Change Your Image
geja2001
Reviews
The Hours (2002)
A Film to Watch More Than Once
I finished watching this film about 8:30 p.m. Going outdoors to refill the bird baths and to set out bird seed and apples -- for the early arrivals -- I was looking for neighbors just to say, "I just watched 'The Hours.' Did you see it? What did you think?" No one was around so I just kept rethinking this excellent film while I completed my happy chores. Finally inside, I observed that everything I did seemed more pronounced -- water running, silverware clinking. I do have a copy of the novel, but I waited until I saw the film. I liked the connectors within and the slow, easy pace. The young boy was so good that I backtracked the DVD to watch his facial expressions. (Am I confused? Does his television credit include a 1970 appearance?)
All the major roles were well-cast. Although a fan of The West Wing, I consider Allison Janney over-rated. A replacement for her role would enhance this film. Ed Harris' place, I agree, was squalor, and he was "way over the top." Why all the woman to woman kissing? And how did Clarissa/Streep manage to have the party ready when she was still breaking eggs that same day? The tables were not even set up, and she visits Richard twice on party day.
Watch the special "Mrs. Dalloway" feature. I hope the other two people who snatched this DVD from the shelf at Blockbuster like "The Hours" as much as I do. I'll see it again in a few days.
Hans Christian Andersen: My Life as a Fairy Tale (2003)
Excellent Production
This is a film for any adult whose childhood was enlightened by any Hans Christian Andersen story or for any adult who is delighting his own child's life by means of these wonderful fairy tales. Kieran Bew portrays a realistic Hans -- someone a little daffy, a little strange, a little wiggly but totally confident and totally gifted. The fairy tales within the film give the viewer a glimpse into the magical, childlike life of Andersen, and everyone is witness to the birth of each story. The dewy, pearl-like face of the mermaid is beautiful, and the blood and the pain and the horror add to her true love for her prince. The little match girl seems a sad story until one recalls the ending of the printed version. The princess and the pea, one of my favorites because I thought it was real when I was young, is very amusing, and the steadfast tin soldier, the whole tale only a hint, is endearing. The costumes and the setting are good selling points, for you'll want to purchase the DVD for repeat viewings. Treat yourself to a visit back in time -- that of Hans Christian Andersen and of your own innocence. Well-loved tales in a production done well. **SPOILER** Prepare for a sad (but I do not think true-to-life) ending.
A Painted House (2003)
Different from all other Hallmark presentaions
I did not read the novel upon which this film is based. Perhaps, A Painted House is a commentary on a real person's life, and all the incredible events shown are true. My comments concern the television film. **SPOILERS** This Hallmark production featured two men being killed, a young kid watching a teen-aged girl bathing in a creek, and two people, one a Mexican (or "wetback," as they were called in the film) and the other a "hill" girl running away northward -- hardly Hallmark fare. I did like the relationships between grandson and grandpa and between husband and wife, and their struggles to make a profit seemed real, especially on a cotton farm in 1950's Arkansas. The parts that seemed unreal were the mother's constant cheerfulness, the money spent on paint, the clean, clean loft conveniently vacated by the pickers to accommodate the displaced, poor family, and the absence of any farm pets. I liked their having no animals -- none to get hurt for dramatic purposes. Throughout the entire film I kept wondering: What is the plot? Does all this really occur in one season for a kid? And will Hallmark ever get all new adverts? And where is Ricky?
This film I shall not be purchasing. Hallmark is supposed to be Hallmark!
Iris (2001)
Great Expectations
Paying no attention to the ratings for the film Iris and knowing little about the writer Iris, I rented the DVD. **POSSIBLE SPOILERS** I expected a decent storyline about a talented writer; I was quite disappointed. I am not a fan of nudity in films, especially the backsides of people jumping into a pond or the front of some woman swimming and swimming and swimming. I failed to glimpse a great love story. I thought it was never developed, and I cannot recall whether John and Iris referred to each other as husband/wife. Instead of loving Iris, John always seemed in awe of her. Instead of being a great writer, Iris seemed to be a walking, talking platitude. The scene that featured young Iris kissing upward young John's arm was yucky. Judy Dench was excellent in this role. Her slipping away, ever so slowly, was realistic: the look on her face, her blank eyes, her messy hair, her walk, and those long, wet sleeves of her sweater while she wandered lost in the rain. The flashbacks were all right although the attempts at being clever were silly. I liked the young and the old characters played by different actors. Maurice was especially effective; the viewer will recognize him (when he finds Iris) as soon as John opens the door. The using father and son was the way to go. I never liked the same actor in aging roles; neither age looks genuine. I was bothered by that cluttered house. I know this is a film, but couldn't John hire someone to clean the dangerous place -- books and papers and dishes all over? They had some money saved, didn't they? Did they have to have John stutter, even on closed caption, too? It looked too phony. Both John Bayleys and both Iris Murdochs were well cast; that's a definite plus for this film. See it if you're a Judy Dench fan; she really deserved awards for her portrayal of Iris.
One Hour Photo (2002)
Creepy
To echo other reviewers, Robin Williams is outstanding in this realistic portrayal of a lonely, taken for granted worker. Lately I have been to our nearby photo place frequently, and I still have a roll of film in my camera. This film accomplished that which Alfred Hitchcock did in his direction of The Birds, based upon Daphne du Maurier's short story -- something ordinary becomes scary and weird. All these film developers have a 24- or 36-frame invitation into our homes and into those happy and somewhat intimate moments of our lives. I really felt strange during this film. **SPOILERS** I would have liked this film more if it remained within the boundaries of a "normal" family life and if it "focused" on the loneliness of Sy and his desire to become part of a family, even if only through photos. I do not like the affair, the revenge and the police involvement. Those events remove this film from The Birds kind of fright. And I agree with Sy -- "What's wrong with these people?" when he observes a rather tranquil dinner even after the wife and the son are aware of the affair, pictured in clear, sharp color. As someone else asked: who took those pictures? The ending is muddled. Does the camera contain the disgusting photos? Among my favorite scenes is his fantasy (unknown to the viewer) visit to the family's home; among the unfavorites the toilet and the nude scenes. Excellent job, Robin Williams.
The Sleepy Time Gal (2001)
The worst film of all
I cannot imagine a film worse than The Sleepy Time Gal: the acting, the dialog, the color, the flashbacks, the mumbling, the plot, the easy-to-miss ending, and that reclining nude guy waiting to be photographed or whatever. And I am late in returning this two-day rental; therefore, I have to pay for this garbage twice. **SPOILERS** The adopted daughter does not look as though she is successful -- her actions, her dress and her vocabulary do not match the expertise she spouts. Bob -- why does he receive special attention in the opening credits? Do we know him from someplace? -- looks as though he has never read a book, yet he waxes poetic at times. Yes, I realize that I am relying too much on looks, but I mean the whole deal -- the film has to convey some image in the time it has on the screen in front of our painful eyes. Frances, who does not care too much for her own mother, comes across as the least likely candidate for Mother of the Year. What's with those sons, especially that black net/lace, sleeveless shirt worn by Joe Box Camera? And why does the daughter immediately sleep with the ole, grizzled dude who, I think, did the same with Mom years back. Is the mushroom girl real? I have no desire to see the additional material which may explain the 'shrooms or anything else in this dreadful production/Sundance choice. I neded the rewind feature of home-viewing to make certain I got the ending. The newspaper account of the book critique is too quick, the writer looks different (I recall her typing earlier), and I wonder whether the theatre goers have the advantage of a large screen. Why, o, why does Bob's wife let Frances become part of hers? How does that come about? This film makes no sense.
Murder by Numbers (2002)
Detectives, high school kids, a victim, and a baboon
This film is so bad that the viewer has no interest in listening to any of the added features on the DVD. Road to Perdition and Tuck Everlasting are on the Coming Attractions at the rental place, and I cannot stand the current crop of blond so-called actresses so I rented this (unknown-at-the-time) crummy film. Not much makes sense in this presentation, and too much conveniently falls into place. Why does Cassie/Bullock not lock the door to her houseboat? Why do those high school fellas get so hung up on "freedom" and "conviction"? Why does the audience have to relive Cassie's past? **SPOILERS** What happened to that poor, innocent baboon? And why a baboon? Why are filmdom police department heads so eager to halt the investigation? Is Richard in love with Justin, the Leonardo look-alike? How does puny Justin hold onto the deck post and Cassie at the same time? Does "Numbers" refer to the "666" Richard is yelling, or did I hear wrong? How do I get my money returned for this dumb film? Oh, yeah, if I had to listen to Justin's paper, I'd be sound asleep in class or I'd have that "Bueller, Bueller" look on my face. My first baboon film -- and I did not like it -- the film, that is. I like the baboon!
About Schmidt (2002)
Positive Impression
The viewer serves as Warren Schmidt's companion while he tries to find a life after retirement. I really like this film although the foundation is rather weak: Jack Nicholson portrays an actuary who seems not too sharp. Isn't an actuary supposed to be among the brightest of insurance people? Wife Helen does not fit as the wife of an actuary, and her household decor is in need of something -- anything. Daughter Jeannie, I guess, takes after the mother (assuming Warren has some smarts). Her hooking up with loverboy Randall and his unique family makes for a funny story but an unpleasant life. Don't you just want to clean Kathy Bates' house, within and without? Those in charge of set decoration must have had fun. The Milk-Bone on the table is a gem, and that brother is the perfect consumer of said biscuits. Hope lies with the orphaned boy, and we all shared Warren's response at the end. I listened in on a lobby conversation among four retired men who agree that, having seen this film, their lives are not so bad. To assuage the fears of those who have not seen About Schmidt, the hot tub scene with an unclothed Kathy Bates is brief, but you'll grimace and shudder anyway, just anticipating the unthinkable. Bates is hilarious, especially her mother-of-the-groom attire. Nicholson is excellent, but he is still Colonel Nathan Jessup in my one-way mind. See the film, ride along with Warren in his huge RV, and find happiness in an unexpected source. Oscar-worthy? No -- but good entertainment.
Waiting for Guffman (1996)
Predisposition, maybe?
Those who like this horrid film will never understand those of us who wait for Waiting for Guffman to end. Gads, what is so funny in this cast, dialogue and plot? Characterization is so forced. Christopher Guest sounds too much like Stuart Smalley, the Affirmation, 12-step guy on Saturday Night Live. That's okay for a 10-minute sketch, but, c'mon, more than an hour of that stupid voice! I turn off television commercials that depict people, including athletes, singing off-key. No way shall I watch an entire film of this -- hence, I viewed only 15 l-o-n-g minutes of Guffman. I cannot believe so many comments favor this unfunny film. Are the writers born to like this type of "comedy"?
Catch Me If You Can (2002)
A great escape from a January storm
Steven Spielberg, Martin Sheen, Leonardo DeCaprio and James Brolin -- what do they have in common besides a solid liberal base? They, along with always great Tom Hanks, entertained us for a few hours. All of us really liked this film, a rather serious story turned farce by the escapades of DeCaprio. With Hanks and DeCaprio obsessed with each other -- both dependent upon the other for existence, really -- Catch Me If You Can ended in a very satisfactory way. All the women were portrayed as silly, giggly, and super-credulous, making DeCaprio's jobs quite easy to arrange. The striped scarf and matching cap on a stewardess were wild. Watch the movement and the disappearance of the small gift (on the table at the "expensive restaurant") DeCaprio tries to give his father/mentor/role model, played superbly by Christopher Walken. DeCaprio's first deceit -- as the substitute French teacher-- set the tone for this film -- great, entertaining with a touch of sadness for the troubled son of troubled parents. Highly recommended.
The Importance of Being Earnest (2002)
"Ardent" fans of Colin Firth: this film is not for you
I rented this DVD as another opportunity to watch Colin Firth in a British film. A fan of his Mr. Darcy in the superb adaptation of Pride and Prejudice, I was sorry to have seen Firth as a rather insipid character, perfect for The Importance Of Being Earnest but totally wrong in the eyes of an "ardent" fan of Jane Austen's P&P. The only Firth plus is that he actually smiles in the beginning. The added DVD features are good, especially "The Making of . . . " -- the one with the print and not the type. Colin Firth's appearance while carrying the urn, a black, mourning ribbon trailing from his hat, is really funny. He is excellent in this film, but separation from P&P is difficult. Dame Judy Dench is great; her lines are memorable -- especially about Firth's birth and about the train. Reese Witherspoon, her usual annoying self, is out of place. Does she ever change? Those scenes with the knight in dull armor are stupid and cheap interruptions: okay, we get it! Her romance with Algy is so contrived; I've heard of quick courtships, but this fast? And Algy is such a despicable person. Are the tattos part of the play? I agree with the person who wants Colin Firth to play the role of Rebecca's Maxim de Winter. I am able to accept him in that serious role but not as Jack/Earnest de Dunce.
Unfaithful (2002)
Easy to view, but difficult to accept
The previews very cleverly entice the viewer so I became one via a DVD rental. *SPOILERS* The plot is super simple, and the previews tell just about the entire story. The funniest line is uttered by husband Gere when he first encounters (book and wife) lover Martinez. Gere, who is about 54 years old and whose film wife Lane is about 37, says to Martinez: How old are you? You're so young! Martinez is 36, and he even looks older. So, Richard, who's the one with the youngster? You are. That windstorm which is not even carried on the TV news is so widespread -- from the burbs to Soho. And what a tornado it is. And Gere is not concerned about his rowboat or anything else nearby. My first impression of the son -- where did he come from? He does not fit into that family. He is cute, but he keeps making faces --Perhaps, the reason is he is not permitted to watch any television. And do we have to watch him urinate? I like Edward's reaction when he is inside Paul's wall-to-wall-books apartment. He is sickened by his wife's impression upon the pillow, but then he sits(!) on the very same bed -- too bizarre to believe. The gash on the head, Paul's look and all that dripping red stuff comprise the best assault scene ever. How real, especially Edward's realization. But how does the cuckold of a husband easily lift up, around and over the body of a not slender fella? Also difficult to believe are the shoddy investigative techniques of the police people. They are unable to locate a single connection or clue, yet some indifferent worker finds Paul, relegated to being a needle in a haydump. Are we supposed to figure out the ending? (One of the added features does that for us -- that is, if we accept it.) So let's see -- she has a whirlWIND romance with some cad in many places, including an empty bathroom while her friends await her. The husband reacts, and now he is supposed to pay the price? I'm thinking he in the market for a great big huge water globe -- surprise, honey. The best part of this film -- the exterior and surrounds of that beautiful home. *** of *****
Da (1988)
Superb in all ways
As a fan of "me own Da" and of the great, extraordinary actor Martin Sheen, I add my own comments about this film which ranks among my top five (none of which is number one -- they're all equal). The casting is the best ever for this thought-provoking, memorable story. Barnard Hughes' voice and mannerisms -- his grins and his tantrums and his pronunciation of "roses" -- are excellent. William Hickey, who plays Mr. Drumm, is so diabolical and selfish that separating the performer from the performance is difficult. What a miserable, outspoken, biased human being he is! Young Charlie and the mother play their roles well. I really like young Charlie's reaction to his older self -- in that restaurant. "What! Glasses, too?" or something like that. Imagine if you were able to see your body and soul thirty years hence! (Shudder) And pitiful Oliver -- Sheen's reaction to him when he puts on that sandwich board advertisement and when the "machine" nearly hits Oliver -- is great. A few weeks ago I went to a restaurant about three miles away. Nearby was a guy wearing one of those ads. Later that day the same fella was about three blocks from my home -- on a corner again and with the same sandwich board ad. What humiliation -- the same felt by Sheen (and appropriately not by the daffy Oliver). Now for one of the greatest actors ever -- Martin Sheen plays this, one of his favorites, role so well that "Da" remains with me in many ways. His "not to worry" remarks, his conversations with his father, especially when Sheen reverts to his boyish voice while Hughes talks about Charlie's birth mom (that was a "makey-up") and when he discusses the rain ("The angels will be having a ---.") and when he hugs his da, realizing the confusion between past and present being experienced by this hard-working man, so enamoured by the "quality." **SPOILERS** The ending is so beautiful; the roses, the father's voice so loved now by Charlie and the comfortable gentleman now dwelling in the apartment and in the heart of Charlie make for a sweet ending felt by those who love their own wonderful characters for fathers. I really love this film -- I have three copies -- and I thank Sheen for making it. I'm glad Blackie did not drown. We saw this as a play -- quite good -- but without Sheen and Hughes -- lacking. The film is excellent. The mother's poignant scene about her special day and the discovery that the father was not spending the money and the ensuing verbal backlash and Sheen's weeping in and with the rain are outstanding. ("That's hot . . . " I love that scene!) Savor the beauty of this Irish family.
Roman Holiday (1953)
Too dated to be enjoyed
The only scene that appears real is the final one; the great hall appears magnificent -- on location and not created. All other settings are cardboard, especially the view outside Gregory Peck's apartment. What are those buildings anyway? And how high up is he? Audrey Hepburn is way too much to take for an entire film. Her speaking is so slow and phony. I think I saw just about all her films. I liked her in The Nun's Story; her role in Breakfast at Tiffany's is way over the top. Peck appears as stiff as the scenery and as old as the hills. And what's with the attention paid to a princess: ooh -- aah -- let us watch her as she walks toward us, let us ask her about world events, let us not breathe in her presence, let us listen to every syllable uttered and let us memorize her singular answers that will be parroted by future Miss America contestants. After all, she IS a princess! And is she speaking English/American to all those men from many nations while in Rome? Did I miss that explanation? I know this film is 50 years old so, perhaps, I am a wee bit too harsh. In the spirit of this holiday season, I offer these few compliments about this film I viewed yesterday. Peck's eyebrows are not as luxuriant as in his recent appearances and Hepburn does not use a cigarette holder. At the end when the noble and blessed by birth -- better than anyone else -- princess returns to her fine digs, she is really nasty to the countess and to those two men who cower before her. I'm wondering who removes her glass slippers and unmakes her 22-mattress bed and brushes 100 times her tresses and sets out her flowing nightie. Surely "her royal highness" does not. The premise of this film is amusing, but never will a remake be attempted. We do not bow before those who think they are royal. Thanks, John Hancock!
Possession (2002)
I agree with the recent postings.
My daughter and I viewed this much-anticipated film at a local college -- in a "concert hall, not a theater," as the host stated and restated, meaning no drinks and no food, including pop corn (the gobbling of which sickens me -- and then the teeth-cleaning during the film - yuk!) So we looked forward to an enjoyable British evening. We did like "Possession." The bucolic scenery and the manor houses are breath-taking. "This realm" I love, love, love. Our immediate comments were those of the six or so comments preceding this one. The grubbiness of the American researcher bothered us: he wore the same sweater and undershirt for days and his "velcro chin," as one person wrote, was quite disgusting. His acting was limp, paralleling his desperate attempts at romance. *SPOILERS AHEAD* Their attachment at the end was corny, and we preferred a more scholarly relationship. Paltrow's forced accent and her lipstick in bed were rather humorous to us. We questioned the lack of anything within the marriage of the poet to his devoted wife. The solving of the mysteries was too easy, and their attack upon the grave-robbers and their gutting the corroded box made no sense. They, after all, followed through. (Have real poets' graves been desecrated as those of pharaohs?) Yes, the name given to the secret daughter did announce to the whole English countryside and beyond her parentage. Jeremy Northam looked a little puffy at times, and that hat neded some repair. We really liked the essence of the film, especially the transition from past to present, and now we plan to read the book, on the advice of previous posters. O, to possess a great house (with bathrooms) in England -- now that's Heaven to me.
Divine Secrets of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood (2002)
Confusing and Sleep-Inducing
Since so much analysis has already been offered, I'll merely add personal commentary. I was unable to discern one character from the other, that is, the young version from the old version -- in wonderful Maggie Smith's case, the really old version. A few names were similar, and without the benefit of closed caption , some of the dialogue was lost. (I viewed this on DVD.) I was surprised at the tone of this film -- dark, dark, dark. What problems the one family had! The drowning act was rather dangerous. So much of this film seemed forced just to fit the plot. In college three friends and I formed our own funny "club," borne from a silly, singular situation. We, however, weren't so screwed up as the Ya-Ya (Yo-Yo) belles, and alcohol played no part, as in this film. With the memories of our group in mind, I eagerly anticipated this film, and, wow, was I disappointed. I did like the mother/daughter banging the phone duet at the beginning. And, yes, James Garner's talent was wasted. Four dollars gone forever!
Pride and Prejudice (1995)
Mr. Collins plus -- possible spoilers ahead
Having watched this film no less than 15 times -- and certain sections about 100 times, I agree with all the others that Pride and Prejudice is perfect. Colin Firth is way better than Laurence Olivier, who was a great Maxim de Winter but a weak Heathcliff. Jennifer Ehle plays the role of Elizabeth very, very well. The "long, long look" is without equal, especially Mr. Darcy's breathing. I still do not get all the sighs emitted during the swim scene. The pond looked so uninviting for a swim. My third favorite (favourite) person/character is David Bamber as Mr. Collins. Each facial expression is priceless to the film. Some examples are - when he is speaking to a seated Mr. Darcy, who gets up and leaves a mumbling Mr. Collins; when he is interrupted by Lady Catherine and he places his fingers to his lips; when he is chewing and grinning at the breakfast table in his own home - his mouth filled with food; when he bumps into a woman on the dance floor and Mr. Darcy smiles at Elizabeth's comical plight; and when in the background at the wedding scene, his goofy, blurred face is showing. What a brilliant move to include him! He is superb in this role, and I laugh whenever he is part of the scene. Poor Charlotte - what was she thinking? Is opportunity that important? Does she not possess a hint of romance? Another element I like is the silly laughter of the two sisters, especially when the viewer knows they are laughing at Mr. Collins (shown descending the stairs) after Lydia in her slip encountered him in the hallway. My one criticism is saved for Jane Austen . . . A FEW MORE CHAPTERS for a longer film.
Signs (2002)
Beginning was good, but ending was not so good.
"Oh, no," I thought. "Dogs in a film about aliens. I already know that outcome." Please, please don't allow any other animals to die in films - ever! (Why did that stupid family forget their surviving pet Isabelle?) I tell myself that this is fake -- but still -- I cannot sit through a film while anticipating those dreaded scenes. My daughter and I liked the build-up to the invasion, and both of us (SPOILERS) were disappointed when "he" was revealed -- kinda like a leather-clad mummy with a strong allergic reaction to fetid water. We considered the boy to be a bad actor whose character needed some serious behavior modification. When his father corrected the pronunciation of the author of the prized book on aliens (Was the purchase Fate or Coincidence? Ick!), the son did not like the "tone" of the correction. What's with that? And how did that kid become an expert on aliens? Did he read and recall the exact passages ole Father Mel would question? (Insert ghostly music here -- Fate or Coincidence or Inane Writing?) And director MNS's cameo was more like a supporting role. We liked the corn rows -- like "Children of the Corn" -- "He who walks behind the rows (or something like that)." *SPOILER* The ending with those fateful words about swinging away was tacky. Why couldn't the wife have said, "Leave the farm - take the dogs - go to a motel - swim away - remember the medicine - pack a lunch - put on the collar -- preaching is easier than farming - clean the house -- it's a mess." The film was a simple way to spend an afternoon, and not too much was lost - time-wise and coin-wise - So see the film if you favor eerie stories with a profound message attached. I hope those German Shepherds and their stand-ins are sleeping in the Hollywood sun, bellies full and beds worn.
The Rookie (2002)
I liked the stories of the youngsters.
I viewed the DVD rental of this wholesome, lengthy film not in one sitting but many. Stopping the film was a welcome relief; I am not a baseball fan. As a basketball fan, I could watch hours and hours of "Hoosiers" and the Duke Blue Devils -- so I guess that was part of my negativity toward "The Rookie." I really, really liked the storylines dealing with young Jimmy (Trevor Morgan) and Hunter, and I liked the actors playing those roles. So to me a film dedicated to these relationships, contrasting and comparing, would be most favorable. The scenes with the struggling Owls were great. This depiction as a mere chronology of events was too simple and rather humdrum. Dennis Quaid was excellent in "Frequency," but in this film he was too old, too grizzled. And those guys collecting somebody's and anybody's hair from the barber shop floor and then sprinkling (and still touching) the hair onto the field's surround - ugh! I stopped snacking on my cheddar cheese Combos at those points. A major plus for this film is that the viewer does not mind a family member passing through the room; no embarrassing scenes are part of this. The true story that is included in the DVD is interesting, but what happened to the father and why was he sent to that tiny 1930-ish town to recruit? And why did they stay? I read that Morris is now a motivational speaker; does he ever meet up with the "Rudy" fella. Wow -- talk about making the most of a situation! I'll grade "The Rookie" B-minus: try harder next time.
The West Wing (1999)
This series has no equal.
Always excellent, West Wing is the best program ever, and I second the praise already given by other faithful viewers. Martin Sheen as Jeb Bartlett portrays the ideal president; at times his compassion outshines his brilliance. His sense of humor more than makes up for his grumpiness. I like Aaron Sorkin's giving this character extraordinary knowledge and endearing arrogance. Rob Lowe/Sam Seaborn will be missed; however, those rather silly responses he uttered will not be. I am hoping that the decision not to "kill him off" means an option to return to West Wing. Sheen is superb in this role as in all others (except "The Maid"). My favorite episode is the one selected by other fans as number one -- the Arlington burial of the homeless veteran while the children's choir sings to the president and his staff. I taped every episode, but I am still waiting for a boxed set to go on sale. Thanks to the production company for this worthwhile series. For Martin Sheen fans, be sure to see "The Execution of (Private) Eddie Slovik." I still recall the first time my husband and I viewed this in 1974. His frantic recitation of the rosary is chilling, and Sheen and this film deserved Emmy awards. I still cannot get over their not winning.
Trading Spaces (2000)
Always a Surprise
Trading Spaces is an ideal television program to watch while ironing: see the beginning and the ending while getting and hanging your clothes during the middle. I cannot tell the names of the designers one from the other, but they are all bad, especially the seldom-on woman who wears the silly hats. The finished rooms are candle-lighted; this is impractical and dangerous. Who today has flaming candles on wall sconces and chandeliers? And those home-made couches and narrow benches for sitting -- what are those? What's with the painted floors, the balsa wood boxes they call armoires, the scribbles that are deemed Matisse, the foam and fabric deemed upholstery, the material STAPLED to wooden slats for drapes (How are they to be laundered?), the walls painted black, purple or chocolate, and everything else spray-painted? Then they surprise the viewer and the homeowner by glueing moss or straw or other stuff onto the walls! Recall the rusted wall? Ooh, aah, orchids!! Wow! They'll never last. Why do I watch? Ironing is no fun.
Jane Eyre (1996)
Comments from a Jane Eyre reader
Many, many years ago I stayed home from school, and I, not sick enough to remain in bed, turned on the television set while my mother and my aunt talked in the kitchen. Sitting on the floor, I was mesmerized by the Joan Fontaine/Orson Welles version of Jane Eyre (which I now know is an awful version though well-cast). Since that morning I have grown to love all things Bronte. My daughter is named Jane, I have several copies of the book Jane Eyre, I own abridged and unabridged audio versions, and I possess the different videos of my beloved Jane Eyre. On our cemetery monument are the words "MY SECOND SELF." (Wuthering Heights is my next favorite novel.) William Hurt is a great actor, but he can never be Edward Fairfax Rochester. Timothy Dalton is the best for this role. The low-key dolt cast as Jane in this 1996 adaptation is horrid, and I just cannot force myself to watch my copy of the film. Her physiognomy prevents my doing so. Reader, this film is awful.
A Walk to Remember (2002)
A Few Questions
Student life is familiar to all of us (if you're younger than five, you're not reading this!), so why do writers create so many unreal situations that make the film just plain silly? Why were the yearbooks distributed so early? Why did the director of the spring play select the players for each role, and why did she choose an "unknown" for the male lead? Do students really write the plays -- with such adult themes? Why did Mandy Moore's character leave the lunch room to go home? Do students do that? How was Shane's character able to drive here and there whenever? Did anyone attend classes. or did they sit outside all day -- except when they were in that weird-looking lunch room? I cringe whenever proms are featured in films: no one has a date until the week of the prom, the decorations are being decided that week, and the music/band has yet to be selected. Isn't someone tapping the writer/director/whoever on the shoulder and saying, "May I offer a suggestion?" Oh, yes, thumbs down on this goofy film. Give me "Wuthering Heights" with Ralph Fiennes anyday and everyday!