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Reviews
Hunger Point (2003)
As good as can be expected
This movie was based on Jillian Medoff's 1997 520-page novel by the same name. The book told a beautiful, realistic story. Making it into a movie, especially a TV movie (not that they would ever release a film about eating disorders in theaters), was not a good idea. So much of the story was cut out. If I had only seen the movie and not read the book, I would have hated it. But it some ways it was nice seeing a favorite book of mine brought to life. I would have to say that was the only reason I liked this movie at all. Well, the acting was pretty good, I'll give you that. One thing I didn't like was the writers' attempt to address an issue relating to eating disorders that was not an issue at the time the book was written, and therefore was obviously not part of the book. That was the issue of pro-anorexia websites, the whole "anorexic and proud" mentality. Whether or not this is an important issue is another matter, but it was not part of the book and therefore should not have been included in the movie. The cut so much of the story out, just to add in something that wasn't originally there. I'd say this is worth checking out if you've read and liked the book, otherwise, skip it.
Ellen Foster (1997)
Jena Malone shines!
This is a beautiful story about a young girl's (Malone) search for a stable, permanent place to call HOME. After her mother dies, she's sent to a series of different homes. For one reason or another, none of them work out. Then something happens (I don't want to give away the story here) that gives her hope of finding the home she longs for. She displays extraordinary strength and courage throughout the film. Despite everything she's put through, she never gives up. This was a moving and inspirational film. Jena Malone is excellent, truly one of the finest young actors in the business. She gives an outstanding performance in this film. It worth seeing just for that, if nothing else.
Simply Irresistible (1999)
Ebert liked it....
What is so bad about this film? Yes, it's corny and silly. Two words: magic crab. That kind of makes fun of itself. Other than that, this was a cute romantic comedy not filled with any graphic sexual content or sexual innuendos like most such movies (I don't necessarily have a problem with that, but it's refreshing to see something different). If you want to see a bad Sarah Michelle Geller movie, see "Harvard Man". (Did that movie even HAVE a plotline?). This movie was cute, silly, fun, and romantic. A great date movie, definitely. I rented this movie and watched it twice before returning it. I have NEVER done that before. Usually I forget to watch the movies I rent and then also end up returning them long have they're due. This is a film I would seriously consider adding to my DVD collection. I'm glad at least Roger Ebert saw the good in it.
Tuck Everlasting (2002)
Sweet and enchanting
Honestly, I wasn't expecting a lot from this movie. It looked beautifully enchanting from the trailers, but appearances can be deceiving, I expected it to be little more than a silly children's flick. But I was pleasantly surprised when I saw the film. The acting was wonderful, an excellent film debut for young Alexis Bledel, and wonderful performances from William Hurt and Jonathan Jackson. This was a sweet film that people of all ages could enjoy. Teens, kids, and adults. I liked the story because it said something important about life. Nothing terribly insightful or original, mind you, but it really made the story something special. William Hurt's character tells Winnie "Don't be afraid of death Winnie, be afraid of the unlived life." Despite Winnie's love interest in Jessie Tuck, when it comes down to it, she chooses to live her life, not live forever. The moral, though fairly obvious, is important nonetheless. The point of the film is to show us the importance of everyday life. Of taking advantage of each and every day, and living life to it's fullest. Though in reality, we do not have the choice of immortality, we can, however, choose to really live or to simply exist. This was a beautiful, sweet, and enchanting film with a lesson behind it. I highly recommend it.
Cheaters (2000)
Is cheating only wrong if you get caught?
First of all, one thing I like about this film was that it was filmed in Chicago and the schools in the film really do exist and I'd heard of them. Lots of familiar scenes of Chicago in the film. I live in the suburbs, but still, I've been the the city a lot. I liked that this was based on a true story, I think that always adds a positive note to a film. I thought Jeff Daniels & Jena Malone's performances were outstanding. The film raises interesting questions about what's right and what's wrong. Cheating is wrong. But what if you can get away with it and win a competition that will bring honor, recognition, and possibly better funding to your run-down school in bad part of the city? What if you can help break the stereotypes that kids from bad schools won't go to college, will end up on the streets, sell drugs, have children before they're eighteen, etc., etc. Is cheating wrong if makes things better for a large group of people? This film gives you something to think about.