kestrel-9 Reviews

The Score (2001)

Kudos to Oz

[9/10 · 22 July 2001]

Frank Oz turns to a life of crime, approaching a very traditional heist-film from a dark angle, and though there's nothing new here, all is executed smoothly and with unflinching style. The gang's all there: The soft-spoken safe cracker on his last job (DeNiro), the hotshot youngster with some tricks up his sleeve (Norton), the love interest (Bassett, woefully underused), and a wise old crook with a head for trouble (Brando). Around the story's corners lurk a thug, a hacker, a systems engineer, a janitor, a sprinkling of guards and jazz musicians, and each is memorable.

There's some fun to be had watching these experts ply their illicit trades, but every second is played for tension. Fatal mistakes are always just a few inches or a few seconds away, and everyone seems appropriately nervous. Montreal looks lovely, and Oz leans heavily on its old world rather than the new. Architecture, antiques, and interior decorating frame everyone in an aire of sophistication that smoothes the blacker edges of their character.

On a more personal note, it was delightful to see a crime drama with so little violence. Normally these films have double-digit body counts and gallons of blood. Here the violence is almost entirely intellectual, and every action is cautious, chosen, and sure. Powerful without being showy. Film-makers take note.

Big Eden (2000)

Hope for a more accepting world

[9/10 · 15 July 2001]

I took myself to the movie this afternoon and saw "Big Eden". I was in need of an uplift and I got it. Giving us touching humor and alot of heart, this is a very pleasant movie about family, love, home. The acting was agreeable and I found every character believable. Though in some ways it presents a fairy tale world, I look forward to a time when we can all feel loved and encouraged for who we are, not who we "should" be.

Autumn in New York (2000)

I don't think so

[4/10 · 13 August 2000]

Too bad. The direction and cinematography were good. But the story was not believable and did not touch my heart at all. There was no chemistry between the leads. Not good casting for either of them. This is a miss.

Grey Owl (1999)

Touching and well done

[6 March 2000]

Richard Attenborough has directed a beautiful picture. If you are accustomed to seeing Brosdan as 007, this is a real departure. But he played the role with subtly and sensitivity.

This story is based on a real with a message that is an important one, then and now.

Flawless (1999)

Very entertaining

[9/10 · 28 November 1999]

The star of this flick is Philip Seymour Hoffman. He was great in every scene. The writing was excellent, with humor and some very to-the-point lines. DeNiro is always great... He doesn't disappoint us here.

But Hoffman is star quality. Very believe-able. I want to be his friend, too.

Friendship, suspense, transformation. Who could ask for more? ENJOY!

The Story of Us (1999)

All too true for some

[17 October 1999]

I wanted to like this movie and was disappointed that it didn't quite come up to my expectations. Bruce Willis was the most sincere, believable character. He really has quite a broad capability as an actor. I am sorry this movie didn't come up to his potential. He represented a man trying to make the most of family life. Today too many of us get lost in the details of day to day life and forget to appreciate each other. Michele Pfieffer's character was a bitter woman dominated by her role as a mom, which she takes very seriously to the expense of her marriage.

This is not a comedy, though there were a few brief funny moments. With good acting from the two leads, Bruce and Michele put in the most notable performances. The writing for the "friends" could have been far more sympathetic and true to life.

The flashbacks bring some depth and tenderness to the fabric of their lives.

This movie had potential and with some better writing could have been more powerful. In spite of shortcomings, it was thought provoking, and left me with a reminder... treasure the ones you are with and work at it... 7 out of 10.