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jeffcartwright
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Death on the Nile (1978)
My favorite of the all star Christie vehicles
Beginning in the 1970's with Murder in the Orient Express the all-star Agatha Christie film was born. These continued through the early 80's though with each film the quality of filmmaking seems to dwindle. I would love to see these make a comeback though. The second entry in the catalogue happens to be my favorite Death on the Nile. Featuring famous men such as David Niven, George Kennedy and as Hercule Poirot Peter Ustinov (who is my favorite Belgian detective.) It is the women of this cast worth seeing. Bette Davis, Maggie Smith, Angela Lansbury, and Mia Farrow; it doesn't get much better than this, and they are the reason to check this picture out. The mystery takes place onboard a cruise ship working its way down the Nile and in the process the viewer is given a beautiful tour of some of Egypt's great monuments. At 70 years old Bette Davis still commands the screen as a wealthy American who also loves beautiful jewels. As her companion Maggie Smith is fantastic as a woman who once had money but has fallen on hard times. Her contempt for her employer is not hidden, and the scenes between them are wonderful. Angela Lansbury does one of her great character roles her portraying Salome Otterbourne a writer banned in many libraries for her explicit sex scenes in her romance novels. She is being sued by one of the passengers on the cruise. Her character is loud, flirtatious, and drunk at all times. Her performance alone is worth watching this film; she is on at all times never missing a beat, even in the background. Mia Farrow has never been a personal favorite, but she is fantastic in this film as the thwarted lover who has gone a little crazy. She does it well. As for the story itself in typical Christie fashion more than one person dies, and the passengers all have plausible reasons for committing the crimes. To find out who done it you will have to see the movie.
The Silence of the Lambs (1991)
A Classic
The extent of my viewing of the horror/scary film genre consists of Halloween and the Scream Series. I admit it I scare too easily. The 1990 critical and commercial success Silence of the Lambs was never a film I even considered viewing. However, after sweeping the top categories at the 1991 Academy Award (Picture, Director, Screenplay, Actor and Actress) I admit I had to reevaluate. Still an actual viewing of the film did not occur until after 2000. Yes, I was scared, and slightly horrified, yet completely captivated by the superior filmmaking. This film is a tour de force. Anthony Hopkins embodies the character of Hannibal Lecter to perfection, each syllable spoken with intent and hidden meanings. A monster, yes, but a brilliant one. In later films his Hannibal becomes almost a cartoon of the original, but in the beginning this man could send chills up and down your spine. Jodie Foster finds the perfect balance of innocence and steel determination trying to impress her superiors, but also following her gut instinct. Throughout you can feel her struggle to be accepted is what motivates her though never spoken it is apparent through her true skill as an actress. There are no dull moments this film keeps moving, not letting the viewer become restless and feel ahead of the story. There are displays of horror, blood, violence and true moments of tension, but they are not included for shock value, but integral to the mood the film creates. Every viewing I find something new to be intrigued by, whether it be a camera angle or a supporting player I hadn't paid much attention to in the past. This is a true classic.
Maid in Manhattan (2002)
ok jennifer time to see u really act
ok, first off i didn't love this movie. it was just ok, something to watch while ur cleaning house, it's very predictable though cute.
good points: yeah natasha richardson...very stereotypical rich b***h character, but i still enjoyed her performance bob hoskins also turns in a very nice performance as the training butler, and if there is any REAL lesson in this movie pay attention to his last statements to jennifer...that is a true lesson to be learned in life
as for miss lopez, i love her as a singer, actress...and it's no doubt she knows how to get through a romantic comedy (the wedding planner though showcases her much better) now i really want to see what she can do in a role with real drama. Enough was too run of the mill, and blood and wine was alright but i know there is more lurking in there...here's hoping she picks a role soon that has nothing to do with box office and salary, and maybe something that will take her to the oscars not just to present. 6 out of 10
Mr. Wrong (1996)
if only the script could have been better
i usually really enjoy joan cusak, bill pullman, and joan plowright....but either the director or the script just didn't give them a character at all to play. honestly the only thing i really did enjoy about this film was ellen...i actually thought she did a very nice not typical "ellen" role
Gia (1998)
angelina's triumph
I have seen this movie quite a few times, and it seems that each time i see it i like it more and more. The story is interesting and is much more than just about the fashion industry it is about the drugs, family, love, and the beginnings of the aids virus. The cast is phenomenal all around, but i do believe this is ms. jolies best acting to date. She runs the gamut of emotions and yet through it all maintains a certain innocence and vulnerability. i give this one 8 out of 10
Mercy (2000)
if u have read the book don't see the movie
Mercy the movie, actually starts out as a somewhat decent film, and ellen barkin does give a strong performance. But if you have read the book and actually got to know the characters and cared who done it the movie just does not compare. It is always hard to brink a book onto film and unfortunatley this one ends up failing...... 3 out of 10