LeeRoss1 Reviews

The Tree of Life (2011)

A Masterpiece

[10/10 · 25 May 2012]

From many of the negative reviews and the tone expressed in them, it is evident that this masterpiece of cinema is meant for a more highly educated, sophisticated audience and not for the Avengers/Transformers crowd. To the experienced cinemaphile, The Tree of Life may be one of the most magnificent films ever produced and one that will certainly live on in memory and history. The imagery, use of music, and spiritual message of this unique motion picture will overwhelm and stun the individual viewer willing to drop defenses and embrace the incredible experience provided by Terence Mallick. Many will be frustrated that the film is not linear and lacks the explosions and car chases that satisfy the masses every weekend. For the literate, intellectual individual it true Cinema in its purest form and brilliantly done. The Tree of Life will be embraced and cherished for all time by those who understand that film is more than eye candy escapism and can achieve artistic heights beyond the reach of the juvenile mindset of the average movie goer. It is a tragedy that films of this kind are so rare and this sort of cinema experience is denied those of us who crave it because of the taste of those who exist in a cultural wasteland of reality shows and video games. These people may bring their money to the theatre in large quantities but they leave with empty souls and review films here, expressing a dullness and witless comprehension of real cinema art.

Apollo 18 (2011)

Brilliant Film that Transcends Sci-Fi Genre on Existential Level

[10/10 · 16 January 2012]

Spanish director Gonzalo Lopez-Gallego has brought a film of such profound beauty and depth to the screen that to categorize it as science fiction is to do a disservice to he as a director and the ingenious script by Brian Miller. Working with a limited budget, the gifted Lopez-Gallego makes superb use of what is available to him to create a excellent recreation of an Apollo moon lander which is essential to creating an atmosphere of realism and incredible suspense for him to work within. He also puts a largely unknown American cast through their paces as they deliver unforgettably moving performances in roles that veteran actors would die to play. Ultimately, it is Warren Christie who will be remembered forever as the American astronaut with the most to lose and who must bear the greatest existential burden outlined by the story. Those who came together as artists have produced a film that has the courage to confront difficult questions regarding life and death, truth and lies, and duty and conscience. There is really no other film to compare this unique work to because it is so stunningly original in both concept and execution. Some of the scenes involving the astronauts' bitter confrontation with the truth and the unknown force that threatens them are so intense are unlike anything ever filmed before. Low-budget, independent films seldom garner the attention and awards they deserve, even when Harvey Weinstein has placed his personal imprimatur upon them, so the Academy will most likely pay this work little mention at all. However, director Lopez-Gallego, screenwriter Brian Miller, and actors Warren Christie and Ryan Robbins are names we will be hearing a great deal of indeed in the future. Under other circumstances, there would certainly be nominations for the director, screenplay, and Christie for a performance that sets the screen afire with emotion and leaves audiences sobbing. The technical work done in expression of the hypnotic script is on a par with some of the outstanding special effects houses in America. It is a mystery why there is such a low rating here and the absence of mainstream reviewers' high praise. Once all involved with this motion picture ultimately achieve the recognition they deserve, you can be sure that Apollo 18 will be reappraised by those who have dismissed it and it will go on to become a famous piece of artistic brilliance that initially heralded the arrival of director Gonzalo Lopez-Gallego to the English language format and Brian Miller to the ranks of the truly legendary writers of truly fine scripts. There is little doubt that Warren Christie will become a household name when he is reevaluated on the basis of his acting here. Most importantly, do not deny yourself the honor and enjoyment you will experience when you view what is an overlooked masterpiece that has somehow been sadly overlooked. You will not soon forget it and the haunting questions and images it will leave you with.

Walker, Texas Ranger (1993–2001)

Television At It's Finest

[4/10 · 31 December 2011]

No one who has watched even a single episode of this program can ever forget what they have seen. That is the sort of visceral effect it has on viewers. This show will forever stand as a tribute to the artistic vision of Mr. Norris and it is his guidance that so profoundly directs all aspects of production. Stunning in execution and production design, there has seldom been a more beautifully produced drama presented on the small screen. However, it is the character development and existential depth expressed through one of the most superb casts ever assembled that is truly memorable. These are actors who have perfected their craft and none is more excellent in his role than Norris himself as Walker. He has created a magnificent icon in Walker and virtually carries each episode through his electrifying performances. Norris brings heart and subtle strength to a characterization that could easily slip into parody but never does. What could well be a cardboard stick figure is given flesh and blood feelings and a certain angst that is unique because of Norris. He has brought to the screen a character of three dimensional realism and there is a touch of the Method that shows through and makes for some powerful performances indeed. Walker, Texas Ranger deserves more recognition for its contribution to culture and the tremendous talent of Mr. Chuck Norris. I only regret that I came to the series late and missed the initial excitement with which viewers anticipated each episode's first run. While I can not share in that, I feel fortunate to discover this program in repeat presentations that are timeless as well as truly superb in the strictest sense of the word.

The Hangover Part II (2011)

There Are No Words

[1/10 · 26 December 2011]

I have loved film all my life and my appreciation of motion pictures as an art form has been a very important part of who I am. I have also always been liberal and open minded in my approach to that art form, seldom seeing in a film nothing of value. However, I left the theater after experiencing The Hangover, Part II, with something within myself profoundly changed. It was as if I had personally witnessed a crime against humanity, a savage act against basic human decency that was not simply depicted in the film but was the very film itself. Unlike the funny fluff of The Hangover, the empty headed nonsense that caused chuckles galore in theaters across the world, Part II is a dark and sinister expression of pure nihilism that assaults the essence of the soul. There are no words to describe how I was affected as I stumbled alone into the night at the conclusion of what was a violation of every fiber of my being. Those responsible for this motion picture not only lack even a small shred of morality, they actively conspired to record images that can never be forgotten once inflicted upon the innocent viewer. No one in their right mind would seek out the indescribable suffering endured by those who have survived The Hangover, Part II, even the most jaded masochist. Perhaps a truly sick mind, the sort that imagined this film and managed to corrupt mankind with what they produced, would find their sociopathic nature enriched by seeing it. To those who even slightly embrace the concept of their personal humanity and have no desire to have violence done to their very being, let this review be a warning. What is suggested to be a comedic follow-up to The Hangover is nothing of the kind. In reality, it is something so terrible that audience members will be haunted by what they have seen for the rest of the lives, if they still wish to continue living after their experience of The Hangover, Part II. I only wish I had read a review by one of this films hapless victims prior to subjecting myself to the repugnant power of such a vicious monstrosity.

Midnight in Paris (2011)

Borning and Not funny

[8/10 · 26 December 2011]

I like Woody Allen movies sometimes and thought Take the Money and Run hilarious. This movie is not nearly as funny. In fact it isn't funny so much as confusing. I had no idea who the people were that Owen Wilson was meeting were except maybe for Hemingway, who was a writer and who wrote The Old Man and the Sea, among other books. I don't know a lot about painting and I guess some of these people were painters. It was strange that so many Americans were just driving around Paris in the middle of the night for no reason. Why were they in Paris anyway? Never explained. I couldn't figure out why Owen Wilson would get in a car full of these people, although he seemed to know them all for another unexplained reason. That was pretty unbelievable. He just happened to recognize all of them but I never heard of them if their famous. It didn't make sense and I guess the time travel thing was all in his head. Owen Wilson is pretty funny in most movies, like Night at the Museum and Marley and Me but he just was boring in this movie. I think a lot of that has to do with Woody Allen. He didn't give his actors anything funny to say or do. He just expects us all to know who these people are and if we don't he tries to make us feel dumb. Well, like I said, I don't follow painting and so I didn't get a lot of the jokes because of that. I laughed twice during the whole movie which isn't good. I go to movies a lot and am a pretty big film buff but this just went way over my head and most people won't understand as much as I did unless they are college teachers or trivia experts.

Appropriate Adult (2011)

Perhaps Emily Watson's Finest Performance

[9/10 · 25 December 2011]

Emily Watson, one of the great actors of our time, gives a superb performance as Janet Leach that may well be the finest work she has ever done. She is nothing less than hypnotic here as she lays bare the soul of a vulnerable woman who is involved in an experience she is completely unprepared for. While the portrait of Leach is profound and an incredible achievement, Watson doesn't get in our faces with her ACTING because she is almost invisible as she disappears into the character. What a truly memorable, stunning performance this is. The entire cast is excellent, as are all elements of the production, including writing and direction. However, it is Emily Watson who elevates this film to an artistic level of depth and realism that makes it totally riveting. There is no attempt by Watson to draw attention to herself and "steal" the film. "Gosford Park" is another example of how she shines in an ensemble piece and it naturally becomes her showcase. Her style is not flashy enough and far too superbly subtle to win Oscars. There isn't the teeth gnashing PERFORMANCE style of a Charlize Theron in "Monster", the sort of Halle Berry one-shot fluke that brings home the gold. Watson is an artist in the truest sense and it's her work alone that is her reward. In this film, what she does is so extraordinary, even for her, that perhaps the praise of critics will this time cause award committees and voters to take note of an actor they have too long overlooked because she never yells "look at me!" At any rate, reward yourself by watching an excellent film with an outstanding actress at her best, as usual.

Blindness (2008)

Unpleasant, Meaningless Trash

[1/10 · 15 December 2011]

This is the most unpleasant, empty film ever made. Stomach turning in its imagery and disgusting in its execution, this lost a fortune at the box office and the director should have been sued by those who were in the audiences that had to suffer through the part they endured before walking out. Haunting in the worst way possible, the film will leave the viewer with nightmares from which they may never recover. No other motion picture in the history of cinema has left me feeling so ill and overwhelmed by nausea. From concept to the end credits, I sat there too stunned to move. I felt paralyzed by a sickening hopelessness that was being burned into my very soul as the film unreeled to its miserable end. As it flickered upon the screen, I found myself muttering repeatedly, "why...why? In the name of humanity...why?" It seemed as if I had been subjected to the cruelest episode of self-indulgent masochism ever aimed at an audience for the amusement of a sadistic director. I will never forget this motion picture. Nor will I ever forgive anyone involved in its production. As I staggered from the theater and into the light of day, I collapsed on a bus bench next to a planter full of petunias. I grabbed a handful of blossoms and held them to my face as tears streamed down my cheeks. I was glad to be alive, to be free of that awful film, and electrically charged with the realization that the director is someone who I need never be punished by again. In truth, I had done nothing to deserve what I had just gone through. I am a good person and no one can ever do that to me again!

Red Dragon (2002)

Emily Watson Triumphantly Steals This Film!

[20 November 2011]

This is a fine film and well crafted, with all the elements of a thriller in place. Anthony Hopkins does a good job of recreating his role as Lector and Ed Norton is adequate in his part as the FBI agent. However, as usual in films that feature her, Emily Watson overshadows all the other actors with a performance that is nothing less than superb. With her stunning eyes she is the perfect choice to play a woman who has spectacularly beautiful eyes but is sadly blind. Few other actors in the history of motion pictures have captured so excellently a blind person while always wide-eyed and without the aid of something like sunglasses. Watson should have been nominated for an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for what she adds to this film, although in reality she is almost the star. Emily Watson is the most gifted actor of our time and her body of work reflects challenging triumphs in roles that have resulted in two Oscar nominations. She has devoted much time to her family and has not been used in as many films as one can be sure she has been begged to be part of. It is amazing that she seems almost ageless and has she progresses into her 40's she has lost none of her simple beauty and rapid undercurrent of extreme sexuality. She is not beautiful in the Hollywood clichéd sense of the word. This is a real woman who is beautiful in the sense that viewers of her films can not take their eyes of her in any scene in which she appears. She has a electromagnetic sexuality that is overwhelming and entices audiences to surrender themselves to her completely. This is a woman with a unique talent that is unsurpassed by any other female working in film today. Each of her films is truly a gift of herself and unforgettable for simply her presence in them. She is capable of taking each film and making it her own to do with as she wishes, just as she has in a very personal way with this reviewer. It with eager anticipation that each piece of her work is awaited. Even in fluff such as the Waterhorse, her scenes with Ben Chaplin and the explosive chemistry of repressed passion she brought to them is what is memorable. Only she could elevate an Adam Sandler movie like Punch Drunk Love to the level of high art. Red Dragon will be remembered by most people for what she brought to it and who she is. Emily Watson once again gives a performance that is an astonishing achievement and an unforgettable gift to audiences. It is unique talent to make every single member of an audience feel as if an actor has reached from the screen and touched each of their individual hearts with her essence as a human being. This, simply put, is Emily Watson, actor and woman. I deduct one star from my rating for the director not taking more advantage of having the greatest actress of our time at his disposal!

The Mill on the Floss (1997 TV Movie)

Simply Put:: Emily Watson Is Overwhelming!

[18 November 2011]

Emily Watson is magnificent as usual in this film and typically makes it her own with her very presence. Not beautiful in the clichéd, typical Hollywood way, Watson sets the screen on fire with her fiery passion and electric sexuality. When she is in a scene, one finds it impossible to take their eyes off of her. Her eyes are captivating and those uniquely seductive lips fascinate. She is a superb actor and her art is aided dramatically by her sexual power. The viewer is overwhelmed by that sexual intensity whenever she appears. No other actress in the history of film has communicated fantasies of unrestrained passion by simply standing before the camera lens. In fact, the camera is hers to do with as she wishes, just as every man watching this film is. No, she is not fashion model beautiful. This is a real woman, a woman who as she progresses through her 40's is just reaching the epitome of her seductive magnetism now. Emily Watson is this film and it is all her. One star must be subtracted because other actors interfere too often with Watson and are really unnecessary to the pure enjoyment of Watson's fantastic performance and unwavering passion.

Four Friends (1981)

A Disaster

[1/10 · 2 March 2011]

I came very close to walking out of this incredible mess when I saw it during its original release. The story is not only ridiculous, it is nauseating. The dialog is stiff and unnatural and the plot is from another universe where people might possibly behave like they do in this opus. I squirmed through every single second and stayed only out of respect for the director and it was raining hard outside the theater. There is not one likable character in this film and not one of them seems to be sane. An atrocious script and a sad failure for Arthur Penn. From the grosses recorded here, I seem only one of a handful of people to suffer through this in a theater and even after nearly 30 years I recall the pain as if it were only yesterday and want to return to that box office and demand my money back! How anyone could enjoy this junk is beyond me. It doesn't even qualify as a film that is unpleasant but offers a growth experience and reflects some aspect of the human condition. After all these years, I needed so much to get this off my chest and express my utter outrage and contempt for a movie so bad that whenever I hear it mentioned I am overcome by nausea.

Beneath Still Waters (2005)

A Masterpiece Not to be Missed

[10/10 · 10 October 2010]

Yuzna is a genius and one of the two or three directors of the last few decades to be recognized as a true artist in the medium of film. Anyone unfamiliar with his body of work has been deprived of some of the most beautifully realized masterpieces in the history of motion pictures. With Yuzna's move to Spain, his incredible talent has set the screen ablaze with some of the most astonishingly original works ever filmed. Spain has offered him an environment in which to fulfill his vision in ways which even surpass his past artistic triumphs. With "Beneath Still Waters", Yuzna has created a unique and fantastic world unlike anything attempted by lesser directors (although Benicio del Toro has perhaps come closest with his failure, "Pan's Labyrinth"). One hesitates to go into much detail regarding specific technique, story aspects, or other delights that should be left as gifts to be shared following the initial screen experience. Let it simply be said that Yuzna not only works his magic with imagery, but directs actors to performances of stunning power. The result is a kind of "realism of the fantastical" that distinguishes the director's touch and illuminates his genius. Once one has become immersed in the towering experience that is "Beneath Still Waters", only the feast available in the remaining Yuzna body of work will satisfy. These films are not for the casual viewer looking for superficial entertainment. They are strictly for the lifetime student of film who appreciates the work of an artist that understands completely the medium within which he works and has mastered its full potential. For those prepared to be truly moved, spiritually overwhelmed, and artistically engorged, the longtime Yuzna scholar envies you your discovery of the treasures that await you. Your journey with one of the world's truly gifted directors will leave you forever changed.

Monster Ark (2008 TV Movie)

Superb Film

[9/10 · 11 July 2010]

Under the skilled direction of Declan O'Brien, this science fiction film becomes much more than a run of the mill SyFy production and achieves a level of film greatness seldom seen within the genre. In fact, the direction and screenplay combine to create a rare, poetically existential statement regarding the nature of faith. With outstanding cinematography and location filming certainly aiding in the overall excellence, the special effects are a special standout which deserve mention. But it is in the performances of the actors who bring a near perfect script to life that one can most clearly see the care taken in approaching the material. Veteran character actors are given an opportunity to display their full range of talents and they truly shine. Not wishing to spoil any of the surprises in the script or the stunning dramatic scenes, let it just be said that these actors give performances that are truly memorable. It surely doesn't hurt that the musical score is haunting and unforgettable. Yet, all this is not to say that the film lacks humor because there is some brilliant wit and sophisticated philosophical barbs well presented throughout. Declan O'Brien is most assuredly an up and coming new director and his name deserves to be noted. It would certainly be worthwhile to seek out his other work and watch his growth as a director during the procession of his career. At any rate, this particular film is one the viewer will not soon forget and worth the consideration of anyone who seriously appreciates fine cinema.

Lonely Are the Brave (1962)

A Truly Great Film

[10/10 · 15 October 2007]

One of the best films about the struggle of the individual and freedom in a society bent on crushing those concepts. Douglas is superb and the Dalton Trumbo script is one of his finest. The existential themes are deep and moving and this film can not help but touch one's heart. The supporting roles are consistently fine and the production values are first rate. Simply one of the most moving, beautiful films ever made by Hollywood and unforgettable due to the writing, directing, and acting. If I were to make a top ten list of my favorite movies, this would be one of them. A magical movie viewing experience. I could go on and on but this is truly one of the great ones.

The Big Country (1958)

A Great Film

[9/10 · 14 October 2007]

This film has a stunning opening sequence with credits by the great Saul Bass and one of the most beautiful scores ever composed. The performances a outstanding and William Wyler's direction is simply first rate. It is one of the most underrated movies from the 1950's and is a perfect example of why Gregory Peck was one of the biggest stars of his time. The story may be far-fetched at the end but overall this is a western that should not be missed by anyone serious about film. The credits alone are worth the viewers time and the visuals are unforgettable. Even Chuck Connors does a fine job and Charlton Heston is excellent. The fight sequence between Peck and Heston truly shows the futility of violence and the scenes of humanity dwarfed by the natural environment are superb.

The Wind and the Lion (1975)

Outstanding Film

[10/10 · 1 September 2007]

Sean Connery and Brian Keith give wonderful, charming performances in a stirring film that makes for a thoughtful action adventure. There is great wit, insight, and political observation, which is as topical now as when it was made. As incongruous as Connery's accent may be in this role, he is perfect in his role. Keith was never better and his portrayal of TR is superb and worthy of an Oscar. Certainly an underrated actor who knew his craft and makes this movie a memorable experience. Fun, Romantic, and Beautifully filmed, it is a historical epic, yet intimate and touching at the same time. Simply a lovely effort from a very talented writer/director who rarely realizes the potential displayed here.

Eureka (2006–2012)

Very Entertaining and Well Done Series

[10/10 · 21 August 2007]

Quite original, thoughtful, and well written series with a uniformly excellent cast. Each episode is a delight and the characters grow and develop as the series progresses. It is one of the more witty shows on television yet it also tackles some important issues as well. Cable television has become a haven for creative and talented people blocked from network expression due to the reality series craze. This is a perfect example of a creative work that has found a home on cable. Well-produced science fiction that doesn't take itself too seriously and still leaves the viewer with much to think about. It is interesting to see how important relationships are in this series and those are often much more important than plot and the sci-fi angle.

On the Beach (2000 TV Movie)

An Awful Remake and an Insult to Nevil Shute

[1/10 · 20 August 2007]

It is incredible how the novel by Nevil Shute has been corrupted and all power sapped from it's message. Subtlety, character, and the sense of hopelessness and horror are replaced by incredibly bad acting (sometimes just downright weird acting), questionable special effects, lots of corpses, and a plot that simply lacks sense. The novel still haunts me, the original film devastated me and gave me nightmares. This production was simply irritating, unnecessarily long, and populated by people I just could not care about. The issue of suicide seems to ignored completely and replaced by a passivity that's odd in the extreme. I suggest a reading of the Shute masterpiece and a viewing of the original film (seen in the context of the times, when nuclear war was all to real a threat and left many of us with nightmares about the horrible possibility.) This film is a travesty and a morbid curiosity at best. It lacks the powerful message and empathy of the intent of the author and producer of the source material.

Objective, Burma! (1945)

Outstanding Flynn Performance

[10/10 · 19 August 2007]

Flynn is superb in this film and shows he can truly act. Henry Hull as the newspaper man on the mission also is memorable. Overall, an excellent film with a great Oscar nominated score by Franz Waxman. One can quibble regarding the accuracy of what's portrayed, yet the film shines when it shows the fear and determination of the American soldiers. It is truly amazing what Warner Brothers could achieve on the back lot and at the Arboretum in Arcadia, CA. The set design is convincing and the special effects are very good. Pay special attention to the discovery of tortured American soldiers and the reaction of Flynn and Hull to the Japanese atrocities. I have never forgotten it.