cathexis_belle Reviews

The Phantom of the Opera (2004)

If you are a fan of Andrew Lloyd Webber, this is a must see!

[10/10 · 25 December 2004]

I was somewhat skeptical that Phantom as a movie could work without Michael Crawford; however, Gerard Butler took the part and made it his own! Butler's extreme good looks worked to make him sympathetic to the audience and made the shock of his insanity more extreme. And Emmy Rossum did a fabulous job as Christine, maintaining the innocence and yet providing the edge when needed. Minnie Driver was a riot and played the diva to a T. Patrick Wilson did not immediately grab me; however, his voice eventually won me over. The sets were gorgeous and staging perfect. Over all, an excellent transition from the stage to the screen! Beautiful! Absolutely beautiful!

Lost in Translation (2003)

deadly dull psuedo-intellectuals

[1/10 · 24 May 2004]

Besides the utter bleakness of this film, the fact that a Yale philosophy graduate has NO books displayed prominently in her hotel room is a sure sign that a

Hollywood psuedo-intellectual penned this script. If `Charlotte' were such an intellectual and was so bored by her stay in Japan, then why is she not seen

reading? And what about the internet? I just really couldn't buy into the premise and felt absolutely nothing for the shallow characters. The few laughs are at the expense of the Japanese people and I think that Bill Murray's face would crack if he changed his expression. An utter waste of time in my book.

John Q (2002)

Terrific acting; lousy premise

[7/10 · 3 August 2003]

The cast performed fabulously in roles that easily could have been

laughable. Denzel's heart-wrenching performance was perfect and

the rest of the cast deserved accolades for carrying off this

implausible storyline. If you want a good cry, this is it. If you want a

good argument for health care reform, which was the thinly veiled

motivation for the movie with a nod toward gun control, this is not

the movie to see. At every turn it contradicts itself including the

ironic plea made by one doctor not to take the child to the county

hospital (ie. government run hospital) because a heart transplant

would be considered elective surgery there. At the end of the movie

there is a media montage with Hillary Clinton promoting her

program which would essentially make all hospitals government

run hospitals.... As a result, the message is somewhat garbled

leaving the viewer confused about what the movie is supposed to

be saying.

The Scorpion King (2002)

a fun way to escape from reality

[8/10 · 28 April 2002]

My husband and I went to see The Scorpion King last night and thoroughly enjoyed it. I am a sucker for myths, swords, and magic so was able to easily "suspend my disbelief". No, it isn't the best film I've ever seen; however, it provided exactly what I was looking for in a movie.... a fun evening in a faraway place. Dwayne Johnson performed quite well for a novice and contributed eye candy to the film. His sidekick, Arpid the horsethief (Grant Heslov) was hilarious (okay, he didn't beat out Benny from The Mummy....but close!). And I was fascinated to learn that Johnson did all his own stunts.

On the whole, I was not bored... which may not sound like much; but, I tend to get bored fairly easily. The action, the dialog, the setting, were enough to keep my attention. I didn't even take out my PDA and play a game, which I've been known to do during movies that couldn't hold my attention!

George of the Jungle (1997)

Great family movie

[10/10 · 1 December 2001]

Okay, so have you ever noticed that the movies you want to see are not necessarily the movies you want your kids to watch? And anyone who sat through the Thomas the Tank Engine movie knows that the movies your kids are able to see are either unbelievably boring or bordering on socially unacceptable. George of the Jungle is a very light comedy which is enjoyable for everyone. This is the first movie during which I heard my daughter laugh out loud... even after the 500th viewing. Yes it is silly... but, Brendan Fraser is at his hottest in this film. It is worth watching just to see the bod!

Still Breathing (1997)

May be Brendan's best

[10/10 · 13 November 2001]

This movie is fabulous! Brendan Fraser gives ones of his most superb performances in this off-balance romance about the power of love. If you are looking for _Encino Man_ or _Blast from the Past_, you'll find this film too high-brow. Fraser's character is almost saintly in his belief of everything right and good while his L.A. love interest provides an interesting counterpoint with her deviousness and jaded outlook. This may just be my favorite Brendan Fraser movie!

The Mummy (1999)

Great escapist film

[9/10 · 5 November 2001]

This film is not for those seeking serious drama or adventure; however, I do think that this movie is a great escape from the mundane. Who wants reality? Thank you, I get my fill every day. Brendan Fraser shines in this role with enough of his usual goofiness to keep the film from bogging down and yet he makes the role his own with just the exact right touch of comic book hero. The one liners are great fun; but, you have to listen carefully or they will whip right past you.

And if you are into the special effects.... Oh my gosh!

Bottom line.... This is one of my favorite films just because it is fun!

Benny & Joon (1993)

Hilarious!

[10/10 · 31 August 2000]

This quirky romantic comedy contains some of Depp's best comedic acting... The most wonderful scenes are his "silent film" acts where he rivals Buster Keaton in his ability to generate guffaws with mere expression. And when the lines are spoken.... hilarious. But the movie does have its serious side and does generate questions as to how the mentally ill should be treated in our society.

Animal Behavior (1989)

This is a light romantic comedy with great shots of the University of New Mexico.

[9/10 · 31 August 2000]

As an extra in this movie, I got to see the behind the scenes production and found myself entranced by the innate sweetness of Holly Hunter and Karen Allen. The movie is not terribly deep; however, it it is funny and provides what it was meant to: entertainment. Filmed mostly at the University of New Mexico in the early 80's, the scenery is gorgeous.

The Ninth Configuration (1980)

One of the best movies I have EVER seen!

[10/10 · 31 August 2000]

I don't know why this movie isn't better known because it rates an A+ in all aspects. I saw this movie back in the early eighties and still remember the scenes vividly.... It will haunt you with its message. Don't even try to second guess where the plot is going... Just let it wash over you. The ending is absolutely incredible... Don't miss it!