair could not save this mediocre script.
Hysterical Blindness (2002)
Hysterical Blindness was, well, bland.
I looked forward to watching Hysterical Blindness, as the HBO promos showed some promise. It is the story of two 20 something New Jersey women coping with dead-end lives by hanging out at the local bar, Ollie's. The script did not tell enough of a story to keep me interested. I felt the story was very predictable, no surprise what happens after Debby and Rick sleep together.
The main characters were not sympathetic at all. I had to force myself to watch the entire movie. Debby (Uma Thurman) and Beth (Juliette Lewis) were selfish and self-pitying. We get glimpses of their back-stories to perhaps help the audience understand their behavior. But even then I could not bring myself to care what caused their immaturity.
Uma's character did not have enough of a character arc, and I was hoping Beth would but to no avail. Juliette Lewis gave a good performance. Uma's was too over the top. I did not think her looks worked against her, she looked very 80's cheap Lycra bimbo. Her gestures and accent were not believable. The best scenes in the movie involved Gena Rowlands and Ben Gazzara, and I would have preferred a story where they were the lead characters. I enjoyed the direction, but even Mira Nair could not save this mediocre script.
The Girl Most Likely to... (1973)
Great Black Comedy
I loved this movie, though I have not seen it in years. I tried to find it in The Video Hound, but of course to no avail since it is not on video! (Thanks Courtney Lake). This was the first movie I saw Ms. Channing in, she was fabulous. Ed Asner gave a stand out performance, too. The script was very clever.
I would definitely rent this movie if came out on DVD, and perhaps even buy it.