ruthgee Reviews

Tango (1998)

I adore Tango music

[7/10 · 12 August 2004]

The dancing in this movie was wonderful to watch. The posture of the dancers amazing. The colours magnificent. I found the tale fascinating. I believe what we watched was the film being made and the story told was what the director wanted us to see, because at the end, everyone was clapping and all were friendly.It was all make believe. The tale was not to be taken seriously, it was a play within a play.

On the otherhand what happened in Argentina many years ago was true and the way the director directed this sad time was very inventive. It showed through dancing the tragic story.

The Stepford Wives (2004)

Not as bad as the critics said!

[5/10 · 31 July 2004]

I did not expect much from this movie as all the comments I had read had been rather bad, but to my delight, I found it quite amusing. As I live near New Canaan, Darien and Norwalk the movie had local interst for me. The Lockwood Mather Mansion was definitely the star of the movie, it filmed beautifully.

As to the movie, there were some really funny parts, though, unfortunateley, I was one of the few in the audience to laugh, people seem to have lost their sense of humor. The acting was quite good, but must admit, they did find some rather ordinary looking men, but that was the whole point of the movie.

The Human Stain (2003)

Disappointing

[6/10 · 11 January 2004]

I had read the book, and it is one of Philips Roth's great novels. The acting in the movie was excellent, but it concentrated too much on Anthony Hopkins & Nicole Kidman being together. There is so much more to the book. There should have been more about Silk when he was younger, the inter play between the faculty at the college. They should of explained why the woman teacher was sending the mean letters etc. I suggest everyone should read the book. This is not a great adaptation, I even found parts tedious.

Punch-Drunk Love (2002)

unwatchable

[2/10 · 20 December 2003]

This movie is utterly awful, we gave it about half an hour and then gave up on it. I very rarely give up watching a movie, but could not stand it. How it came to win awards, I do not know.

I am just reading on the back of the DVD that this movie is supposed to be "A Movie of Undeniable Power, A modestly scaled Masterpiece." Whoever wrote this must be nuts or easily pleased.

My Life So Far (1999)

Utterly Charming

[8/10 · 6 December 2003]

My husband and I just watched this beautifully performed movie. It is an old fashioned movie with wonderful scenery of the Highlands of Scotland. Of a life that is no more. Robert Norman as Fraser the little boy is perfect for the part. He is very curious and causes no end of trouble. This movie takes place after World War I and is based on the novel "Son of Adam" by Sir Denis Forman. It is a gentle movie and I highly recommend it to those people who want spend an hour and a half in a time that will not come back. Rosemary Harris as Gamma, as always, is perfect. ColinFirth as Edward the dreamer, inventor and father plays the part to perfection. Both Irene Jacob and May Elizabeth Mastrantonio are beautiful and a pleasure to watch. Do see it.

Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World (2003)

Wonderful depiction of early 19th century navel life

[9/10 · 24 November 2003]

I have read quite a few of Patrick O'Brian's novels and loved "Master & Commander" the movie. You feel that you are on board The Surprise. You are a member of the crew. Paul Bettany as Stephen Maturin and Russell Crowe as Jack Aubrey both play their parts to the hilt. You know that they are friends. There are moments of extraordinary tenderness, when after a young midshipman has lost his arm, Jack gives him a biography of Nelson, who had lost his arm also. You know that Jack feels sorry for the boy but is not maudlin. There are scenes of brutality, but this is war. I think Patrick O'Brian would have approved and I hope people will read his novels.

The movie theatre that I was at was packed and at the end of the movie the audience applauded.

Poolhall Junkies (2002)

A lot of fun

[8/10 · 6 March 2003]

This movie was directed by "Mars" Callahan. He plays Johnny Doyle the lead character , who "was a kid that the cue was part of his arm." This is a very entertaining movie and all the performers have a lot of fun. Callahan must love pool and my husband and I had a good time at the movies. The cast includes Christopher Walken, as always good, Rod Steiger in his last role, and a group of youngmen, who are very amusing. This is pure entertainment. As Ebert says, "a young man's film humming with fun of making it.

The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers (2002)

Outstanding

[9/10 · 26 January 2003]

After seeing the first movie I could not wait to see "The Two Towers". It lived up to my expectations. The Middle-earth came to life. Peter Jackson has done the impossible by bringing J.R.R. Tolkien's fantasy to the screen. These movies are in a league of their own. The landscapes are spectacular, the music fits the action and what action. The battle scenes are awesome. I am now waiting for the final installment. One should not wait to see the movie on DVD as my husband is, you will miss so much. These movies are for seeing on a large screen with good sound . Go and see it and join the people of Middle-earth.

Far from Heaven (2002)

A Period Piece

[7/10 · 23 January 2003]

This is a beautifully acted film set in the fifties, touching subjects that at that time were not mentioned. I though found the first part of the film to be quite ordinary and was only moved towards the end. I think that the character that Julianne Moore played was too perfect. I was just married at the time the movie took place and though I wore clothes similar was not perfectly dressed all the time. Those full skirts she wore every day were just too much. I know this is being rather fussy, but I found it annoying. I do think that the younger generation would learn a great deal from the movie and find that we have come a long way since the fifties--it truly was not such a wonderful time!

The Pianist (2002)

Inspiring

[9/10 · 23 January 2003]

At the beginning of the movie, I said to myself, why another holocaust movie, but I became engrossed with the story of the survival of Wladyslaw Szpilman. Adrien Brody became Szpilman, what a part for him to play. This is Polanski at his best. The film is one that especially the younger generation should see. I highly recommend it.

The Royal Tenenbaums (2001)

Disappointing

[5/10 · 10 August 2002]

I had looked forward to seeing this movie, so when my husband brought the DVD home, I was delighted. From the beginning I found it very hard to watch. It was quite boring. We both stuck it out, but would not recommend it at all. The only good thing about the movie was the acting. I think this movie was a mistake.

Town & Country (2001)

A waste of time

[4/10 · 28 April 2002]

I gave this movie 4 but it really deserves 1. It could have been a lot of fun but turned out to be rubbish. I cannot understand how good actors got themselves into such a silly and uninteresting movie. With actors who have been in very funny movies, and good dramatic ones, what got into them to perform in such a stupid movie.

Training Day (2001)

Very disappointing

[6/10 · 28 April 2002]

What a waste of talented actors. The story was very poor and by the middle of the movie, instead of being enthralled, I was ready to go to sleep. I love exciting cop movies -- French Connection etc. but this was a waste of time.

Last Orders (2001)

An excellent adaptation of a good book.

[8/10 · 24 March 2002]

I saw this movie yesterday, I had not heard about it before, but did know the book won The Booker award. This is a perfectly crafted film. Though a sad tale of taking a friends ashes to Margate, it never turns maudlin. There is a lot of humour in the film, but over all it is a sad tale and one is moved at times to tears. The acting is very good and each actor plays his or her part to perfection.

Into the Arms of Strangers: Stories of the Kindertransport (2000)

Everyone should see this movie

[9/10 · 8 November 2001]

I watched this movie the other night and found it most moving. I think it should be widely shown as very few people know of the Kindertransport. The documentary is well done and tells a wonderful story of survival. It was such a pity that no other country, other than England, helped to save these children. I highly recommend everyone to see it, as it is a part of our history.

The King of Masks (1995)

heartwarming movie

[9/10 · 8 November 2001]

A joy to watch. The King of Masks is truly a worthwhile movie. The cinematography is beautiful, the colours so bright. The story is very powerful and moving. Zhou Renying has such a sweet face and is so good as the little girl. The other main characters were excellent as was the atmosphere of China, Sichuan Province in the thirties.

Bossa Nova (2000)

A Lot of Fun

[7/10 · 26 October 2001]

We watched this movie the other evening and found it to be a delight. Nothing deep, but a lot of fun. The music is good and one wants to dance. The scenery, beautiful and the actors most attractive. This affords one a pleasant evening.

Lawrence of Arabia (1962)

Wonderful

[10/10 · 22 June 2001]

I saw this movie when it first came out and then again on our DVD, yesterday. I think they have done a marvellous job with the reprint and thought it, so far, the best movie I have seen on our DVD. David Lean did a tremendous job telling the story of a very strange man, who was changed forever by his experience with the Turks. This film is so beautiful and the script so literate, that I recommend it to all those who have never seen it. Lawrence came from a rather unusual family and was one of five illegitimate sons of Thomas Chapman. The film was based on his books "Seven Pillars of Wisdom A Triumph" & "Revolt in the Dessert". He never wanted to be a hero and remains an enigma. Make sure that you see the new and uncut print of this film. The cast did a wonderful job under very trying circumstances. Just remember it is a long movie and be prepared. I loved it as did my husband.

The Golden Bowl (2000)

Just right

[8/10 · 27 May 2001]

Ruth Prawer Jhabvala has made "The Golden Bowl" come to life. Henry James's last novel, a rather difficult read, has been told very simply without missing the point of the novel. I have read a lot of criticisms of this movie and cannot understand why a lot of the critics say that it was a difficult movie to understand. The constumes, sets etc. recreated the time most wonderfully. The splendor of the great homes, the decay of the Italian Castle, the history of Amerigo's family, the under currents of feelings between the characters all seemed so right. For some, the movie might feel a little long, but Henry James is a most difficult author to translate into film. I liked the use of old black and white movies for the scenes in New York, it added to the stmosphere.

Widow of St. Pierre (2000)

Absorbing

[10/10 · 1 April 2001]

What a wonderful movie, full of quiet passion. "The Widow of St. Pierre" is a beautful and haunting film that tells the story of a man committed to death on a small French fishing island that does not have a guillotine and how he learns to repent his crime and becomes a useful member of the community. the judge obsevers, "We committed a murderous brute and we're going to top a benefactor." There is another story of the marriage of Le Capitaine (Daniel Auteuil) and his wife Madam La (Juliette Binoche). Of their love and understanding for each other. The play between these two actors is something to see, they just look at each other and you can see their feelings for one another. She feels for the prisoner and her husband sympathizes with her feelings and understands her. The director Patrice Leconte has done an admirable job portraying the time, place and atmosphere. Emir Kusturica who plays Neel, the murderer, Juliette Binoche and Daniel Auteuil all play their parts with a quiet understanding for their characters. I think this must be Juliette Binoche's best performance. This is a beautiful, disquieting movie and I highly recommend it to those who like an intelligent story, well told.

Pollock (2000)

An intense movie

[9/10 · 5 March 2001]

Ed Harris is Pollock. What an excellent performance. Marcia Gay Harden played Lee Krasner with great sympathy and patience, and through her performance, shows us what a remarkable woman Krasner was. I doubt if Pollock would have lived to paint what he did,and become so famous without her. This is a movie that will not please everyone, but those who are interested in Pollock's life will learn a great deal about him. Though Pollock is depressed or drunk most of the time, though not when he is painting, the movie is not depressing. It contains all the excitment of the postwar New York. Ed Harris is amazing when he is painting, I wonder if he really knows how to paint? I did read that he studied films of Pollock painting and it shows. His performance truly deserves an Oscar, as does Harden's.

The Cider House Rules (1999)

A Perfect Movie

[9/10 · 25 February 2001]

I saw this movie for the second time last night and was not disappointed, it lived up to my expectations. Michael Caine was excellent as Dr. Larch. You truly felt for his character. Tobey Maguire as Homer, proved that an understated performance really works well, you could see him growing up. The story set in the State of Maine in the forties was well told by the director, Lasse Hallstom. The music for once, went very well with the story. Rachel Portman is to be congratulated. Charlize Theron played Candy just right. All the cast lived their parts. I highly recommend this movie, it is an adult movie well told.

Chocolat (2000)

A Charming movie

[8/10 · 4 February 2001]

A charming movie, with Juliette Binoche playing Viane Roche beautifully. Though there are many comic episodes, the movie tells a rather poignant story. A fable, but too true to life, about narrow minded people. who eventually become understanding of the differences between individuals. Judi Dench, as Amande Voizin, as usual, is excellent.

Malena (2000)

A well told story

[9/10 · 4 February 2001]

I have just read some of the comments made by other movie goers and was shocked at anyone who was bored with this movie. Just to see Monica Bellucci walk down the street in this town in Sicily, was to remind me of the old fashioned Italian movies. What style she has, and how beautiful she is. Young Giuseppe Sulfaro as Renato played the young boy excellently. People who have not lived or read about World War 11, cannot appreciate the cruelty of small towns, the narrow mindedness of people, and even today; 'little' people, are always jealous of beauty and success. The coming of age of young Renato, was well portrayed. I went to see this movie with two other women, ages from late fifties to middle sixties, and none of us was shocked at the movie. We thoroughly enjoyed it, we all were quite moved.

Blazing Saddles (1974)

Great

[9/10 · 21 December 2000]

Just saw this movie again, after seeing it in 1974. It is even better a second time. This is Mel Brooks best movie. I doubt very much if anyone would make such a politically incorrect movie today. Madeline Kahn was utterly marvellous as Lili Von Shtupp and when she is Marlene Dietrich she is utterly delicious - what a loss, her death was to the movies. Cleavon Little, Harvey Korman and the whole cast were excellent. Anyone that has not seen this movie should see it and have an evening of fun.