foxman2004 Reviews

Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (2005)

A Fun Evening

[10/10 · 25 November 2005]

Wonderful special effects and sets make this film a great event worth watching. Part of the fun is how much the series allows you to be part of the characters' lives. Such as, how they are becoming obviously, more mature. I highly recommend this film. Another fun part of this film series is how different ideas and objects are introduced. The school is the same, but there are new characters which we learn about as we watch. The fantasy of a person flying in the air with a broom is enchanting, however, it is just that, a fantasy. The sadness I felt as the story unfolded was a little unsettling, but it was just a story, of course. The costumes were, as usual, great, and Maggie Smith was wonderful as one of the professors. The other actors were fabulous in their roles. Have a great time watching!

In Cold Blood (1967)

May contain spoilers

[10/10 · 16 June 2005]

I voted excellent for how well the acting was, not for the content. It still gives me chills after reading the book, then watching the movie. Two ex-cons are traveling to their destination to rob a family of money from a safe one of the cons learned about while in prison. During the ride, the tension begins to mount, as the soundtrack in the movie adds to the overall anticipation. After the killers are done with their work at the farm, the following morning the family's remains are found by the daughter's church friend. The blood-curdling scream, as the scene pans onto the telephone with the cut cord, really made my blood run cold and gave me chills. That the killers met their just fates is a small comfort for this doomed family. Robert Blake was excellent in his portrayal of Perry Smith. The book was also excellently written by Truman Capote.

Dokuritsu shônen gasshô-dan (2000)

A good film

[10/10 · 26 March 2005]

I enjoyed watching this film from Japan (with English subtitles). It was one of the first foreign films I have seen with a good plot and storyline. It didn't begin a scene and then skip to something that didn't seem to have anything to do with the first scene. A young teen's father dies, and he is sent to an orphanage. He enters a world that he is not accustomed to. This is a good film to watch. A lot of genuine emotions come from it, as the story unfolds. The acting was very good, and the main characters were well-defined. It was a good portrayal of those things that happen in life: hopes and dreams that may or may not come true.

The Devil's Playground (1976)

A good lesson.

[10/10 · 19 March 2005]

I have this film as part of my home video collection and have not seen it in awhile. However, I can remember the feeling of misgiving I felt for these young men who were entering puberty. It brought back memories of my entrance into the same. It brought to mind that those things for which we are regularly exposed to do not cause so much curiosity. These young boys were required to remain sexless without feelings or hormones, just when their bodies were beginning to take off. I kept thinking that it could have helped them if they were taught about the normal body development they could expect, the urges and ideas which may spring to mind. The allowance of the natural arrangement of public showering, with the nudity exposure indicated, but allowance for one's privacy and dignity as the person is comfortable, could also have helped in their adjustment to puberty. Of course, this was a movie, but it is a good lesson to anyone dealing with pubescent kids. Simon Burke was excellent in his portrayal of his character.

Torch Song Trilogy (1988)

A wonderful film

[10/10 · 5 March 2005]

This film is a wonderful statement for gays and lesbians. Anne Bancroft is absolutely phenomenal as the loving, but judgmental mother. Harvey Fierstein is the witty and funny son who lives his life, come what may. The whole story is emotional and heart-warming, although, at times, it can be exasperating as Arnold (Fierstein)deals with discrimination and misunderstanding because of his orientation. You'll truly love this story. Matthew Broderick plays a role which is different from what I have seen before. His character, though short-lived, plays a crucial role in how Arnold deals with life. The other characters are outstanding, as they portray the ebb and flow of Arnold's interactions with others. I highly recommend this film.