celtlass Reviews

Savior (1998)

Won't forget this movie

[10/10 · 10 November 2000]

Not what I expected to see and so much better for it. This movie drops you into a life that I've read about and thought I had a grasp of until I saw the pictures. The acting is supreme - you never question that each scene has been lived through by many. All involved deserve much credit for making this picture.

Frankie Starlight (1995)

A beautiful movie written with care and acted with skill and empathy

[8/10 · 21 April 1999]

Corban Walker and Alan Pentony are both wonderful (would love to see more performances by both) and give the nuanced portrayals that give the title character life and depth that linger past the end of the movie. Gabriel Byrne also is particularly good as one of the two "fathers" that give Frankie all the love and acceptance of which they are capable; the flaws of these men show their compassion that much more clearly. The central figure of Frankie's mother remains elusive (purposefully) and one of her chief motivations is let drop mid-way through the film; but the resolutions of the film are perfect and the astronomy theme provides a setting for most of the actors to portray greater depth for their characters.

Pleasantville (1998)

Exquisite, penetrating

[10/10 · 8 November 1998]

This is a beautiful movie! The idea was brilliant and the skill involved in the project was artful excellence. I laughed aloud and kept back a tear. Tobey Maguire, Joan Allen, William H. Macy and Jeff Daniels were marvelous. One scene is particularly chilling, one extremely tender, and others reminded me what a special gift is 'choice'. There's a feeling of rightness about how the plot unfolds and although I was so wrapped up in the movie that I hadn't given any thought to "how will this end?" the resolutions were perfect. On a strictly visual level this movie is beautiful and amazing!

My Best Friend's Wedding (1997)

Would have been a great music video

[5/10 · 4 November 1998]

Rupert Everett is wonderful! His character is charming and funny and believable. The luncheon scene with him bringing the whole restaurant into the song is marvelous. The rest of the film was silly and stilted and disappointing.

We're No Angels (1955)

Clever dialogue and real warmth

[9/10 · 4 November 1998]

I adore this movie! Christmas was complete the year I finally found this on video - The plot is unique, the main characters (Bogart, Ustinov and Ray) are totally lovable rogues; Leo G. Carrol is wonderful as the dottering but loving husband/father; and Basil Rathbone is a deliciously evil villain. And the most unique hero of any movie - Adolf! The women roles are not as strong and the one weak point in the movie is a musical number after Christmas dinner, but then the action picks up marvelously! Some of the best lines delivered ever are in this film.

In Country (1989)

Dramatic events are highlighted by being shown in common

[7/10 · 3 November 1998]

This film introduces familiar characters and develops them as examples of how losing someone to Vietnam (even if they came home) changed the lives of much of our country. The characters are not "important" figures and the film's impact is greater for displaying how common were those experiences. Bruce Willis' acting is superb and John Terry's character may be the most haunting.