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Reviews
Ella Enchanted (2004)
What have they done...!?
I'm not usually an opponent of turning books into movies, nor am I opposed to altering books so that the movie version flows better. (For example in 'The Lord of the Rings', 'Cider House Rules' and the 'Harry Potter' films). However I was appalled at the treatment given to this book on film, and am very disappointed in Eric Idle for being a part of such a disappointing project.
Ella of the book, like the one on the screen played by Anne Hathaway, is a spunky, independent and feisty girl placed under a 'curse' by the well-meaning but often clueless fairy Lucinda, who gives her the 'gift' of obedience. Thus Ella must do as she is commanded, whatever it is, which as you can imagine creates problems when she falls in love with Prince Char, heir to the throne of Frell. The plot centres around Ella's attempt to break the curse and win her prince in the end.
This sadly, is where most of the similarities end. While in the novel the world of Frell and its surroundings is entirely magical and fantastical, this movie, in an attempt to make it more appealing, decides to create a medieval American suburb complete with the giggling high school girls and their high school politics, and a Prince whose popularity and notoriety one can only liken to Justin Timberlake. The characters for the most part retain only their names, and their characters are given an about face. The cold, calculating ruthless father of the book is benign in the movie, the upright, socially aware, intelligent yet mirthful prince is turned into a clueless fool. Thus the potential for meaningful exploration of their relationships with each other, especially the relationship between Ella and Char, is shot to pieces.
As a film it is incredibly mindless, and will leave many asking, what is the point? One does not have to patronise the American audience by making every story resemble its own. The book had so much potential as a movie, and Anne Hathaway was a good choice for Ella, but I cannot give this movie anything but a negative review. Maybe someday a more delicate treatment of the novel will emerge, and that I can guarantee will be a hit.
The Sweetest Thing (2002)
'Drivel' does not even BEGIN to describe this movie...
This movie was absolutely, positively, completely, totally, and in its entirety a pointless, mindless exercise in the worst kind of 'comedy' if you could term it as such. It was painful to watch such talented actresses whore themselves out for a script that was awkward and and unintelligible, a script that tried to be irreverent and witty but couldn't do much to distinguish itself as such. The film died a quick death at the box office - and also on cable television. If you thought Gigli was bad, at least there was a discernible plot in that movie. This one is just terrible.
In case you actually want to see this movie, I shall not delve into details, but trust me, there are several things wrong with this film. Selma Blair is horribly misused in this film (noticably when her character manages to make love to a man in an elephant costume - while he is still wearing it). The jokes are too forced to evoke anything more than a yawn from the viewer. Perhaps the worst thing about this movie is that it exists, because its existence signifies that not one person in the entire film-making process had cause to stop,reflect and say, "Hmmm... maybe even Cameron Diaz isn't enough to save this travesty of a film..."
4 out of 10 stars - or maybe 2.
MMC (1989)
Essential Childhood show
I used to watch MMC when I was about six to seven years old and I loved it! Considering the time it was set in (the late eighties and early nineties) it was representative of all the teen/child oriented shows, but it was much more entertaining than others I could name (such as Kids Incorporated, which used to air just before). A lot of people roll their eyes at me when I stress that it was a good show, but it really was. And the good thing is, I do not recall seeing Britney Spears or Justin Timberlake once. EVER. They weren't the stars, because there were other, older, more talented kids doing their thing in the spotlight (including Keri Russell, Tony Lucca, and yes, JC Chasez). Great show, even if today it would look a little dated.
La mala educación (2004)
Turns our expectations quite decisively on their heads
One thing that I love about non-Hollywood features: nothing is conventional, nothing is formulaic, and nothing is gag-worthy. This film by Almodovar is stunning in its lyricism, complexity, density and ability to evoke pathos. We have become so used to painting characters with a stereotypical brush - this is the hero, this is the villain - yet this movie refreshingly turns our expectations quite decisively on their heads. An interesting and engaging exploration of what constitutes 'victims' and 'villains', in a smart, fresh yet utterly disturbing setting. Our characters are truly developed with enough grey area to make them immensely believable as human beings. Truly a pleasure to watch.
The Pianist (2002)
Beautiful
When I watched the Oscar telecast in 2003, I was rooting for 'Chicago' to win the Best Picture nod. When it did I was elated, for I too was caught up in the 'Razzle Dazzle'. Then I watched 'The Pianist' and the movie just blew me away. I loved the subtle things, his day to day survival, even how the colour slowly drained from the screen until we were just left with muted grays. The scene in which the tank rolls down the street and matter-of-factly begins to shoot at passersby is delicately and simply executed. No blood, no special effects, no music, just a running lady stopped in mid-stride and slumped in the road. It really brought home to me that this was NOT just a movie, and it never sets out to be just a movie. It is truly a re-telling of the truth of Spilman's life. Brody truly shines in this role; he is neither too bland or too over-dramatic. It is truly difficult to carry a picture by oneself and remain compelling throughout. Polanski and the entire cast and crew truly deserved the Best Picture Oscar for 2003, and I am at least grateful that I had also rooted for Brody to take home the Best Actor statue.