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Reviews
Running on Empty (1988)
A perfectly acted, moving film.
Running on Empty is so very non-Hollywood and succeeds on every level. You haven't the big-name cast, 20-something sex kitten, special effects, recycled story, nor one-liner spewing hero. None of those are needed to convey a heart-felt story of family and sacrifice for the greater good.
It is filled with marvelous performances. Most notably Christine Lahti(Annie Pope), River Phoenix(Danny Pope), and in a very small but amazingly effective performance, Steven Hill(Donald Patterson).
If you have had enough canned plots and explosions recently, do yourself a favor and rent(buy) Running on Empty. Certainly among Sidney Lumet's best.
Happy viewing!
Lonesome Dove (1989)
Sheer perfection. 6 hours and I wanted 6 more(or more)
Lonesome Dove has the uncanny ability, at a 6 hour length, to flow by as quickly as a 60 minute episode of "24". You never find yourself bored or looking forward to the next scene, as each scene you view is thoroughly engrossing in and of itself. Even without the tour de force performances by Robert Duvall and Tommy Lee Jones, the remainder of the all-star cast is fantastic. With the 2 leads, you have an absolute western classic which stands up to any piece that John Ford put out.
Seabiscuit (2003)
Great film in the vein of Rudy, The Karate Kid, Hoosiers
If you liked the aforementioned underdog films with characters you found yourself truly caring about by the climactic scenes, then Seabiscuit is right up your alley as well. A great film suitable for the whole family.
The Commitments (1991)
Charming, addictive little piece.
I find myself unable to NOT want to see this film again and again. The utterly believable characters, their relationships, and the terrific soul soundtrack make this a film with outstanding rewatchability. I find it to improve with each viewing (going on 50 or more here). Thank you once again Alan Parker.