smcl Reviews

Une jeune fille à la fenêtre (2001)

interesting film that lacks authenticity

[8 April 2002]

I saw this film on DVD, and for the most part, I enjoyed it. However, I did not always feel that the characters or the set accurately evoked the era it was set in. Also, the sexual experiences of the main character are left to guesswork. Did she have an affair with the young artist who goes off to France, or was she only involved with the Dixie-land musician? Does she die of a broken heart or was she dying all along? Some of the dialogue was a bit too corny. Realism can be taken a bit too far in the movies. A movie often appears corny and unpolished if there is too much realism in dialogue. In comparison to Mariages, which I saw earlier this year, and which did, quite powerfully, evoke a sense of time and setting, I liked the former better, although that movie was often bleak and slow-paced. I would give mariages a 7 out of 10 and A Girl at the Window a 6.5 out of 10. I am encouraged that more Canadian films are becoming more accessible and better in quality.

Where the Heart Is (2000)

Heartwarming

[8 April 2002]

This is a "feel-good" movie. Ashley Judd and just about everyone else in this movie did a fine job. Unfortunately, Natalie Portman, who did a fantastic job in "Beautiful Girls", let the team down. Her facial expressions rarely altered. If the eyes are the window to the soul, hers were permanently shuttered, and her face was a stiff mask. She was able to carry the comical parts quite well. Perhaps she has not truly suffered, or, conversely, she has suffered too much, to be able to convey sorrow or abject loss. The love scene, as well, was too, too romantic - not very realistic. The poor fellow did his best, but Natalie Portman did not convey a sense of undying love for poor Forney. Also, I had no idea the setting was Oklahoma until the tornado hit. I thought the setting was Texas. I do like Ms. Portman's work, generally. (Perhaps this character is the secretive type, who never gives her feelings away?) I might read the book and check this out for myself. My apologies if that is in fact the case. I would give this movie a 6.5 out of ten. I did enjoy it, and I would willingly watch it again, but it was a bit too corny.

After Alice (2000)

very well done, for a low-budget movie

[6 February 2002]

I don't watch PSI factor or any other tv science fiction series because they are either too badly written or over the top and really gross you out. But I do enjoy "psychic" movies. Kiefer Sutherland's performance was top-notch. He actually raised the calibre of the material with his excellent delivery of occasionally awkward or mundane lines. His professionalism is admirable. He refused to give a bad performance. The other psychic, Harvey, was a hoot and equally well played.I agree with Len Butz that this is a subtle movie and I thank him for his insight re Alice In Wonderland. I liked this movie very much. I would recommend this movie to anyone who enjoys watching fine performances, where an actor is given rough materials and actually improves the work by virtue of his own presence in the movie. He is doing an equally incredible job in his tv series 24, and certainly deserved his Golden Globe. If you don't go in expecting an Elm Street slasher, you will enjoy this movie.

Birthday Girl (2001)

This is not just another "heist" film

[10/10 · 28 January 2002]

I also saw this film at the Toronto Film Festival and thoroughly enjoyed it. Nicole Kidman, as usual, did a superb job. She really CAN'T give a bad performance. I went to see this movie because of her. But Ben Chaplin really stole the show. He was utterly convincing as the doltish "loser" who believes there is nothing odd about trying to find nuptial bliss via a mail-order bride. I'd seen Chaplin in "Thin Red Line" and "The Truth About Cats and Dogs" and he was definitely gorgeous "hunk material" in each role. Here, he did put on a bit of weight (purposefully?) and this, together with a boyish stammer and a few round-eyed, vacant stares, contributes to his doltish air. Well done! I give this movie eight and a half stars out of ten. A refreshing change from all of the heist movies currently on the market and nicely open-ended. Ben and Nicole have good chemistry, especially towards the end. She is such a strong, powerful woman, that it takes someone like Ewan McGregor, with loads of charisma and self-confidence, to match her up on the big screen. Go see this one... loads of laughs and something to think about, too.