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jotheodorou
Reviews
John Adams (2008)
Reaching the Highest Common Denominator
Excellent....the sets, production, costumes, direction, writing ... but most importantly, the actors...Paul (Adams) and Laura (Abagail) shine, as does the rest of the cast. You feel like you are watching American Independence, the events leading up to such a momentous occurrence, and our country's infancy actually happen before your eyes. Thank you HBO, and thank you David McCullough for bringing history to life, both as narrative and film. Every detail contributes to an intellectual and entertaining whole.
HBO ... you do some outstanding work, I thank you for keeping the American public on their toes and such quality programming. A remarkable achievement, I wish you many many awards, and hope you will continue to make more quality historical films. You show not only good taste, but your executives have made some bold decisions, at a time when TV could use both!
Love Story (1970)
A" Love Story " ... for all!
You have to remember that this film/novel was way ahead of itself in 1970. Pre-marital sex was a no-no up until the late 1960's, so when Oliver and Jenny sleep together, this was quite a bold step! And saved the film/novel from serious and silly melodrama. I saw this movie in college, and I was a Music Major at a woman's college like Jenny, so you can well imagine the influence on a young woman's mind and the the power it had for me. However, obviously I did not die young! I still admire the "look" of Ali McGraw, the way they dressed her for the film is timeless. I think it will always be a classic... the piano score is quite moving, and in many key scenes, proves a perfect substitute and far more powerful than dialog, hence the lack of! I also think it was beautifully filmed. Look for Tommy Lee Jones, if you blink, you will miss him!
A film for all ages, classic and moving. But don't bother with the follow up film "Oliver's Story", just a way to make a quick buck, despite Candy Bergen as the love interest. You will be very disappointed. Hope this comment was helpful.
Walk the Line (2005)
Oscar nominations on the horizon for Phoenix and Witherspoon
Terrific film, the lead performances are spectacular. Special kudos to the music editors, the sound was one of the best I have heard on film. This movie reeks of Oscar nods.The Cash/Carter duet numbers give you goose bumps, their chemistry thru their music gives you chills! A moving story, not your standard bio pic, and clears up all the Johnny Cash myths out there. Technically, quite an achievement for a new director (or is he?) and there is not a false note in this film. A must see, and you don't have to be a country music fan to appreciate the genius of Johnny Cash, and the appeal of June Carter.
Too bad Johnny and June cannot see it, they would be so pleased.
The Snow Goose (1971)
Wonderful Memory
I read the short story in middle school and saw the TV version as an undergraduate. I will never forget either. Now that the late, great Richard Harris has recently passed away, won't someone look into offering this on DVD or Video? I look for it each and every Christmas on PBS. Some thirty years later, it still haunts me. It will break your heart, but is so worthy of attention.I look forward to comments from other baby boomers who remember the PBS movie. A little gem of a film.