cos0591 Reviews

Baby Boom (1987)

Entertaining Romantic Comedy

[9/10 · 11 August 2009]

Baby Boom is a very warm, delightful, funny romantic comedy that I absolutely love. I've seen it many times, but I was channel surfing last night and came upon it about 20 minutes into the movie and I had to watch it again, of course. Because today's workplace environment is much more "mom-friendly", this movie seems a bit outdated to women who were born after 1970. Many of them probably will not appreciate the plight of the main character, J.C. Wyatt (played by Diane Keaton) as much as we "older" women who worked through the 80's and beyond. But taken in this context, this movie is great entertainment.

I particularly enjoy the problems she encounters with her "new" home in Vermont (reminiscent of "Money Pit" and "Funny Farm") and also the relationship that develops between Diane Keaton's character the that of Sam Shepherd, the handsome country veterinarian. Some scenes are downright hilarious. Others, sweet and tender. Although I'd consider this a "chick flick" my husband enjoys it and I think many other men would like it too. The morale of the story seems to be "do what makes you happy and not necessarily what society dictates". Quite ambitious for an 80's movie.

My recommendation would be to pop in this DVD, pop some popcorn, curl up on the couch and derive some guilty pleasure with this flick

Bride Wars (2009)

Two Brides and a Boring Movie

[4/10 · 1 May 2009]

This movie does not have much to offer. I rented it thinking it would be a cute "chick flick", but I was very disappointed. I loved "My Big Fat Greek Wedding", "Muriel's Wedding", "27 Dresses", etc., but "Bride Wars" was a mistake. Humor was non-existent, plot was stupid, and I had trouble staying awake. Ann Hathaway is an attractive and talented actress and I've always enjoyed her in her previous movies, but even she couldn't salvage this stinker. I found Kate Hudson annoying. Candice Bergen is always great, but she didn't appear enough to be significant. Pre-teen females might possibly like parts of this movie, but overall, I don't think there is really any target audience for this film. Do not waste your time.

12 and Holding (2005)

Heartbreaking at times, but a really good movie

[7/10 · 29 July 2008]

I came upon this movie by accident while channel surfing late one night and I am pleased that I did. The movie had just started and I was riveted from the very beginning. The performances of the actors, both adults and adolescents, were outstanding.

This movie has a deeply moving script. It is about children, but the movie deals with very adult situations. Although brutally painful to watch at times, the uniquely individual manner in which each character handles tragedy and adversity is fascinating. I felt compelled to reach out and hug those kids and perhaps slap the parents, as they were not paying attention to their children. The storyline was interesting and kept the viewer's interest. The interaction between the young friends added a touch of humor.

I would highly recommend this movie, especially to parents. A pleasant surprise.

Running with Scissors (2006)

The Most Unfunny Comedy of the Year

[3/10 · 17 February 2007]

I looked forward to seeing this movie with much anticipation as I love meaningful, slice-of-life material. And I love "comedies". What a disappointment. If this movie is based on real characters and real life experiences, this is the biggest tragedy of the year. I agree with one writer who said all these people should have been locked away in a mental institution and not running free to ruin everyone else's lives. I saw very little humor in anything. And the presentation of the series of unfortunate events in this young man's life were so disjointed and slow-paced, that it was very difficult to watch. I tried to stay awake, but kept dozing off. The superb acting by all was the only redeeming quality of the movie. That is why I gave this a rating of 3 rather than 0. Annette Benning is not one of my favorite actors, but her performance of the bi-polar, drugged out mother was perfection. Too bad these great actors wasted their efforts on a movie that should have never been made.

The Phantom of the Opera (2004)

The Paris Opera House is haunted by a Phantom, who is actually a gifted composer who is horribly disfigured and lives in the bowels of the opera house.

[10/10 · 20 January 2006]

This movie is definitely on my list of the top ten movies I've seen in my life. It has everything and more of what I look for in a movie… beautiful music and vocals, romance, gorgeous atmospheric settings, talented actors who can sing, a bit of comedy, a bit of fantasy and a bit of horror. I've seen the live stage production of "Phantom" but think the movie is much better. The movie version develops the plot a little more and explains how the Phantom arrived at the Opera House. Emmy Rossum has such a beautiful, clear voice and seemed so young, sweet and innocent – perfect for the role of Christine. Gerard Butler is really handsome and played a sexier, more erotic version of the Phantom … not as menacing as the Michael Crawford version. But that was a "plus" in my estimation. The "Point of No Return" scene is one of my favorites. Proof that movies can depict sexuality and eroticism without showing any body parts!!! Patrick Wilson's portrayal of Raoul was fabulous and his voice is exquisite. I didn't have the opportunity to see "Phantom of the Opera" when it was released in the theaters. I caught my first glimpse when is started to air on cable TV a few weeks ago. Of course, I had to go right out and buy the DVD so I could watch it as much as I wanted and savor every minute. You won't find any gun fights, car chases, or vulgar language here, which is why my husband and two sons do not enjoy this movie the way I do. But if you are a lover of good music and a hopeless romantic like I am, don't miss this one.