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Reviews
Marple: 4.50 from Paddington (2004)
Not too bad but...
This isn't really too bad. But it feels so different from what one would imagine after reading the book. So I guess, those who haven't read the book would likely enjoy this movie more. Except most people probably wouldn't watch this unless one has read the book.
One thing I can't seem to get over is why is Miss Marple so perky and vivacious, almost as if she's going to break into a song and dance number or a comedy act. Is this done deliberately to appeal to a wider and modern audience? Nothing wrong with that. I do appreciate a good sense of humor. In Mrs. Christie's books, I get the impression that Miss Marple is a very "classy" lady, very genteel. There is nothing wrong with Geraldine McEwan's portrayal of an elderly lady, I do like her, but it just doesn't feel like The Miss Marple. If the series were called Geraldine McEwan Series instead, it would be more enjoyable and less irritating to be reminded how different the stories are from the books.
As a made of TV movie, I'd give it an 8. While as an Agatha Christie book made for TV, I'd give it, at most, a 4. Suddenly reminds me, how much I appreciate Mrs. Christie's writing abilities.
Sabrina (1954)
Just Perfect
Billy Wilder was the Master. No doubt about it. There were so many Billy Wilder touches in this movie. All comedy were played with a straight face which made it even funnier. Sabrina Fairchild will always be Audrey Hepburn. I really don't see why people complain Bogart was miscast in the role of Linus Larrabee. He was perfect in it. Is it because he wasn't the so-called "romantic" leading man type one usually has in mind or because of the negative behind the scene stories. If Cary Grant had been cast in the role then David Larrabee wouldn't be that important anymore. Special mention to Walter Hampden as Oliver Larrabee and Ellen Corby as Linus' secretary.
Sabrina (1995)
Really not bad at all
There is nothing very wrong about with movie except it probably shouldn't be called Sabrina as it would draw unfair comparisons with the 1954 classic. This is a good movie as light-hearted comedy romance should be but I find it somehow takes itself too seriously in trying to make a "good" movie. The leads have a tendency to play their parts almost the same way as their predecessors did in the original movie except for Harrison Ford, who played the role of Linus Larrabee as Harrison Ford would. Julia Ormond is a talented and beautiful actress. It's a good thing she had other roles in which to shine, because Sabrina will always belong Audrey Hepburn. By the way, why did they take out the character of the elder Larrabee who had some of the best scenes in the original. Nice to see Angie Dickinson in this movie looking very beautiful as always.