I read the novel "The Dive from Clausen's Pier" and found it to be heart-wrenching and a great look into the mind of a torn young woman. The Lifetime movie just chopped it up, altered it horribly and left me appalled. If you have not read the book and watch the movie, fine. But if you've read the book....I recommend not watching the movie. If you must though, be warned. There was so much richness in the book and important moments and character development that the movie skips over and alters. Originally the character was named Carrie Bell in the book and the movie changes her to Carrie Beal...not a huge deal, but that is the gateway for all the changes in the plot. I understand films adapt books into the given time slots, but this movie wasn't adapted but more of chopped up and shoved into a formulaic display of scenes that do not capture half of the emotional journey Carrie undergoes. The most difficult part of the movie was the rapid progression of time that is never explained or detailed well. Carrie seems to always be wearing the same clothes so distinguishing the passage of time and seasons is difficult. If you must watch this movie...supplement the choppy pace and lack of depth with reading the novel.
Reviews
9 Reviews
The Dive from Clausen's Pier
(2005 TV Movie)
If you've read the book...don't bother with the movie!
28 July 2005
The Order
(2003)
Uncomfortable and thought-provoking....
5 September 2003
The Order is a fairly shadowy and brooding film. Heath Ledger stars as Alex, a tormented young Carolignian priest in search of The SinEater. (Which personally I feel should have been the title, instead of the current)
A very pale and thin Heath Ledger takes on the role of the conflicted in this film that pushes boundaries and will no doubt cause eyebrows to raise among several including the Catholic Church. (A few moviegoers left during the film when I viewed) The film is dark and uses shadows to set tones and create suspense. There are several storylines introduced and covered that do tie together eventually. The subject is an interesting one and this is certainly not the last movie to question the role of the Church. I feel Heath Ledger was brave in choosing to do this film and hopefully he will continue onward with his career. It was good to not see him in a period piece, as he has been doing of late.
Shannyn Sossamon adds to the film as the troubled Mara. And while some of the movie involving her becomes predictable the relationship between Alex and Mara does progress the movie in a certain direction. Certain lines delivered during the film that were perhaps written to create dramatic moments falter. The movie is on the cusp of potential. 8 out of 10 for shock value....a film that may not be very popular but worth seeing if you are a fan of movies of all types.
A very pale and thin Heath Ledger takes on the role of the conflicted in this film that pushes boundaries and will no doubt cause eyebrows to raise among several including the Catholic Church. (A few moviegoers left during the film when I viewed) The film is dark and uses shadows to set tones and create suspense. There are several storylines introduced and covered that do tie together eventually. The subject is an interesting one and this is certainly not the last movie to question the role of the Church. I feel Heath Ledger was brave in choosing to do this film and hopefully he will continue onward with his career. It was good to not see him in a period piece, as he has been doing of late.
Shannyn Sossamon adds to the film as the troubled Mara. And while some of the movie involving her becomes predictable the relationship between Alex and Mara does progress the movie in a certain direction. Certain lines delivered during the film that were perhaps written to create dramatic moments falter. The movie is on the cusp of potential. 8 out of 10 for shock value....a film that may not be very popular but worth seeing if you are a fan of movies of all types.
Hunger Point
(2003 TV Movie)
Not what I expected....and that's not a compliment!
29 January 2003
When I saw the previews for this movie I was intrigued. I was expecting a movie about a young woman who was battling anorexia that delved into how it all began and followed her along her struggle. However the "background information" that would set up the childhood of this suffering character is quickly plowed through and immediately she is checking into a hospital.
There are a few heart breaking scenes that, despite some cheesy and ill-delivered lines, are haunting. When Frannie and Mother first visit Shelly, her utter anger is portrayed extremely well. This is someone who controls her eating because she feels her life is in a tailspin and everything else is out of her control. The other scenes is the two sisters in the restaurant and Shelly asks Frannie to order the sandwich and put on "more dressing" and is practically salivating.
Then 'Hunger Point' meets a fork in the road of the plot and goes in another direction. Shelly becomes an underlying theme or can even be considered a catalyst, for the rest of the film.
If you watch this movie expecting it to be centered around Shelly, it ends up being about Frannie. But if it reruns, I'll tune in. You must at least once!
There are a few heart breaking scenes that, despite some cheesy and ill-delivered lines, are haunting. When Frannie and Mother first visit Shelly, her utter anger is portrayed extremely well. This is someone who controls her eating because she feels her life is in a tailspin and everything else is out of her control. The other scenes is the two sisters in the restaurant and Shelly asks Frannie to order the sandwich and put on "more dressing" and is practically salivating.
Then 'Hunger Point' meets a fork in the road of the plot and goes in another direction. Shelly becomes an underlying theme or can even be considered a catalyst, for the rest of the film.
If you watch this movie expecting it to be centered around Shelly, it ends up being about Frannie. But if it reruns, I'll tune in. You must at least once!
Here on Earth
(2000)
What crap!
24 November 2002
Here on Earth is an absolutely awful romance-wannabe. The characters are merely cookie cutter at best: the young, doomed girl whom is torn between her love of the past and the breath of fresh air sweeping through the sleepy town; Kelley, the poor/rich boy who learns a life lesson and of course Jasper: the jilted lover. Of these three I found Jasper to be the most interesting simply because he shows more than two emotions throughout the entire film.
The "romance" (and I use that term loosely) between Kelley and Sam is missing. There is not enough development of these two as characters for me to care about their "budding relationship". And what was that scene between them under the tree with the states? AWFUL! Boo! Hiss!
Chris Klein is way too sensitive in this movie and Leelee Sobieski's movements are very awkward--in fact it is painful to watch her. (Think back to the scene in the kitchen with her "dancing" around) Josh Hartnett redeems the movie a bit with a character that actually has more than one layer. Just skip the movie altogether and save yourself from this dud.
The "romance" (and I use that term loosely) between Kelley and Sam is missing. There is not enough development of these two as characters for me to care about their "budding relationship". And what was that scene between them under the tree with the states? AWFUL! Boo! Hiss!
Chris Klein is way too sensitive in this movie and Leelee Sobieski's movements are very awkward--in fact it is painful to watch her. (Think back to the scene in the kitchen with her "dancing" around) Josh Hartnett redeems the movie a bit with a character that actually has more than one layer. Just skip the movie altogether and save yourself from this dud.
Austin Powers in Goldmember
(2002)
Austin didn't lose his mojo in this one...but he lost something.
28 July 2002
Austin Powers is a great characters with two hilarious movies under his belt. However after the promising opening, full of cameos, the film goes downhill.
Each scene in itself is fine, but the way these scenes are strung together is not so smooth. In fact, this film could be a "Tribute of Austin Powers" episode for Saturday Night Live because of it's choppy nature. The plot jumps locations and time so often in the beginning that the motivation behind Dr. Evil's plan is difficult to follow. The jokes seem fewer and farther between and less raunchy than the previous two films. Also there is no romantic chemistry between Austin and Foxxy Cleopatra, which always added to Austin's over-the-top character. The hurried nature of the end of the film left the audience expecting much more.
Go to a matinee or wait for video.
Each scene in itself is fine, but the way these scenes are strung together is not so smooth. In fact, this film could be a "Tribute of Austin Powers" episode for Saturday Night Live because of it's choppy nature. The plot jumps locations and time so often in the beginning that the motivation behind Dr. Evil's plan is difficult to follow. The jokes seem fewer and farther between and less raunchy than the previous two films. Also there is no romantic chemistry between Austin and Foxxy Cleopatra, which always added to Austin's over-the-top character. The hurried nature of the end of the film left the audience expecting much more.
Go to a matinee or wait for video.
Changing Lanes
(2002)
A well done, thought provoking film.
13 April 2002
It's been a while since there's been a good movie out. To find one you must first sift through the Shakespearean remakes, teen oriented tales and just straight out garbage. But the light at the end of the tunnel is 'Changing Lanes'.
The film is a weaving of montages of two characters: Gavin Banek (played by Ben Affleck) and Doyle Gipson (played by Samuel L. Jackson)and how they are connected by a moment in time. Like many other films a recurring theme in 'Changing Lanes' is good vs. evil. But who is "the good guy" and who is "the bad guy"? The roles are constantly changing between Gavin and Doyle as one tries to one-up the other in an attempt to seek either revenge or justice due to an automobile accident.
It happens to be Good Friday in the film, Gavin steps into a church during a service at his lowest point in the movie and a crucifix happens to be hanging from the cab driver's rear view mirror that Doyle is riding in: prayer is recurring in this movie. Doyle, a recovering alcoholic, and is heard in his AA meeting saying "God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference". This is the major theme of the entire movie. Some things happen and we have no control over them, but some things we do have control over. And 'Changing Lanes' is the way we handle the things we can control, either in a good way or a bad way, and how this control will impact those around us.
Jackson plays a father who is trying desperately to regain his family, which is a refreshing difference from the "destructive black man" seen on tv and films today. Affleck, who is most noted for his action films such as Pearl Harbor and Armaggeddon, steps into a more emotional and intellectual role and he shines. At the end of the film we are shown that it is one's actions and choices made that determine their worth. A thorough and excellent movie. A must-see.
The film is a weaving of montages of two characters: Gavin Banek (played by Ben Affleck) and Doyle Gipson (played by Samuel L. Jackson)and how they are connected by a moment in time. Like many other films a recurring theme in 'Changing Lanes' is good vs. evil. But who is "the good guy" and who is "the bad guy"? The roles are constantly changing between Gavin and Doyle as one tries to one-up the other in an attempt to seek either revenge or justice due to an automobile accident.
It happens to be Good Friday in the film, Gavin steps into a church during a service at his lowest point in the movie and a crucifix happens to be hanging from the cab driver's rear view mirror that Doyle is riding in: prayer is recurring in this movie. Doyle, a recovering alcoholic, and is heard in his AA meeting saying "God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference". This is the major theme of the entire movie. Some things happen and we have no control over them, but some things we do have control over. And 'Changing Lanes' is the way we handle the things we can control, either in a good way or a bad way, and how this control will impact those around us.
Jackson plays a father who is trying desperately to regain his family, which is a refreshing difference from the "destructive black man" seen on tv and films today. Affleck, who is most noted for his action films such as Pearl Harbor and Armaggeddon, steps into a more emotional and intellectual role and he shines. At the end of the film we are shown that it is one's actions and choices made that determine their worth. A thorough and excellent movie. A must-see.
A definite good time!
9 April 2002
Van Wilder is hilarious! It has it's predictable moments, for example the part where the protagonist questions his being and the ending, but it's also unpredictable...and pretty disgusting. My laughter carried on from one scene to the next and it continued to the end of the film.
Ryan Renolds is great as Van. He has good timing as a comedian but also has a "sensitive and caring" side. He truly carries this entire film singlehandedly. (Personally, I thought Tara Reid lacked.) I hope I'll see more of him in films to come, he's an enjoyable actor.
Not a blockbuster movie, but very worth your time.
Ryan Renolds is great as Van. He has good timing as a comedian but also has a "sensitive and caring" side. He truly carries this entire film singlehandedly. (Personally, I thought Tara Reid lacked.) I hope I'll see more of him in films to come, he's an enjoyable actor.
Not a blockbuster movie, but very worth your time.
Pearl Harbor
(2001)
An emotionally charged movie.
21 March 2002
I tried to put off this movie, to pass it in the video store, but it called to me. I'm glad I gave in. This movie, although a lengthy three hours, tugs its viewer through many emotional ranges varying from comedy to romance to tears of sorrow as well as joy. It's cast shines, especially Josh Hartnett and Ben Affleck.
Ben Affleck, as Rafe, was commanding and confident. He possessed a mature worldliness as a member of the US armed forces and tender nobility as he fell in and out of love with Evelyn. Josh Hartnett played Danny with an innocent vulnerability. Danny was shy and brave simultaneously and charming as he fell in love with Evelyn.
The scene in the parachute hanger, while chaste, was whimsical and romantic. The ending of the film is a series of highs and lows that tugs with force at the heart strings. This movie was difficult to watch due to recent events that affected our country since the attack sequence lasts over an hour, but it is well worth it. An action period film and a love story. A great movie.
Ben Affleck, as Rafe, was commanding and confident. He possessed a mature worldliness as a member of the US armed forces and tender nobility as he fell in and out of love with Evelyn. Josh Hartnett played Danny with an innocent vulnerability. Danny was shy and brave simultaneously and charming as he fell in love with Evelyn.
The scene in the parachute hanger, while chaste, was whimsical and romantic. The ending of the film is a series of highs and lows that tugs with force at the heart strings. This movie was difficult to watch due to recent events that affected our country since the attack sequence lasts over an hour, but it is well worth it. An action period film and a love story. A great movie.
The Virgin Suicides
(1999)
A sleepy drama with many too holes...
9 March 2002
Upon completing this film my mind has become a numb and blank page. I felt as if I was walking through a dark tunnel with a flashlight, patiently watching, waiting for answers to questions posed by the film, which are never answered. The film seems to be more of a time capsule to capture these mysterious blond sisters in the few moments just before their departures, rather than a plot with a beginning, middle and end. Kirsten Dunst as Lux Lisbon emerges as the most intriguing character and is the focus throughout the film, but as a viewer you are never given the privilege of understanding, you are a mere observer--just as the four young boys. Their obsessions with the Lisbon girls is never explored to a rational capacity, however Trip's role in the film which is pivotal is dropped, leaving you wanting to know more, to know why.
The montages in the film are aesthetically pleasing. The director's use of wide shots seems to widen the gap between viewer and story: are we meant to stay at the distance we are placed? Why are we not allowed into the minds of the Lisbon family?
The pace of the film is slow and there are several things that are implied but never explained. The ending does not seem to fit into the tone of the movie; the viewer becomes attached to the Lisbon girls, especially Lux, but yet, the film ends on a note about the obsessed young men. A movie that leaves one yearning for more or regretful for spending the money.
The montages in the film are aesthetically pleasing. The director's use of wide shots seems to widen the gap between viewer and story: are we meant to stay at the distance we are placed? Why are we not allowed into the minds of the Lisbon family?
The pace of the film is slow and there are several things that are implied but never explained. The ending does not seem to fit into the tone of the movie; the viewer becomes attached to the Lisbon girls, especially Lux, but yet, the film ends on a note about the obsessed young men. A movie that leaves one yearning for more or regretful for spending the money.
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