dwarthy Reviews

Unstrung Heroes (1995)

I only saw the last twenty mins but it was enough!

[8/10 · 5 May 2005]

Death doesn't so much concern the dying, but rather those left behind. And this movie embodies that with a terrific cast and perfect casting. Nathan Watt stole the show and I am rather disappointed he hasn't done much else since 1996. His honest, at times uncertain portrayal of a child coming to terms with his mother's imminent death and preserving her memories was heart-wrenching. Topped that off with the callous but level-headed father Torturro brings, blended with dashes of the crazy uncles played by Richards and Davis -- this movie grabs you expectedly in an unexpected way.

I only saw the last twenty minutes of it and now I am going to make sure I enjoy the whole thing! I'm sure it will be good all the way. I think any movie that makes us appreciate being alive and having the ones we care about around should be applauded and this is definitely one of them.

The Shawshank Redemption (1994)

Best movie ever!

[10/10 · 25 April 2005]

To be fair, I also have to admit that I am a big fan of Stephen King and the screenplay was so honest to the story so there's probably that extra appreciation personally. I just read another review and I felt obligated to agree! There really aren't words to describe this movie. It gets better and better every time I see it and it doesn't matter where I start. I have seen it at least five times every year since 2000. It has to be my all-time favorite, hands down. The movies are the ultimate escapism for me and this movie does just that, yet it depicts something that we know too well, being a victim of circumstance or a witness of circumstances. Andy is the victim and Red is the witness, connecting in a way where you had to be there to understand. Kudos too to Stephen King for always knowing exactly how to capture our worst fears and materializing it. Whether it's the harsh punishment for a crime one did not commit or realizing that you've been so "institutionalized" by the very walls you hated that you no longer know how to live without it, this movie exudes a sense of hope much welcomed to many.And though some of us may not absolutely believe in it, we are nonetheless glad it's lingering just close enough for us to know it's there. It's such a well done piece, please go see it.