don turner Reviews

Radio (2003)

Oscar for Cuba

[2 November 2003]

This is a movie about what is right. Not what is convenient, not what is politically correct, and certainly not about what is the appropriate image. This is a movie where two people with supposedly nothing in common are somehow brought together.

The first appears to need help and has nothing to give to others. The other is in complete control of a apparently satisfying life and has no obligation to anyone. Yet, through coming together we find the former can change a community and the latter finds a new life far more fulfilling than the past one.

The premise for this movie may seem overused - man helps handicapped young man. However, Ed Harris and Cuba Gooding Jr soon make us forget about any retreating of past plots. Harris' character is one where all of us see something about ourselves – both the bad and the good. Gooding, well, Gooding does such a remarkable job that we forget he is supposed to be acting. Especially when the real Radio is shown at the end of the movie – we realize how truly great Cuba's performance was.

This is a movie that I enjoyed while in the theater, but now a day later realize that the message it conveys is still with me - "do what is right and it will always work out in the end."

Lost in Translation (2003)

Lost in Comprehension

[2/10 · 28 September 2003]

Even given this movie all the "breaks" I could - my conclusion is that not only is the plot, but the entire movie is lost in translation.

I love the Toyko setting and I love Bill Murray's work and was looking forward to seeing him in this. However, this movie never gets started. You keep hoping that it will have a great ending, a significant message, anything. It simply goes on and on without a point.

I'm so astounded at the "nothingness" of this movie that I wish it had been based on a book so I could read that and figure out what the moview was supposed to be about. Nope, whatever message was intended it is still locked up in Sophia Coppolo's head.

Dune (2000)

Great Technology Pitiful Casting

[10 October 2002]

As a long-time lover of Frank Herbert's novels and the 1984 movie of the same name, I will pretty much take anything I can get along these lines. However, frustration sets in when you see a good idea messed up with bad ideas

I enjoyed the movie and thought the technological advances were well used to add richness to the movie. However, the amount of miscasting in this movie is so bad it is like someone went out of their way to put the wrong actors in the various roles. For example, William Hurt as Duke Leto brings about as much passion as a ripening banana. The character of Stilgar is supposed to be a powerful leader of men. However, Uwe Ochsenknecht plays him with the premise that simply scowling is portrayal enough. I could go on and on - Thufir, Duncan, etc. It is simply frustrating to see such an important work be wasted with bad casting.

In virtually every character but a few the actor simply wasn't right for the role.

Oh well, I will continue to watch this one and the 1984 version again and again until the 2003 Children of Dune comes out.

The Gift of Love: A Christmas Story (1983 TV Movie)

an old fashioned touch of the heart

[8/10 · 23 December 2001]

simple, small town, going back to where you are from...a movie i can watch over and over again - and hope to as long as my tape lasts. the message about the "secret place" is one that i take to heart in my own marriage. every once in awhile a movie just hits all the buttons that make it heart-warming, this movie does it in a subtle, but effective way.

The Score (2001)

it just doesn't get any better

[1 September 2001]

In the spirit of full disclosure I could watch Robert De Niro read the newspaper, he is truly one of the great actors of our time. However, in "The Score", you get to see him as an intelligent, feeling jewel thief knows all about blending the strategic, tactical, technical, and emotional aspects of `a heist.' The movie starts slow and moves progressively faster leading up to both surprising, and pleasing, ending.

Edward Norton, of whom I've never been a big fan, has won me over. he plays a brash, but intelligent `DeNiro wannabe.' He plays his role perfectly.

All-in-all, a movie I highly recommend.

Dune (2000)

Waiting once more to stretch the mind

[28 October 2000]

Science Fiction in general allows us to stretch our minds far outside the bounds of our "normal space." Dune, more so than most, did exactly that 16 years ago. Though almost impossible to replicate the "immenseness" of the book, the movie came about as close as you can.

Here is to hoping that this mini-series will succeed the original and help prepare another generation of "the faithful."