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pgsturges
Reviews
Magic in the Moonlight (2014)
A wonderful film that leaves you reflective and happy.
This is a GREAT FILM. I read some of the tepid reviews, went anyway, LOVED it. Woody, as always, deals with big subjects lightly, the question here: is there magic in the world? Is there more to life than meets the eye? I don't know what you believe, but Woody says there is. I went right along with him.
As far as movie-making is concerned, Woody shows he hasn't lost a step. Clues are deftly scattered, parallels emerge, the expected happens in unexpected ways, it's delightful. Woody speaks to our hearts and minds simultaneously.
Colin Firth is terrific; spot-on, serious and hilariously dry by turns. His character reminded me a little of Professor Higgins in "My Fair Lady." A man confident in his own superior knowledge - until he encounters real magic - the kind of magic all of us have the possibility of experiencing.
Emma Stone is revealed as an actress of easy and convincing grace. Of course, she's beautiful, too, which is never a disadvantage. Both Miss Stone's and Mr. Firth's characters are so well drawn you can't imagine anyone doing it better.
If you're old enough to have lived a little, this film will appeal to you. If you are currently loving Ninja Turtles, this piece of inspiring magic will sail over your head.
Bravo to Woody and his tremendous cast. Well done, ladies and gentlemen.
Identity Thief (2013)
An actress is only as good as her script
This is a dreadful movie, not worth the expense of the gas to get to the theater. I walked out, got my money back.
I loved Ms. McCarthy in Bridesmaids, don't get me wrong. I remain a fan of hers. And I liked Bateman in Horrible Bosses.
This movie piles on one false premise after another. No early situation is remotely real, neither are the characters. For a comedy to be funny, these has to be some basis of truth -- something to be funny against. Once falsity enters the script, all that follow that falsity will be false too.
This movie might make a lot of money, but that's because a lot of people sincerely hoped it would be good. It isn't. If people paid on the way out, this wouldn't make five dollars.
Don't say I didn't warn you!