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Reviews
The Man from Elysian Fields (2001)
What could have been?
This story had originality in the oft told, "boy loses girl by being stupid and gets her back in the end" idea. However, the rehashed idea limits it. That is not the only problem.
You can see that maybe there was a "good movie" possibility, but in the end you have a mostly maudlin story with a happy ending. It just feels like it needed more time in the creative process. Maybe limited money?
Do not take this as a complete waste of time. You do feel for the characters, such as Mick Jagger asking the trick he has fallen in love with to marry, or watching Andy Garcia's future seemingly disintegrate. However, there does not seem a balance, too maudlin.
Watch this to see what could have been. It could have been...a contender?
Mars Attacks! (1996)
Average, Average, Average
My summary may seem trite, but I think it true. If you are going to mock an archetype, movie makers seem to add a twist on the formula. This movie's main twist is the killing of big name stars. Once you realize it, there is nothing new to recommend it.
It does have a minor interesting addition to the genre of making the Martians and their equipment look like the covers of sci-fi magazines of the 50s and 60s. This is well done, but it is not enough to carry a movie.
This is not to say you should not view it, if you like this genre or have some extra time. It is just that there is nothing special.
Promise (1986)
Arguably the best on the subject and in the genre.
Yes, Garner can cry and seem masculine at the same time better then all. James Woods is unparalleled in his ability to play a distraught over the edge personality. That is not what makes this movie.
James Garner, James Woods, an award winning director et alia come together to give a rarity--no dissolution into non-reality trickery. How's that for pompous "review-speak"? What I mean is that this movie manages to give the feeling that you are watching the character's lives unfold in front of you. The lives take center stage, not tricks of writing, acting, or directing.
This is the difference between maudlin "disease of the week" movies and what they try to imitate, movies such as this rarity.
Watch this movie to see a "real" movie. Oddly enough this compelling reality reminds me of "Twelve Angry Men"--totally different, yet real also.