I was quite young when I first saw the film, which I have seen a total of about 4 to 5 times. Hope Lange has always played a great suffering character, and she's in one of her best examples of that here. Really the one thing about the film that has always stuck with me, right to this day, was how terrifying the "stoning" scene was at the end of the movie. I felt each stone placed on top of her, and with each stone I could feel the breath forced out of my lungs. The absolute mastery of the film was in its ability to manipulate the viewer to experience how painful it is to foreshadow disaster and be unable to get someone, anyone to believe you.
Reviews
12 Reviews
Starman
(1984)
A touching and thoughtful film on the nature of the human species
17 June 1999
I concur with the other comment(s), and would add that Karen Allen puts on an excellent supporting performance as Jenny Hayden. Starman enables us to look upon our world and ourselves with fresh eyes, and we know as we are watching this film that despite our intentions to the best, that we would undoubtedly exploit an alien lifeform much as we exploit each other and the animal kingdom with which we share the Earth. It sends a message also about healing and grieving, and is all around one of Carpenter's best.
The Spell
(1977 TV Movie)
Better than average 70's MFTV movie with good cast
17 June 1999
She's 15 and at an age that is just so much more complicated when you're fat. Rita discovers that she has telekenetic powers and can seek revenge against those who are cruel to her. Good performances by Lee Grant and a young Helen Hunt. Bostock is downright chilling in the role. Some excellent special effects for this type of movie, and the end scenes are quite scary, actually. Most of all, a good message about teenagers. Sometimes they can be witchy and seem like aliens, but what they need most of all is love.
The Loneliest Runner
(1976 TV Movie)
Movie about how a winning marathon runner began his career.
14 June 1999
Very sweet film about the humiliating beginnings of a marathon runner (adult played by Michael Landon). Young Michael, played by Lance, was a bedwetter. As he grew, his mother, a dominating woman, would humiliate him by hanging his sheets out the window to dry, so Lance would run home as fast as he could to pull them in before any of his school chums saw it. Movie expresses the hidden humiliation behind teenagers who are bedwetters, and makes an important statement on the longlasting affects of handling this problem in an unhealthy way.
Titanic: Breaking New Ground
(1998 TV Movie)
Excellent documentary on the filming of one of the greatest movies of all time.
30 April 1999
This documentary was sort of a combination of the movie itself and of a documentary of the real ship. I loved the interviews with each of the participants because each of them relayed how the tragedy became real to them, and they translated that into performances on screen. My favorite part was that Cameron actually went down to see Titanic and created state-of-the-art camera gear to get additional shots that were actually used in the picture. I sure wish this were released to video.
Dreamscape
(1984)
Fantasy/horror that spotlights the subconscious, good early F/X!
30 April 1999
Excellent cast heading up this Fantasy/Horror film with excellent early F/X (seems amateurish to today's standards). The reason I love this film so much is that it spotlights the subconscious and its hidden agendas. It's a classic war between good and evil. The plot is solid, and it's a real headgame when you think about the dream world as another realm completely. Great chemistry between Quaid and Capshaw, and Sydow delivers his usual solid performance. Excellent conclusion!
Thief
(1981)
Thief explores a man's desire to get clean & the draw of the underworld.
30 April 1999
Caan is spectacular in this role, gritty, desperate, lost. After a lifetime of trouble, he wants to lead a clean life, get married and have a family. But the attraction to making a quick buck eventually sends him deeper into the "life". Downside for me was that we really don't get to know him, and we'd probably like him. Chemistry between him and Weld is believable. Underscores the adage "crime doesn't pay". Stellar soundtrack by Chicago's own Tangerine Dream.
They All Laughed
(1981)
A flat, disconnected romantic comedy with too many diversions.
30 April 1999
My interest in Dorothy Stratten caused me to purchase this video. Although it had great actors/actresses, there were just too many subplots going on to retain interest. Plus it just wasn't that interesting. Dialogue was stiff and confusing and the story just flipped around too much to be believable. I was pretty disappointed in what I believe was one of Audrey Hepburn's last movies. I'll always love John Ritter best in slapstick. He was just too pathetic here.
The Girl Most Likely to...
(1973 TV Movie)
Light-hearted film that gives the spotlight to karmic justice!
30 April 1999
This is one of my favorite dark comedy films--light-hearted, beautifully wicked and sometimes poignant. The plot is somewhat thin, but Stockard Channing is perfect in the lead and she makes it believable. Her transformation from Ugly Duckling to evil Swan is wonderful and sexy as is her wicked delight in bringing justice to those who caused her pain as her former self. The film is subtly satiric and delivers a climax with a twist. Lots of supporting cast members that are future "B" stars in their own right.
Don't Be Afraid of the Dark
(1973 TV Movie)
Scariest movie created--feeds on our own vulnerability and fear of the dark!
30 April 1999
Like so many others, this movie is unforgettable. I have seen it maybe three times, and the last time was when I was about 11. I was happy never to see it again because it took 20 years to forget it. Now, I think I was more afraid of Darby's weakness and inability to save herself than any other reason. I know if I were in that position, I would have high-tailed it out of there, husband and family home or no husband and family home! Climax is perfect. I now own this video, if you can believe it. It was hard to find and expensive.
Klute
(1971)
Excellent mystery/suspense film that explores the duality of good and bad in all of us.
30 April 1999
Jane's performance was a surprise. She clearly did her homework. Plot, admittedly, was a little thin for me. Psycho kills for no apparent reason--they never explain it. But the focus is not on the action, it's on the reaction. Ultimately we all have a choice between taking the high or the low road, and this is an exploration of the potentials of that pathway. Chemistry between Sutherland and Fonda is excellent. Scene where she checks her watch in the midst of a seemingly ecstatic moment is unforgettable. Realistic portrayal of a mismatched relationship. Powerful and rewarding.
Barefoot in the Park
(1967)
Breezy comedy exploring the passage from child to adult.
30 April 1999
Fonda and Redford were a surprising match that worked. They performed this on Broadway, so had their characters down pat. I loved Corie, who is used to getting her own way but discovers meaningful aspects of herself through the selflessness of true love. Natwick steals the show as Corie's mother and I laughed hysterically at many of her scenes. Boyer is perfect as Velasko. Redford was an excellent straightman. A joy of a movie.
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