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sjmichaels73
Reviews
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (2005)
Uneven and creepy
This movie seems to veer from being sweet and old-fashioned to modern and mean-spirited, with periods of being thoroughly creepy as well. I would not have thought that I could be more disturbed by this second film adaptation than I was by the first, given that I was approximately four years old when I saw the first _Charlie and the Chocolate Factory_. However, I found this new version to be very disturbing at times.
The four stars that I have given it are primarily for the first third of the movie. There are some very funny moments, an excellent cast, and a certain style that I have to admire. However, I wouldn't recommend this movie, and would suggest that parents of very young children not take the little ones to see it.
Kristin Lavransdatter (1995)
A beautiful and fascinating film
This movie is so perfect! The story, acting, scenery and general attention to detail are wonderful. Kristin's character is complex, as are the others- there are no flat characters here, no "he's the good guy and he's the bad guy." The plot is also rich and is a refreshing contrast to so many of the predictable, clichéd flicks playing at the mall theaters.
I have to give it a 10. It is flawless and fascinating. If I could, I would give it bonus points for having such unique subject matter, as well. After all, films about medieval Norway don't come out every day- especially not from the perspective of a young, strong, female character.
Fanny och Alexander (1982)
Not as good as I expected
After seeing _The Best Intentions_, which Bergman wrote and based on his parents' early relationship (though he did not direct it), I was very eager to see _Fanny and Alexander_, as I had read that it was also somewhat autobiographical and contained many similar themes. I was blown away by _The Best Intentions_ and thought it was one of the most thought-provoking, emotionally engaging, and well-acted films I had seen in years. I was disappointed, though, by _Fanny and Alexander_. The story seemed jarring and incomplete at times (to be fair, I saw the 3-hour version, not the 5-hour version). I especially thought that the relationship between the Bishop and Emilie was depicted so sparely as to be nearly inexplicable, particularly in its decline- Emilie goes to the Ekdahl's, declaring her hatred for the Bishop, *at the same time* as we see the Bishop's cruel punishment of Alexander, not *after* the punishment. There is little indication of what has actually been happening prior to Emilie's visit to cause her hatred of her husband.
I also found the scene with Ishmael to be so over-the-top that I found myself stepping back from the film to say, "Oh, come on!"
Many scenes are beautifully filmed, and most of the actors are excellent. Overall, though, it wasn't a "10 out of 10" for me.