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Reviews
It Could Happen to You (1994)
One of the best romantic films ever
I recently bought and rewatched the DVD of this movie. I was absolutely delighted from start to finish. I'm a romantic movie fan, watching a lot of foreign films in this genre as well. I have to say that I'm surprised "It Could Happen To You" is not more widely regarded as a classic. It is easily the equal of "Sleepless in Seattle" or "When Harry Met Sally". The storyline is sweet and funny and leaves you feeling good about life. I found the screeplay and the production quite good. What really puts this movie over the top though are the actors.
Who would believe Nicolas Cage, bad boy extraordinaire of "Vampire's Kiss" and "Wild at Heart" could so sweetly and convincingly play a nice guy? In Cage's hands, Charlie is utterly believable and real. You completely buy his fundamental decency, his inability to break a promise or not do 'the right thing'. And he is just so generally charming and attractive in this movie. If I were handing out Oscars, Cage would get one for playing Charlie. I can't remember when I've seen such a completely natural performance. Bridget Fonda is outstanding as well. She matches Cage's believability and charm. And the chemistry the two of them generate together is heady stuff from the moment they meet. Rosie Perez is very funny as well, but she is obviously doing humor -- a spoof. Cage and Fonda play it like the real thing and hit at a much deeper level.
I watched this with my 11 year old daughter and husband and they both really liked it as well. I would give it 5 stars, but I was disappointed that the DVD didn't have any bonus features. I would enjoyed some interviews or a 'making of' featurette.
This is one to watch again and again.
Le Comte de Monte Cristo (1998)
One of the best mini-series ever made
I didn't have any particular expectations about the Count of Monte Cristo per se going in. However, I am a fan of literature and costume dramas. I was amazed something this good was on TV -- and in America no less! Cudos to Bravo for having the guts to show a subtitled movie. The story is like a cross between Dracula, Sherlock Holmes and Jeckyll and Hyde, with a plot including poisonings, disguises, true love and revenge. I thought the entire cast was excellent, particularly Depardieu, who is completely masterful and magnetic as the Count. This show was lauded in every critical review I saw, so don't hesitate to rent or buy it -- absoutely outstanding.