smiling-o Reviews

Postal (2007)

Saw it 8.22.07 in LA screening

[7/10 · 23 August 2007]

The opening is the scene where some feel Uwe is making fun of 9/11. This scene makes fun of Muslim radicals and is hilarious as they realize their own stupidity. It does not make fun of 9/11 in any way.

What I truly love is that he isn't afraid of making fun of muslims as many are. He reminded us of the theatre in Berlin that canceled a play that some deemed offensive to muslims. This is wrong. We shouldn't live in a culture of fear. News organizations seem to be fearful of stepping on those Islamic toes in order to avoid the same response as the Dutch cartoons got.

The entire film seems to be making fun of a lot of things and is an equal opportunity offender. Uwe makes fun of Americans, Germans, Muslims, the list goes on.

This film seems to be breaking a lot of Hollywood rules. As Uwe said before the screening, why is it that you can't show a breast on TV, but, you can show people being cut up to pieces? It's loosely based on the game Postal and it's done as a cartoon with live actors instead of animation.

See it for yourself and listen to the political commentary.

The Producers (2005)

Oddly, it actually had the feel of a Broadway production.

[8/10 · 7 February 2006]

I've seen the musical and this production had many of the same elements. It was absolutely great. The entire audience was laughing continuously when I saw it Saturday. Go see it if you are in need of a laugh.

The theatre was packed and full of a wide range of ages. Everyone left with a smile on their face. They did a great job.

I'll have to check out the original. I saw the current one at a screening hosted by The LA Film Teachers Association. I enjoy going to them since there aren't any advertisements. Based on the conversation afterwards I'm guessing I may be one of the few there that hadn't seen the original yet.

Staying for all of the credits is a good idea since so many films have little surprises in them these days. And, this one has a comedic moment with Mel Brooks at the end.

Zerophilia (2005)

I haven't laughed so much in ages.... it was great and I hope it gets distribution.

[9/10 · 7 February 2006]

Writer/Director Martin Curland did a great job. I loved it.

I was invited to a screening of Zerophilia at Westwood Crest Theatre November 16, 05 in the LA area and it was great to see the theatre packed. It's a romantic comedy with a twist. The audience loved it. I'm not one to laugh easily at films, but, this one had me laughing out loud a lot.

I hope these guys get distribution.

The theatre was packed and everyone was clapping and smiling at the end. You could tell by the faces that everyone loved it.

I went in without knowing a thing about the premise line and never looked at the trailer. It took me by complete surprise. A cute movie that really does a great job of highlighting love for a person no matter what the gender is. It's a great comic fantasy. With a twist I'd never thought of.

You are what you are! Good job...;)

The Matador (2005)

It entertained, but, wasn't one I'd rave about to friends.

[6/10 · 7 February 2006]

The locations were interesting and the overall shoot was done well. But, it tended to bore me a bit. It's really just an "ok" film. My like of Brosnan is a huge part of what kept me interested. And, he did have some comedic lines. His acting was probably the best part of this film.

Kinnear was great as the average nice guy. He and Brosnan made quite the strange buddies which was comedic in itself. The scene that took place at the bull fight was my favourite. Other than that I was just plain bored.

Hope Davis made the perfect wife for Kinnear and it might have been nice to see more of her. It just felt as though the film needed a bit more fleshing out.

Walk the Line (2005)

I walked out of the theater ready to pick up a guitar....;)

[8/10 · 7 February 2006]

The director James Mangold did a great job with this movie. One of my favourite scenes comes toward the end, the scene showing how Johnny Cash connected with the prison audience at Folsom. Anyone enjoying Johnnys' music should pick up the new uncensored version of "Johnny Cash at Folsom Prison". It's great!

Joaquin Phoenix was superb in his acting and truly came across as I'd imagine Johnny to. He and Reese Witherspoon both deserve awards for their performances. Their singing was great! One of the reasons I don't give this film a 10 is because they didn't use the Cash and Carter music. I'm guessing they may not have been able to get all of the music rights. But, it was still enjoyable. And, both Phoenix and Witherspoon got it right. Amazingly so.

The other flaw was not showing the heartache Johnny's first wife went through. It was kind of glossed over to avoid reminding audiences of the pain he caused her. Audiences might not have walked away with as good a feeling about the man if that had been dealt with a bit more. But, I suppose being human isn't all bad. He and June were a better match. You just can't be on the road all the time and leave your wife home. It rarely works for any marriage. With this in mind, I do understand why the director chose to leave it out.

Johnny's music has always made me think it is the original rap! Just with different beats and done with more class. He's had lot's of sad stories to tell and it comes across on the screen. Mangold did an exceptional job in creating Walk the Line. It wasn't boring at all.

I enjoyed the film immensely and suggest it for all audiences. For the teens...there's a lesson in here on why to stay away from drugs.

It's got to be a major walk down memory lane for all the baby boomer's that grew up hearing Cash and Carter music on the radio's constantly. I'm hoping it brings a resurgence in old style country back. It really is good for the soul. We all need a bit more music in our lives. And, this just reminded me of it. Johnny had a wonderful way of keeping his music real and it comes across clearly. Without all of todays vulgarity.

I'm buying a guitar next week and taking up lessons. Writing music has be be better than a diary! ;) Even if no one hears it other than myself! ;)

Shall We Dance? (2004)

Wonderfully delightful movie

[10/10 · 4 February 2005]

This is a feel good movie that moves along at a nice pace. From start to finish, it keeps your attention. There is nothing boring about it. This movie entertains in a positive way. And, creates a desire to dance. One leaves the theatre feeling uplifted and in a good mood.

More productions should be like this one. I'm always seeking good entertainment that doesn't resort to raw sex and violence. This one stands on its own with a good story. The story is believable and well shot. All of the actors do a great job and are very believable in their roles. Most importantly, it is uplifting for the soul.

A must see! :)

The Passion of the Christ (2004)

Missed opportunity to teach the good about Christianity

[1/10 · 4 February 2005]

As a child, I was raised Catholic and went to church every Sunday. I attended a Catholic school for a few years in high school. This gave me plenty of opportunity to discuss the bible and it's teachings.

The movie was horrible trash. I've always disliked violence shown in movies and this one showed nothing but violence. Many don't want violence shown in movies due to a basic understanding that it desensitizes people to it.

I'd hoped it might dwell more on the teachings of Jesus. The tolerance, love and forgiveness. A great opportunity was missed to teach the world about the goodness of Christianity. But, instead, we showed people new methods of torture. The entire message of the movie is missed due to the horror of the violence.

What does deserve an award was the brilliant marketing strategy! Gibsons' marketing was great and classes can be taught about his techniques.

With all the violence in the world, we need movies showing the goodness of the various religions. We need a series of religions of the world that educate others. We need better understanding of our differences in order to live together peacefully. We don't need orgies of violence shown.

Napoleon Dynamite (2004)

This is the most difficult movie I've watched in years. Awful movie

[1/10 · 4 February 2005]

It is rare for me not to like a movie, but, this was so bad that I actually walked out during the first 15 minutes of watching it. And, that is the first time in my life I've ever walked out of a theatre due to not liking a movie. After being forced to watch it weeks later with a friend it wasn't any better. The comedy was totally lame. The actors were simply annoying to watch. I can't think of anything good about the experience other than being grateful it was finally over.

Jon Heder played the lead and he was irritating during the entire movie. I can't believe this film got funding! And, to think it is being released again nationwide due to its success at the film festivals makes me think there are a lot of weird people judging these days.

Dangerous Beauty (1998)

This is a wonderful movie! In many ways.... A must see

[10/10 · 4 February 2005]

I LOVED this movie. It is especially gripping when you stop to realize it is based on a true story! It's lead character is based on Veronica Franco, citizen and writer from sixteenth century Venice. Margaret F Rosenthal wrote about her in "The Honest Courtesan".

The acting is superb...the period costuming is fantastic. As is the scenery. This is a must see on many levels.

The courtesans in this era were intelligent, witty, and refined. Married woman of the time (the wealthy ones) were confined to a very dull life while their husbands entertained themselves with well educated courtesans. The courtesans were the only women allowed in the libraries of the day. As much as I love books...there is no doubt in my mind as to what role I would have chose! lol The movie revolves around those of wealth. The poor women of the day are in terrible straits...I'm glad this era is over.

Seriously, this is a wonderful movie visually. And, it is spiced with some interesting bits of history.

It is not one to take your kids to which usually causes me to deduct points. But, the scenes that make it unsuitable for children are absolutely essential for this story. And, what a wonderful story! Oh, and another delight is the music. Buy the CD!

Christmas with the Kranks (2004)

This is a fun and brainless movie

[7/10 · 4 February 2005]

This is a fun movie one can take the entire family to. And, that in itself gives it high points for me. A surprise for me was not seeing one child in the theatre. I'd expected it to be full of children. Most were young adults. Come to think of it, I didn't see any older people either. Odd... But, the audience seemed to like it. There was quite a bit of laughter. And, everyone left with a smile on their face.

Some of the humour was a bit cheesy at times...and, a good portion of it isn't believable at all. But, it was still a fun movie to watch. Unless, of course, you're one of those that requires a lot of sex and/or violence...then, this isn't the movie for you.

The scene with the Christmas carolers gave me the urge to run out and find a group to join. I hadn't seen carolers in awhile and it brought back a ton of memories of Christmases past.

A surprisingly serious tone hit towards the end of the movie... it was sweet, and encompassed all that Christmas should be.

The Birdcage (1996)

I laughed a lot at this one

[7/10 · 4 February 2005]

Since I haven't seen the classic that came before this, I'm unable to compare it, or be biased by it.

Robin Williams movies are always a pleasure to see. But, the over the top script for this one is hysterical. I'd imagine one has to be somewhat open minded to enjoy it. ;) Having many gay friends and having gone to many a party thrown by them, I can see it all taking place. And, the drama caused by a very feminine man playing a very straight woman in order to avoid coming out of the closet is too funny. That dinner scene is an absolute riot.

The sad thing about it is knowing that so many have to hide their sexuality for fear of being ostracized. But, this puts such a humorous spin on things. It must have been a really fun movie to produce and/or act in. Rent it when you are in need of a laugh! :)