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Reviews
A Cinderella Story (2004)
Seen with an open mind, this can be an enjoyable film for the whole family.
Once upon a time there was a girl that Disney made a superstar. She was given the keys to the kingdom
And a record deal, a TV show, a movie or two and a clothing line. She had it all long before she ever got her driver's license. Her name was Hilary Duff and she is now playing a revamped Cinderella in her new film, aptly titled, A Cinderella Story.
High school senior, Samantha Montgomery (Duff, Cheaper by the Dozen and TVs Lizzie McGuire), is a good girl whose father dies when she was very young. Since he left no will, Sam must live at the beck and call of her wicked step-mother, Fiona (Jennifer Coolidge, American Pie), and step-sisters, Brianna (Madeline Zima, TVs The Nanny) and Gabriella (Andrea Avery, Soul to Take ). Sam's life consists of studying day and night, running errands for her step-family and working at Fiona's diner which, because of Fiona's obsession with the 'salmon diet,' serves a sushi and doughnut meal among other disgusting delicacies. The only sunshine in her busy life is the thought of going to Princeton and her friends; Carter (Dan Byrd, Firestarter 2: Rekindled ), a geeky aspiring actor, and Rhonda (Regina King, Daddy Day Care ), a sassy waitress at the diner. Life gets a bit more bearable when she meets and falls for a guy on the internet that goes to her school. When the mystery boy asks to meet her at the Halloween dance, life gets complicated again.
When Fiona insists that Sam work at the diner on the night of the dance, Rhonda plays the role of her fairy godmother, getting her a dress and covering for her while she's away. At the dance, Sam comes face to face with her secret admirer, a super-popular football player, Austin (Chad Michael Murray, TV's One Tree Hill). Just when things are about to work out for the two star-crossed lovers, the clock creeps near midnight and Sam must leave or be busted by Fiona. Leaving behind the her soul mate and her cell phone, Sam heads back to reality, resolving to leave well enough alone and never reveal her identity to Austin. But, Austin is a pretty persistent guy and will stop at nothing to find his Cinderella.
A Cinderella Story is directed by Mark Rosman, best known for the TV movie Life-Size. The soundtrack includes songs by Jimmy Eat World, Mya, MxPx and (who else) Hilary Duff. The film is rated PG for some mild language and innuendo and will open in theaters everywhere on Friday.
A Cinderella Story, while dripping with saccharine at times, is actually a pretty decent rendition of the original. Duff and Murray worked well together, though their characters are not much different from the ones they play on their TV shows. The wicked trio's slap-stick comic relief will get a few laughs, mostly from the younger audience. The best thing about this film, though, was not the acting, but the story. The modern twist on the classic truly worked and it really is as original as a well-known fairy tale can be.
This film is best watched with no expectations. If you go in thinking you're about to see the best romantic comedy of the year, you will leave disappointed. But, seen with an open mind, this can be an enjoyable film for the whole family.
The Station Agent (2003)
The Station Agent is one of those movies that gives the lead actor a chance to shine.
Lately Hollywood is offering less and less truly great roles. A virtually unknown actor can go through his entire career waiting for that one role that shows his true ability. The Station Agent is one of those movies that gives the lead actor a chance to shine. The award winning film is now available on VHS and DVD.
In The Station Agent we meet Finbar McBride (Peter Dinklage, Elf). Fin, a dwarf, is a quiet man who enjoys the company of his best friend and co-worker, Henry (Paul Benjamin, Last Rites). Both work in a model shop and share a love for trains. They even spend their evenings together, sitting on the roof of their apartment building, train spotting. When Henry dies and Fin inherits his abandoned train depot in the middle of nowhere, Fin leaves town and heads for the sticks for some peace and quiet.
It would seemingly be easy for a person to drop out of sight in a place like Newfoundland, New Jersey, only this small town is teeming with nosy neighbors. Olivia (Patricia Clarkson, Miracle), a scatter-brained artist who has been through a terrible personal tragedy and lives alone, almost runs Fin over (twice) and wants to make it up to him. Joe (Bobby Cannavale, TV's Third Watch) has been working for his ailing father, selling snacks outside Fin's train depot. Joe likes to talk. A lot. When he sees someone has moved into the desolate train station, he is desperate to make friends. Other unwanted company includes a curious little girl (Raven Goodwin, Lovely and Amazing) and a caring but troubled librarian (Michelle Williams, Dawson's Creek) The more Fin tries to keep to himself, the more his new neighbors show up on his doorstep. Before long, through the incessant kindness of strangers, this loner learns the value of friendship.
The Station Agent is the directorial debut for actor Thomas McCarthy, best known for the character Dr. Bob Banks in Meet the Parents. Though it was only released in a few theaters across the country, the film won over audiences and critics alike. Over 50 critics from across the country have honored it as one of 2003's top movies. At the Sundance Film Festival, The Station Agent took home awards for Best Screenplay, Best Performance (Patricia Clarkson) and the Audience Award for Best Drama. It has also won over a dozen other major awards in the US and other countries.
The Station Agent is now available on VHS and DVD. The DVD's special features include five deleted scenes and an audio commentary with writer/director McCarthy and actors Dinklage, Cannavale and Clarkson.
In a world full of multi-million dollar budgets and digital enhancements, this film is a breath of fresh air. Made on a shoe-string budget of only $500,000, The Station Agent is a quiet, unassuming film that can easily, upon viewing, make a bad day a little better. Clarkson is very convincing as Olivia and Cannavale is exceptional as Joe; almost every line he delivers is sure to get a laugh. Dinklage, however, steals the show. He is truly unforgettable as the reclusive man who finds friendship in an unexpected way.
It's sad that a movie like this can easily get lost in the shuffle while films like Around the World in 80 Days and Gigli get TV spots and a nationwide theatrical release. The Station Agent is a surprisingly wonderful and interesting film, and because it is only 89 minutes in length, it's worth your time to rent this one even if trains aren't your thing.
Bad Santa (2003)
If you're looking to have yourself a twisted little Christmas in July, pick up Badder Santa. Just make sure the children are nestled all snug in their beds before viewing.
Most Christmas movies are timeless and always leave the audience with that warm and fuzzy feeling. It's a Wonderful Life, A Christmas Story and Miracle on 34th Street are all heartwarming and charming case studies of nostalgia and good cheer. If you're looking for that kind of movie, don't even glance at Bad Santa. Both Bad Santa and Badder Santa: The Unrated Version are now available on DVD.
In this outrageous Christmas tale, we meet Willie (Billy Bob Thornton, Slingblade); a department store Santa with a serious drinking problem; and Marcus (Tony Cox, Friday); a dwarf who works as the store Santa's elf during the holiday season. What the department store doesn't know is that these two employees are unlikely thieves who, on Christmas Eve, crack the store's safe and stuff their own stockings full of the loot. The latest department store these crooks are casing is managed by Bob Chipeska (John Ritter, TV's 8 Simple Rules For Dating My Teenage Daughter) who, upon witnessing Santa in a compromising position in the plus-sized ladies dressing room, calls on the store detective (Bernie Mac, Charlie's Angels: Full Throttle) to investigate the duo. Meanwhile, Willie's idea of keeping a low profile is cursing at the children and being constantly intoxicated on the job. Along the way, Willie hooks up with a bartender, Sue (Lauren Graham, TV's Gilmore Girls), who has an unhealthy Santa fetish and Thurman Merman (newcomer Brett Kelly), a Santa-obsessed child whose mother is dead and father is 'hiking in the mountains' (code for: prison). The film follows the escapades of these victims and villains during the wildest Christmas season you'll ever see.
Dubbed by some as 'the film that would never be made,' Bad Santa was directed by Terry Zwigoff, best known for his critically acclaimed film Ghost World. Zwigoff had the courage to pick up this script and make sure it got made. His resolve earned Billy Bob Thornton a Golden Globe nomination for Best Actor in a Comedy. The DVD is now available in two editions: Bad Santa and Badder Santa: The Unrated Version. Both feature deleted and alternative scenes, a behind the scenes special about the making of the film and outtakes. Badder Santa also includes an additional seven minutes of footage and a gag reel. There are about a dozen scene additions or changes in the unrated version which make Willie's naughty behavior even more explicit.
Badder Santa is wickedly funny at times and crosses the fine line between comedy and cruelty at others. There were countless children in several of the scenes and one has to wonder what sort of psychological damage these kids endured while witnessing a beloved childhood icon falling down drunk and wetting himself. If you can, however, look past the foul language and explicit behavior, you may enjoy this film. The storyline is clever and the acting is terrific. Graham's character is light-years away from the cutesy role she plays on the WB, Thornton is simply perfect for the role as the crude Santa Claus and, in his final theatrical performance, Ritter steals every scene that he's in.
If you're looking to have yourself a twisted little Christmas in July, pick up Badder Santa. Just make sure the children are nestled all snug in their beds before viewing.
Il mio viaggio in Italia (1999)
How does a filmmaker get out of being asked in every interview what films influence him? He makes a movie about them.
How does a filmmaker get out of being asked in every interview what films influence him? He makes a movie about them. Martin Scorsese's lengthy documentary, My Voyage to Italy has been making the rounds on film festival circuit since 1999. It is now available to the general public on two-disc DVD.
Scorsese says in the beginning of My Voyage to Italy that his film was made so that people, especially today's youth, can realize that not all great films are born deep in the heart of Hollywood, USA. Scorsese directs and narrates this documentary about the history of Italian cinema. My Voyage to Italy includes home video from Scorsese's childhood and footage from 24 movies made between 1914 and 1966. It is these films that inspired him to become one of America's most well known and beloved directors. Scorsese gives us plot points, character descriptions and even endings of each classic film, pointing out specific elements that make the movie great. He tells us the strengths and weaknesses of each film and what he got out of it. At one point, he even shows us the same scene twice so we can spot exactly what he wants us to see. And, although you know the ending of these films, you are somehow still compelled to go out and see them anyway. It is as if he is a close friend who is describing a movie he just saw and tells you to go see it. This is a person whose opinion you can have confidence in.
The films featured in My Voyage to Italy opened the door for today's writers and directors. In a time where free speech was only something the press could take advantage of, many of the films were considered scandalous and provoked boycotts and law suits in the US. Roberto Rossellini's film Il Miracolo (The Miracle) prompted a US court to rule that filmmakers are entitled to the same freedom of speech as the media. Where would modern cinema be without this landmark decision?
Scorsese's main influences were the films made during the Italian neo-realism movement. All of the films in the genre focused on the reality of World War II; the horrors and sacrifice, liberation and compassion; all of the emotions felt during that time are on the screen, giving the audience little-to-no optimism or silver-lining. Through these films, the viewer experiences the filmmaker's response to that moment in history. They were not about a hero or a villain, but about life during and after the most extensive and costly war in the history of the world. Through these movies, Scorsese was subjected to the true Italian life and culture he couldn't experience at home in New York.
My Voyage to Italy should be required viewing for people who want to pursue a career in film; it is like a four-hour advanced film class that is as interesting as it is entertaining. It is obvious to the viewer that the films Scorsese highlights are dear to his heart. Based on the films that he loves, you can clearly see their influence reflected in the darker movies he has directed. Films like Taxi Driver and Goodfellas came to life because of the old movies he watched on the tiny black-and-white TV in his childhood home.
Before watching My Voyage to Italy, I had never seen even a frame of a film by Rossellini or Federico Fellini. Now, I feel compelled to go out and study each one. That, I suppose, was Scorsese's intention all along.
Cold Mountain (2003)
When a movie tries to be everything to everyone, it usually fails to live up to anyone's expectations. Cold Mountain is one of few exceptions to that rule.
When a movie tries to be everything to everyone, it usually fails to live up to anyone's expectations. Cold Mountain is one of few exceptions to that rule. The critically acclaimed, award-winning film is now available on 2-disc DVD and VHS.
While the recent theatrical success of Fahrenheit 9/11 highlights the country's division regarding the war in Iraq, this film tells a similar tale. Set in a time where America was torn apart by clashing ideology and values, Cold Mountain is an epic saga of life during Civil War America. In it, we bear witness to the lives of a blossoming couple who are torn apart by duty and loyalty to one's country. Inman (Jude Law, Road To Perdition) is a young Confederate solider who, after being wounded in battle, deserts the war and takes a 300 mile walk toward home and his sweetheart, Ada Monroe (Oscar winner Nicole Kidman, The Hours). Inman's journey takes him away from the war and towards the peace he sees can only reside at home with his love. But, standing in his way are bounty hunters, slaves, sirens and Union soldiers at every turn. Meanwhile, well-to-do Ada takes a journey of her own. While his absence cements her feelings for him, Ada fears her love for Inman may be in vain as her countless letters go unanswered. When her father dies suddenly, she must learn to take care of herself and to survive long winters, merciless lawmen and overwhelming solitude. Along the way, she forms a life-long alliance with Ruby Thewes (Renee Zellweger, Chicago), a scrappy drifter who only knows hardship and back-breaking work.
Cold Mountain is a breathtaking drama and love story starring award-winning actors, based on an award-winning book and directed by an award-winning director. Written by Charles Frazier in 1997, Cold Mountain, the novel, won the National Book Award that same year. Director, Anthony Minghella (The English Patient, The Talented Mr. Ripley) came across the book and decided to adapt it into the film now known for seven Oscar nominations including Best Supporting Actress, Best Actor, Best Cinematography and Best Score. In addition to about a thousand Romanian soldiers, the film also includes cameos by Natalie Portman (Star Wars Episode II: Attack of the Clones), Jena Malone (Saved!), Jack White (singer of the rock band The White Stripes), Phillip Seymour Hoffman (25th Hour), Giovanni Ribisi (Lost in Translation), Donald Sutherland (The Italian Job) and more.
Cold Mountain has been released on DVD and VHS. Special features on the 2-disc collector's edition include feature commentary with the director and editor; 'Climbing Cold Mountain', a documentary; 'Words and Music of Cold Mountain', a 90-plus minute special about the music behind the movie; 'A Journey to Cold Mountain', a featurette on the making of the film; 3 storyboard comparisons and 11 deleted scenes.
Not only does this film deglamorize war and highlight its violence and brutality, Cold Mountain also takes us beyond the battlefield and into the lives of the civilians, many of them women, left behind to fend for themselves while the majority of the men fight for their cause. Rarely do you come across a film about the Civil War that is accessible to all people. Surprisingly, Cold Mountain has the ability to draw in men with its action and women with its romance. Though, the film does drag a bit at times, Zellweger makes up for it in her Oscar winning performance as the strong-willed yet humorous Ruby. In fact, all of the acting is brilliant. The above-mentioned cameos are all well executed and Kidman and Law are extremely believable as the star-crossed lovers, Ada and Inman. Shot largely in the unspoiled country of Romania, the landscape is stunningly beautiful. To top it all off, the well-crafted film is also set to a phenomenal score by Oscar-winning composer Gabriel Yared and original music performed by Sting, Elvis Costello, Jack White and many others.
Cold Mountain gives the audience a little bit of everything: action, romance, drama, even some comedy. It is a sweeping epic with big battle sequences, passionate love scenes and a haunting score. And, yes, it is worth 2 ½ hours of your time.
Raising Helen (2004)
It's not a horrible waste of two hours, just a mediocre one.
Rating: 5/10 Stars
When you need to break into the fashion business or survive a boring birthday party, who do you call? In the film 'Raising Helen,' the most obvious choice is the beautiful, talented and charismatic Helen Harris. If she can't turn a frown upside down, no one can. And, while she may be able to get you into the best nightclubs and order her meal in French, entrusting her with your kids when you die may not be the best idea.
'Raising Helen' is the story of a three children, devastated by the loss of their parents and sent to live with their glamorous aunt, Helen (Kate Hudson) instead of their much better qualified Aunt Jenny (Joan Cusack). Helen attempts to juggle her new family, her high-profile career and her budding romance with the local Lutheran pastor, Dan (John Corbett), but falls short in all areas. The film focuses on the children's attempts at coping with the loss of their parents and Helen's struggle to be Super Mom.
Director Garry Marshall has had a few box office hits over the years ('Pretty Woman', 'Beaches', 'Runaway Bride') and has attempted to weave the 'old stand-by' romantic-comedy ingredients together in an effort to land another hit. Mix together a leading lady with an infectious smile, an overwhelming loss and a few life lessons and put a few adorable kids on top. While 'Raising Helen' has a good ensemble of actors, the story (like Helen) falls just short of the mark.
Hudson is charming as Helen, but the character is exasperatingly flakey for the majority of the film and then, in the blink of an eye, summons her inner 'real mom' just in time to save the day. Her radical transformation is as unbelievable as it was predictable. Corbett has some great one-liners but his character's relationship with Helen seems forced and uncomfortable throughout the movie. The two younger children, played by siblings Abigail and Spencer Breslin, are cute but never really make an impact on the audience. Their grief is expressed through only minor rebellions and their problems are solved far too quickly and neatly.
Although the story has some flaws, there are a few good points. Joan Cusack is wonderful as the wacky and slightly neurotic Aunt Jenny. Helen Mirren puts on a great performance as Helen's child-phobic boss. The most memorable and humorous performance, however, was that of Sakina Jaffrey, who played the baseball bat-wielding neighbor, Nilma. She, by far, got the most laughs of all the characters even though she was only in a handful of scenes.
Setting aside syrupy sweet, highly predictable story, 'Raising Helen' will give you a few laughs and maybe even a few tears, if you let it. It's not a horrible waste of two hours, just a mediocre one.