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Reviews
Nebraska (2013)
Done before
I like Alexander Payne's style of movie making but I can't help think that this type of movie has been done before. What comes to mind is "Diminished Capacity" with Alan Alda and Matthew Broderick several years before. You swap out Nebraska for Chicago and a valuable baseball card instead of a sweepstakes letter and it's almost identical. Even the music that flows through seems the same. The black and white format doesn't add much to the movie either. Not one of Payne's best for certain.
American Hustle (2013)
Overrated
Cannot believe the hype for this film. I could not wait to get out of the theater. The story took forever to develop and there was not a likable or believable character in the entire film. Bradley Cooper continues his annoying Silver Lining Playbook schtick by yelling and screaming and overacting. A good Louis Ck performance was a bonus. Good 70's songs and some great Duke Ellington recording were about the only positive thing I can say about this film. I would recommend about 8 other films over this one if you are interested in films for the award season. This film should not even be mentioned in the same breath as 12 years as a slave..
Wonderful World (2009)
Wonderful movie
This is one of those quiet, well made movies that usually don't make any money. However, it makes you think. It makes you think about your life, what you have to be thankful for and how life's events dictate how you feel about yourself. This is a very well written, clever, idealistic script by Joshua Goldin. He also does a great job in directing it. I hope that this movie gets the opportunity for wide release sometime soon.
Matthew Broderick plays the title role and it's his best role in a very long time, probably since Election. He finally has an opportunity to explore a character and his transformation from pessimist to optimist is quite enjoyable as well as touching to witness. He is surrounded by a great supporting cast, Sanna Lathan, who is a beautiful and strong Sengalese woman he is touched by. Also, Jodelle Ferland, who has such terrific chemistry with Broderick that it's a such a joy to watch their scenes.
I highly recommend this movie.
Finding Amanda (2008)
Comedic yes, but also touching
I enjoyed this movie and think that it should find an audience in theaters. This movie is described as a comedy and while it is funny, it is also kind of sad at times. I don't understand the other review that totally trashes it. It's not the greatest movie but certainly above average in most areas.
There are some great comedic moments primarily because of Matthew Broderick's expressions, timing and his overall lovable loser persona. Brittany Snow gives a strong performance as well. The supporting cast also gives very good performances. I found some of the more serious moments very touching. The writing is a bit off beat and at times, misplaced, but the actors do a wonderful job trying to compensate for that. There is also great chemistry between Matthew and Brittany, reminded me a lot of Election with Matthew and Reese Witherspoon. Go see it!!!
Diminished Capacity (2008)
Sweet and touching
I saw this film last night and I really enjoyed it. It showcased some human elements that have been forgotten by Hollywood. Sense of family, memories and bonds that are easily dismissed in today's world. Wonderful performances by the whole cast, especially Alan Alda and Matthew Broderick. Two comedic legends, but what touched me was the compassion that both their characters showed for each other. It was a comedy but personally, I found the sweetness more compelling than the comedy. I would recommend it for people who prefer dialogue and listening to the characters to the standard big noise movies that seem to dominate the film world.
Then She Found Me (2007)
Acting
While I respect your review and opinion, I believe the actors did a marvelous job representing each perspective on the pregnancy/motherhood issue in this movie. Helen Hunt was marvelous as was Bette Midler as the estranged mother/daughter. Their scenes were real and touching without being sappy. Firth was also solid as Frank, showing hurt well without overdoing it. The final actor, Matthew Broderick, did an outstanding job with how the character was written. With all the other characters, there was the necessary background provided to explain why they were who they were. With Ben, there was nothing provided except to imply he was a momma's boy. Broderick balanced that with his unique uncomfortableness as well as his great sense of comic timing. I enjoyed the movie a great deal and feel it will do very well because it showcases human relationships and the fact that there's always more than one side to every story.