Clara Reviews

Johnson Family Vacation (2004)

Laugh If You Want To

[13 April 2004]

My 13 year old son laughed his behind off. He can't wait til this comes out on video. Probably will be one of his Sunday night faves. For someone under 20 the gags and bits were new and a refreshing change from what's in the theaters lately. Those of us over 30 that have seen quite a few comedies on tv and at the movies know a recycled joke and its punchline before it can be completed.

I counted at least 10 scenes (including the hiker girl, hotel desk clerk, Tangerine etc) that if I were the editor, I would have cut because there was no relationship to the storyline or character development. I know, in real life stuff happens daily that doesn't relate to whatever big event or season going on at that moment. I do expect more from a film though. With the short amount of time allotted you have to be selective in what actions support what reactions. This didn't happen here. Sort of slapped together. I can't imagine what the editor DID cut.

See the movie if you don't get out much and don't own a tv. Wait for it on video if you love the stars in the film. Buy the soundtrack if you crave house music (70's R&B). Most importantly don't buy into any political hype/rhetoric because it is just entertainment afterall. The folks did their jobs, got paid and went home. Next!

Secondhand Lions (2003)

Great Video Library Addition

[20 September 2003]

Halfway through the movie I knew this was going to be one film to anticipate coming out on video (DVD). Can't wait for my son to see it. There was just enough story and action to appease everyone's interest (comedy, romance, activism, adventure). Clearly it was Old Yeller meets Indiana Jones - two GREAT movies. Duval and Caine are two of my favorite actors. I hope Osment's stock appreciated from exposure to these veterans. Two loose threads for me: the title still gives me pause, but I refuse to blow a fuse over it and the REAL story of the old men's younger-days antics. The ending had me unashamedly cheering (I don't get out much). Recommend highly.

Toodles and Peace everyone.

The Fighting Temptations (2003)

Great Job

[20 September 2003]

I saw the movie this afternoon and read the reviews/comments a few minutes ago. Glad I did it in that order or I would have compromised my receptivity. The similarity to Sister Act 2 (as a few mentioned) was my first impression along with last year's Thy Kingdom Come. The cast was superb (seeing the O'Jays alone was worth the ticket). Had I been the film editor/director here's my two areas of improvement: expand Beyonce's dialogue beyond REACTIONS to other character dialogue (what happened to baby Daddy? relationship to Aunt Ruby? goals, plans?) and explain Rue McClanahan's presence (she seems to have stumbled in on the set with no connections. Love her though, but character development was short cut in a lot of critical places. I plan to get the CD soon.

Peace and Amen everybody!

Lovesick (I) (2005)

Matters of the Heart Matter

[8/10 · 28 May 2003]

Two Cambodian Americans discover love and each other just when their lives take an emotional nose dive. Rang has just lost his mother, a year after losing his father. Left to raise and mentor his wayward younger brother, he maintains traditional Khmer values of honor and family. Bopha dropped out of college to work at her family's cafe. She learned over dinner that she has become engaged to Veansa, a man she never met via an arrangment between their parents. Rang spots Bopha on the streets of Chinatown one evening, love at first sight and tries to follow but loses her in a crowd. Weeks later as Bopha is about to pump gas into her car, Rang spots her again asks her out for coffee. They begin an innocent friendship because she immediately tells him that she is "taken." Rang sends Bopha calla lillies every day until she calls him. Slowly love deepens between the two. Family honor thwarts the lovers from getting together. Family tragedy changes their direction and attention.