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Reviews
The Mists of Avalon (2001)
READ THE BOOK!!!
This only similarities between this movie and the book are the title, the character's names and a very loose outline of events. The book is a
masterpiece of fiction...of woman's fiction. Bradley, for the first time, give the females of Arthur's legends a voice. And what a voice it is. She takes Morgaine and turns her into what she truly was; not an evil sorceress but a priestess, wise in the ways of herb lore and the earth. Her book could be called a feminist reinterpretation of the Arthur legends; except that it is steeped in historical and archeological fact.
Historically the book is the most of accurate of all the legends in it's depiction of the Goddess religion and how the monarchy ruled jointly
with the High Priestess of the Goddess religion. The book gives the woman voices and history. So much so that one finds it difficult to
read the earlier versions of the legends because the woman are so faceless.
I awaited this movie with great anticipation, and sadly, I was greatly let down. This movie, which had so much potential, simply did not
understand the heart of the book. Yes it showed strong, intelligent woman who played an important role in history. But it completely misses
their personalities. The character of Gwenwyfer is nothing like the Gwenwyfer in the book. In the book she is a fanatical Catholic who
hates Morgaine and the Goddess and nearly forces Arthur to destroy the Goddess religion (thankfully he does not) but in the movie she is
turned into a sympathetic character who has more brains than religious conviction. The character of Morgaine is completely altered
because the movie shrank from a very important element of the book: the fact that both Morgaine and Arthur discovered the others true
identity the morning after they slept together. Their relationship for the rest of the book depends on that knowledge. By taking that away, the movie removes the motives for the actions of the characters. Morgause is turned from a complex woman into a spiteful, evil, rather one-dimensional woman. You don't get much background on Morgause so you do not get to see what made her as she is. But her character in the book is much more complex and real. She is not evil, just void of many emotions and she is ambitious. The closest character to resemble herself is Viviane, and that is only because she is hardly in the movie.
Anjelica Huston is wonderful as Viviane and it's a shame her character is rarely seen. And Julianna Margulies looks exactly like you
envision Morgaine would look like. She could play the Morgaine from the book too but sadly, is was not able too. But she did a wonderful job with what she was given.
In many ways the movie tries to make the story more politically correct but doesn't realize that the book is not only politically correct but it is truth. The book describes powerful woman who co-ruled with kings without being married to them; it shows a religion that was woman based and worshiped for centuries before the male dominated religion arrived and incorporated the Goddess into the religion in the form of the Virgin Mary.
When you watch this movie watch it for the entertainment, the costumes, the battle scenes, the scenery and the amazing music by Loreena McKennitt. DO NOT watch it in place of reading the book. DO NOT think that they are the same. Enjoy the movie then go devour the book.
Hannibal (2001)
Awesome
Wow. Anthony Hopkins is amazing. This film is completely and utterly a mind trip that takes you to a very frightening place. But it's one hell of a ride. I was very concerned that Juliann Moore was not going to be able to live up to the wonderful character Jodie Foster had created in the masterpiece that was Silence of the Lambs, however, I was pleasantly surprised and very pleased with her performance. I've always enjoyed her and this is no exception. But of course the main force here is Sir Hopkins. His performance is beyond words it's that great. He continues right where he left off, making us hate him and feel some sort of affection and connection with him at the same time. Gary Oldman, who is completely unrecognizable, is wonderful, as always. And I cannot end this without mentioning two other aspects of this film. One is the music. It's so hypnotic and beautiful and truly plays upon your emotions. The next is every scene shot in Florence: stunningly beautiful, gorgeous beyond words. The historic buildings and landmarks plays into the spooky and beautiful aspect of this film. And lets not forget how scary it can be. Watching Lecter cut open a man or eat body parts is...yell, extremely disturbing and scary. But he wouldn't be Dr. Lecter if he wasn't enjoying someone for dinner.
Save the Last Dance (2001)
Not great but certainly not bad
I was expecting more of a dance movie; a updated version of Flashdance. I'm glad I didn't get a modern Flashdance. In a way I was a little disappointed at the lack of dance. While the movie revolved around it, you get very little full, put together dance scene. But I love Sarah's dance at the end. Very modern, very edgy. Julia Stiles did a wonderful job with a very hard role physically. Which leads me to ask if she ever was a real dancer? The one thing that I was very happy to see was an interracial couple. It's sad to say that in this day and age that's brave; but it is and the film makers do a wonderful job with it. Having grown up in the suburbs of the greatest city in the world, Chicago (yes, I'm playing favorites) but having family in the inner city ghetto's, the Chicago portrayed is a very accurate picture. Which is sad. But it's still the greatest place in the world. Overall, I enjoyed this movie for what it was, a fun movie. If I get a chance to see it again I will and will defiantly be going dancing after. :-)
Center Stage (2000)
Let's Dance
Here's the thing, I went to this movie not caring about the plot, script, or any of the other things that goes into a good movie. In all honesty I didn't care if the actors spoke or not, I just wanted to see them dance, the plot and such was just extra and ended up being rather good. And the dancing was wonderful. I can watch this movie over and over just for the dancing, the end especially. I could watch Charlie dance forever. He is so god damned sexy. I mean, come on, how great is Jody spinning away from Cooper, shedding her Swan Lake tutu to reveal a sexy metalic one. Oh, and the next part, where they make love on the bed, is so well done. And the sexy red number in the end is so great.
The Mask of Zorro (1998)
Great fun
This was just one of those rare and wonderful movies that you can't help but get involved in and when you walk out of the theater there's a big smile plastered to your face. Whether you want it there or not. I was never a big fan of A. Banderas but after this movie I forgave him such movies as Desperado. Catherine Zeta-Jones was beautiful beyond words. And it was so refreshing and wonderful to see a woman in her position from her time wielding a sword with such grace and efficiency. The sword play between her and A. Banderas and their wonderful dance are definitely my favorite parts of this movie. I liked how they made A. Banderas the "new" Zorro. It was like the film makers were acknowledging that this was a new Zorro for a new era and were not trying in anyway to change or improve the older (most popularly Disney) Zorro. A. Hopkins was a treat as he always is. This was just such a fun movie that you can't help enjoy it and laugh at it's deft comedy.
The Last of the Mohicans (1992)
Words can't describe...
This movie is beyond wonderful. I truly can't sing it's praises enough. Every aspect of it is amazing. I wish I could say the same for the book, which was such a disappointment. This is the only movie that I feel is better than the book, even if they take rather different paths. Everyone's performance is wonderful and the location is breathtaking. Even the soundtrack is fantastic. I never tire of watching this movie. If there is anyone who hasn't seen this movie, it has everything: plenty of action (with gory blood and guts), romance, and intelligence. No one should go without seeing this movie. I can guarentee that you will enjoy it. :-)
Dangerous Beauty (1998)
Gorgeous
This movie is beautiful beyond words. It's full of everything a love story should have; angst, destiny, controversy, devotion, passion...I could go on and on. The fact that this movie is based loosely on an amazing real life woman makes this movie even more wonderful. Catherine McCormack plays Veronica as such a strong, independance yet fragile woman. Her intelligence and passion are so evident in her every word. Rufus Sewell is wonderful as Marco. You can see his love and the torture at not being able to openly love the woman he loves on his face. And how can anyone not love Jacqueline Bisset's role which she plays with such honesty. I don't think there has been a time when I have watched this movie and it hasn't moved me to tears. McCormack's readings of Franco's beautiful poetry is truly breathtaking; as is her defense at her trial. Everything about this movie is pure beauty.
The Princess Bride (1987)
Brings a smile to my face
I can remember sitting at my friends Jess' house when this movie first came out and absolutely loving it. It appealed to my little girl love for fairy tales, prince and princesses, and knights in shining...well..in tight black pants. I also loved it for the time period. Now, watching it I love it for all those reasons and more. I appreciate the tougue in cheek humor and can enjoy it's silly, almost campy attitude. I love this movie. It's just such a simple joy to watch and one can't help but be happy after watching it.
Jane Eyre (1943)
By far the best...
This is by far the best movie version of this beautiful, wonderful book. Charlotte Bronte weaved an incredible tale about an intelligent, early feminist who feels deeply and is full of passion. Orson Wells is a superb Rochester and Joan Fontaine plays Jane the way she was meant to be played: sweet, gentle but strong and intelligent. It's a continual joy to watch and a movie that can definitely be considered a classic from the golden age of Hollywood.