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Reviews
Saved! (2004)
Disappointing
I had read many comments on IMDb saying that this movie was funny and had a good positive Christian message. I have to wonder if we were at the same movie! I didn't find it all that funny, to start with. Macauley Culkin did a fairly good job as did Eva Ammuri. Mandy Moore and Jena Malone were decent too. But the script! I am so tired of films that end with all the teens at the prom! Could it be any more lame??
As for the message, I thought that it was rather one sided. All the Christian characters were over the top in their zealousness; the further away from Christ the characters were, the nicer they were. I get annoyed when those who are outside the Christian faith think they can define what a "good Christian" is.
Best in Show (2000)
This is hilarious!!
I love the mockumentary format that Chris Guest and crew have developed over the years. I actually like this and "Waiting for Guffman" better than "Spinal Tap", which was the first of the group (and made by Rob Reiner but starred Guest and several other of his mockumentary regulars). This humor is not for everyone. IT's rather subtle and not too physical, so some people may not relate. However, as a dog lover (and a dog show fan), I loved this movie. There are so many funny lines in it! My daughter and I quote them to each other often. I find it amazing that these people can ad lib so much funny material for each movie! What a fun bunch they must be. I highly recommend this to people who prefer their humor on the cerebral side.
Shrek (2001)
Wonderfully irreverent family film with lots of laughs
The filmmakers obviously have some irreverence regarding Disney, and it's about time I say. Especially with the rather un-Disneylike behavior the studio has engaged in for the past dozen or so years. The anti Disney jokes are so much fun (our favorite is the "small world" parody!). I have to wonder what DULOC means! I have listened to the commentary on the DVD, done Google searches, looked through the trivia on IMDb, all to no avail. I wonder what the big secret is. Anyway, this is a family favorite of ours. The jokes may go over the heads of small children, but they will still enjoy the animation. The music is fantastic. My teenager even bought the soundtrack to it.
Emma (1996)
Fantastic adaptation of a beloved book
Jane Austen would definitely approve of this one!
Gwyneth Paltrow does an awesome job capturing the attitude of Emma. She is funny without being excessively silly, yet elegant. She puts on a very convincing British accent (not being British myself, maybe I'm not the best judge, but she fooled me...she was also excellent in "Sliding Doors"...I sometimes forget she's American ~!).
Also brilliant are Jeremy Northam and Sophie Thompson and Phyllida Law (Emma Thompson's sister and mother) as the Bates women. They nearly steal the show...and Ms. Law doesn't even have any lines!
Highly recommended.
Immortal Beloved (1994)
Beautiful Music, Wonderful Acting, Not quite factual story
Beethoven is my favorite composer, and I've read several books about him. After watching this, I really wish it was a true story! It doesn't seem likely, having read so much about him. However, having said that, Gary Oldman MORPHS into the maestro so beautifully that you don't even remember that it's him! What a wonderful portrayal. Also, there is fine acting from Jeroen Krabbe,Isabella Rossellini,Johanna ter Steege, and the rest of the cast. If watching this film doesn't make you a fan of his music, you're not listening! The music plays a central role in the movie, thankfully. There's even a little humor. Mr. Oldman makes Beethoven a sympathetic character while not moving away from the rather nasty person he is reputed to be. Poor man must have been so frustrated all of his life! Oldman's portrayal makes you understand what it must have been like for him. Enthusiastic thumbs UP!!!