REvans9092 Reviews

A History of Violence (2005)

Don't Miss It!

[10/10 · 1 June 2012]

This action-packed movie is one of the best films I've ever seen! It moves quickly and doesn't sugarcoat reality…dealing realistically with family problems such as bullying, crime and sibling rivalry. The actors are flawless in their STUNNING performances.

The main character Tom Stall (Viggo Mortensen) is a family man who owns & operates a diner. He's living on a horse farm with a devoted wife Edie Stall (Maria Bello) and two beautiful children…the American dream. His dream and bucolic life turn ugly when his past and current relationships collide.

The script is SO flawless that you begin to experience every circumstance that befalls each well-crafted character.

The school scene in which Jack Stall (Aston Holmes) is bullied is so realistic that it makes you cheer when Jack kicks the bully's ass.

Carl Fogarty (Ed Harris) looks and acts like a scary, bitter man.

I loved, LOVED William Hurt's character Richie Cusack. He's absolutely chilling and believable as the other brother who has gone to the dark side to head a crime family.

The final scene with Tom's daughter is touching and made me cry!

Every part of this story is well acted and well scripted. Don't miss it!

55 Days at Peking (1963)

Historical Blunder

[13 November 2011]

The opening scenes in this movie were beautiful...illustrating the grandeur and wonderful tradition of China. The rest of the movie was a mess. Boring, slow-moving, poorly acted and directed are just a few words to describe this over-priced epic. Historically, this movie portrayed the foreign soldiers as the beleaguered group. Weren't the Chinese/Boxers fighting for their lives too? Charlton Heston was miscast as an American soldier...he is better in sci-fi and religious movies. Ava Gardner, looking bloated and bewildered, is also miscast. There was absolutely no chemistry between Heston and Gardner. When Ava Gardner died (none too soon) it was a relief. When Charlton Heston discovered she was dead, he didn't react. I thought they were in love. Silly me. The "Chinese" actors were Caucasians made-up to look like Chinese! Don't waste your time.

Spy Game (2001)

Waste of Time

[11 November 2011]

I LOVE a good spy movie; however, this was NOT a good spy movie! It appears to have been a novel that the Director tried to transfer to the big screen. Less like LeCarre' and more like Seuss. For starters, it was boring. I kept waiting for some action. The only action was the 2.7 seconds of shots...and how annoying was that? Robert Redford and Brad Pitt both looked very weathered...two handsome men wasted. The only exciting part of the movie was the beating of Pitt by the Chinese...and that was fractured (pun intended). There could have been more romance to develop Pitt's love interest. The two helicopter's next to each other was SO corny. Certain things were missing: good direction, good script and good movie.

Water for Elephants (2011)

A Waste of Time and Money

[9 November 2011]

The best acting in this movie was the elephant's role...and he got tortured to perform. The viewers got tortured watching this slow-moving, poorly-acted film. I read the book and surprisingly, this movie closely follows the book. However, the book provided characters with chemistry between/among them. Reese Witherspoon and Robert Pattinson have no chemistry...period. They seem to be sleep-walking throughout the scenes...including the romantic scene, which is so dark that even a good imagination can't help it. Christoph Waltz has an accent that interferes with his English. After 2 hours, I began to understand his sentences. An Oscar should go to the elephant. Forget the rest of the actors.

16 Blocks (2006)

Sleeper of a Movie

[10/10 · 26 March 2007]

This movie is a real sleeper! It must have gone directly to DVD because I never saw it advertised in the theaters. BRUCE WILLIS, as the burnt-out detective, plays one of his best roles. He is an underrated actor who deserves every plaudit for playing this part perfectly. However, MOS DEF STEALS THE SCREEN when he appears as the fast-talking witness to a police cover-up. He delivers his lines in a credible, flawless manner...comical and at times sad. He lends the thriller a compassionate and funny presence. You'll laugh and cry. The special effects are exciting and believable. Few scenes are predictable and the ending is what every viewer wants after watching this story unfold. The other actors are wonderful!!! Don't pass this movie by. I purchased it for my collection.

The Cable Guy (1996)

The Cable Guy is Different!

[5/10 · 22 July 2006]

I kinda liked this movie...even though I watched it for 10 minutes then turned it off because I couldn't stand Jim Carey's over-the-top acting. I think Matthew Broderick saved this film from being trashy. When I decided to watch the movie again, I decided to ignore Jim Carey's facial and character stretches (hard to do) and concentrate on the story content. I laughed at this black comedy. Actually, the Cable Guy reflects societies problems. Our family and personal cliques; obsession with doing the right thing...as society deems proper; and the overall loneliness of most people who are trying desperately to make friends and contribute to other people's lives. The Cable Guy is truly a pitiful person. He's lonely and doesn't know how to make friends. His extreme actions don't endear him to many people. Most scenes are not too convincing; however, the Medieval Times restaurant segment is very funny and totally believable. Matthew Broderick lends credibility to his perplexed character. The ending is ridiculous. However, how else would you end this movie? I didn't buy this for my film library. A rental is good enough.

Romeo Is Bleeding (1993)

Romeo is Bleeding...and this film doesn't help!!!

[1/10 · 11 July 2006]

I regret spending several hours watching this film. How could anyone call this movie superb? It was more like a spoof than a serious bad cop vs. deadly woman gangster film. The acting was very good but the story was ridiculous. Probably the most absurd scene was Mona appearing with the "replacement" arm in place of her real arm. Did she cut it off all by herself with a chain saw, then bind and treat it with one arm? And their love scene..."Do you want it with or without?" Give me a break!!!How could anyone take this movie seriously? And what about Jack's mistress Sheri? He apparently didn't care that he shot her then left her body hanging from the wall. And, I didn't get the love story between Natalie and Jack. He seemed to love every woman he came across...and his wife knew he was a womanizer and just a convenient partner. I think this film started out as a thriller...then the writer ran out of a storyline and didn't know how to finish it. What a misuse of good actors. Don't waste your time watching it.

King Kong (2005)

KING KONG is a Terrific Movie!!!

[10/10 · 8 June 2006]

This movie is so much better than the original King Kong movie. I had to watch is in bits and pieces because it was too thrilling for one sitting. The special effects are exceptional...terrifying prehistoric creatures and humongous insects. The landscaping is a 3-D effect and provides the perfect backdrop for this "love" story.

In the original King Kong movie, the relationship between the gorilla and the girl was, in my opinion, ridiculous. However, in this remarkable remake, the relationship between KING KONG and the girl is believable and chilling. Naomi Watts is exceptional as the "beauty"; Jack Black is scary as the soul-less film-maker; Adrien Brody does the best he can do with his role. Of course, the star of this movie is KING KONG...and rightfully so!!! I must agree with the statement that this spectacular film is filled with "heart-pounding action, terrifying creatures and groundbreaking special effects unlike anything you've seen before."

KING KONG brought tears to my eyes. I won't be able to watch it again for a long time. My advice: BUY IT!!!

A Life Less Ordinary (1997)

Not an Ordinary Film

[8/10 · 4 April 2006]

I LOVED this film. It's a joyous, hilarious romp through the lives of two star-crossed lovers. The theme is original, unpredictable and full of surprises. Even the ending was a surprise to me. Cameron Diaz is an excellent actor as a rich-girl you love one minute and hate the next. Her quirky nature is presented in a credible manner. Iwan McGregor is believable as her fated, working-class lover. They act well together as a couple trying to deny their feelings for one another. Holly Hunter and Delroy Lindo are believable as well in their heaven-sent roles. There is violence but it fits into the scenes and is not excessive. You'll even laugh at the villains. Unfortunately, the love scenes are scarce...I would have liked a little more romance! This is a film to view in its' entirety...not in bits and pieces.

The Dark Hours (2005)

Horror at its' BEST

[10/10 · 1 April 2006]

This film is a real sleeper! It's one of the best horror films I've seen in 30 years...and it will keep you absorbed and waiting for the next scene!!! The superb acting, creepy scenes, and realistic situations make this an extraordinary flick. Since this is a Canadian film, none of the actors are familiar to me. Not to worry. Canada must have wonderful acting schools in order to produce such fine performers, directors and producers. There is a self-mutilation scene that is so real, you'll cringe in pain. The realistic theme will keep you watching to the end. And, the ending will leave you gasping and wondering if you "got it right." Don't hesitate to buy this film...you'll really enjoy it!

Memoirs of a Geisha (2005)

Not one of Howard's best films

[5/10 · 1 April 2006]

I didn't read the book so perhaps I was at a disadvantage is viewing this film. However, I found this film very convoluted and confusing...a real disappointment. Several hours of the film have very dark scenes...to the extent that many scenes are impossible to see! I didn't see any chemistry between the Chairman and the Geisha. On the positive side, the Japanese wardrobe and scenery is beautiful. I found the storyline interesting in that virginity is valued so highly in Japanese society that money is offered and the highest bidder wins. The Geisha is portrayed as a shy, retiring woman. How could she possibly interest any wealthy businessman...and get the highest bid? The rivalry between the women is disturbing and adds a harshness to the storyline. The romantic scenes are few and far between. I would have liked a little more romance! I will keep this film as part of my library, but I don't think I'll view it again. The ending is no surprise and somewhat fanciful. This film is a disappointing love story.

Phenomenon (1996)

Everyone Should See This Movie!

[10/10 · 25 September 2005]

This is a wonderful movie about LIFE. The story is presented as a "fable" with Alien Intelligence replacing Aesop. Love and death are covered in a humorous and serious vein. The acting is superb. John Travolta is believable as a "small-time" townie. Reaffirms the belief that people want a person to remain the same despite obvious changes. That love is an important element in everyone's life...and death. Has a wonderful scene in which George is explaining death to two children (main characters in the film and wonderful actors). In this scene, he explains that an apple is on its' way to becoming something else. I love this film and plan to purchase it for my film library.