007535 Reviews

Running on Empty (1988)

excellent film

[9/10 · 1 June 2006]

Having recently become interested in the work of River Phoenix, I decided to spend almost the entirety of my allowance on the best of his films. After The Mosquito Coast, My Own Private Idaho and Stand By Me, I was expecting great things from Running On Empty. I wasn't disappointed, being very touched by this film, and remarkably found myself crying during the final scene. The film has an interesting plot line; that of a family on the run from the law, while showing the impact on the children; and was something I felt hadn't been done well before. Concentrating largely on the experiences and reflections of the family's eldest son, Danny, the audience can really relate to events within the film. It boasts strong performances by the leads, of course especially the ceaselessly brilliant River Phoenix. Martha Plimpton was also very convincing as the love interest with attitude, and their chemistry was undeniable. Some moments were clichéd and unnecessary; the inclusion of an ex-comrade and war activist who tests Annie Pope's loyalty to her husband seemed rather contrived and out of place. Overall, however, there were many warm moments in an understated, well-written film. I wouldn't recommend viewing for everyone; the film is slow in comparison to modern offerings, but if you're interested in romance, drama, or even just River Phoenix this is definitely a must-see movie.

Under the Tuscan Sun (2003)

Great fun, if flawed

[7/10 · 13 October 2005]

I'm sure the target audience for this charming movie would be a middle aged female demographic. As a sixteen year old girl the movie worked well enough for me, too, even if it did occasionally cause a little panic over her desperation as I was left wondering if that's what becomes of all of us. Diane Lane is a very good actress, and can make the audience feel for her without showing much character. We don't really know that much about her by the end of the movie, except that she seems to think she needs a man to be happy, and she likes wine and reading. Snore. But overall, I left this movie feeling better than when I went it. It's delightful and appealing and I strongly recommend it.

Boarding School (1978)

Actually, not bad!

[6/10 · 13 October 2005]

When my friend and I bought this out of sheer curiosity, we weren't really expecting anything other than poorly filmed soft-core porn. Well, it's visually pretty grainy, and the voices are badly dubbed, but it's not really that much different from most other teen films today except for the fact that it doesn't try to be anything other than what it is; a teen comedy with a bit of female nudity. The two leads were nice to look at and, despite the campy feeling, most emotions on screen were realistic and palatable.

It's not a Scorsese but it's worth a look if you're bored or really like teen movies.

Not bad at all.

Howling III (1987)

What a joke!

[7 October 2005]

my friend and I were bored, walking through my hometown, so we headed into Crazy Clarks to the DVD section. Naturally, the DVDs in question were of no commendable standard, but rifling through the various self-help and unknown films my friend found one which made her laugh out loud, not only at the ridiculous title, but the blurb. We bought it for a laugh, as it was only two dollars. The next hour and a half brought many a squeal, but none in fright or suspense, but in the laughter that the poor acting, effects, and script brought us. By the time the film ended with a tacked on "cut", possibly the worst twist in the history of awful twists, we were in stitches, wondering how on earth this pile of junk ever got to be made.