r.gates Reviews

Isn't It Delicious (2013)

A life-altering movie

[9/10 · 23 December 2014]

Isn't it a shame that a film like "Isn't It Delicious" hasn't mainstreamed yet? This movie has it all - a great story, an unsympathetic heroine who ultimately turns us into loving believers, a great supporting cast, a pretty universal situation where life confronts death straight on and catches us having to deal with all our own emotions around family and dying. And yet there is nothing sad about this movie. Kathleen Chalfant is so worth watching, as is this film. I really am baffled as to why the people who need to see this film may not have the opportunity to do so. Death and dying are not subjects that make a big splash as a "date" movie but there are many people over the age of 60 who could so easily relate to this film. I hope they have the chance.

Inside Man (2006)

Intriguing

[9/10 · 26 March 2006]

This comment will take a somewhat different approach from the others posted here.

I want to congratulate Spike Lee for having the courage to reveal a national secret in a non-secretive way. I refer to Christopher Plummer's character in the film. I find it fascinating and intriguing that Christopher Plummer's character bears an uncanny resemblance to the grandfather of the person currently occupying the White House.

This film has more levels to it than would be evident in one viewing. I plan to discover it on many levels and enjoy it each and every time.

Great film, great acting. Don't miss this movie.

National Treasure (2004)

Entertaining and Intelligent

[9/10 · 23 March 2005]

Best popcorn movie since "Raiders of the Lost Ark". And speaking of "Raiders of the Lost Ark", this film is like "Raiders of the Lost Ark" meets "The DaVinci Code". I was thoroughly drawn in by this movie, I learned so much, and was constantly on the edge of my seat. The casting was masterful. Even Nicholas Cage was good. What a great plot and story. I was wondering the whole time if it was true or not. I really want to see it again. I strongly recommend this film to anyone who is looking for a terrific and intelligent action/adventure film. This film is also educational and if I had kids, I would take them to see this film immediately. A lot of good fun. Buy that popcorn and have a wonderful time.

I Am Sam (2001)

Authentic, compelling, can't get it out of my mind

[10/10 · 25 March 2002]

The only reason Sean Penn did not get the Oscar statuette is because they don't make them big enough. His "Sam" goes beyond acting - he is transcendant, he "is" Sam. I have worked with the developmentally delayed population and Sean Penn transforms himself into that world. If you haven't seen this movie yet and plan to, take a lot of tissues with you. Even the 9 year-old boy I took with me cried. This is a film of the heart and from the heart. I haven't been able to stop thinking about it since I saw it. Everyone in this film deserves long rounds of applause and everyone involved in its creation gets my undying gratitude for letting us be part of Sam's life if even for a short while. One of the best films I have ever seen or ever will see. The developmentally delayed citizens of our country offer us gifts we can receive if we learn to open our hearts the way they do. As Michelle Pfeiffer's character says in the film, "I'm afraid I've gotten much more out of this relationship than you have".

Instinct (1999)

Powerful and intelligent assessment of the human condition

[9/10 · 2 January 2001]

On any level, this film has to be considered one of the most incisive and painful commentaries on the human condition. Above the acting (superior performances), above the direction, above all the production values is the constant message that we as a race are marching toward an open grave pit. For all our possessions, for all our wealth, for all our so-called achievements, we have yet to learn to respect the intelligence of nature and to act accordingly. "Instinct" is in every living organism and to deny one's own instinct is to go against the natural order. The prison system in this country doesn't work because it is used to destroy man's spirit instead of supporting it. Until we learn how to live in harmony and love with all the other living organisms, we will continue to destroy what we seek to build. Don't buy those Christmas presents - support your wildlife fund. We don't need things, we need spiritual reconnection with the earth we live on. Dr. Powell, as played by Anthony Hopkins, is one of the most highly evolved beings ever seen in a movie. To the writer I am grateful for his creation, to Mr. Hopkins I am grateful for giving us a character to emulate. This movie has made a lasting impression on me. I hope it does the same for everyone who sees it. Open your heart because if you don't, then you will create your own inner prison and live a messy life that the rest of us will have to clean up.