I didn't want to see this movie only because I was a HUGE Bobby Kennedy fan at age 14 and didn't want to go through the pain I felt at that young age, just graduating 8th grade. The country was literally trying to cope with Dr. King's death when Bobby was killed. It was too much and the Vietnam war brought us nothing but grief and sadness. Dion from Dion and the Belmonts came out with his song, "Abraham, Martin and John", which, of course, mentions Bobby at the end. It was all too sad. But I got dragged by my sister and it was worth it. Emilio Estevez has made a wonderful tribute to Bobby Kennedy and the build up to the tragic ending can be felt throughout the movie. He achieved what he wanted to achieve: if you lived through that time, you recalled it vividly. If you're new to this recent history, you know how we felt at the time. When I was in 4th grade, John F. Kennedy was shot, and all I could think was how upset my dad and sister would be. I had no real concept of death. By the time my beloved Bobby was killed, I knew too well. I was so proud to have been a supporter of Bobby Kennedy. Thank you, Emilio, for giving us this movie and thank you to Martin Sheen for showing young Emilio how the world did change that day; a heartbreaking day. AND, the music is terrific! All that great music we were listening to back in 1968; bravo!
Reviews
11 Reviews
Keeping Mum
(2005)
Definitely go see it!
1 October 2006
If you enjoy British comedy and enjoy Rowan Atkinson, go see this movie. It's actually very funny but very "dark" in the subject matter. Rowan plays a vicar so well (he played one in "Four Weddings and a Funeral). This gives him so much more on-screen time, which is wonderful. Kristin Scott Thomas and Maggie Smith are delicious to watch, as always. This shows the lovely English countryside, with all the hidden "dark" side going on behind its loveliness. Maggie Smith is perfect in this part. Rowan is perfectly suited to play this character and his understated performance is right on the mark. You won't find either Mr. Bean or Black Adder here! Bravo performances by all and I mustn't forget "Dirty Dancing" star Patrick Swayze. He personifies a type of American, with those perfect teeth and those cowboy boots, that some of us wish didn't really exist. But he is perfect in this role. Perfect. And don't miss the "American underwear" scene with Patrick and Kristin. Now that was funny and her reaction was even funnier.
Little Miss Sunshine
(2006)
Funnier than you could have imagined
9 September 2006
This movie was so funny is so many different ways. If you've read any reviews, you know the movie is going to be funny and, at times, sad. But it's actually funnier than you would have imagined and the sad parts, done well, are funny. Most of us can relate to at least one of these characters. Maybe all? And the character of "Olive" is so well done by this young girl. Toni Collett and Greg Kinnear are perfect as mom and dad and Alan Arkin is another gem, especially his moment with Kinnear in the van where he shows tenderness for his son's confusion. And Frank, Toni's brother, is just perfect for the role. Carnell is such a good actor and this shows it once more. The ending is absolutely worth the wait; the audience was laughing and I was laughing and my friend was laughing and it's hard to stop laughing. It also pokes great fun at these ridiculous beauty pageants for young girls. It makes one feel sick to see these little girls losing their childhoods. Great satire.
The Illusionist
(2006)
A movie to see again
28 August 2006
This was really an incredibly lovely movie visually and the acting was excellent. The story was unusual and well worth the wait for the ending. A huge surprise. Edward Norton is such a versatile actor; as is Paul Giametti. They work well together on the screen, as does the woman who plays Norton's love interest. The only thing that bothered me (sorry) was the really awful mustache that the "mean" character wore. Silly observation, but distracting. Looked like it was stuck on and ready to fall off. Norton is really superb; his melancholy character played so very well. Edward Norton never over-acts. He just plays the character in his movies so convincingly. And Paul Giametti does himself proud as the inspector who asks too many questions. The scenery is well-done and you get the feel for the time period. You also feel the eeriness in the theatre where Norton performs. Highly recommend the film; best seen on the big screen.
A Prairie Home Companion
(2006)
Amazing movie
29 July 2006
This movie is such a joy to watch. It's funny, sometimes sad, but just a joy. Each character is funny, and Maya Rudolph's facial expressions throughout in her response to the person she is talking to, are just great acting. You don't really want the movie to end. This movie is such a gem of a flick, with Lily and Meryl's wonderful sister relationship and the cowboys, well, Harrelson and Reilly bounce off one another perfectly. Lindsay Lohan does an excellent job as Lola, and of course, Garrison is Garrison: a pleasure to watch, a voice that soothes, and the ability to stay unruffled. Don't wait to rent/buy the DVD. See it on the big screen. You'll leave the theatre uplifted.
The Greatest Game Ever Played
4 July 2006
Such a wonderfully done movie. Rented it due to being a huge Stephen Dillane fan (Welcome to Sarajevo), and was never disappointed. He was superb as ever. Dillane is such a special kind of actor; serene, intense and his face says so much. And the actor who plays the lead, well, he's brilliant. This movie is based on a true story, which makes it even more touching. But either way, it's so well-done by the director, Bill Paxton, that even if you don't like golf, it doesn't matter. The period is so well depicted, the golf scenes interesting and fun to watch and the acting by everyone is so worth the rental price. A keeper. One of those "gentle" films that make seeing a movie an experience so worthwhile. Bravo, bravo on this wonderful film!
The Devil Wears Prada
(2006)
The Devil Wears Prada
4 July 2006
Excluding Meryl Streep, who is such a wonderful actress, this movie is just awful. The first 10 minutes I wanted to escape and leave. Full of clichés, full of wired New Yorkers who can't even go to the restroom because their desks must be occupied at all times? No, sorry, not real. Yes, life at a magazine is undoubtedly awful, stressful, people being mean and cruel, but everyone? Come on. So Hollywood and over-the-top. If you can last through this movie, good luck. I did; mom slept. It is so unnerving to watch "civilized" people act so horrible to one another. Hey, I don't need movies where everyone is happy and kind all the time (although that's a pretty good premise), but this is painful and difficult to sit still for. Money paid, we stayed. If America wonders why some countries think we're nuts; watch this movie. No wonder we're dying of stress-related illnesses. But again, BRAVO Meryl Streep. Always wonderful and one of America's best actresses.
Clean and Sober
(1988)
Clean and Sober
9 June 2006
If you've ever thought that all Michael Keaton does is comedy, see this movie! What a performance he gives us. You watch his despair like you are watching a caged animal who wants so desperately to get out but can't. The entire casting is spot on and they all interact very well. Morgan Freeman is superb; no other word can describe his performance. The interaction between Freeman and Keaton is so believable and, at times, funny. You just know that Freeman is going to win, but that Keaton's going to give him a good run for his money. You may not recognize this Michael Keaton and you may yearn for the Keaton of "Beetlejuice", "Speechless", etc., but hang in there, this movie is worth the viewing and watching how Keaton plays Daryl as if he IS Daryl. Now, that's acting.
Speechless
(1994)
Speechless
9 June 2006
I gotta admit, when I first saw this film, I didn't like it. I had a chance to watch again (being a BIG Michael Keaton fan), and hey, it's really good. Geena Davis, another wonderful actor, and Keaton, play off one another so well. And it's fun to think back on "Beetlejuice". She and Keaton again. And to watch Christopher Reeves makes one realize how we've lost such a great actor and human being. Watch for the early car scene when they've returned to the hotel early in the morning. It's a hoot. I also loved Charles Martin Smith; he's just good in everything. Remember him? He was the goofy guy in "American Graffiti". Yes, this movie has some corny laughs, but the majority are very funny and Keaton/Davis really connect; they are very believable. Don't miss the scene where Keaton and Reeves are talking around the pool table; that's also a gem. Enjoy this one; it'll make you laugh when you need a laugh.
Live from Baghdad
(2002 TV Movie)
Live from Baghdad
9 June 2006
If you like Michael Keaton and you're used to him being funny (which he is), you will be surprised and impressed at his ability to play it serious. The subject is serious, and what happened to the actual people this movie is based on, is really serious, and the ensemble in this movie work well together. They bring in excellent, very believable performances. Helena Bonham-Carter is superb and "bounces" off Keaton well. They have a wonderful "friendship"; someone to talk to in the midst of an upcoming war that no one can stop. The special effects are "dead on" and the viewer will feel as though they are there. David Suchet, the lovable and brilliant Hercule Perot(sp?), will amaze you, again, at his ability to play a role so different than so many he's done. His acting in this film is also "dead on" and you have to empathize with Suchet's character and Keaton's. They are caught in a situation where neither one wants to be. Enjoy this one. You will.
Welcome to Sarajevo
(1997)
Welcome to Sarajevo
21 May 2006
This is a movie that will leave the viewer stunned for two reasons: the acting on all levels is superb and the subject matter is heart-breaking. I rented this movie and then bought the video because of Stephen Dillane's performance and the fact that this movie is so beautifully done. It will leave you emotionally exhausted, as if you've lived through the sadness of war, but will also leave you uplifted that this is based on a true story. This is what a good movie is all about: you feel for the characters, you empathize, you're happy for them and realize the terrible dilemmas that war puts human beings in. Not to mention what human beings have to see in war, how lives are destroyed and just how wretched war is. This is a must-see movie. It will also allow viewers to realize what a terrific actor Stephen Dillane is and how all of the actors in this movie interact and play off one another in a very realistic way. If you've only seen Woody Harrelson and Marisa Tomei in comedy roles, you will now realize they can do drama as well.
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