Dave-in-Hayward Reviews

The Passion of the Christ (2004)

It is as it was...

[10/10 · 3 March 2004]

While Mel takes some artistic license in his version of this ancient story, the basic thrust of the narrative is extremely accurate to the Biblical text both in detail and in, I believe, import of the original writers of the Gospel stories.

I will concede that I count myself among the faithful and that I understand with the same mind and heart that which Mel Gibson (and billions of other

Christians) understand and believe regarding the significance and meaning of

this event. So my view, some would say, is biased. But I equally believe that those who deride and malign this film are equally biased in the reverse … if they were to be intellectually honest.

The violence is not integrated into this movie for the perverted pleasure of those who like violent films. If that were the case, the millions of Christians who have lined up to see this film wouldn't have given it the time of day. More likely, they probably would have protested it.

The violence is played out in great detail for ONLY one reason. And that is to show us what it was REALLY like for Jesus to die such a death. Anyone who

thinks we who believe, enjoy this kind of violence is seriously mistaken. It only serves to demonstrate to us what we believe scripture tells us that our God

really suffered.

Some reading this may think that violence never happened or didn't happen so

severely. And you are free to think that way if you wish. But don't be so silly as to think we enjoy this tale of violence. We only appreciate our Savior more

because of it. But we wince with every whip lash.

The Goodbye Girl (2004 TV Movie)

Save your time and rent the original

[19 January 2004]

I loved the original. This remake was just painful. Try though he might Jeff Daniels could not carry off the roll of Elliot with any degree of charm, humor or frenetic energy that Richard Dreyfuss made work so well in the original. Matthew Perry MIGHT have been a better casting choice for Elliot, but it's hard to follow a classic.

And though Patricia Heaton is much easier on the eye than Marsha Mason ever was, she seemed to be phoning in her part as well. Marsha sold the part of a hopeless romantic who'd been dumped one too many times. Patricia seemed to be acting like it was one of her Albertson's commercials.

I really tried to cheer for this remake, but it just didn't hold a candle to the original.

Open Range (2003)

Story telling at it's best

[9/10 · 20 August 2003]

Kevin Cosner might be to story telling via celluloid as Garrison Keillor is to story telling via the spoken word. I can't say I've particularly liked, or even have seen ALL of his films, but this current offering is in the spirit of a couple of his very successful previous efforts, Dances with Wolves and Field of Dreams.

Like the later titles, Open Range is 90% an emotionally compelling story that develops at a deliberate pace, yet it delivers all the action modern audiences need to stay interested in a story.

The fight scenes are filmed in the stop action, gritty method as used in Saving Private Ryan which lends to the feeling of chaos as described by Cosner's character (Charley Waite) in the movie as he warns Duvall's character (Boss Spearman) that the moment of violence will be swift and furious.

This film is not for the faint of heart when it comes to character and plot development. In other words, if you need non-stop action and violence, then this movie isn't for you. But if you care to invest 138 minutes in getting to know and care for compelling characters, laced with a touch of humor and the requisite conflict, you'll be pleasantly entertained by this fine offering from Kevin Cosner.

Cutthroat Island (1995)

Fun escape

[7/10 · 13 August 2000]

Some have called this movie a stinker. However, our family likes it. If you need a movie to make you think hard, then perhaps it's not for you. But if you enjoy a fun, adventure escapism movie, it's not bad. It's swash buckling, so how much plot can you expect?

I give it a 10 for fun, and a 6 for plot.