oliverl-1 Reviews

Dickie Roberts: Former Child Star (2003)

Fun Flick

[27 September 2004]

Dickie Roberts Former Child Star is a great, oddly touching story that is perfect for David Spade. With real former child stars making cameo's(Leif Garrett, "Screech" form Saved By The Bell, Danny Bonaduce and a whole host of others. John Lovitz is pretty good as Sidney Wernick, Dickie's ever-faithful manager, and Alyssa Milano from Charmed is impressive as Dickie's sometimes girlfriend Cyndi.

Mary McCormack is great as Dickie's "foster mom", who is not in the least impressed. "Sally" and "Sam" are also pretty good as Dickie's "brother and sister".

Dickie teaches his new family what is important and helps them realize their problems, while the family helps Dickie realize that he was never really happy, and all he wanted was love.

Along with great jokes, physical humour and quick wit, this film is a great movie to sit back and have a laugh with the family.

I would give it 6/10

One True Thing (1998)

A Heartfelt, Moving, Story

[10 September 2004]

One True Thing is an beautifully made film with an established cast. Renee Zellweger plays the journalist daughter of Meryl Streep and William Hurt, who also put in excellent performances.

Zellweger shines in the emotional movie as she discovers her childhood memories of her parents are not what she thinks they are. Lauren Graham from Gilmore Girls also has a part in this movie as Ellen's (Zellweger) friend Jules, although this is a bit part, she truly adds to the storyline.

A moving and beautiful story, I recommend it. 8/10 Stars

Murder by Numbers (2002)

Exciting Thriller

[21 July 2004]

Murder by Numbers is an intriguing and suspenseful tale of 2 spoiled teenagers who commit a murder just to see if they can get away with it.

Sandra Bullock is excellent as homicide detective Cassie Mayweather- a fish out of water role for Bullock, who has her own demons to fight while catching the bad guys.

Ben Chaplin is excellent as rookie homicide detective Sam Kennedy, he adds real depth to the story. Ryan Gosling & Michael Pitt are OK as the perpetrators of the murder, but I don't feel they did it to justice, as well as they could.

This movie is ideal for a quiet Saturday night in. With Sandra Bullock & Ben Chaplin it is an excellent effort. 8/10

Jessica (I) (2004 TV Movie)

One of the Highlights of 2004

[20 July 2004]

"Jessica" is a dramatic and heartfelt true story. The adaptation of Bryce Courtenay's novel is more wonderful than I could ever have expected, as it tells the story of a gut-wrenching story of a hapless life. The acting is brilliant all around.

Leanna Walsman is perfect as main character Jessica Bergman, with her good looks and her extreme talent she tells a remarkable story of a heartbreaking life.

Oliver Ackland is excellent as Jack Thomas, the love of both Jessica and her spoiled sister Meg's (Megan Dorman) life, with his handsome charm and love for Jessica, how can you not like him? Wil Traval is just as superb as Billy Simple, the brain-damaged friend of Jessica & Jack. Traval puts in a beautiful performance.

Sam Neill is wonderful as the drunken lawyer of both Billy & Jessica, Neill is the icing on the cake. Tony Martin is also great as Jessica's dad Joe, his love and support for Jessica is beautiful. With other great supporting actors such as Lisa Harrow, Megan Dorman and John Howard "Jessica" is a soulful and riveting mini-series. 10/10