Change Your Image
jefmama-1
Reviews
Dear Frankie (2004)
What a pure pleasure!
I just returned from seeing Dear Frankie, and I am so glad I drove the hour to see it. It was so nice to be able to sit through a movie and not have to wonder which part was real and which was computer generated. The performances were wonderful and pure. Everyone connected with this little gem should be really proud of their individual effort. "Frankie" was wonderfully appealing without being one of those cutsie kids that give you a saccharine high. Emily Mortimer was enchanting, although as one of my friends remarked, she looked like she was forever cold (temperature wise, not personality wise). Every critic of Phantom of the Opera who said Gerard Butler couldn't act should be served up their words with a knife and fork, because he was wonderful in this film. You could see everything he was feeling, going from "I'm in it for the money" to developing real feelings for both Frankie and his mom. I wish there could be a sequel. My friends and I have to believe that Marie will tell her brother (The Stranger) that Frankie's real "da" has died and that Frankie and his mom would welcome The Stranger's return. I would welcome it to, if only to give The Stranger a name!
The Phantom of the Opera (2004)
I can't wait to see it again!
I am totally blown away by this movie. I think Joel Schumacher created a fabulous interpretation of Andrew Lloyd Webber's version of the Phantom story. People who compare this film to the original Lon Chaney horror flick just don't understand that the ALW version is a tale of love, not a tale of horror. ALW's Phantom is seductive first and a bit frightening second. I think Gerard Butler was an excellent choice. To those who criticize his voice, I offer this. The Phantom is supposed to be a musical composing genius, not a singing talent. Have you ever heard Marvin Hamlish or Burt Bacharach sing? They can't carry a note between them, and yet they write great music. I think Gerard's voice was very suited to the role. You could hear his rage and passion and sadness, and that's how it should be. Emmy Rossum is an incredible find. She truly has the voice of an angel. Minnie Driver was delightfully over the top. I loved the way the movie moved between the "real time" of the story (in black and white) and the colorful memory. I can't wait to see it again.