geralf Reviews

Practical Magic (1998)

Good acting; good actors; poor script; good direction

[4/10 · 14 August 2002]

I've just watched this film, PRACTICAL MAGIC. My perspective is the following: Having not read the book, but having read a number of 'user comments' who have, there's no doubt that the script veers considerably from the thrust of the book. Perhaps this explains why there were considerable leaps from reality, hoping the viewer would not mind the 'jumps & jerks' from what was supposed to be a realistic 'peek' at the unique world of 'witches' even though they be of good heart and purpose. Just look at the conclusion (one user/viewer said it was somewhat like Disney's approach) as an example. There no doubt is a 'dark' side to witchcraft, as well as a lighter side, both of which produce their own consequences, which it seemed this story line was trying to present. The romantic side for some reason, was unconvincing, which I'm not sure was Aidan Quinn's problem; this was likely caused by the script. Stories such as this fail to bring in other religious perspectives such as, IF THERE ARE WITCHES, ISN'T IT LIKELY THAT THERE IS GOD AS WELL, supposed to be the ultimate supreme power and being? Wether you are Jewish, Christian, Muslim or any other who believes in an ultimately supreme being, dealing with any form of supernatural power without including 'the supreme being' in the formula of the story, really is quite without credibility. I gave it a 4.

The China Odyssey: 'Empire of the Sun', a Film by Steven Spielberg (1987 TV Movie)

EMPIRE OF THE SUN WILL ASTOUND YOU

[10/10 · 31 July 2001]

EMPIRE OF THE SUN WILL ASTOUND YOU. This is Spielberg's story telling and directing at his very best. Simply Excellent! The true story of a young, bright teen-ager of British parents, who are part of the British Business/Embassy team, gives you the many experiences of what was happening in China in those years before December 7th, 1941, our Pearl Harbor. A great cast; supberb special effects. The laser disk and the DVD have some excellent 'features' on how the 153 minutes of this story telling were accomplished. Highly recommended.

Black Robe (1991)

Like walking into the story and being there.

[9/10 · 31 July 2001]

Like walking into the story and being there, hardships, cold weather, physical, mental and emotional as well as spiritual experiences included. The characters were well established; the journey M&E of developing 'trust' levels among the aboriginals, the French hunter and the Jesuit Priest made for true problem/solving successes and frustrations.

Fiddler on the Roof (1971)

Great stories; great involvement BUT

[9/10 · 31 July 2001]

As a nation of immigrants many of us can identify with this film which was tops in acting, directing and story line. Unique devices to call our attention to the father, trying to keep up traditions in a changing world, "--on the other hand!" with camera perspectives suddenly changed were excellent. However, with a home theater system, no doubt you will be disappointed in the laser disks and VHS versions! Why? Because often their 'stereophonic' channels were quite crippled with phasing problems. That is, some mics or mixers used in the final mix-downs were themselves out of phase. What this does is to destroy the 'stereo acoustical immaging of LEFT RIGHT CENTER BASS AND REAR channels. We noticed this at a radio station when we first got the PHONOGRAPH & TAPE CASSETTE versions. A terrible shame. I've not listened and watched the DVD version, but unless MGM/UA technicians have not discovered this and corrected it, the problem continues. Nonetheless, the audience is so involved that for most folks they'll likely not notice.

The Silence at Bethany (1988)

A familiar but unique community of people in changing times.

[9/10 · 16 May 2001]

Silence at Bethany is a story that is a genuine slice of American Life. This program first appeared on PBS, The American Experience, in 1988. My wife and I, coming out of completely different cultures, me from the south-central state of Oklahoma, and her from the California community of Bakersfield, found this film story warm and meaningful as well as painful. Issues of church membership acceptance, rejection, judgement, love, support and enforced uniformity are all dealt with in a clear fashion. Communities such as these still exist in good sized numbers in the United States, but their numbers and most important their influence is rapidly declining. There are some sad losses and yet there are some very liberating, but difficult and uncertain choices to be made. You'll appreciate the 85 minute story as a true part of the American Experience for many, many families and people in this country.

The Patriot (2000)

Patriot: not a very good historical piece

[2/10 · 13 July 2000]

The script must have been the problem. Depended too much on the 'action' to carry it along. The 'action' was fine, however the tone of the story was very weak when it came to pacing through the 'personal' scenes.

Paperback Hero (1999)

A refreshing setting for an 'old' story that's entertaining

[8/10 · 13 December 1999]

A refreshing setting for an 'old' story that's entertaining and well done! The 'downunder' folks have done a fine job on this 'old' theme that makes it well worth watching. Inspite of the 'jaded' reviews of certain folks, after watching movies and thinking about them for nearly 60 years, I'd say that this is one well worth a 2nd or even third watch. Definitely worth your time, if you are inclined to have some romantic fibers still firing.

End of Days (1999)

Great Potential but a Great Loss!

[2/10 · 27 November 1999]

With great potential, this film failed to live up to its billing.

The story content glides from one unbelievable sub-story to another. For example: with all of his supernatural powers at his disposable, the 'prince of darkness' has limits that are silly and inconsistent from one story line to the next. And the 'hero's weapons against this super-power? You guessed it! A variety of guns and exploding projectiles. Give me a break!

It takes the viewer a constant 'leap of faith' from one premise to another, with only a few such events that made any sense at all. The special effects were quite good, but the story content with all of it's props (priests, the church, satan worshipers and scenes of 'conflict' between supposed good and evil, the special effects) are unable to tie the overall picture together and rescue it. don't waste your money. This is a seriously flawed film. Truly, 'enter at your own risk!'