eas0423 Reviews

Because I Said So (2007)

Awful and a waste of time

[3/10 · 11 February 2007]

Wow. Where to begin? First, the shock of paying $11 (for a matinée!) in Century City to see this terrible movie. Then, the usual annoyance of people deciding to hold conversations during the film. Finally, the true awfulness of the picture. Plot: the mind-numbingly unoriginal "crazy" mother who even at the age of 60 with three grown daughters -- each of whom is living on her own, two of whom are married, one is a mother, all are professionals (one is psychologist for cryin' out loud!) -- still thinks she has not only the obligation but the right to manage her daughters' lives to such a degree as to be pathological. And the truly ridiculous -- the daughters put up with it. The frenetic pacing of Diane Keaton's performance -- way over the top. How anyone would put up with her character's behavior is beyond belief. And to expect the audience to buy it as some sort of lovable eccentricity -- too much. I'm really truly tired of this notion that if a woman is crazy, frantic, meddlesome, and a klutz to boot, that some how makes her irresistible to men. It's getting very hard to accept that, for example, when her character meets Stephen Collins' character, within a short time, he's having to restrain himself from kissing her. I mean, I admire Ms. Keaton for accepting her age and refraining from the overdone plastic surgery culture of Hollywood, but that doesn't mean I buy into this notion that her quirky personality will win the day and men will go crazy for her the instant they lay eyes on her. Annie Hall was a long time ago. Finally, one last word about Mandy Moore. I think she's one of the more promising young actresses out there. She has such an appealing face and she's to be praised for defying Hollywood's obsession with anorexic actresses. But, somebody please, tell Ms. Moore to stand up straight! Her posture is awful and was actually distracting during the film. It looked to me as though, at the tender age of 23, that she's developing one of those "dowager humps." Somebody should tell the woman that she's 5' 10" and no amount of slumping is going to change that. Stand up straight and work it!

Conversations with Other Women (2005)

Don't be scared away by the unique technique

[8/10 · 20 August 2006]

Just saw this movie and really, really liked it. Don't know if I can say I "loved" it because it is just so unique. Yes, the split-screen technique is unusual, but if it takes you more than a few minutes to assimilate what's going on, welllll, I'll just leave that thought unsaid. Wonderful, wonderful, dialog and characters. Such a simple premise -- two people meet at a wedding reception -- but what ensues is so intriguing and interesting and beguiling, you're perfectly content to sit, listen, and watch this man and woman indefinitely. So good to see Helena Bonham Carter in such a down-to-earth role. She's not some whacked out character or a heroine in a corset. She's contemporary, believable, and moving. And Aaron Eckhardt is always such a revelation. Masculine, attractive, intelligent, and emotional. Why aren't there more contemporary leading men like him? All in all, I would definitely recommend. It's little movies like these that remind you that what mainstream Hollywood produces on a budget a millions time bigger than what this movie cost are so much garbage. The movie industry wouldn't be in so much trouble if studios championed this kind of original, yet accessible, film-making.

An Unfinished Life (2005)

Nice character study, but the overall narrative is a bit weak

[7/10 · 8 July 2006]

I enjoyed this film (especially after having rented quite a few clunkers). It's a fairly low-key, well-done character study and the film starts off well. The plot line does falter a bit, though, as the movie progresses -- it goes off in a few fragmented directions and comes to a somewhat predictable end. But the acting is wonderful -- yes, even from Jennifer Lopez. (Side note -- I think she plays a wonderful "mother." She had great on-screen chemistry with the little boy from "Maid in Manhattan" and she also works really well with this little girl, too. Who knew the diva would make such a great, believable mom?) And, frankly, I'd watch Morgan Freeman read the Yellow Pages. One thing that irks me a bit -- the fact that it was filmed in Canada. I mean, I've been to Wyoming. Lots of wide open, beautiful spaces. Why does Canada have to substitute? I know, I know -- probably the cost -- but it still bothers me because the landscape is a big part of the story and greatly influences what we're supposed to understand about the characters, Redford's in particular. Overall, I would recommend.

Just Like Heaven (2005)

This is a great romantic comedy

[10/10 · 12 February 2006]

Wonderful movie. Reese Witherspoon is charming and believable as a smart, no-nonsense medical resident who is faced with her own mortality in the most unusual and unnerving way. Mark Ruffalo is proving to be a wonderful romantic leading man -- and thankfully not one of those snobbish actors who would see this sort of vehicle as beneath them. He's an incredible actor who seems to be at home in a variety of genres. The city of San Francisco never looked better. The cinematography is fabulous, with the city seeming almost otherworldly (appropriate to the movie!). These two actors, Reese and Mark, prove to have a wonderful chemistry. A very, very enjoyable movie. More please!

The Truth About Love (2005)

Oh, it wasn't that bad...

[7/10 · 28 December 2005]

I just watched this movie and while it's not the best thing I've ever seen it was a cute romantic comedy. Can't say that I saw any of the goofs that have been mentioned -- but then I wasn't looking for them. Or maybe the DVD copy I rented had been edited/fixed. Some of the nice things from my perspective: 1) Nice location shooting - I think it was Bristol. It had a different feel from the usual London setting and was very well photographed for the most part. 2) The leads were just fine - it was good to see Dougray Scott sporting his native (at least I think it was native)Scottish accent(it's an American thing :)and I have to say I do like Jennifer Love Hewitt. It did seem like her accent may have been looped at the beginning (the tone of the soundtrack suggested it)maybe to give her a better chance to nail the dialect, but overall I do think it was her. And while I think she needs a bit more seasoning/maturity as an actress, she has a very expressive face and natural way about her on screen -- and that's got to be a plus. So, if you just want a kick-back, lazy day on the sofa movie this is worth 90 minutes of your time.