Wednesday, November 17, 2021
Jacob's Ladder
- Who's watched: G
- Mentions: None
- Commentary: This is a recent purchase, and I haven't watched it, yet, since it arrived. Mom has not seen it and probably would find it boring, distracting, and distract me.
This movie is one of my Haunting Movies. I was bound to own it at some point. I continue to focus on the scene in which the character played by Danny Aeillo quotes, damn, someone, about the nature of angels.
Update 11/17/2021: This post was originally published February 6, 2005. It was one of the accidental deletions that occurred, which is covered in this post.
Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Tim Robbins Jacob Singer Elizabeth Peña Jezebel Pipkin Danny Aiello Louis Denardo Matt Craven Michael Newman
Here's a link to the Wikipedia write-up of the film.
Release Date: 1990
Directed by Adrian Lyne.
Labels: dramaC, fantasy3, haunting2, horror2, me-favorite4, suspense3, tim-robbins
Sunday, December 24, 2006
The Last Temptation of Christ
- Who's watched: M & G
- Mentions: *1* *2* *3*
- Commentary: I noticed, in the mentions, one of them states that Mom always thinks she wants to see this movie, then she gets bored with it. This is no longer true. It is now one that she asked after the last time we did a "jesus movie" festival, so, this year, I purchased it.
For me, as well, the more I watch the movie, the more I like it. I tend, now, to ignore the discontinuities, like yet another Nordic Jesus, Harvey Keitel as a red-headed Judas and Barbara Hershey's bee-stung lips. Especially since I've read the book, I tend to appreciate the story more for what it symbolizes rather than what it portrays.
I think what Mom likes about it is the gritty realism and the startling detail, like how the crosses are made. We watched this movie again, recently, right after I ordered it and just after a couple of other Jesus movies. It seems that each movie has its own version of how crucifixion crosses are constructed, which mom noticed this time around, which led to yet another Jesus movie festival.
The only disappointing aspect of this movie was that it promised subtitles and they may exist but they aren't listed in any of the menus so I'm not sure if listing this as a feature was an error or if there is an Easter Egg technique to cuing them. I need to check this out. It does not feature Closed Captioning. I was afraid this would be a problem for Mom but the first time we watched it after receiving it, Mom had no problem with it. This is, at any rate, primarily a visual feast for her, so I guess that's why it doesn't matter. As well, the dialogue is not mumbled or distorted by other sound tracks.
The review linked to the title of this post is an interesting view of the movie from the perspective of how it had been (up to the point of its writing) and may continue to be viewed by the religious community. It seemed to me a relevent discussion to have about it.
Roger Ebert reviewed the movie twice, once as a "regular" movie and once more as a Great Movie.
Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Willem Dafoe Jesus Harvey Keitel Judas Iscariot Barbara Hershey Mary Magdalene Harry Dean Stanton Saul/Paul of Tarsus David Bowie Pontius Pilate Verna Bloom Mary, Mother of Jesus Andre Gregory John the Baptist Nehemiah Persoff Rabbi Leo Marks Voice of Satan Tomas Arana Lazarus Victor Argo Peter Martin Scorsese Isaiah
Here's a link to the Wikipedia write-up of the film.
Release Date: 1988
Directed by Martin Scorsese.
Labels: barbara-hershey, bible-movies1, Criterion2, drama8, fantasy3, harry-dean-stanton, harvey-keitel, jesus-dvds, martin-scorsese, nehemiah-persoff, period4, religion1, shared-favorite, spiritual1, willem-dafoe
The Santa Clause 2
- Who's watched: M & G
- Mentions: *1*
- Commentary: This is not my favorite movie of the series but Mom seems to like it more than the original, so I purchased a copy for our Christmas sub-collection. I think what she likes is the focus on Mrs. Clause. If it had been possible, she probably would have married Santa Claus, back when she was a fertile, marriage-inclined woman.
Thus, when Mom died, this movie went to my local library.
Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Tim Allen Scott Calvin/Santa Clause Elizabeth Mitchell Carol Newman Wendy Crewson Laura Miller Judge Reinhold Dr. Neil Miller David Krumholtz Head Elf Bernhard Peter Boyle Father Time Kevin Pollak Cupid Michael Dorn Sandman
Here's a link to the Wikipedia write-up of the film.
Release Date: 2002
Directed by Michael Lembeck.
Labels: Christmas, comedy1, fantasy3, kids, mom-favorite1, super-hero2
The Santa Clause
- Who's watched: M & G
- Mentions: *1*
- Commentary: We first saw this some years ago. Both of us were charmed by it, so it has become one of those movies that I search for on television every year around Christmas time. I finally decided, this year, it was time to add it to our collection.
Update 2/9/18: In case you're wondering, yes, I watched it during the past holiday season. It remains a part of my personal Holiday Movie Line-up.
Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Tim Allen Scott Calvin/Santa Claus Eric Lloyd Charlie Calvin Wendy Crewson Laura Miller Judge Reinhold Dr. Neil Miller David Krumholtz Head Elf Bernard Paige Tamada Judy The Elf Peter Boyle Mr. Whittle Kenny Vadas E.L.F.S. Leader
Here's a link to the Wikipedia write-up of the film.
Release Date: 1994
Directed by John Pasquin.
Labels: Christmas, comedy1, fantasy3, kids, mom-favorite1, super-hero2
Saturday, November 11, 2006
The Truman Show
- Who's watched: M & G
- Mentions: None
- Commentary: The first time my mother watched this she said, enthusiastically, that she enjoyed it. The second time I watched it in her presence, she paid no attention to it. The third time, not too long ago, she stared at the screen in a daze but insisted on sticking with it, then announced at the end that "...it doesn't seem to have much of a point." In some ways, I consider this movie a barometer of my mother's mental acuity on the day she happens to see it.
This is, by the way, one of my favorite Weir movies.
Once again, the title for this post is linked to an alternate source.
Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Jim Carrey Truman Burbank Laura Linney Hannah Gill/Meryl Ed Harris Christof Noah Emmerich Louis Coltrane/Marion Natascha McElhone Sylvia/Lauren Garland Holland Taylor Truman's Mother Brian Delate Truman's Father Paul Giamatti Simeon
Here is a link to the Wikipedia article on this film.
Release Date: 1998
Directed by Peter Weir.
Labels: coming-of-age1, drama8, fantasy3, laura-linney, me-favorite2, paul-giamatti, peter-weir, popcorn-and-soda4, satire2
Wednesday, October 11, 2006
The Sixth Sense
- Who's watched: M & G
- Mentions: *1*
- Commentary: I've assiduously avoided owning this movie for a long time, thus, although I was mesmerized by it when I saw it in the theater (not so much by the story, but the technique, the acting, and the interplay between the characters) and my intrigue about M. Night Shyamalan began with this movie, I just never thought I'd own it. Then, Mom expressed interest in it once when it was on cable and she was fascinated with it. Soon after, someone had it on deep sale, so I picked it up. Shyamalan has made enough movies now, so that my initial intrigue with his career has cooled considerably, starting with Signs. Although I am devoted to Unbreakable, I don't know, I was expecting something, hmmm...more, I guess, from him, and he hasn't delivered for me for a long time. I tried The Village, too, and it did nothing for me.
So, here I am, supposedly writing about The Sixth Sense, but saying absolutely nothing about it. I love Bruce Willis' performance. I love Toni Collette's performance. I love the way it's framed. I love what it promised about Shyamalan. I like the solution to the young medium's problem. Mom and I have watched it twice since I bought it and both watchings have been satisfying. When I watch it, though, I mourn my expectations of Shyamalan that this movie provoked and Unbreakable seemed to underline. Maybe he has more in him. I hope so.
Update 2/10/18: An unassuming super-hero, yes, but a super-hero nontheless. The entire movie, in fact, is devoted to one super-hero-of-sorts helping another nascent super-hero with his peculiar super-power.
Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Bruce Willis Malcolm Crowe Haley Joel Osment Cole Sear Toni Collette Lynn Sear Olivia Williams Amanda Crowe Donnie Wahlberg Vincent Grey Glenn Fitzgerald Sean Mischa Barton Kyra Collins M. Night Shyamalan Dr. Hill
Here's a link to the Wikipedia write-up of the film.
Release Date: 1999
Directed by M. Night Shyamalan.
Labels: drama8, fantasy3, horror2, m-night-shyamalan, super-hero2, suspense2, toni-collette
Tuesday, April 18, 2006
My Neighbor Totoro
- Who's watched: M & G
- Mentions: None
- Commentary: We're both enchanted by this film, more for the relationship between the sisters, the portrayal of the neighbor boy (which is delightfully right on) and the wonderful father, who straddles both his own and his children's worlds with extraordinary dexterity. Some of Miyazaki's films are more spectacular, but this movie, quietly and deftly, vindicates and celebrates everyone's childhood, and, in particular, everyone's childhood imagination and its creations.
And, yes, Roger Ebert christened it one of his Great Movies.
Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Dakota Fanning Satsuki Kusakabe Elle Fanning Mei Kusakabe Tim Daly Tatsuo Kusakabe Lea Salonga Yasuko Kusakabe Frank Welker Totoro Paul Butcher Kanta Ōgaki Pat Carroll Granny Frank Welker Catbus
Here's a link to the Wikipedia write-up of the film.
Release Date: 1988
Directed by Hayao Miyazaki.
Labels: anime, dakota-fanning, elle-fanning, fantasy3, kids
Friday, February 10, 2006
Whale Rider
- Who's watched: M & G
- Mentions: None
- Commentary: I bought this movie on a hunch. I'd seen it a couple of times on PBS. The second time, I insisted my mother watch it. Unfortunately, both times it was shown without closed captioning and the New Zealand accents threw her for a loop. I thought, though, if she could see it with captioning she'd really enjoy it, so, when I noticed a copy of it for sale, I bought it. I was right. She not only enjoyed the movie but was interested in the special features, as well, even though they didn't have closed captioning. This is a strangely dreamy movie, while appearing to be firmly set in reality. It's one of the most unusual coming-of-age movies I've ever seen. I'm sure we'll be watching this again.
Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Keisha Castle-Hughes Paikea Apirana Rawiri Paratene Koro Vicky Haughton Nanny Flowers Cliff Curtis Porourangi Grant Roa Uncle Rawiri Mana Taumaunu Hemi Rachel House Shilo Taungaroa Emile Willie
Here's a link to the Wikipedia write-up of the film.
Release Date: 2002
Directed by Niki Caro.
Labels: coming-of-age1, drama9, dream1, fantasy3, female-director2, shared-favorite, sport1
Ghost
- Who's watched: M & G, several times
- Mentions: None
- Commentary: This is one of those movies that's guaranteed to please, in one way or another, both of us. Since we watch parts of it every time it appears on television, when I noticed a cheap, widescreen copy of it for sale I snatched it. We watched it that night. Much better to have constant favorites on DVD, since it's easy enough to pause them or watch only the parts we happen to be thinking about at any time.
The truth is, I'm not a fan of the after-death philosophy behind the movie, although it's pretty enough and certainly makes for a unique thriller. The famous love scene is nice but give me Diane Lane's first fuck with her extra-marital lover in Unfaithful over wet pottery clay and "Unchained Melody" any day. I especially love, though, Whoopi Goldberg's performance as Oda Mae (this character deserves mention in some tome of memorable, perfectly played movie characters) and Tony Goldwyn's performance as Carl Bruner. I read someplace that Tony Goldwyn's preference is not for acting, which is too bad. I've seen him in lots of bit parts and his performances are always memorable and enlightening.
Just for fun, I thought I'd include Roger Ebert's critical review of this movie. In a way, it's a send-up of all ghost movies.
Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Patrick Swayze Sam Wheat Demi Moore Molly Jensen Whoopi Goldberg Oda Mae Brown Tony Goldwyn Carl Bruner Rick Aviles Willie Lopez Vincent Schiavelli Subway Ghost Gail Boggs Louise Brown Armelia McQueen Clara Brown
Here's a link to the Wikipedia write-up of the film.
Release Date: 1990
Directed by Jerry Zucker.
Labels: dramedy2, fantasy3, mystery2, popcorn-and-soda4, suspense2, whoopi-goldberg
Forrest Gump
- Who's watched: M & G
- Mentions: None
- Commentary: I'm not surprised this movie hasn't been mentioned in my journals. When I bought it I thought I remembered that Mom liked it. She may have, but had little patience for it this time around. I thought I had found it interesting. I did, but immediately after watching it for the first time in a long time, I decided it would be one I'd never enter in here and would sell back as soon as I had a few other movies to turn in. Watching it made me uncomfortable. For myself. For the United States. Then, I found myself going back to the movie, replaying particular scenes, looking forward to the well planned music score, watching Gary Sinese closely...and decided, hmmm, I'd better keep this one. It does remain one of the strangest crafted-to-be-a-box-office-hit movies ever made. Being a movie maven, this is a good enough reason for me to keep it. Who knows. The next time I play it "in front of" Mom, she might like it again.
Update 8/12/21: Along with the review, above, linked to the title, and, in light of it, I want to present another few reviews published to commemorate the 25th anniversary of this movie. 'Forrest Gump,' 25 Years Later, by Eric Cohn perfectly expresses my unease with this film. Because of my ambivalence about this film, I was always surprised that Roger Ebert seemed to swallow it hook, line and sinker. Perhaps he was a Republican. Perhaps he simply enjoyed live-action that is cartoonish. I don't know. What I do know is continued occasional viewings of this film, for me, make me grateful that I remain capable of finding this movie off-putting, regardless of how much I enjoy individual scenes or pieces of actor performance.
About a year after the review immediately above came out, another, in video format, by Renegade Cut, was published. It deserves a close viewing if you find yourself uncomfortable with this movie.
Finally, a two video review was published by the website The Take in commemoration of the same anniversary: here are the first and the second. Lighter in tone than the reviews cited above, these two videos also have more clips from the movie and have a kinder, gentler interpretation of the movie's overall presentation of the United States' character and history.
It's interesting to watch this movie 25 years after its release and recontemplate it in view of the variety of quarter century anniversary videos. It's quite striking how more loquacious citizens of the United States interpret the movie and its impact on a variety of aspects of United States life, now, and citizens of this country.
Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Tom Hanks Forrest Gump Robin Wright Jennie Curran Gary Sinise Lt. Dan Taylor Mykelti Williamson Bubba Blue Sally Field Mrs. Gump Haley Joel Osment Forrest Gump Jr. Sam Anderson Principal Hancock Siobhan Fallon Hogan School Bus Driver
Here's a link to the Wikipedia write-up of the film.
Release Date: 1994
Directed by Robert Zemeckis.
Labels: biography2, dramedy2, fantasy3, period4, popcorn-and-soda4, satire2, tom-hanks
Cocoon
- Who's watched: M & G
- Mentions: *1* *2*
- Commentary: This is not an often watched movie of ours. Sometimes my mother can stand it, sometimes she can't. Same with me. We both have a little bit of a problem with the dancing couple, although they add outrageous comic relief. We both agree there are a few offensively clichéd depictions of the elderly but, overall it's clean. Mom's favorite relationship is the one between the couple whose wife has advanced dementia. Mine is the relationship between Jessica Tandy's and Hume Cronyn's characters.
Update 5/14/2020: It is interesting to note, here, that, throughout our companionship, which lasted for 15 years, my mother never thought she had dementia and acted as though she didn't. Maybe this is partly because she was only mildly demented, if you want to classify her condition (and, while she was alive and we were companions, I never did) and partly because I never treated her as though she had dementia. I mean, never. If she had some difficulty that might have been chalked up to dementia, I treated it as though it was simply a human difficulty, not a demented-human difficulty. I mean, brass tacks here: All the difficulties, all of them that manifest, sometimes profusely, when someone is demented also manifest, in lesser degrees, sometimes much lesser to non-existent degrees, in people who aren't classified as demented. And that's the truth [imagine a loud raspberry, here]!
Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Don Ameche Art Selwyn Gwen Verdon Bess McCarthy Wilford Brimley Ben Luckett Maureen Stapleton Mary Luckett Hume Cronyn Joe Finley Jessica Tandy Alma Finley Jack Gilford Bernie Lefkowitz Herta Ware Rose Lefkowitz Brian Dennehy Walter Steve Guttenberg Jack Bonner Tahnee Welch Kitty Linda Harrison Susan
Here's a link to the Wikipedia write-up of the film.
Release Date: 1985
Directed by Ron Howard.
Labels: aliens, dramedy2, fantasy3, hume-cronyn, popcorn-and-soda4, science-fiction2
Monday, November 14, 2005
Twilight Zone: 1st Season
- Who's watched: M & G
- Mentions: *1* *2* *3*
- Commentary: Mom and I were both excited about finding this at Costco. Alas, the series, for us, anyway, is much better in memory than in reality. We have no quarrel with its reputation, its place as a cultural icon, its historical significance as literature and television and we concede intellectually that it was a groundbreaking series. But we couldn't help but laugh through several of the episodes. We're keeping this season but I don't think we'll be purchasing anymore. We both, by the way, continue to love Rod Serling's voice during his introductions.
Update 5/13/2022: I did not even think twice about consigning this to the library, once Mom died, although, it should be said, she and I actually never watched any of the episodes, again, after our first "outing" with this. I probably could have donated it long before Mom died. In addition, I'm not going to bother to set up a table of Actors and Roles, there are so many.
Here's a link to the Wikipedia write-up of the series.
Release Date: 1959-1960
Directed by several people, no women.
Labels: dramaA, fantasy3, mystery2, suspense2, TV2
Unbreakable
- Who's watched: M & G
- Mentions: *1* *2*
- Commentary: This movie has an hypnotic effect on me. Aside from enjoying the super hero theory postulated in the movie and loving the way the father/son relationship is portrayed, I have a strong response to its technique, including the choice of shots, film editing, the way the story unfolds, the direction of the understated performances...every time I watch it I discover something new. It is, so far, my favorite Shyamalan movie. Mom likes its atmosphere but finds the story disturbing although she sticks with it when I watch it.
By the way, in addition to Roger Ebert's review of this movie, linked to the title of this post, there is an intriguing article on the cinematographic composition of this movie by Jim Emerson that is fascinating to read, if you're into understanding why this movie keeps you captured, scene to scene.
Update 2/10/18: This movie began my curiosity about and interest in super hero movies and stories. Not all of them, mind you. I'm a picky customer so there are many I don't like, often, for instance, later installments in super hero series, like Iron Man. I can only stand the first one. Be that as it may, I have a small, particular collection accruing and this is the first.
Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Bruce Willis David Dunn Samuel L. Jackson Elijah Price/Mr. Glass Robin Wright Audrey Dunn Spencer Treat Clark Joseph Dunn Charlayne Woodard Mrs. Price Johnny Hiram Jamison 13-year-old Elijah Eamonn Walker Dr. Mathison Leslie Stefanson Kelly
Here's a link to the Wikipedia write-up of the film.
Release Date: 2000
Directed by M. Night Shyamalan.
Labels: dramaA, fantasy3, haunting2, m-night-shyamalan, me-favorite3, mystery2, samuel-l-jackson, super-hero2, suspense2, violence3
Sunday, October 09, 2005
Shakespeare in Love
- Who's watched: M & G
- Mentions: None
- Commentary: This is one of my favorites. I think we originally watched it on television without Closed Captioning. Mom isn't as familiar with Shakespeare and 17th century English as I am but I think she'll like this story, once she can read the lines. I love it. To me it's an overview of much of the best of Shakespeare.
Turns out, I was right. She did enjoy it when she could read the lines, even though she's not a Shakespeare buff. The thing about this movie is that it's colorful, there's lots of action that underlines the plot, and the acting is often, on purpose, so close to the top that it's in danger of spilling over, but, that's so much the better for the kind of movie this is.
Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Joseph Fiennes William Shakespeare Gwyneth Paltrow Viola de Lesseps Geoffrey Rush Philip Henslowe Colin Firth Lord Wessex Ben Affleck Ned Alleyn Judi Dench Queen Elizabeth I Simon Callow Edmund Tilney Imelda Staunton Nurse Tom Wilkinson Hugh Fennyman Daniel Brocklebank Sam Gosse Rupert Everett Christopher Marlowe John Inman Lady Capulet actor
Here's a link to the Wikipedia write-up of the film.
Release Date: 1998
Directed by John Madden.
Labels: ben-affleck, colin-firth, dramedy2, fantasy3, historical3, imelda-staunton, judi-dench, me-favorite4, romance3, shakespeare, tom-wilkinson
Big
- Who's watched: M & G
- Mentions: None
- Commentary: Mom has to be in the right mood for this movie. As a former elementary school teacher she is all too aware of how children long to be adults and that the truth of the matter is that adults may long to be younger adults, but they don't long to be children. Ever.
Despite my mother's discomfort, and disagreement, with this film, watching it always puts me in the right mood, but, then, I was never a teacher, formally, and never had kids, on purpose. Penny Marshall is a sentimental genius.
Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Tom Hanks Joshua Baskin David Moscow Young Josh Elizabeth Perkins Susan Lawrence Robert Loggia Mr. MacMillan John Heard Paul Davenport Jared Rushton Billy Francis Kopecki Jon Lovitz Scotty Brennen Mercedes Ruehl Mrs. Baskin
Here's a link to the Wikipedia write-up of the film.
Release Date: 1988
Directed by Penny Marshall.
Labels: comedy2, coming-of-age2, fantasy3, female-director1, john-heard, popcorn-and-soda5, tom-hanks
Tuesday, June 28, 2005
Waking Life
- Who's watched: G
- Mentions: *1* *2*
- Commentary: Now, this is my idea of a comedy! I laughed and laughed all the way through this thing, and then was stunned at the end! I never think to watch this movie when Mom's awake. I don't know if she'd like it or not. She surprised me with her devotion to My Dinner with Andre so, you never know. If she ever sees it, I'll be sure to report.
Roger Ebert reviewed this movie twice. His initial review is linked in the title to this post. He reviewed it again when he christened it as one of his Great Movies.
Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Wiley Wiggins protagonist Eamonn Healy self Ethan Hawke self Richard Linklater self
Here's a link to the Wikipedia write-up of the film.
Release Date: 2001
Directed by Richard Linklater.
Labels: animated, dream1, fantasy3, film-art2, me-favorite3, pseudo-cgi-animation, satire2
What the Bleep Do We Know?
- Who's watched: M & G
- Mentions: None
- Commentary: This movie is seductively misleading. Many of the ideas are tantalizing to contemplate, but there are inconsistencies and contradictions that show that this movie is more a travelogue for New Age Meta-Physics. It is colorful, though, and provocative to watch. Much less so, though, than, say, Cosmos.
The most glaring problem is that the movie doesn't live up to its hype and does not fulfill even the blurb promises. I bought it sight unseen (stupid move, always) on the recommendation of someone whose knowledge of me and opinion, especially in these matters, I value. Unfortunately, it is one of those recommendations that casts an uneasy light on the value of the recommender's opinions.
The second problem lies in its hazy way of sometimes including what we think of as the inanimate world in on the "you create your own reality" scenario, then explicitly excluding it. Example: The narrative cites the experiment done in Japan that involved an experimenter writing descriptions of feelings on pieces of paper, using them to label jars of water, then doing what I imagine is a combination EEC/MRI on the cells of the water; the water, of course, mirrors the state written on its label. This experiment begs several questions, not the least important of which is, what about the reality of the water?
This movie is not going to change anyone's life, I don't think, not directly, anyway, but it's fun to watch. I haven't decided, yet, whether I'm going to keep it or eventually trade it in.
The third is that, in the end, the movie is a promo for a movement. Makes the viewer wonder about the involvement of each of the cast members. Always a bad idea, except in historical perspective.
Mom enjoyed it, especially the sessions with the 35,000 year old basketball hustler.
Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Marlee Matlin Amanda Elaine Hendrix Jennifer Barry Newman Frank Robert Bailey Jr. Reggie John Ross Bowie Elliot Armin Shimerman Man Robert Blanche Bob Larry Brandenburg Bruno
Here's a link to the Wikipedia write-up of the film.
Release Date: 2004
Directed by William Arntz, Betsy Chasse & Mark Vicente.
Labels: fantasy3, female-director2, science, spiritual1
Wednesday, February 16, 2005
Groundhog Day
- Who's watched: M & G
- Mentions: None
- Commentary: I have fond memories of Mom and me watching this movie. Mom does not. That's okay, though. Despite her lack of time acuity, she has a peculiar ability to grasp this movie and delight in it's circularity. But, she never remembers seeing it. Which, I suppose, is a plus.
Update 2/7/18: You may think it strange that I thinned this one out of my collection, considering what a good movie it is, how lauded it is. All I can tell you is this: Mom and I watched it so much that I knew I would never watch it again. It's been tattooed onto my mind. If I feel the urge, I can always check it out of the library. In almost 10 years I haven't felt the urge.
Roger Ebert, however, felt the urge more than once. Along with his initial review, linked to the title of this post, Ebert serenaded this movie twice [first here then here] as a Great Movie pick.
Finally, Jim Emerson in his Scanners co-site recommends not only the movie but a companion article singing the praises of the movie. Check out the immediately previous link for yet another link to that goodie.
What's the matter with me that I sent this movie to the library dog house? Almost makes me feel craven. Not!
Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Bill Murray Phil Connors Andie MacDowell Rita Hanson Chris Elliott Larry the cameraman Stephen Tobolowsky Ned Ryerson
Here's a link to the Wikipedia write-up of the film.
Release Date: 1993
Directed by Harold Ramis.
Labels: comedy2, fantasy3, mystery2
Sunday, February 13, 2005
What Dreams May Come
- Who's watched: M & G
- Mentions: None
- Commentary: This movie was recommended to me by another customer looking for movies as Valentine's Day gifts. She and I explained to one another what we were looking for. I had a list...she did not. But, she suggested this movie, and another, which I'm going to return as, after I came home I remembered Mom and I had 'tried' the movie on cable and couldn't get into it. Not even with Gena Rowlands, who we'll usually watch in anything.
Anyway, I remember being suspicious of this movie when it first came out, around the time that John Edwards became very popular. Not that I didn't find him fascinating, too, for awhile, and my mother was hooked on his shows, but, for some reason that I can't remember, I dismissed the movie without seeing it.
So, neither of us has seen it, it should be interesting, and I don't know if we'll be keeping it or passing it on to someone else.
Update 2/14/05: We watched this movie last night. We both found the special effects fascinating, although we made the mistake of watching the movie mid-late afternoon and we definitely have a sun and glare problem in our living/dining area.
Mom had trouble keeping in her head that most of the movie was taking place in "heaven" and most of the people were dead. First, too, when she oriented herself, she thought Cuba Gooding, Jr. was god, then Max von Sydow (who played Jesus in one of her beloved Bible Movies). She also noticed that Robin Williams mugs his way through the emotional scenes in serious pictures. I'd never noticed this, but she's right. He does. He has an "emotional scenes mask" that is clearly detectable. I remember it, some, from a very obscure picture he made: Being Human; less so, interestingly, in Good Morning, Vietnam.
She also has her own very specific and very liberal ideas of "heaven"; some of which dovetail with some of the ideas in the movie...some of which don't.
I found the theology/spirituality interesting, considering that it is being put forth before the public (which wasn't all that risky in 1998; I don't think this is why the movie didn't do all that well), but not as daring as my own. Truth is, I'm not sure whether we'll watch this one again.
Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Robin Williams Dr. Chris Nielsen Cuba Gooding Jr. Albert Lewis/Ian Nielsen Annabella Sciorra Annie Collins-Nielsen Max von Sydow The Tracker/Albert Lewis
Here's a link to the Wikipedia write-up of the film.
Release Date: 1998
Directed by Vincent Ward.
Labels: dramaB, fantasy3, max-von-sydow, popcorn-and-soda5, pseudo-cgi-animation, robin-williams, romance3, spiritual2
