D.H. Reviews

Family for Christmas (2015 TV Movie)

Shockingly Sexist

[2/10 · 18 August 2016]

A successful career woman lives well in San Francisco (the common Hallmark movie trope "Big City = Bad, Small Town= Good" is in effect) but she is so burned out and depressed, that she can't even bother to make friends or even decorate her fancy high rise (seriously, it barely looks lived in).

When expressing a moment of doubt to Santa, he opens up the door to an alternate reality where that career is replaced by a family. She doesn't recognize her children, has no domestic skills, and feels completely overwhelmed. This is not what she wished for. She may think she prefers her old life as a single career woman, but Santa shows her that can't possibly be true. Despite her many protestations, she just doesn't know her own mind like he does.

NY-LON (2004)

I'm not sure when it all went wrong

[7/10 · 14 January 2007]

This started out well enough. Sure it is overly stylized, the music, though good, overwhelms the film, and some of the plot points are heavy handed, but I could overlook that in a made for television movie. The leads (Jones and Moyer) are attractive, and have some chemistry. I found Moyer gives his character a wounded quality of one whose circumstances have forced him mature before his time. Jones' character is, at times, inexplicably prickly and insensitive, but overall, she carries it off. Together, the two appear to have great potential.

However, the constant arguments that seem to come out of nowhere, can and do take their toll on the viewer. Like the couple, I still came back for more. I watched all seven episodes, despite eventually wishing the pair would just end it already.

The Way We Live Now (2001)

Unique

[10/10 · 19 January 2003]

A truly unique look at Trollope. The adaptation, direction and musical score are done with high style, wit and a decadent spirit that is rare in the more reserved British period pieces that one might expect from the BBC. It is immensely entertaining. I heartily recommend it.

The Passion of Ayn Rand (1999 TV Movie)

Claustrophobic

[6/10 · 21 March 2000]

From the very beginning of The Passion of Ayn Rand there is a feeling that one is watching people fall down a well, one after the other without concern for their own well being - never mind others (that would altruistic and therefore, forbidden). Though the film is not without interest (and gratuitous Showtime-worthy sex scenes), one can't help but feel trapped by the one note tone of dominance and submission. When the credits roll, the viewer understands exactly how the Brandens' must have felt when they breathed sighs of relief after having freed themselves from the boorish Ayn Rand.

Falling in Love (1984)

Flawed but has sentimental value

[7/10 · 29 October 1998]

This is a perfect example of how two great actors can triumph over almost anything. Despite an ineloquent script, somnabulate direction, and a dated film score this movie works entirely due to powerhouse acting from Streep and DeNiro (Though Weist, Clennon and Keitel are fabulous actors they have almost nothing to do here).

Also, if, like me, you are a sucker for scenes of New York you may be slightly heartened by shots of Grand Central Station, Rizzoli's on Fifth Ave., and even salivate over New York hot dogs.