Change Your Image
Lottie
Reviews
The Fighting Temptations (2003)
Audience applauds and dances
Deep cast, some quirky characters, and fabulous music and singers, take this movie far beyond its predictable plot. Some slow moments and one rather long Beyonce number near the beginning are well worth staying with to get to redemption, a touch of heart, and, when I saw it, an audience that spontaneously applauded. The closing title music had most souls movin' on down the aisles, smiling along the way.
Molly (1999)
Saved by Shue
Dreadful script, sappy and predictable dialogue, and phenomenally poor performances by all of the supporting actors would have caused me to turn this one off shortly after it started and many times thereafter. However, Elisabeth Shue's captivating performance (who cares about 'accurate'; it was a 'performance') kept me with it. I would rate the film without her a 2 or 1; her without the other bad elements I'd give a 9 or 10. If you're a fan of hers, it's well worth watching; otherwise, you probably won't want to sit through it.
The Insider (1999)
Fantastic film; realism at its best
_The Insider_ was riveting and tense; a beautiful portrayal of ordinary human lives in extraordinary circumstances. It would have been harder to watch had I not known it was a true story, simply because the plot and sequences were not as neat as in a fiction-based film. The lack of 'neatness' keeps you always aware of the reality of the story. The performances by Pacino, Crowe, and Plummer were breathtaking, and worthy of Oscar recognition.
Brainstorm (1983)
Intriguing, disturbing
Brainstorm is an amazing and beautifully crafted film, worth watching more than once. From the opening credits and the music that never quite resolves, it is one of those experiences that leaves one unsettled, but not untouched. The images, the stories, and the issues keep this film from succumbing to the temptation of being more science than fiction. The subtle performances and direction, although sometimes underrated, are intriguing and lend a sophisticated air.
Watch it as an experience rather than as a scientific treatise and you will surely have a great ride.
Sliding Doors (1998)
A great look at life
This is a great look at life, choices, destiny, and the changes in direction that can occur, both by our own hands and by events that happen around us. This film has it all: skillful acting, sharp writing, clear direction and amazing film editing. It's also a great ride.
The Big Chill (1983)
Whine, whine
A bunch of apparent grown-ups who forgot to grow up, and spend the duration of the film whining--one of the bigger disappointments of my film-watching career.