Philaura Reviews

Dr. Dolittle 2 (2001)

Cute Little Film - Good Fun

[7/10 · 3 November 2001]

I enjoyed this film very much. It's not a 10 in any category, but Eddie Murphy is thoroughly enjoyable and the animals are priceless. I liked this film much better than the first one. Somehow the animals were more likeable in this film. I would recommend this movie for an evening of fun.

Cats & Dogs (2001)

Couldn't Make It All The Way Through This One

[3 November 2001]

I couldn't take one more stupid looking animated animal face after about 30 minutes into this one. The animation is horrible! The script wasn't so hot either. Nice idea and could have been much better. I wasted my money as far as I'm concerned.

Special Unit 2 (2001–2002)

First TV series to catch my attention in a long time

[23 October 2001]

Wonderful cast with great chemistry between them. Interesting well thought out monsters with darn good looks to them. Fun to watch arty cinematography, great soundtracks (2 things I don't usually notice in a TV show), lighthearted humorous scriptwriting and beautiful male and female leads. What more could you ask for.

American Playhouse: Into the Woods (1991) Season 10, Episode 1

I was so moved - my favorite Musical of all time

[10/10 · 19 September 2001]

I saw the play just recently for the first time in a little outdoor amphitheater under the stars in a heavily wooded area. What a magnificent event. Others have articulated the plot etc. so I won't repeat. But let me say, after I "experienced" Into the Woods on stage, I then purchased several copies of the Broadway version available on DVD and CD. Can't think of a more precious gift to give both young and old than the humor, joy, comfort and wisdom of this play.

See Spot Run (2001)

I GUESS I'M A KID AT HEART - I LOVED IT

[8/10 · 5 September 2001]

So many comments that this is a "kid's only" movie. I really enjoyed it. The expressions on the child star's face are priceless. He is a real doll. It is silly, simple, good, clean fun starring a fabulous breed of dog - the Bullmastiff. Gotta get one!

Cinema Paradiso (1988)

I was Disappointed

[6/10 · 27 August 2001]

Not as fabulous as so many reviewers brought me to expect. I loved Malena and thought that Cinema Paradiso would be a good follow up choice as I had not seen it yet. I found it difficult to really get behind the characters. Though cute, the young lead did not endear himself to me. The cinematography was breathtaking, but the story fell short for me and it was slow. I didn't make it to the end. Maybe it was my mood.

Malena (2000)

Gorgeous, Sensual, Moving - Thoroughly Entertaining

[10/10 · 20 August 2001]

I'm baffled that so much criticism is attached to this film by folks that would have shown this "moment" another way - their way. As though their view of life is more accurate than this directors and he somehow made a mistake. Hey - life is full of possibilities - pick one and somewhere, sometime through someone's eyes I'm certain it happened just that way.

I had my own issues with the film. I grew up as an attractive Italian female. I made many enemies of family and friends, not so much because of my natural physical gifts, but because of how I flaunted them with total disregard of other's feelings, demanding everyone's attention to them by wearing accentuating clothes, etc everywhere I went. I didn't care or was more correctly oblivious to the fact that I made other's uncomfortable by forcing them to deal with strong emotions that are difficult to control i.e. lust and jealousy every time they confronted me. It took me a while to learn that there is a time and place for everything. If you choose to play with dynamite, you are not totally blameless when the sh*t hits the fan.

So, my issue with the film was that the town was presented as wrong and Melena portrayed as the innocent victim. Or was that even the case? Maybe that's just my take because that's where I come from. I guess what I'm saying is - I'm giving this film a 10. Not because I agreed with everything that I "thought" was implied, or that I felt the characters were exactly the way that I would like to see them portrayed if the story was mine, but rather because this very talented director with his extra-ordinary abilities created a moment on film the way he saw it in a extra-ordinary way. This film was outstanding visually, the story fresh and moving, and the acting sincere by all. The two leading characters deserving the highest praise for extremely touching performances. I LOVED IT!

Rush Hour 2 (2001)

BEST COMEDY DUO since George & Gracie

[10/10 · 14 August 2001]

What fun this film is. I say "is" instead of "was" because I am in the process of seeing it again and again. So much talent on this screen you can't absorb it all in one sitting. I've watched Chris Tucker's career bloom for a while now, and he's really come into his own. The only thing he can't seem to do really well is sit still. Jackie Chan is incredible. What an unbelievable imagination he is blessed with and coupled with the abilities of the finest athletes. Together the chemistry between these two just explodes. I had nothing but a "GOOD TIME". They say he who has the ability to laugh at himself will be thoroughly entertained his entire life. Some of these critics out there need to learn to lighten up and cut loose.

The Preppie Murder (1989 TV Movie)

Billy Baldwin as Robert Chambers - NOT!

[9 August 2001]

The majority of the fascination with the "preppie murder" case revolved around the startling good looks and charisma of the man accused. A very rare few are blessed/cursed with the type of beauty that placed Robert Chambers in an elite above and beyond what most can even imagine. A young Elvis Presley, Ricky Martin or Rob Lowe could also be considered among those few. It was easy to believe that once under the spell of such a an intensely magnetic draw, a young girl could become violently obsessed if rejected. It was absolutely impossible for me to buy this scenario with Billy Baldwin - PLEASSSSE! Who casts these things?

Saving Silverman (2001)

Boring Boring Boring

[1/10 · 31 July 2001]

The Neil Diamond stuff was almost funny - but there isn't much of it and the rest of this film was only good for insomniacs. It will put you right to sleep. I can say this, of course, only in review of the parts that I saw up until I couldn't take it anymore and had to turn it off. I should have listened when the video store rental guy whose opinion I usually solicit. He took one look at the title I was renting and said, "Hey, you're on your own with that one." Don't say I didn't warn you.

Scream (1996)

Hate to contradict but - it's Okay - not Great

[7/10 · 31 July 2001]

It's only fair to say that I am not a "teen slasher" movie fan. I only watched it in hopes that it would enhance my viewing of the comedy "Scary Movie". Now that you know where I'm coming from you can see I'm not going to love it up front. But from that point of view, I have to say, the acting was impressive. Lots of new (to me) talent bursting through here. The story held my interest, and the gore was kept at a minimum so I could stomach it all easily. Even the end was good. I was entertained, but for scary I am jarred awake and unsettled by movies more like "Seven".

Scary Movie (2000)

Liked Scary Movie 2 Better

[2/10 · 30 July 2001]

This one was okay, but I didn't laugh near as much as I did on the second one which I saw first. Carmen Electra was worth seeing and there were several funny moments if you saw SCREAM otherwise most of the movie doesn't make sense. There seemed to be more of a variety of movie paradoy's in the second one which I will see again when it is offered for rent. I won't be viewing the original a second time.

Scary Movie 2 (2001)

I Really Enjoyed This!

[8/10 · 27 July 2001]

I don't usually like gross humor. I hated Something About Mary (with the exception of the hair-gel scene). Maybe it was because I was with my 12 year old nephew. But we both moaned and gasped and laughed out loud. I'm renting Scary Movie tonight. Hope I enjoy it half as much.

State and Main (2000)

Very Poor "Sweet Liberty" Imitation

[4/10 · 23 June 2001]

Unfortunately I am a big fan of the "Hollywood goes on location to a small town and makes an a** of itself film" called Sweet Liberty written, directed by and starring Alan Alda with Michael Caine, Michelle Pfeiffer, Lillian Gish and a host of others. Perhaps if I'd never seen Sweet Liberty I would have been more forgiving with this film. State and Main is harsher with the Hollywood types more ruthless and cold and the script and story line are not as cohesive and funny as Sweet Liberty. State & Main lacks the loveable characters that Sweet Liberty is filled with. Lillian Gish is priceless as Ala Alda's aged mother. Even the eccentric gypsy band of selfish movie makers have a charming side that shows how their charisma carries them through and lets them get away with what they do. There's really no one to "like" in State and Main. I just wanted them all to go away and the feeling I came away with was one of disgust. Sweet Liberty is a wonderful film and I think I will watch it again and review it on it's proper page next time.

The Last of the Blonde Bombshells (2000 TV Movie)

Absolutely Delightful! Bought It To Watch Over & Over Again!

[10/10 · 22 June 2001]

Charming in every way, this film is perfect if you're in the mood to feel good. If you love jazz music, it is a must see. If you enjoy seeing loveable characters that make you smile, can bring a tear to your eye and swing like there's no tomorrow this film is for you. If you are looking for an intense, deep, heavy piece of art to be dissected and analyzed perhaps you best stick with something by Darren Aronofsky (in other words - reviewer djjohn lighten up, don't you know a good time when you see one!) My only complaint is that the movie was just too darn short. I guess I'll just have to watch it several more times to get my fill.

O Brother, Where Art Thou? (2000)

O Brother, What Art Thou? HUH?

[6/10 · 20 June 2001]

I didn't hate this movie. It has some likeable pieces. I enjoyed some of the music. I liked George Clooney's character and his two cohorts were entertaining too, but the story was WEIRD and left my husband and I looking at each other afterward asking, "What was the point?" Like I said, didn't hate it - but didn't like it either.

Shrek (2001)

I've Seen it Twice in 2 weeks & will see it again soon - I LOVED it!

[10/10 · 18 June 2001]

I give this one a 10 because everything about it was excellent in my book. The imagination, the intelligence, the music, the visuals such a delight for the eye, the fun, the humor, the warmth of the characters, and the beautiful thought that one can be loved for something other than physical beauty. I am a mentor for grade school children and I just cringe when children want to read Sleeping Beauty and Cinderella because these stories place such importance on the fact that the heros and heroines are physically beautiful people and villains are portrayed as ugly. When the little girls look up at me, I can see the looming question in their eyes "Am I beautiful?". Of course, I am quick to assure them that they are. But the fact is most of them aren't and never will be even close to Fairy Princess beauty. Reading fairy-tales and watching films and television, I too often find myself wishing society would give these children a fighting chance for self confidence by teaching them to appreciate each other more for who they are rather than their lovely long blonde hair and perfect, sensual physique. Shrek is a movie I would be proud to show an impressionable child or an intelligent adult who recognizes the product of an extremely talented group of film makers when they see it. A special "Bravo!" to Randy Cartwright.

The Contender (2000)

I'm Fairly Conservative and I loved It!

[9/10 · 5 June 2001]

The performances were excellent by all, the story holds you in it's grip, the end was very satisfying. To those that claimed conservatives were not likely to enjoy this, I have to argue the point. Center stage is given to one political issue that can and should be backed by all whether they lean to the left or right. Sure other issues are touched on along the way, but it's a film about the world of politics - politicians have views. I certainly don't agree with them all, but that's the reality of it. This movie would have lost much of it's strength if the character's dialog had been watered down in an effort not to offend anyones political views. Sadly you are missing the point and a great entertaining and again I say "satisfying" moment if you get stuck criticizing each political view presented.

This is not a heavy documentary or historical piece that need be torn apart for it's realism or accuracy, but rather a gripping story making an excellent point about what should be up for discussion and what should not.

As for the reviewer that suggested a similarity between the courageous, principled Senator who became the victim in this story and Hilary Clinton I just have to say that once you get past their outstanding fashion sense, that is where all similarity between them ends.

Pay It Forward (2000)

INSPIRING - IMPORTANT

[8/10 · 29 May 2001]

I would agree with some of the criticisms of the script mentioned by other reviewers, but I would not agree with the priority placed on those flawed moments. The overall message of the film was so filled with hope that it even got me (the eternal pessimist) to considering my part in this great scheme. Any film can be torn apart at the weak edges, but few films can claim the importance of a film such as this one. In a world where television and film have become the education tools of choice, a story that promotes this type of mindset is not only inspiring but essential to our progress as a society. Things can change and we need be reminded of that constantly. For some reason it is far too easy to forget.

Almost Famous (2000)

Almost Good

[6/10 · 14 May 2001]

Can't say I was nearly as impressed with this film as lots of others were. I guess Kate Hudson is all right, but not anything to get too excited about. Frances McDormand was very good and if anything was worth the ticket I'd have to say she was. I could have lived without this film.

Dancer in the Dark (2000)

The Guy with the Real Sight Problem was the Camera man

[8/10 · 14 May 2001]

I agree with everyone that this film was exceptional on many levels. Bjork was stunning, the story beautiful filled with compassion and tragedy. What I didn't understand was why the camera work had to be so bad. I have never watched a movie that I constantly stated throughout - "what's up with the camera man, I could do better than he's doing". The thought has never even crossed my mind watching any other film. I suppose it was to achieve a desired effect. I found it very irritating.

Léon: The Professional (1994)

Incredible Characters Portrayed with Excellence

[9/10 · 7 May 2001]

Gary Oldman's villian in this film will stay with me for a long long time. What an absolutely stellar performance. And Jean Reno really sold me on the concept of a hitman with a tender heart. I saw the director's cut which I was a little nervous about after reading what had been cut, but I had no problem with what was portrayed. The subject matter was not sensationalized but rather treated with respect. I enjoyed the film very much and will see it again soon.

Girl, Interrupted (1999)

Depressing without much to say that I could tell.

[3/10 · 3 April 2001]

Great performances by Winona Ryder and Angelina Jolie, however, I suspect that Miss Jolie didn't have to dig very far to find the Lisa character. But I didn't understand what the film was trying to say. I guess it was just more or less an experience to be had. An experience that I would rather not have spent an evening going through.

Charlie's Angels (2000)

The Angels were suppose to be BEAUTIFUL weren't they?

[1/10 · 3 April 2001]

The thing I enjoyed about the TV series was that the gorgeous women paraded around in sexy clothes that showed off their assets. A real eye candy sort of thing. Loved it. This film took 3 women that I have seen appear to be beautiful in other films and made them look awful. Carmen Diaz looked like a scarecrow she was so thin and her hair was so stringy and no makeup. Whoa - can't say I enjoyed going there. Every now and then Drew Barrymore looked attractive, but not often enough to make a real show of it. And I don't get the popularity of that third angel. Her hair is nice I guess. Bill Murray looked like a derelict. Then there was the stunts. REALLY BAD. At least I wasn't expecting much of a story and wasn't disappointed there. Had to turn it off about 45 minutes into it. There had to be something else better on TV.

The Tao of Steve (2000)

BURIED TREASURE!

[9/10 · 26 March 2001]

Donal Logue is fantastic! Hope to see lots more of him real soon. What a great little film. Funny, Intelligent, Romantic, and Real. Lost in the hype of the much grander though not nearly as satisfying Gladiator and Erin Brockovich. It's a real buried treasure.