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Nedzel
Reviews
Capturing the Friedmans (2003)
An excellent documentary, a fascinating story
I saw this film last night and have been thinking about it all day. I can't even begin to tell friends about it because it would just take too long. It is an unbelievable story and a must-see film. There is so much to this story, so much going on in these people's lives. It is a larger picture than just being about the crimes that were supposedly committed. Andrew Jarecki's even-handed direction is to be commended. He gives us an incredibly complicated story of very troubled people. We are immediately swept up in this tragedy but never told what to think. I can only say it is amazing and should be seen.
Nirgendwo in Afrika (2001)
an excellent film
I found this film to be quite interesting. After so many WW2/Holocaust movies,especially on the heels of The Pianist, I was glad to learn a story I hadn't heard before, that of a German Jewish family who fled to Kenya in 1938 and lived there 9 years. Actually, I thought this was a more compelling story than The Pianist. I felt much more connected with the characters, who were very well defined by an excellent script. I also felt that it was an interesting portrait of a marriage put to the test under terrible strain. Well worth seeing
The Slaughter Rule (2002)
A very good film
I thought this was a great movie. The script and the cast are very strong. I personally think a sign of a good movie is that it takes me somewhere I've never been, shows me characters I've never seen before, in situations I don't ever expect to be in, and lets me totally understand what they are experiencing. Regarding the comment from RitchCS in Ft. Lauderdale that the film is only showing on the Sundance Channel, it is playing this week in Chicago at Facets Multimedia so it may in other "art house" theaters around the country. Catch it if you can!
Antwone Fisher (2002)
what a boatload of Hollywood B.S.
The low expectation I had for this film was confirmed when I saw it, unintentionally, at a sneak preview. I will say that Derek Luke is the only bright spot in this re-telling of the same old story of a troubled youngster helped by kind and wise mentor. This actor is very appealing but the film offers no new insight into the struggle to find the truth in one's life. In fact, I would say that the last half hour of this film is insulting to anyone who is truly struggling with parental issues. It's all wrapped up nice and neat and pretty, and way too quickly, with the main character never gaining any knowledge of his mother or her life. This is just another serving of Hollywood fluff that is just to sweet to swallow.
Things Behind the Sun (2001)
an excellent film!
This is an excellent film about a very difficult subject. All the performances were great as was the script. I thought the scenes of the rapes were very well handled. I give full credit to all those associated with this film. Too bad Don Cheadle lost to Steve Buscemi at the Independent Spirit Awards!
À ma soeur! (2001)
I would not recommend this movie
OK, Fat Girl isn't as appalling as Requiem for a Dream but it's in the same ballpark and my reaction is the same. What is the point of movies like this? I know that life is not a Nora Ephron written, Penny Marshall directed, Tom Hanks starring movie. I know that life is difficult and that all human beings have the potential to hurt each other but why make a film that leaves the viewer with absolutely nothing to take away with them? No shred of comfort or hope. I'm sorry I saw this movie.
Requiem for a Dream (2000)
rent Pi and Alice Doesn't Live Here Anymore instead
What made me angriest about this movie, what makes me angry about Hubert Selby Jr.'s writing in general, is the torture of innocent people. Why in the world do we have to see Ellen Burstyn's character mercilessly destroyed? My perception is that the younger characters were drug addicts by choice but Burstyn was a victim, cruelly mishandled. My esteem of Aronofsky has slipped since he teamed up with Selby. Pi is a much more rewarding film as is Burstyn's performance in Ellen Doesn't Live Here Anymore.