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barbara.chumsky
Reviews
Dirt Boy (2001)
A valiant effort, a terrible movie
I can appreciate the work that went into making this movie, but that still didn't make it a good movie. The story isn't bad, the execution is awful. This could definitely be on Sci Fi Theater. Childish dialogue and amateurish acting. Too bad, because I am sure it was made with a lot of blood, sweat and tears.
Heist (2001)
Oh David, what happened?
Went to see The Heist with great anticipation. Ever since House of Games, I have been a big Mamet fan. I am rarely disappointed, because even if the content of one of his films isn't wonderful, the dialogue, the delivery of the dialogue and the quality of the acting is wonderful.
However, this is one of those times that nothing could pull this movie above the level of dull and boring. The opening sequence promises a fast paced movie with action directed to an audience with some degree of sophistication and intelligence. The movie demonstrates quickly that this will not be the case. It becomes long, predictable (even with twist after twist) and silly before you can say "Is it almost over?"
There was no character development. It seemed the only role the characters had was to drive the plot. Was there was anything to know about them? Who were they? Did they have any deep feelings other than the emotions they used to stage each plot twist? I didn't care about any of them and wasn't interested in who finally came out with the treasure, at the end of the movie. Mamet can do so much better.
The dialogue Mamet is famous for is silly in this movie. The delivery is poetic, but the words....who uses these words??? Everyone spoke like an 8-year old's idea of a tough-guy con artist.
If you have an urge for Mamet, rent House of Games.
Goat on Fire and Smiling Fish (1999)
Charming, charming, charming
I love this movie. It's original, realistic, unpredictable and charming. I felt like I was watching real people in their real lives. What a treat this film is. Each character is so well developed, has such real and appropriate emotions...I felt I knew them all, and well. They could be my co-workers or neighbors or friends. The acting is wonderful. Bravo to the writers and director. Watching this film is better than eating a hot fudge sundae! Long live the indies.