robertclinton865 Reviews

The Horse Whisperer (1998)

the story of many 'comebacks'

[8/10 · 24 August 2014]

A good movie, however the real story here is about the comeback of the characters, such as Grace (Scarlett Johansson). There are great moments in the film such as where Grace has again ridden a horse (sort of in secret for the first time since the accident). And Grace later tells her mother: 'nobody's ever gonna love me like this' - never fails to tear me up.

It's because she referring to ALL her injuries: inclusive of her physical, mental, and emotional state - which may be finally beginning to heal with the help of 'life' on this wonderfully beautiful cattle ranch. Another one is where a few minutes later Grace tells Redford the story of exactly how the accident happened (what an amazing, heart- wrenching scene she gives us). And Redford gives her some great fatherly advice and emotional 'relief' - we can feel her healing. Another is in the barn where Grace's mother / Redford finally talk about their feelings... an emotionally vulnerable woman, and a complete gentleman with enough character to know what is right for all of them.

Finally, the emotional climax is where Grace enters the corral and confronts her fears about the horse. It's her chance, and all the supporting characters are there for her, standing up for her. In the end both her, the horse, and all 'the comebacks' come to total fruition and complete triumph. There are so many parallels between the injured horse and the flawed people that are emotionally involved in the story...

All in all, this is really a 'comeback' movie - for Grace, the horse, for Redford's character, Grace's mother - all of them are {in movie magic 'reality'} learning to love again. THIS narrative is the real focus of the film... if you watch it again from this perspective, you'll see a very young and an incredibly gorgeous (quite visible even at such a young age) Scarlett to shine - better than in just the few glimpses of good acting that we manage to otherwise catch.

Cold Mountain (2003)

Surprising and beautiful

[7/10 · 24 August 2014]

First, it is surprising that very little of the film is shot in North Carolina - and that the majority of it is actually filmed in the country of Romania! Having been to 'the real' Cold Mountain many times, one can see the similarities though. The landscape around the mountain is filled with the same type hillsides and hollers we see in the film.

And honestly, even in 1860's character, Nicole Kidman has never looked more beautiful. She is very much like a porcelain doll come to life, and the perfect choice for this film - cause she nails this helpless yet proud character of Ada, her performance is virtually flawless. And even though Renee Zellwegger's character is a little irritating, but her performance is brilliant. The rest of the cast is well chosen and most acceptably fill their roles. Watch for Giovanni Ribisi and Kathy Baker, they are especially good. Ribisi brings his trademark 'weirdness' to a despicable character, and Baker is amazingly 'motherly'...

The most upsetting thing about the film is the realistic and historically accurate portrayal of the disgustingly rancid 'home guard' - who in real life simply took advantage of the war (as an opportunity) to terrorize the countryside, humiliate or routinely murder personal enemies, and line their own pockets with impunity. As if the war wasn't bad enough, southern towns and communities had to endure it with this accompanying evil in the form of men purported to be patriotic to the cause - when all they were (were) violent criminals who deserved to die.

Daltry Calhoun (2005)

a talent showcase!

[8/10 · 28 July 2014]

If you dig deep into this movie, you will find superb & intelligent writing, fine acting, and great music choices that fit the film to a T... such an eclectic spread of musical choices! The scene of Sophie bouncing the ball on a wall and talking to Daltry about music is pure genius. This film also sort of highlights the 'simple life' in Appalachia - where love is King, but which also tends to be somewhat dramatic on personal/family levels - a nice touch.

{Johnny Knoxville} gives such a touching performance in this simple little film, which - ironically - is set in his home state of Tennessee. {Elizabeth Banks} is outstanding in her own subtle, amazingly beautiful way. She is truly a breathtaking woman. Watch the scenes of her in the bathtub talking to Daltry, and her telling June that Daltry is her daddy. You will quickly fall for her as you watch her simple yet heartfelt performance. She is a true artist in every sense of the word. {Juliette Lewis} is such a GREAT actress, and she nails this - as usual. Her trademark scene is where she meets Elizabeth Banks and sees |straight| into her soul. And just watch how she simply twirls her hair 'round her finger all the time - it is so sweet, it's mesmerizing. {Sophie Traub} as June is just soooo adorable in her nerdy, prodigal way. She is very smartly cynical, but has true love of heart. She steals every scene she's in, and her character shows hints of genius in her music genre choices/comparisons. She spanks it as the narrator of the story, leading you easily thru and investing you in the characters. While the {Doyle} character tends to be somewhat irritating, listen closely! He is actually the one who will focus you to the deep, loyal, beautiful LOVE that is the true message of Daltry Calhoun. If you can find THAT - then get ready for a good cry.