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KierZ
Reviews
Standard Time (2002)
Heart-warming Champagne Bubbles
Just happened to catch the Canadian Premiere of 'Standard Time' at our local indie film festival. What a surprise! My fiancee and I thoroughly enjoyed seeing this wonderfully charming film. The star, Isabel Rose, introduced the film, and it was great to see how much of herself she put into it.
A lot of understanding and research of the Musical heyday was required to make this film authentic and Ms. Rose has a look that brings the experience together and makes it work.
Unlike a lot of other referential films, the 40's musical aspect of the film does not bog it down with obscure references, instead making the film a treat for the experienced and newbie alike. The narrative is compelling and in contrast to the films of the period in which our protagonist 'dreams', progressive as well, far more so than many of the other romance/comedy/marriage films of today.
I must mention that Andrew McCarthy does a wonderful turn as the piano teacher, probably a note better even than New Waterford Girl, showing far better chops and charm than he ever did in 'Pretty in Pink'.
Overall, an amazing debut effort that deserves a turn on the distribution merry go round; it just might pick up as much steam as that 'Ethnic Wedding' film.
The Boondock Saints (1999)
Vigilantism with a holy face
Boondock Saints is a particularly likeable film in spite of its violence. Its a lot smarter, fresher and more thought provoking than the films oft invoked in its presence, like "Pulp Fiction". Troy Duffy's take on the cops and criminals genre is at times cardboard cut-out, but believably so. The 'boys' are good and Rocco's a bit of fun. Perhaps Willem Dafoe's best role since "The Last Temptation of Christ". I have to admit I rented this movie for Billy Connolly and was disappointed that there wasn't more of him, but I was pleased with what there was.
Despite really liking this movie something has to be said about the portrayal of "crusading vengeance". There is an attractiveness to seeing the unforgivables of society dealt with "by the sword" as it were, but the arguments that can be made for self-dispensating justice are few.
Enjoy the movie but no copycats please.
The 10th Kingdom (2000)
Suck an Elf!
The Tenth Kingdom is a true pleasure. Almost as good as "The Princess Bride" IMHO, and bonus+ three times longer! It was especially pleasing to have well developed villains as well as heroes, so sometimes you even root for them (TROLLS!). Very true to its own premise -- it seems like we are really travelling to the world of "The Brother's Grimm" after two hundred years. You won't be able to listen to the BeeGees the same way again I'll warn you. To quote the troll's "The Brother's Gibb sing of a fever that only comes on Saturday Night." You'll see what I mean... I was pleased to RENT this made for TV mini series. Try to find it at your video store because it's better than sitting through the commercials.