donaldnj1 Reviews

Cavedweller (2004)

Liked it a lot

[8/10 · 10 November 2005]

I was engaged by the movie. Thought the plot was believable enough, the direction good and the acting superior. One of my favorite sleeper films. Also the title song has remained with me, many months later.

I thought the film dealt well with a number of real human situations involving sibling rivalry, sickness and death, the contrast between rural and urban lifestyles, the breakup of the nuclear family, etc. And I wound up caring about all of the main characters. I don't ask much more of a movie.

It does have an indy feel to it, but I thought that added to the charm. I would definitely add it to my library and watch it every now and then.

Adaptation. (2002)

My favorite movie of 2002, top oscar candidate.

[10/10 · 31 January 2003]

I enjoyed this movie on many levels. Although I have often seen it categorized as a comedy, I thought it was too clever for that simplistic a label. It also worked as a mystery, as a nature lesson and a love story of sorts. The shots of the Ghost Orchid were spectacular. It was an acting tour-de-force (by Cage and Cooper). I think it deserves the best picture and best screenplay oscars, and the best actor award would also be in order for Cage and supporting actor for Chris Cooper (as in the Golden Globes). I've seen it three times.