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TrickyPiranha
Reviews
El laberinto del fauno (2006)
Had Enormous Potential
I saw this at a free screening last night and for all the hype I've heard about this film, I am disappointed.
While the visuals are amazing, I couldn't help but get frustrated with the plot. The film presents an interesting scenario but doesn't seem to follow through. The character development is lacking for two of the main characters, the Captain and Pan. The Captain is one-dimensional and boring. As for Pan, it seems like there was the potential for so much more. Some lines would come up as foreshadowing, but wouldn't lead anywhere. I became distracted so many times during the course of the film.
Also, I wished there was more with the fantasy world. The tasks Ofelia had to complete were easy and too short. I wanted more!
I'm glad I saw the film, and other people should see it as well, but I'm already waiting for a remake.
What's Eating Gilbert Grape (1993)
Makes you think
Bittersweet and poignant are two words to describe this film. The performances by every actor are magnificent especially the understated one of Johnny Depp. Even though many of his previous roles before this film were eccentric, he is the only one in his family who isn't. Leonardo DiCaprio though i don't like any of his other films i must say is remarkable as the role of Arnie Grape and should have one the Oscar for this role. Though Peter Hedges wrote the screenplay and the book, the two are very different. The book is more ironic and bitter but still very humourous. The film has in funny moments that come from the people themselves rather than clever remarks. In my opinion, one of the most funniest characters is Ken Carver and his interaction with his two sons. Probably some of the funniest dialogue in the whole movie. One thing that i am glad about this film is that Bonnie Grape (played by the marvelous Darlene Cates) is not made into a joke. That could have happened very easily if the film was given the Hollywood treatment. It is too bad that there aren't more films out there as endearing as this one. A good film to watch that makes you think. I also have to recommend the book. I read the book after viewing the film, and it is much different and you get more subplots with the characters that you don't get to see in the movie.
Smooth Talk (1985)
Read the story first
The movie is for the most part was good. I recommend reading the short story which it is based on before you see the movie. The movie sticks to the plot for the most part, but there are a few differences that shouldn't have been added in. The roles of the parents were good and accurately got across the ideas that Connie disliked in them. Laura Dern as Connie did an average job of portraying Connie, the shallow 15 year old. Treat Williams was excellent as the disturbing Arnold Friend. The biggest problem with this film is they gave it a Hollywood "happily ever after" which is completely different from the dark ending of the story. "Where you are going, where have you been" is a very good story and is much darker than "Smooth Talk" but if you are a fan of the story, check this out to compare.