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lindaz
I love watching expert actors applying their skills. Some good scenes are, for example, the Waffle Hut scene in "The Lady Killers". Tom Hanks plays an Edgar Allen Poe wannabe so believably that you forget it's Hanks.
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15 Reasons to Live (2013)
An eclectic series of 15 personal stories
Each reason is given by 15 different people of all ages, types and even different countries.
I found it very interesting especially the young girl of 14 explaining how she endures loneliness and stands up to bullies.
The story of a French Canadian man in his 40s, who decides to leave everything and walk around the world.
I'm very surprised that no one has commented on this yet as I couldn't stop watching it. I found it enriching and touching at the same time.
Serendip (2018)
A touching journey into the heart and hearts of Sri Lanka
Two Italian friends meet and take an interesting trip into the interior of Sri Lanka. Along the way they meet people that know what they are doing and are thankful to have them there.
Antonio Di Leonardo and Andrea Mariani are co-founders of Take Me Back charity.
Together they created a global network of solidarity couriers with the aim of combining their journey with charity (bringing school supplies to school children in remote areas).
It's a very interesting look into the lives of the people they meet, the hospitality, the gratefulness and the shared friendship is truly inspiring.
I always wanted to know what Sri Lanka was like as I have a neighbor from there.
They have a website that describes more intimately what they are doing.
My Last Days: Meet Diane (2018)
Heart-lifting documentary of a positive young woman.
Although you'd think this is a somber theme, a young woman given only 8 months to live, you will be so glad that you watched it. Diane's courage is an example to anyone and everyone, but then something so unexpected happens, she meets the love of her life.
I sat mesmerized watching this. Everything around me disappeared as this beautiful story unfolded.
This has to be one of the sweetest, most inspiring documentaries I've ever seen. You follow right along with the challenges of this young woman, her positiveness in spite of terminal cancer and then she meets Long.
Long is the young man any woman would want to have. Protective. Caring. Loving, upbeat and with a sense of humor that matches Diane's.
I can't recommend this documentary more strongly, just do yourself a favor and watch it.
Blade Runner 2049 (2017)
Three very long hours of dragging scenes filled with blood, bombs, knives and chest-booming noise.
I gave this a 1 because there isn't a "minus" option.
I went last night to see this film because I read a review that made it sound like the Sci-fi heaven. I'm a movie connoisseur and a senior. I have a plethora of sci-fi films under my belt and this one is going to get flushed.
I kept waiting for the plot to take off. It seemed like forever before Harrison Ford appeared and I thought, "Okay, now maybe it will start."
Nope. More explosions. More knives. More guns. Unimpressive 3D. Who's giving high-ratings to this crap?
It would have looked better without the 3D (I know cause I took the glasses off a few times, the color was a lot better, but blurry).
My impression is that this movie is propaganda for the trans- humanist agenda. Obviously, money is no object.
I mean, really? 150 million dollars for THAT? Never, ever again will I depend on these ratings if most of the votes are coming from some source other than reality.
My Dinner with Jimi (2003)
In my opinion, this is the best 60's movie ever made.
I'm telling all my friends about this film cause I know they'll love it.
Maybe because I'm from the same generation, maybe because when I walked into my first really hip club in 1967, "Purple Haze" was blasting out. Dear Jimi helped ease my soul into a new dimension.
This movie will definitely appeal to anyone who lived through the rise of rock and roll. It's also a great historical record for younger generations to experience the world-changing music of the 60's.
The Turtles songs were part of my happier memories of the 60's era. Their songs never age.
Though this movie was not expensively made, the acting is very good, the look-a-likes that were chosen were phenomenal, the directing so unobtrusive and the camera work and lighting, in my opinion, were just superb.
If Howard Kaylan reads this THANK YOU for making this film. I know what it's like to try writing your story.
All the best to the Turtle's and thank you for the great music and this cool tribute to Jimi Hendrix whom many of us had the privilege to "experience". Rock on, guys.
The Littlest Angel (1950)
Saw this when I was six years old in 1955
I'm, therefore, giving it a ten because that was the effect it had on me at that time.
I haven't seen it since then, but the awe of it has stayed with me.
It starts off showing this average little boy. He has a good home and kind parents. He's curious about everything. Just a typical little boy.
He has "treasures" that he keeps in a cigar box under his bed. A dead butterfly, a pretty stone, his prize marbles, etc.
I won't go into too many details so as not to spoil it, but his death...which was presented so softly that I can't even remember it...and his entry into Heaven is sweetly presented.
The film (from what I can remember) had a playful-little-boy feel to it, and at the same time you could feel his awe over Heaven, the gorgeous angels, beautiful pastel colors, crystals reflecting sparkling lights.
Then comes a special occasion, like a banquet, where everyone in Heaven goes out to meet God.
That's as far as I'll go.
I'll conclude by saying, "The Littlest Angel" left me, as a child, believing that there was hope for me. That I was being watched over and my life mattered. That I was going to be okay.
I once told the story of the entire movie to a group of teenagers and their response surprised me. They loved it.
Rock of Ages (2012)
I know that 80's people might love this film, but...
...I was a 60's teen and I confess that I'm spoiled by the meaningful, gifted writers and talented musicians of that time, but even then,this film was just plain dull. It was a superficial cream-puff written to appeal to romantic young girls and boys dreams of becoming rich and famous.
I'll say one thing, aside from the cut-and-pasted plot, held loosely together by an uninteresting story, they sure save a ton of electricity as it was filmed outside at night or in a dark bar at night.
Tom Cruise character I won't even bother to comment on, but Baldwin and the other guy kissing? I could almost hear their 9 o'clock shadows sand-papering. Why oh why do we have to be subjected to this gross out?
The story-line was generic, and except for Baldwin, the acting was in no way spectacular. But, of course, if you just want to watch a cute boy and girl sing, then this is the film for you.
It's obviously not my thing, but I was shocked to notice this film is classified okay for 6 year old children. Who rated this thing? Herman Munster?
To Rome with Love (2012)
One of Woody's all-time Best and (IMO) funnier than most.
Everyone in the audience was laughing at the dialog and the funny plots. We were definitely in a crowd of Woody Allen fans, even a new-comer would have been laughing.
I read the IMDb reviews before watching this film and not all were so positive, so with trepidation we bought the tickets and I'm SO GLAD we did.
I can't remember laughing this much while viewing his other films and I enjoyed nearly all of them. Compared to his last goody, Midnight in Paris, the camera-work and lighting were not as well done, but the humor, the actor's delivery and their lines were spot on.
There are 2 characters (male) who deliver lines that are definitely from Woody's own experiences. A few times while watching, I could imagine what it would be like to be in his place or in the place of any famous person that realizes they are just a human-being like we all are, yet battling with "idol" frenzied fans.
One thing you know you're going to get in Woody's movie is clever, intelligent and very funny dialog. This film delivers all of that and more.
Someone commented that this movie is too long or draggy. My husband and I feel that one scene could have been shortened a bit, but all in all, it was just right for anyone who is a Woody Allen fan.
Aside from the plots of the film, the views of Rome make you feel like you're there. One can fully understand his enchantment with this culturally rich city and it's "roman"tic inhabitants.
If you love Woody Allen films, don't miss this one.
The Impostors (1998)
Pure, tongue-in-cheek, humor from start to finish.
Pure, tongue-in-cheek, humor from start to finish.
A near perfect film. Stanley Tucci and Oliver Platt make a great duo in this comedy about two starving actors.
Desperate for food, they decide to con a pastry chef out of some of his pastry. As previously planned, Platt comes to the pastry chef's "rescue", but instead of getting pastry, he gets two tickets to see hack stage actor, Jeremy Burtom excellently played by Alfred Molina.
Through a series of incidents, Burtom threatens the boys with imprisonment if he catches them, The two end up accidentally stowing away on a cruise ship and that's when everything gets complicated.
An excellent cast was assembled for this superbly funny script. Watch for Campbell Scott, son of George C. Scott. His portrayal of a Nazi-like ship steward is hilarious.
My hat goes off to Stanley Tucci for doing an excellent job writing and directing this film! I only hope more people can see this jewel.
The Hangover (2009)
Low budget, low humor, low-classed, tasteless and generic. Trash.
This movie being rated with a similar rating as such a great films as "Some Like it Hot", "Dr. Strangelove" and "Annie Hall" shocks me.
So generic. I find nothing funny about the same old gag trick of someone suddenly vomiting (which didn't look real, but I don't care), a car being trashed, people beaten up, cars trashed more, more beatings, slap-stick gags, breast shots, genital shots and ugly fat asses and more vomiting.
Certainly the writer or whoever, wanted to use shock effect since most people nowadays have seen so much and heard so much that they have to go quite far to shock, but this was sooo cheap and low grade. A few others here have mentioned this as well and I really wish I had read their comments, but they were too far down the chain of praise for this stupidity. I only read the main comment that the IMDb gang has posted as the representative comment. Not to slam IMDb, it's a terrific site and I've used it for years, but there needs to be a balance so that people like myself don't get sucked into shelling out my hard-earned money to be dragged through this trash.
It starts right off with insipid, re-hashed, foolish-high-school-kid type pranks which drones on to the very end. And that weird pedophile. What humor does anyone find in a pedophile? Do most people nowadays think it's funny? Or maybe it went over their heads. I don't know. Then the poor little baby was obviously frightened on purpose to get him to cry. Just that alone was upsetting me.
I did laugh in a couple of places, but that was after I'd already been sitting there for half an hour kicking myself that I'd actually paid to watch this garbage and that short interval of ha ha didn't make up for the rest of the film which leans heavily on the above-mentioned cheap, low-grade, slutville humor.
Suspicion: Four O'Clock (1957)
If you read the Plot Summary you are in for a SPOILER!
Whoever wrote the plot summary blew it majorily big time. He not only gives the plot summary, but he summarizes the entire movie down to about 8 sentences thereby ruining it totally for anyone who wanted to watch it.
I would make this comment shorter, but if I do, then the IMDb thingy will throw it all out. Since I couldn't find a place to click to report this major spoiler, I am writing about it here.
While I'm on the subject, I think it would be really useful to have a "spoiler alert" button we can push. I was very interested in watching a certain movie a couple of years ago and came to IMDb to check out the plot summary. Again, in the "Comments" section, some bozo had written out the best parts of the film and then ended it by saying something like, "And the main point of the suspense in this movie is to make you believe it's based on a true story. Well, it's all fiction, folks. None of it is true. It was just made this way to get you excited." Result? I was very very excited. So excited that I reported that stupidity at the time, but now can't find anywhere to report to. Maybe I'm just having a "blond" moment here and it's in plain sight. In such a case, please excuse me.
Samantha: An American Girl Holiday (2004)
One of those warm, sweet Victorian stories.
Nellie is one of the children of the hired help. Samantha is a lonely little, rich girl. They befriend each other and are a comfort to one another.
Historically interesting as well. Brings out the way life was for children regarding child-labor in factories. They were more like slaves than employees.
This film really drew me in, mainly because I love films regarding the Victorian time period. But the movie is mainly about the relationship that Samantha has with her grandmother and uncle and Nellie. Everything appears to take a turn for the worse when her uncle introduces his fiancé. Samantha fears that she will now be more alone than ever, but the kindness of her uncle's new wife wins her heart.
Everything in this movie turned out the way that I would have wanted it to. Love conquered all.
The Apple (1980)
One of the most interesting films I've ever seen.
I liked it so much that I've been trying to find a copy of it. Anyone know where I can get it?
The movie has been picked apart on the grounds of the music or this or that, but I feel some have missed the point. It's to me a highly spiritual film and I've often wondered if it's been slammed because it so exposes the cut-throat music industry? Hmmm.
Anyway, even though the actors were not entirely top of the line, I like the fact that in other areas, like wardrobe and kinky set decorations, no expense was spared. At least, it wasn't cheap looking Yes, it's got some creepy types, but that's what I liked about it.
The two main actors, though not the best, were perfect for the part in the sense that they fulfilled what they were supposed to be. Square. To me this only made the point more clear. The actors are not the main point, the message is. And the message is "Love". Maybe too corny for those who are jaded by too many action films and expensive computer graphics.
Leonard Bernstein Conducts West Side Story (1985)
A fascinating insight into the workings of a genius and the interactions of excellent artists
I borrowed this video from a friend and now I'm going to buy it if I can find it. It is excellent in so many ways.
First off, watching a master like Bernstein makes everyone else in the craft pale by comparison. I'm not an opera buff, and I'm no expert on conductors, but watching Bernstein was always a treat for me. He's a perfectionist. That I can see, but his over-flowing passion is contagious and kept me riveted.
But this documentary/passion play isn't only interesting because of that. To hear Bernstein's commentary on the movie "West Side Story" and how he came to write the score for that just thrills your soul. Aside from that, hearing the other singers comments on Bernstein, especially Kiri Te Kanawa who's obviously enthralled to be there, is just wonderful. The chemistry between these two is tangible and then there's the reverse. Bernstein lays into poor Jose Carreras so hard that Carreras starts chewing his nails. After they've been at it for several days, you can see that the recording session isn't going to Bernstein's liking and it's obvious that he's worn out. I felt like I was given a special behind-the-scenes viewing. It was great.
As I speak Spanish, I just happened to read a Spanish review about how "Carreras handled himself like a gentlemen." Baloney! He let go some curses that would curl your hair if it was translated into English.
It all makes for a very insightful voyeur's haven of documented human emotions, passions and play.
If you like music, human interaction and entertainment, you'll love this docu. I can't recommend it more highly and Tush-tush! to anyone who tells you differently. If you're a Bernstein fan, run out and buy this film!
Interstate 60: Episodes of the Road (2002)
The road of life that we all have to travel. A great film with just the right touch of humor.
There's a short scene where some hefty cursing takes place, but it's actually necessary to bring out a point in the film.
Without giving away the story, the gist is that this young guy is unhappy with his spoiled life. He wants to find his own path and find out what the truth is.
At his birthday celebration in a restaurant, he makes a wish before blowing out the candles. He wishes to know what path to take for his life.
Gary Oldman plays the supernatural character that helps teach the young guy and makes his wish possible as they travel down a road not found on the map. Basically, it's the road of life all of us must travel, but exaggerated. Like an acid trip without the acid.
One classic scene is when he pulls into a town full of lawyers. Just hilarious.
Acting, casting, directing, everything was great in this film. I forgot I was watching a movie it was so enthralling.
On the one hand it's supernatural, but it's so much the way life is that it isn't unbelievable. Very unique.
If you're a movie buff, you'll love this film. Terrific life lessons. Lots of famous actors. I rarely see films that I would buy, but this is one I want to watch over and over.
The Life and Death of Peter Sellers (2004)
Terrific portrayal of Peter Sellers rise to fame. Geoffrey Rush shines.
I couldn't imagine a more perfect actor to play this part. Nothing more can be said about that. When you see the film, you'll know.
Someone commented here on IMDb that the movie left them feeling empty, but I didn't experience this in the least. But my feeling was that the acting & everything else was so well done that I felt myself wishing there could be a sequel.
The story was as I would have imagined. Anyone with the genius talent of Sellers had to have a crazy side. I watched this movie with my 15 year old son and it brought out perfectly how letting a kid feel he's the center of the universe is the worst way to raise them. It was plain that Sellers mother was his undoing as well as his making. That's a whole other subject in itself. Sellers arrested mental and emotional growth due to his mother's molly-coddling, disastrously affected everything in his life and the lives of everyone involved with him.
But then there's this side bit. This sad undertone where he has this dream to do something more meaningful, not just get a big laugh, but to do something HE felt was meaningful, not what everyone ELSE wanted from him. A longing. It was as if he couldn't lead his own life. He couldn't be himself because that wasn't what anyone wanted. Everyone demanded this genius crazy side which began to eat at him. Eventually his dream came true and he could do the film "Being There" which could very well be a parallel story of the way he saw himself. A simple person with a talent for making others feel good, but totally unrelated to what each is actually intending.
This, to me, is a film I will want to see more than once. Seven stars.
That Brennan Girl (1946)
A sweet story about a young girl who, in spite of a bad start, changes her life.
Raised by a flamboyant and irresponsible mother, Ziggy Brennan (played by Mona Freeman) gets involved in hustling men at a young age. She hangs around with a wild crowd and learns gets her "street smarts" first from her mother (who wants everyone to think they are sisters) then from an older man. He starts teaching her his tricks of the trade and she falls right in line with his crooked ways. Then one night she meets a tall, handsome, honest farmer boy who's a soldier and they fall in love. While he's away fighting the war, she discovers she's pregnant.
I won't say more so as not to spoil it. But I found the ethics that this film teaches to be something sorely missing in our films nowadays. Suffice it to say that even though she goes through some heartbreaking experiences, she reforms her ways and there is a happy ending.
Probably not a film that most young people would enjoy. Not any action and some parts drag a bit, but it's Frank Capra type of message left me with a good feeling. Baby-boomers will most likely love it.
Radio Days (1987)
A wonderfully nostalgic, funny and historically interesting film.
In my opinion, Radio Days is right up there with Annie Hall though it's different in that it's following several people's lives. Woody doesn't act in this, but his narration is excellent.
He takes the wonderful old songs and commercials from that time and weaves them into the story. I was completely captivated.
It's not a "laugh a minute" type film, but it also gets you thinking. Nevertheless, it has some hilarious scenes. Check out the Jewish fasting holiday scene. I've watched it at least 6 times and I still laugh. Also the scene with Mia Farrow's character was superb. One of my favorite lines is when she tells a top radio producer in her high-pitched nasal voice, "Jeez. We can't keep meeting like this. In the backs of cars, movie theaters and stalled elevators. You're gonna lose your respect for me!" I love this film.
Wild Man Blues (1997)
A look behind the scenes of Woody Allen's life.
This film provides a deeper insight into Woody Allen's private life, not to mention a treat for anyone who loves old New Orlean's jazz.
What I found most interesting was seeing Woody Allen as he really is which isn't much different from his characters in his movies. His interactions with people, his humor, his moods, his explanations of himself, seeing his interaction with his parents.
It was very real. Very human. Just what you'd expect from Woody Allen.
Some key quotes:
His wife, Soon yi said: "When she came to see you play, she said that's the most movement she's seen from you from the whole time she's known you."
Woody: "The most movement? What does she expect? I mean, I'm not gonna bob my head and tap my feet when I'm talking about politics or literature or something. I'm not going to keep time. Right? Be reasonable. I'm appropriately animated for a human in the context within which I exist."
Lady: "You are so intelligent. You are so happy to be so intelligent." Woody (jokingly): "Well, yes. It is a burden though sometimes. With this much intelligence comes great responsibility. You know. It's lonely at the top."
In the hotel restaurant walking around: "Oh, there's the band. Oh, my goodness, they're eating like their going to the 'chair'."
"Whenever I travel, I always have to have my own bathroom because I'm crazy. So I always wind up taking an extra room or an extra suite of rooms. Then I can place around all my unctions and vanishing creams and the cosmetics that give me this look."
With his wife at breakfast in their Milan hotel: "You know, this being Milan, I hope our laundry doesn't come back breaded."
"I've got the kind of personality that when I'm here (Europe) I miss New York and when I'm in New York I miss Europe. I just don't like being where I am at any given moment. I would rather be somewhere else. So you know there's no way to beat that problem because no matter where you are, you know what I mean, it's chronic dissatisfaction."
In London with a bad cold: "What a drag. I was looking forward to giving a good show tonight. I don't want to just go out there and make an achievement till I get through the show. I want the show to be very good cause if I'm not good, these people will hate me in my own language."
The Clandestine Marriage (1998)
Excellent acting, loaded with humor.
Pure entertainment. I would recommend this movie to anyone who enjoys films from this time period. Nigel Hawthorn's acting makes this film a sheer delight. I was equally surprised with Joan Collins who plays a snobby rich woman most convincingly. The plot is based on two rich families trying to get their children to marry. It turns out that one of the daughters is already married secretly. Everything gets hilariously all mixed up. A movie to relax by.
Watch for the scene when Nigel Hawthorn is applying make-up to his aging face. An amazing and unique actor.
Maverick (1994)
One of the most fun films I've ever seen.
Not a movie for impressionable kids as "dishonesty" is the name of the "game" (in more ways than one), but this film was enjoyable from beginning to end.
Normally, I can't stand westerns, but Maverick is an exception. Lots of tongue in cheek humor, hair-raising escapes and hilarious situations.
Whoever did the casting deserves some recognition as everyone was terrific. But Mel Gibson, Jodie Foster, Graham Greene and Alfred Molina were exceptional.
The heros are corrupt, but loveable "Robin Hood" types. They don't mind ripping off the scoundrels, but they've got a soft heart for widows and old maids.
The Adventures of Buckaroo Banzai Across the 8th Dimension (1984)
If you've really seen every movie there is to be seen, and you have nothing better to do, you may still want to reconsider watching this movie.
Boring times 10. Of course, some people like mining for meaning. If you have time to watch this movie more than once, you may find some meaning in it. Otherwise, don't waste your evening.
I tried. I really tried to get the point, but the point (if it exists) was buried too deep for this archeologist.
Maybe if it had a better cast. Maybe if they'd had a bigger budget, a better script writer a catchy plot, some computer graphics and had spent a more time working at it this could have reached "cult film" status. In my opinion, it didn't even reach "Ed Wood" status. With Ed Wood, you could at least laugh at the bungling attempt. This film didn't even attempt to attempt attempting.
If you enjoy blowing up a balloon to let it go and watch it swirl around the room and then playing around with the over-stretched remains, this film is for you.
American Wedding (2003)
This was no where near as well made as American Pie 1.
In my opinion it leaned far too heavily on the "Stifler's cursing and swearing. Unless your homosexual, that part was definitely over-done and generally, it's a tired horse.
My rating was "1" because I couldn't make it lower. It's actually minus 10. It's a great movie for the jaded and those who don't care much for meaningful content or a well written script.
American Wedding (2003)
This was no where near as well made as American Pie 1.
In my opinion it leaned far too heavily on the "Stifler's cursing and swearing. Unless your homosexual, that part was definitely over-done and generally, it's a tired horse.
My rating was "1" because I couldn't make it lower. It's actually minus 10. It's a great movie for the jaded and those who don't care much for meaningful content or a well written script.
The Barchester Chronicles (1982)
Very interesting character study with enough humor to bring you through the slower bits.
Starts off seeming as if it's going to be boring, but turns out to be a delight! It just takes awhile laying the foundation of your understanding of each of the characters. Very well done, witty and with excellent acting! - Some parts drag by, but not unbearably so and not often. I've shown this film to "action-addicted" teenagers and was pleasantly surprised with how enthralled they became with the story.