Change Your Image
fromyesterday27
Reviews
Searching for Bobby Fischer (1993)
One of 1993's best
One of the most outstanding films of 1993, 'Searching for Bobby Fischer,' can be categorized in the tradition of films like 'Rocky,' 'Remember the Titans,' 'The Rookie,' and 'Glory Road.' The only difference here is the game's all in the mind.
This film tells the story of young chess prodigy, Josh, who faces the blessings and curses of his skills at the game. The film portrays the effects his competition has on him and his family and shows the thin line between playing because you enjoy the game and playing to win.
The all-star cast, including Joan Allen, Ben Kingsley, Laurence Fishbourne, and brief appearances by William H. Macy and Laura Linney, does an excellent job. But the standout here is Max Pomeranc who gives a brilliant performance as the young boy who discovers his true gifts.
'Searching' is a great film to watch, especially if you're in the mood for an inspirational sports movie but tired of the millions of football stories. Check it out, you won't be disappointed.
PG: Some Mild Language
Blind Spot (1993)
Above-average made-for-TV Hallmark flick
'Blind Spot' tells the story of a Congresswoman (Nell Harrington played by JoAnne Woodward) running for Senate whose world is shattered when her son-in-law dies in a tragic car accident. This devastating event leads to revelation after revelation, including the fact that the accident was related to Charlie's drug abuse and use of cocaine by Nell's pregnant daughter, Phoebe (Laura Linney).
The film chronicles the aftermath of the accident and the effects it has on Nell, her husband, Phoebe, and ultimately Phoebe's child. It is a hard-hitting drama about the devastating consequences illicit drug use has on the addict, the family, an unborn child and portrays the struggling relationships between Nell, her husband, and Phoebe.
In addition to its amount of substance, the thing that sets this movie above other made-for-TV flicks is its splendid acting. Woodward portrays the struggling mother in a convincing, emotional fashion. The supporting cast does a fine job as well. But its Linney who really shines here. She turns in a fantastic performance, portraying a range of emotions (guilt, desperation, anger, hate, remorse). I believe this movie helped shape Linney's career, since it was the first time anyone really got to see her ACT on film.
'Blind Spot' is definitely worth seeing.
Dave (1993)
'Dave' wins the election
This comedy about a presidential look-alike is a see-again movie. It's funny, full of laughs as well as a few tender moments, too. Kevin Kline does a superb job as portraying both the loathable, scum-bag president and the lovable, down-to earth guy the officials secretly recruit to stand in as president after the real commander-in-chief suffers a severe stroke (in a hilarious, "he had it coming" scene). Sogiourn Weaver also gives and excellent performance as the bitter First lady who realizes there's more to her "husband" than meets the eye. Laura Linney, in one of her first film roles, stars in a brief but crucial role as a secretary secretly having an affair with the real president.
If you're in the mood for laughs, this smart comedy is full of them. Check it out. Chances are you won't be disappointed.
PG-13: Some Language, a Sexual Situation, Brief Nudity
Lorenzo's Oil (1992)
Heartbreaking...
This based-on-a-true-story film will rip your heart out. This account of a boy struggling with an unknown illness is intriguing to anyone going into or even interested in the medical field, as well as folks who have been in situations where diagnosis is unclear and good treatments are hard to find.
The film is very well-acted by Susan Sarandon and Nick Nolte, although Nolte's attempt at an Italian accent provided occasional much-needed comic relief. The young child who portrays Lorenzo gives a heartbreaking and grueling performance as the child constantly in physical torment. The supporting cast does a fine job, and it was interesting to see Laura Linney in a very brief debut role as as Lorenzo's young teacher at the beginning of the film.
The scenes where Lorenzo is suffering were almost too much for me to handle. So take warning, this film is very difficult to take in. However, this is a fine, well-made film that, in the end, is as inspiring as it is shocking.