pmarring Reviews

Callas Forever (2002)

Soaring luminous in heart and soul

[10/10 · 22 September 2005]

This one is to buy and keep on DVD. Exceeding all expectations, Callas Forever moved me to a place far beyond tears. I watched it alone because my husband has little interest in music, less in musicians or singers, an exceedingly practical, professional man who knows how to persuade and organize people while making lots of money and friends.

Then I watched a second time at his insistence. He, too, was transfixed.

Callas Forever is a labor of love. Many labors of love. The famed director, Franco Zeffirelli counted Maria Callas as a close friend for decades. In this film he recounts "fantasy and memories" of their great fellowship. It's fascinating to watch this platonic relation work cinematic magic.

Fanny Ardant playing Maria Callas is sublime. Jeremy Irons is empathetically strong. And Joan Plowright is as funny and formidable as ever.

See this film if you're not afraid to feel deeply.

Monster-in-Law (2005)

Great fun -- food for thought, too!

[10/10 · 26 August 2005]

There aren't enough movies like this. Jane Fonda is hilarious! Human relationships need more light, less heat; this film supplies the former in all senses of the word.

Have seen it three times: once in a theater, twice on trans-continental flights. Familiar family stresses in high comedic livery make people laugh, think about the dynamics of relationships in a fresh context.

Highly recommended for those who can get their heads out of fantasy and denial. There is not a single car chase, faux murder or simulated coitus in the whole 80+ minutes. The first half hour or so is a painless setup for the athletic hijinks of Jane as prospective mother-in-law, pretty people, nice clothes, acres of expensive baubles to scan. The rest is uproariously funny upheaval of wedding plate tectonics.

Watching the audiences on both plane flights, I was surprised to see the wide range of people who were drawn in to the action on screen and delighted. Refreshing change from the predictable Hollywood prescription for selling tickets and concession food. Not as original as "March of the Penguins," but what is.

Lara Croft: Tomb Raider - The Cradle of Life (2003)

Conspicuously underrated film

[9/10 · 30 July 2003]

Glad we bestirred ourselves to watch this movie, as it is innovative, energetic and vastly entertaining.

The neon lighted gymnastics alone are worth the price of admission. Terrific stunts all around.

With gorgeous photography, delicious eye candy, and brilliant, flawlessly flowing sequences, it's tempting to watch it a rare second time.

And what a refreshing conclusion for an action-adventure romp, a total surprise!

Miss Congeniality (2000)

Survived the drive home 'though we couldn't stop laughing

[10/10 · 27 December 2000]

Great entertainment! Sandra Bullock has grown past her other roles as she adds graceful athleticism to an already formidable repertoire. A delightful performance from beginning to end. This is an actor who can change personae without seeming effort from one end of the spectrum to the other.

The writing is exquisitely hilarious and unpredictable, especially for a comedy with so much physical energy. The jokes flow so fast and profusely we almost didn't have time to breathe, although kids might not catch a lot of the gems as they whiz by in an ironic insider staccato.

Members of my family who have been in beauty pageants laughed the hardest and longest as they recognised truth after poignant truth.

And the movie keeps its delicate balance between excoriating the hypocrisy and shallowness of the promotions while acknowledging the intelligence and decency of the women who participate.

We made it all the (hysterical) way home although my husband repeated funny lines all the way.

Candace Bergen and Michael Caine are excellent too.