mgresk Reviews

The Phantom of the Opera (2004)

impressive cinema

[9/10 · 4 January 2005]

there were sincere doubts that this highly theatrical production could be translated to the cinema. the immediacy, the intimacy of the theater truly adds to the P.O.O. experience. this movie is an excellent version of the lloyd-weber production. i have seen P.O.O. seventeen (17) times (London, chicago, new york and numerous times in the 'provinces'). i have always been impressed with the consistent excellence of all of these productions. whether in omaha, oshkosh, London or NYC it was always the same... fantastic! the movie makes excellent use of the flash-back technique to fill-in gaps in the plot. the unities that are required to make a film 'work' are employed with great success. the plot lines that were only hinted at in the stage play (madam giry/phantom relationship, fate of the phantom, raoul/christine life together) are explained. this is a good thing. the singing of butler & Wilson were marginal at best. rossum is wonderful as christine. excellent theater, impressive cinema

Hard Cash (2002)

the worst movie i've rented in 5 years

[2 December 2002]

this movie is terrible. i rented it because it had three "name" stars (slater, kilmer & hannah) what a waste of casting, time, money, dialogue, crumby special effects, stupid & inane plot twists--- those are the highlights of this miserable excuse for a "heist, caper flick". as the viewer , you dont care about any of this cast of goofs. the 10 year old kid is a inane angle. the plot twists are not logical, they are stupid (but i already said that) these people owe the viewing public an apology.

Scotland, Pa. (2001)

"that 70's show" meets shakespeare

[22 November 2002]

this is a good movie, it combines the greatest tragedy ever written with a campy 70's retro setting. a working knowledge of the bard's play makes it all the more worthwhile. duncan, malcom, banco, the ghosts--- they are all there!! tierney displays a real comedic talent as mrs "lady" macbeth. walken is walken!! kooky, edgy, a bit goofy. it is black comedy at it best. when was last time anyone laughed during macbeth's murders & dismemberment?? you will. rent it, enjoy it.

Skipped Parts (2000)

"the waltons meet the age of aquarius"

[12 June 2002]

this is a quirky, entertaining flick. set against the backdrop of small town america 1963, it's a different 'coming of age' movie. goofy, drunken , obsessive adults and saner, wiser children attempt to sort through family roles and societal situations -- bigotry, sexual awakening, family structures, morality, abortion, gender roles --- this movie has got it all. it is, alternately, funny, sad, depressing & invigorating, but always entertaining. a great rent!

Lagaan: Once Upon a Time in India (2001)

'west side story" meets "gone with the wind" ala shakespear

[7 May 2002]

what a fantastic movie. it is a microcosm of indian society mid-19th century. the hero (bhuvan) accepts the challenge from the british colonial overlords-- the annual tax (the lagaan) will be lifted for 3 years if the indians beat the british in a cricket match. if the british win the tax is tripled which will ruin the native population, their grip on survival is tenuous at best. drought has ruined the harvests for two years (the "black cloud" musical production is most entertaining, filled energy & joy). the villagers are amazed & very angry when bhuvan accepts the challenge to learn cricket and THEN play the british army. bhuvan builds a team the includes hindus, a moslem, a member of the 'untouchable' caste, a shik and a lovely english women. elizabeth is willing to teach the natives the game,demonstrating an real affinity & love for the indian people & for bhuvan. the plot is rife with nationalism, unrecoited love, boy-meets-girl, racial tensions, religious fervor, class struggles & great musical numbers. the four hours just flew-by. there is no sex, no violence -- this is simply a wonderful movie. well acted. most entertaining.