Mystic River was an amazing movie - it's possible that Clint Eastwood is better at directing than he is acting. The story line was great, the plot twists were incredible, and "Mystic River" was the most thrilling movie I've seen in a long time. The characters in this movie were realistic - which is much more than some movies these days... I honestly felt empathic toward these three men and their situations. I'm not really a fan of Sean Penn but he was truly superb in this film. While this story is somewhat disturbing - the tormented childhood, the bittersweet memories of a lost loved one, and all the other plot lines are touching... "Mystic River" is a sad, beautiful portrayal of the darkness in life.
Reviews
10 Reviews
Mona Lisa Smile
(2003)
Not the greatest
13 April 2005
I saw this movie on the TV last week and at first I assumed it would just be just another movie promoting feminism (there is nothing wrong with feminist thinking but movies where the only plot is to promote feminism are rarely entertaining) - "Mona Lisa Smile" showed that there is more to life than being a mother and house wife, but unlike other feminist movies it didn't completely bash the role of a house wife (which we see from Julia Stiles' character).
Although the message was good, I can't say I really enjoyed this film - it was okay. Julia Roberts character was very anachronistic (no, I'm not referring to her mind-set) there were times throughout this movie that I completely forgot it was suppose to be set in the 50's.
"Mona Lisa Smile" certainly isn't one of Julia Roberts best movies, but I assume she chose it because of the inspirational story line. If you like chick flicks or cute inspirational movies then you will probably like "Mona Lisa Smile", personally I didn't think it was anything special.
Although the message was good, I can't say I really enjoyed this film - it was okay. Julia Roberts character was very anachronistic (no, I'm not referring to her mind-set) there were times throughout this movie that I completely forgot it was suppose to be set in the 50's.
"Mona Lisa Smile" certainly isn't one of Julia Roberts best movies, but I assume she chose it because of the inspirational story line. If you like chick flicks or cute inspirational movies then you will probably like "Mona Lisa Smile", personally I didn't think it was anything special.
The Banger Sisters
(2002)
Waste of time
13 April 2005
I'm not the type of person that enjoys chick flicks but I took a chance with "The Banger Sisters" because I've always loved Goldie Hawn - the movie started out okay but continued in a downward spiral of stupidity. There were some humorous moments in the movie but not enough to reverse the meaningless plot or the ridiculous script. I really don't understand what the point of making this movie was, because it certainly wasn't entertaining. And I don't know how someone like Goldie Hawn, who has played in such great movies, could honestly accept the offer to make this film. It's possible that die-hard fans of Goldie Hawn or Susan Sarandon could somehow enjoy this movie but it's definitely not a movie for the casual moviegoer.
Blow
(2001)
Calls attention to the bittersweet story of George Jung
11 April 2005
When most people hear of drug dealers such as George Jung they automatically think: sleazy dirt bag - this movie delves into Jung's life and uproots the reasoning behind his actions. There are books concerning Jung's life, but how many people read them? - a movie, staring Johnny Depp, is just the thing that could give Jung's story the attention it deserves. "Blow" doesn't contain the regular "drugs are bad" preaching that is usually brought up in movies... it shows us the rise and fall of one of the greatest drug lords in the U.S. in a realistic and honest light. ~ A beautiful touch to the film was the narration from George Jung's perspective.
Johnny Depp has once again shown viewers what a talented, adaptable actor he is. He steps into the role of George Jung - his genuine performance invokes much empathy. Playing the part of a real individual, a person who is still living, is risky and takes a lot of responsibility - Johnny Depp acknowledged that, and he portrayed his "charcter" with much respect toward Jung.
Another thing I wanted to mention was the way Ted Demme pictured the 70's on screen - "Blow" was literally like watching flash backs. A lot of directors that attempt to capture the 70's do so rather awkwardly and the characters turn out either over played or anachronistic. "Blow" shows us the hair, clothes, colors, and drug craze of the 70's with just the perfect amount of realism.
This film is a sad and touching story of ambition, love, lust, drugs, and betrayal - it is one of the best movies of 200l... although I don't think it for the casual moviegoer.
Johnny Depp has once again shown viewers what a talented, adaptable actor he is. He steps into the role of George Jung - his genuine performance invokes much empathy. Playing the part of a real individual, a person who is still living, is risky and takes a lot of responsibility - Johnny Depp acknowledged that, and he portrayed his "charcter" with much respect toward Jung.
Another thing I wanted to mention was the way Ted Demme pictured the 70's on screen - "Blow" was literally like watching flash backs. A lot of directors that attempt to capture the 70's do so rather awkwardly and the characters turn out either over played or anachronistic. "Blow" shows us the hair, clothes, colors, and drug craze of the 70's with just the perfect amount of realism.
This film is a sad and touching story of ambition, love, lust, drugs, and betrayal - it is one of the best movies of 200l... although I don't think it for the casual moviegoer.
Refreshing
9 April 2005
Pirates of the Caribbean was an excellent movie for the family and especially young boys. There are hardly any movies that families can enjoy...things like Lizzy McGuire and Freaky Friday are directed toward teenage girls - Pirates of the Caribbean can be enjoyed by male or female and people of all ages.
POTC has everything a good movie should have: action, fighting, pirates, unspoken love. The story was intriguing and so were the characters (Jack Sparrow in particular)... I would be interested to see if the sequel will live up to it's predecessor - most of the time sequels are rather mediocre.
The cast is great. Orlando Bloom has a lot of talent and it's nice to see him making a name for himself, and it was wonderful to see Johnny Depp introduced to a new generation - he is finally getting the recognition he deserves.
POTC has everything a good movie should have: action, fighting, pirates, unspoken love. The story was intriguing and so were the characters (Jack Sparrow in particular)... I would be interested to see if the sequel will live up to it's predecessor - most of the time sequels are rather mediocre.
The cast is great. Orlando Bloom has a lot of talent and it's nice to see him making a name for himself, and it was wonderful to see Johnny Depp introduced to a new generation - he is finally getting the recognition he deserves.
Secret Window
(2004)
mixed feelings
9 April 2005
I'm not completely certain of how I feel about Secret Window, the acting was great but the script was lacking. It's not a boring film but it doesn't exactly leave a lasting impression.
What makes Secret Window worth watching is Johnny Depp's performance - he was spectacular... not many people can pull off bitter wit, or create humor in the smallest, casual things. This film is a one time deal, most likely it won't make the favorite list and it's not the type of movie that could be watched repeatedly. Nevertheless, I think people should watch this film and decide what they think, because the reviews are so diverse - you may enjoy it, you may be disappointed.
What makes Secret Window worth watching is Johnny Depp's performance - he was spectacular... not many people can pull off bitter wit, or create humor in the smallest, casual things. This film is a one time deal, most likely it won't make the favorite list and it's not the type of movie that could be watched repeatedly. Nevertheless, I think people should watch this film and decide what they think, because the reviews are so diverse - you may enjoy it, you may be disappointed.
Once Upon a Time in Mexico
(2003)
Great movie but must be included with rest of trilogy
9 April 2005
Once Upon a Time in Mexico is a great movie but it can be confusing if you haven't seen El Mariachi and Desparado... due to confusion some people complain that it is lame and pointless. Watching this movie without ever seeing the first two in the trilogy is almost like taking a book, splitting it into three parts and then only reading the last portion.
Anyway, Once Upon a Time in Mexico is wonderful - it has great action sequences and Johnny Depp's scenes in particular are just hilarious... for me that is the perfect movie - you can never go wrong with action, humor, revenge, and Antonio Banderas.
Anyway, Once Upon a Time in Mexico is wonderful - it has great action sequences and Johnny Depp's scenes in particular are just hilarious... for me that is the perfect movie - you can never go wrong with action, humor, revenge, and Antonio Banderas.
What's Eating Gilbert Grape
(1993)
Bittersweet portrayal of Life
7 April 2005
I don't think I could put into words exactly how much this movie has touched me. My younger brother had mental retardation, he passed away at the age of 17 - watching this film brought up many old memories, some happy, some sad. What I enjoyed most was the interaction between Gilbert and Arnie, it was just beautiful - Leonardo DiCaprio and Johnny Depp portrayed these characters so realistically. This film is not just entertainment - it shows the life of a lost young man, and I think everyone can identify with Gilbert to an extent. The cast was great and the story is beautiful. What's Eating Gilbert Grape contains many life lessons within the script - people of all ages can enjoy and learn from it (although there are a few scenes that are inappropriate for children).
I wouldn't say this movie is a comedy - though it certainly does have it's comedic moments - it's drama, a poetic depiction of life, love, and human struggle.
I wouldn't say this movie is a comedy - though it certainly does have it's comedic moments - it's drama, a poetic depiction of life, love, and human struggle.
Edward Scissorhands
(1990)
Beautiful
6 April 2005
Warning: Spoilers
This movie is wonderful - it has a good cast, great story, and great director. The story was touching, and I think we all can relate to it in some small way. Edward's character was sweet, depressing, and somewhat creepy all at the same time. He tries to fit in but this world can never accept him - he has "friends" for a short while but in the end most people will always look at what he is on the outside. Although it is just a movie, Edward Scissorhands is a movie that draws you in and brings each character to life - I don't think I have talked to one person who hasn't said that, at some point during the film, they honestly felt empathic toward Edward.
Johnny Depp's acting abilities shine in this movie - although anyone who watches this film expecting to see the young, charming, good looking Johnny Depp, may end up rather disturbed.
Johnny Depp's acting abilities shine in this movie - although anyone who watches this film expecting to see the young, charming, good looking Johnny Depp, may end up rather disturbed.
Cry-Baby
(1990)
Good movie - but not for everyone
6 April 2005
This movie shows a ridiculously inaccurate view of the fifties, it is cheesy, every line is completely over-acted, and at times it is simply idiotic - all of the quirks I mentioned are what makes this film unique and hilarious. The TV was created for entertainment - if a person were to watch Cry Baby with an over analytical mind set they would be sadly disappointed, but if you enjoy the greaser-square feuds or people bursting into song - then this the perfect movie to watch. Cry Baby isn't nearly as eloquent as Grease, if you're looking for something similar you won't find it here - but frankly, I enjoy Cry Baby much more.
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