svannozzi Reviews

The Sum of All Fears (2002)

Forget that you have read the book.

[11 June 2002]

This movie is very good and worth the money to go see. IF... you are able to forget that you read a book by the same title who's author was the executive director of the film. If you are able to separate the two you will enjoy the film. I found that I was able to enjoy the film but had long discussions and was bothered by many inconsistencies from the book. The location of the action (Baltimore), the time (2002), the time the activity took place in Jack Ryan's life (early), the level of his position within the CIA (low), the lack of any other fears to sum up, all were very different from the book and while I was able to enjoy the film as I watched it is has been bothering me more as I reflect on it.

So my recommendation is see the movie then read the book, I have found that to be true with most of Clancy's work. I guess a movie just can't handle the whole story.

The Grass Is Greener (1960)

mature whit

[12 October 2001]

This movie has a very mature whit, it is not an "adult film" but young people just won't get it. I watched it the first time in my twenties but did not appreciate it as I did when I saw it in my thirties and had been married for many years. Cary Grant's character is caught with the possibility of loosing the wife that is the center of his world. He must choose between making a fuss or letting her go quietly. He feels if he makes a fuss the choices are she will stay and they will both be unhappy or she will still go and he will have lost his stiff upper lip. The plot is added to by his wife's best friend that would be very happy to console him if his wife leaves. (hey I would be happy to console Cary Grant) The script is a hoot the dialogue lively and cunning. The only real action is a duel at thirty paces that shows who is willing to give his life for the love of his life. The set is a little constraining but the stately homes of Britain are pretty stuffy in real life. The casting of Robert Mitchum as the American millionaire is perfect, he is very American and everyone else is so very British his is really the odd man out.

I enjoy this movie every time and recommend it for a relaxing, amusing evening.

Charade (1963)

the unexpected becomes the usual

[10/10 · 28 August 2001]

This is one of my top ten films, it is fun and mysterious. The change of identity five times by the main character keeps you on your toes. The cast of supporting characters is phenominal and the final sequence of discovery is pure suspense. I often think this should be a Hitchcock film but it is not. Cary Grant and Audrey Hepburn are favorites and together they are magical. This is a must see film for fans of either. I give it 5 of 5 stars.