johnstingray01 Reviews

Norma Jean & Marilyn (1996 TV Movie)

Fun As A Soap Opera Only

[30 January 2005]

For fans of MM this movie has many factual errors-not the least of which was how Marilyn's death was portrayed. It has some moments and is enjoyable on a superficial campy level but not as a biography. Both Ashley Judd and Mira Sorvino are good but Judd comes off slightly better as the younger Norman Jean.

One part that really bothered me was a fantasy scene, a symbolic "killing off" or "loss of innocence" as Marilyn and a casting agent are thinking up a screen name for her. Marilyn as a child is staring wistfully at Marilyn as an adult sitting in a car. Suddenly the grown up Marilyn shoves the car into reverse and slams into the little girl with a very loud thud on the soundtrack. The car pulls slowly away, its bumper dripping blood. Then you see a shoe on the road in the middle of a large bloodstain. This scene was mean spirited, gratuitous and completely unnecessary.

I think the real Marilyn certainly had and created problems but she was basically a tender hearted often lonely soul who deserved to be portrayed better than this.

In the Cut (2003)

An "erotic and suspenseful" story that's neither...

[4 November 2004]

This is one of those movies that sounds much better than it really is when you're reading the box at the video store. It opens with a panning shot through a courtyard where thousands of petals from tree blossoms are falling. Then you hear the most awful, off-key vocal of "Que Sera Sera." The scene tries to be artsy but is just pretentious.

Soon after, I was checking my DVD player to see how much time was left. Jennifer Jason Leigh turns in yet another performance of the damaged/needy/dark/doomed/sad girl-the same character she's played in most of her films since "Single White Female." She's an interesting actress but I think her career has been hurt by too many roles like this one.

Despite Meg Ryan's nude scenes and several gory murder scenes the film is never sexy or compelling. The story goes off track and by the time you find out who the killer is you realize you quite caring about an hour before.

Untamed Heart (1993)

Why aren't there more movies like this?

[28 October 2004]

This movie is an hour and a half song of joy for romantics everywhere.

Marisa Tomei as Caroline is a gentle romantic who falls in love completely and without pretense. She gradually brings out the shy and quiet Adam giving him the love and tenderness he so desperately needs.

Two of my favorite scenes were seeing the joy on Caroline's face when she awakens and sees the Christmas tree Adam put in her room on Christmas morning. Also when they meet on opposing escalators and Adam gently touches her hand as they pass. Neither speak, their facial expressions make the scene work beautifully. This film is unashamedly tender, heartbreaking, romantic, soulful and life affirming. This little gem will pull your heartstrings much more than most big Hollywood movie "romances" could ever hope to.

In the Bedroom (2001)

Good storyline, lethargic pacing

[2 May 2004]

I normally like movies the explore relationships in a subtle and quiet way, like What's Eating Gilbert Grape and About Schmidt, for instance, do in a beautiful way-but In The Bedroom was just DULL!

This turkey drags on for 2 hours and 18 minutes and feels much longer. The filmmakers confuse low key with boredom and nuance with one-note.

The normally competent Sissy Spacek runs the gamut of emotions from petulent to sullen. The only bright spot is Marissa Tomei in an important but too small roll. She is luminous and a joy to watch in any movie. She does much more for this movie than it does for her.

An overused and annoying contrivance is the same aerial shot several times of a white church steeple amidst autumn foliage and somber music to remind us that it's set in New England (gee, would anyone actually think they moved to Maui, oh wait that might have made it a bit interesting!)

Anyway, the whole movie grates and grinds slowly along to a predictable conclusion.