nobodyz Reviews

The Whole Wide World (1996)

The Whole Wide World ... Should See This Movie

[10/10 · 18 October 2009]

Set in 1930's small town Texas are two unlikely characters: one who is an accomplished writer and one who "wants to be". Their journey is a rare story these days (writing this in 2009) in writing or on the screen. Not since watching "84 Charring Cross Road" have I applauded such realism. Bob Howard, famed author of "Conan the Barbarian" is seen as he was in real life through the eyes of an unusually brave woman, Novalyne Price (the story taken directly from her book "One Who Walked Alone").

Howard (played by Vincent D'Onofrio) was a real loner who found himself in love; an impossible situation for any recluse, let alone a perhaps misunderstood misanthropic one. Price (played by Rene Zellweger), carries the other hard end of the bargain, a sociable yet independent single woman in 1930's Texas who's burden of loving him is even more unimaginable to bear, but not in any of the trite ways one might think. Most of us cower from those who do not "behave" as society dictates, or to be more blunt, as our loved ones dictate; Price does and doesn't, in a classy yet grounded blend of grace. Both characters are surprising and totally human. Shot in only 24 days, this "little" movie is a buy-to-own keeper. No wonder Zellweger went on to movie stardom after this role.

To quote Rene, her performance is in part "Many thanks to Vincent". An amazing portrait of the best of both actor's range of talent. Recommended highly.

Terminator 2: Judgment Day (1991)

For those who love story lines

[10/10 · 7 August 2008]

Having written a few reviews that berate other movies for not having a storyline, I thought it my duty to write at least one review for what I consider to be EXCELLENT in this department.

You could remove all the special effects, the beautiful and amazing Linda Hamilton, and even Arnold Schwarzenegger from this film, and STILL have a gripping, edge-of-your-seat, can't-go-to-the-bathroom for fear you'll-miss-a-single-moment story.

Many have written about T2. I only add my comment to point to what I consider to be an example of the best story telling around. If only Hollywood realized it's the story that either makes or breaks any movie! How can they miss this simple truth, when people stayed up all night, often going without sleep, in order to read books; and did so for centuries with no pictures, sound or special effects? Well, once in a while, we all get lucky and a movie like Terminator 2 comes out. This is true story telling at it's most intimate, frightening, hopeful, despairing and inspiring best. I would rate it 20/10 if they let me.

Being John Malkovich (1999)

Painfully Pathetic

[1/10 · 7 August 2008]

At first, this movie draws you in. At first, there are promises made. Any writer worth their "salt" knows better than to make promises then not keep them. How this movie got it's fame is beyond me. Shame on Roger Ebert for being sucked into Hollywood's need to be worshiped, regardless of the cost.

If this movie is "inventive" I want to know why the songs I wrote as an angst-ridden teen aren't being played on radios the world over! For god sakes, I could write a better script than this one, and I've never written a script. But one thing I am well aware of as a writer: there needs to either be the standard "beginning, middle, end" or it needs to be so incredibly astounding a ride that the viewers go willingly. Let's just say, I kicked and screamed all the way through it, cursing those who gave it such high praise.

The only good thing I can say about this movie is that I did not recognize Cameron Diaz. That's an amazing trick.

Whale Rider (2002)

Worst anti-female movie in decades

[1/10 · 27 June 2006]

If you are a male who thinks all females are worthless, useless and in the way, and have a Madonna complex, you'll probably like and perhaps love this movie.

However, if you are female and have been abused and told you are worthless and useless don't watch this, as the message is clear: *spoiler* Take the abuse, shut up, die, and MAYBE you'll earn the respect you should have been given from birth. And don't forget, above all things, forgive and love the men who abused you. Never say a bad word. And, in actuality, you won't REALLY have any power, you'll just be glad to not be abused anymore.

This has got to be the worst movie I've seen in years.

Magnolia (1999)

Storyteller buff hated Magnolia

[1/10 · 16 November 2003]

If you have seen Magnolia and just want some validation that you are not alone in hating it, this is it. If you have not seen Magnolia and want to decide whether to view it or not, may I suggest you read as many reviews as possible -- or make sure it is affordable for you to throw away your money first. I am a published author who spent an enormous amount of time in writing classes digesting the idea that stories have beginnings, middles and ends. Magnolia has no such sensibility. It also lacks the storyteller's sense of fair play toward the audience when it BLATENTLY leaves out the answers to the very questions it raises. If you love to stare at paintings and come to your own conclusions, Magnolia is your kind of movie. But if you like to go on a journey that has a concise outline and delivers what it promises to deliver, don't bother renting Magnolia.