toph33 Reviews

Chapter Two (1979)

Witty and funny

[10/10 · 9 May 2003]

In short, a classic example of an effort where the dialogue runs the film, not special effects, sex, or some other 'popular' innovation. The repartee is bright, witty, and hilarious. Reminds me of the Walter Matthau-Glenda Jackson films.

The main characters' initial phone exchanges are phenomenal and hilarious. Later, the two supporting characters (played by Joe Bologna and Valerie Harper) have a meaningful exchange after being interrupted during a daytime tryst. Great dialogue. Well worth the two hour running time!! Enjoy.

Message in a Bottle (1999)

Excellent and believable love story

[9/10 · 31 January 1999]

I saw this movie on its opening "sneak preview" night. As such, I had no prior knowledge or information about the story beforehand.

It was fantastic from the standpoint of casting. Even the supporting characters added to the story. The chemistry between the characters is marvelous. The screenplay was well-done. I cannot recall a single dopey or extraneous line. Costner, Wright-Penn, and Newman are marvelous -- especially Newman. He literally leaps off the screen at you and nearly steals some of the scenes. He is also responsible for most of the movie's more humorous moments. Costner redeems himself as a first-rate actor. Wright-Penn has a tremendous screen presence and is very believable.

It is long and I did catch myself looking at my watch a couple of times, but only because I knew when it was supposed to end and wondered how the close was going to be handled.

I was disappointed in the ending. Otherwise an excellent film.