TonyG-7 Reviews

Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest (2006)

Very good film

[8/10 · 22 December 2006]

I rarely see action films and resisted seeing the first film because it sounded too silly, despite the presence of the magical Johnny Depp. Eventually, though, I did see it and loved it. This gave me very high expectations for the second. For much of it, I was awestruck and, for a while, thought it was better than the first. However, as it dragged on the on, I started getting weary, wishing it would just wind it self up. An example is the water wheel sequence, which was initially clever and well-done but just went on way longer than necessary. I got the joke! Much like the 2nd Lord Of The Rings (which REALLY bored me) and Superman Returns (which I generally enjoyed), it could have easily been cut more judiciously. Despite that, I recommend you see it. I think you'll have a good time! One thumb up! 8/10.

Little Big Man (1970)

A little disappointed

[7/10 · 28 August 2004]

Just saw this again after many years and after reading the novel. I remember liking this movie back in the 70's although, even then, I thought it was too long. I came away this time feeling a bit disappointed. There were a few invented scenes and characters which i understand, but the obvious attempt to make the military look silly at the time of Vietnam (which I'm sure I enjoyed 30 years ago) did not occur in the book. Although Jack is never a fan of Custer, he DOES develop a respect for him, mainly by seeing how he handles himself during the final battle. It's also my opinion that Dustin Hoffman's best work was definitely ahead of him. Richard Mulligan & Dan George were much better, Mulligan surprisingly so. A good movie, but a novel ruined again.

Stuart Little 2 (2002)

Thoroughly enjoyable

[10/10 · 17 December 2003]

What can I say? I loved this film! I'm 60 years old and think it may be the best thing I've seen in a long time. The lines are funny, the emotions real & it never drags. A bit far-fetched? Of course! It's a cartoon with a few cartoonish live actors...and I enjoyed it more than Finding Nemo which was also well done. Just sit back & enjoy!

A Mighty Wind (2003)

This is a keeper

[8/10 · 18 November 2003]

Maybe not quite as sharp as Best In Show, but a whole lot of fun, nevertheless. I just watched it twice, which I never do, and found it fascinating both times. There is real feeling and humor here. Satirical, yes, but not mean-spirited...and with a lot of heart. Not for the "Meet The Parents" crowd: an intelligent, adult comedy. 8/10

A Chorus Line (1985)

Loved it!

[9/10 · 9 April 2003]

Unfortunately, I have never had the opportunity to see this show performed live, and maybe that's why I love this movie. In my much younger days, I did some stage work, which probably gives me another bias. The songs, the dancing, the acting: all fine, as far as I'm concerned. This is pure Broadway, so stay away if you prefer movies. :-)

The Count of Monte Cristo (2002)

Just What I Hoped For

[9/10 · 8 April 2003]

50 years ago (has it really been that long?), a young lad read a Classics Illustrated (anyone remember?) version of this and was captivated. He has long waited for a movie that would do the story justice. It is here! Wonderfully acted, wonderfully photographed...a great story, wonderfully told. Truncated a bit, yes...but still very well done. I only wish the LOTR was half as interesting. I am pleased :-)

Manhattan (1979)

Not as I remembered

[6/10 · 17 February 2003]

On the basis of one viewing about 20 years ago, I always considered this my favorite Woody Allen film. Upon further review, I am not so impressed. The cinematography is wonderful (I'm a sucker for New York, too), the acting is ok (Mariel Hemingway better than ok), and there are some good one liners, but, overall I found it boring and self-indulgent, especially in the directing. This film has no real reason for being...it's ultimately inconsequential. That makes me sad and now I have to watch my other favorites to see if they hold up. I still have hopes for Hannah, Misdemeanors, Purple Rose, & Love & Death. This one isn't in the pantheon anymore.

Amélie (2001)

Just enjoy

[10/10 · 8 February 2003]

Don't question...just enjoy...a highly original film! I enjoyed it so much! If you don't like it, that's ok, but, at least see it...give yourself the opportunity...and be open to the wonder. BTW, the cinematography is astounding!!

And if you loved LOTR, this probably isn't for you. :)

The Score (2001)

Ultimately, a waste

[6/10 · 30 December 2002]

Marlon Brando, in his first scene, channels Truman Capote and is wonderful. Ed Norton in his guise of a handicapped guy is superb. The rest is predictable nonsense. DeNiro is a fine actor but he chooses poorly. He should be playing Willie Loman or James Tyrone. He's throwing his talent away in stuff like this. Despite a wonderful cast, no better than a 6.

Rat Race (2001)

What a waste

[4/10 · 7 October 2002]

Why must I use four full lines to say anything about this movie? I hate wasting any more minutes out of my life on it. At least no talent was wasted because none was involved in it. No laughs, two chuckles, 4 stars!

Gosford Park (2001)

Not for everyone

[10/10 · 17 August 2002]

I wish I was more surprised that there are so many negative comments, but I'm not. This is not American Pie. It's a beautifully acted and very well written film for adults with an attention span of more than 5 minutes. Concentrate, it's worth it. I don't give 10's easily. This is a 10!

State and Main (2000)

Excellent film

[10/10 · 8 December 2001]

I don't usually have a desire or need to comment on my vote but I have read a few of the previous comments and wonder what film some of them were seeing. I suspect that some of them are fans of the pretentious side of David Mamet that just doesn't show up in this film. My wife and I both were laughing at the dialogue and admiring the direction and cinematography. It could have almost been a Cohen Brothers film. We loved it! This is exactly the kind of adult movie we wish there were more of. (And, speaking just for me, Rebecca Pidgeon has stolen my heart. :-)

Traffic (2000)

Disappointed

[7/10 · 24 June 2001]

Acting (Cheadle, Zeta-Jones, Douglas): 10 Directing: (clever, innovative): 9 Cinematography (shifting colors, lighting): 7 Story (coincidental, trite): 4 Overall impression :7

Cradle Will Rock (1999)

Wow!

[9/10 · 17 December 2000]

I liked this movie so much! Finally, something intelligent that assumed I am not an idiot. Oh yes, I quibble with the direction, although I suspect that Robbins let everyone do what they wanted to. Welles is horrible, but Houseman is close. Redgrave (and I am huge fan) was awful early, but better later. But...the movie had subplots, was convoluted, conveyed ideas, and yet was human...i loved it!

I wonder who it was that thought this movie should exist...and I thank whoever it is...I rarely watch movies more than once...this one I will!!

Rock Around the Clock (1956)

A Pleasant Surprise!

[7/10 · 6 July 2000]

Caught this on TV recently for the first time since 1956 when, as a 12 year old, I saw it at least twice that I remember. I was a huge Bill Haley fan there at the dawning of the age of Rock & Roll and thoroughly enjoyed this cheaply made little movie. When I started watching the other night, I wasn't expecting much and figured I'd just leave it on for awhile to hear some of that music. Well, I wound up watching the whole thing. Is it dated? Yep! Is it corny? Oh, you bet! Did I love it? More than ever! Bill Haley was quite believable as himself although seemingly just a bit embarrassed and the music was awesome. I had forgotten just how well the Comets could play their instruments within those three wonderful chords. I would recommend this to anyone who lived through the era. Go back and visit your roots. This movie Rocks!!

Inspector Gadget (1999)

Bad...just bad!

[2/10 · 4 June 2000]

I regrettably have to agree with everyone who hated this movie. I was expecting a fun time but this was boring and bad. Joely Fisher was good (but unecessary), I liked the effects, and that big glass building is awesome! Other than that...bad...just bad! My only consolation is that I watched it on tv instead of paying for it in a theatre. The trailer is way better!

Gonna give it a 2

Playing by Heart (1998)

A most pleasant surprise!

[10/10 · 7 May 2000]

I haven't watched too many movies lately, but was in the mood for one last night. I was going to watch Election (and I will eventually), but thought I might find something less satiric that my wife and I might enjoy together. What a pleasant surprise finding this film was. It totally held my interest with its, mostly, good acting and excellent writing, especially in the dialogue. How nice to see adults acting like mature, grown-up people for a change.

Angelina Jolie is absolutely fascinating, giving a most impressive performance and, much as I enjoy X-Files, I didn't expect such a likeable performance from Gillian Anderson. Unlike some others, I was less impressed by Sean Connery. In my opinion, he plays "big" very well, but is less than convincing playing "intimate". (I always this was a problem with Brando too). Dennis Quaid is rarely very good and he fulfilled my expectations here, too.

All in all, though, I really liked this film and am going to tell a lot of people about it.

Convoy (1978)

Who would have thought it?

[9/10 · 27 April 1999]

Of course it's stupid...it's based on a record of a fad, after all..but hey, it's also a lot of fun....Kristofferson in the part he was born to play...Borgnine as a great Smokey...sure McGraw is weak and miscast...so what...the last scene takes me back to my boyhood...I Love This Movie!!!

The Odd Couple II (1998)

not so bad

[7/10 · 26 April 1999]

A pleasant surprise...not nearly as bad as the critics would have you believe...sure, it's illogical and unreal, but it's a comedy...and quite funny at times...better than Grumpy Old Men.