Change Your Image
poppy_akaji
Reviews
Marilyn Hotchkiss' Ballroom Dancing & Charm School (2005)
"The possibilities of a Classic, but.............
It took a while for me to get a copy of the DVD but viewed Marilyn Hotchkiss today and I feel it has the possibilities of a Classic but felt it was over saturated with unrelated scenes, name actors, i.e. John Goodman, and Marisa Tomei and an unbelievably cheesy accident scene which distracted me from concentrating on the marvelous portrayals by Robert Carlyle, Sonja Braga, Elden Henson and Donnie Wahlberg. I felt there were much too many flashbacks of the nostalgia of childhood , which I found boring and superfluous and the bereavement/ therapy scenes were just included to add weight to the project, could have worked but none of the testimonials convinced me one iota of these men actually grieving. It make me wonder if it's the American Male or all Males who have trouble expressing grief and heartbreak without trepidation.
Pity, I waited 06 months to view this film because the synopsis, which sounded appealing and has universal appeal, however, It's like the old proverb, "When too much cargo is placed in craft, all sinks to the bottom."
Little Miss Sunshine (2006)
Unbelievably Entertaining
This Film is the real deal. It's about real life, the good and the bad and how people deal with the obstacles. Everyone can relate to these characters, portrayed with poignant panache. The cinematography is delicious and exciting. I love the the fact that two directors gave their input (That's another reason the Coen Brothers are so successful) The sets are outstanding, you feel you've been there at some time, they're familiar and nostalgic. The hairstyles and make up were not overdone, hence making these characters believable and unobtrusive. The ostentatious make up and hairstyles on the child pageant entrants, however, was perfectly garish and outrageous which added to the validity of the social folly we live in today.
Bravo to the Cast, Crew and all involved in this and I pray tell it gets Oscar recognition because this is REAL Film-making.
The Black Dahlia (2006)
Avid Fan of Author James Ellroy
I'm an avid fan of James Ellroy and he has my deepest condolences. These Hollywood Filmmakers should hang their head in shame. First by doing the bulk of the film in Bulgaria because of the 80% less deal they were offered and by employing women who couldn't cut the credibility of the the roles offered them. Personally I feel Scar and Hillary should study Theatre in London or NYC, so as to develop their craft, and be worthy of an audience and the generous salaries they receive. In my opinion, the most believable and talented actors were the 'bit' or sub-supporting roles, pity, they are not lauded and do not receive the acclaim they deserve.
When I review a film or a Legit piece, I expect to be drawn into the lives of the characters and the premise of the story. This Black Dahlia anesthetized me so, I resorted to chugging three bottles of water and doing deep breathing exercises to stay awake.
I hesitate to be so honest but I wouldn't recommend this film to my worst enemy, how sadistic is that? Yes it is painful to say this about my hometown, and my industry but it's true, that the majority of blockbusters and big budget films out of Hollywood are not the nations best, it's commercialization hype, marketing and publicity, not at all about Art or Entertainment.