Cynzmyname Reviews

Girl, Interrupted (1999)

Inner Demons

[10/10 · 27 March 2006]

Too few films today stick with us after the credits roll. Too few films show us a piece of ourselves, even if we are afraid to admit the similarities. Too few films ask us to be proactive and make the movie a catalyst to changing our lives. But films like Girl, Interrupted, What the Bleep, and RevoLOUtion give us enough credit to not just entertain us, but to teach us without condescension and expect us to get off our asses and become better people. Girl, Interrupted is great in that it examines both the positives and negatives of therapy, and while it is life-changing for some, others are just not able to heal by utilizing it. A new film called RevoLOUtion, shows us that some of us can fix ourselves. The character, Lou, has a terrible stutter, but the bigger idea is that we all have had a "stutter" moment in our lives and if we have the courage to relive it like Lou does, we can overcome it like Lou does. Most adult issues stem from childhood and if we can go back to that place and understand why it caused a chain reaction that shaped our lives, we can break that chain and move on. These films are important and need to be seen.

The Gospel of Lou (2003)

A film that forces you to look inward

[10/10 · 24 March 2006]

Anyone who doesn't like this film is one who is afraid to explore his or her own demons. This film does make the viewer a little uncomfortable at times, but that is its intention. It asks you to look at your own life and confront the obstacles head on like Lou eventually does. It asks you to overcome the fear of perception and become who you are meant to be. Bret Carr holds up a mirror unlike any filmmaker has. The intention and the message is clear and profound. People's apprehension about this film stems only from their own insecurities. An open-minded viewer takes this inspirational message and runs with it. Sometimes a life- changing realization DOES come in a flash -- a light bulb going on. This story is real and changes the lives if its viewers in a real way.

A Walk to Remember (2002)

Finally, a movie about teens that's not a "teen movie"

[10/10 · 27 January 2002]

"A Walk to Remember" reminds us that characters under the age of 20 can be mature and complex, or grow to be that way by the end of the story. This is one of those stories that makes you want to be a better person. Although there is an abundance of predictable moments, it's nice to see a movie that doesn't include every crappy part of reality. Movies are a form of escape and this one shows us what we CAN be, not what is expected of us. Mandy Moore really pulled off the role. Although she has natural beauty, she was never "made over." It is obvious that she is never overloaded with make-up and Landon falls in love with who she is, not how she looks. I was pleasantly surprised by her acting ability, I saw Jamie on the screen, not Mandy. Also, I've been a fan of Shane West since "Once and Again" began and have been waiting for someone to give him a great role for him to show off his amazing talent and versatility. From beginning to end he completely transforms as a character and I can't wait to see what role he'll take on next! This is sure to be a springboard for leading roles in major movies for Shane. "A Walk to Remember" takes us back to a time when movies were what you WANTED life to be, not what it WAS. Congrats to the amazing cast and crew (and author Nicholas Sparks)for bringing this wonderful story to life and restoring hope in Hollywood movies.

The Princess & the Marine (2001 TV Movie)

Excellent!!

[10/10 · 20 February 2001]

First of all the fairy-tale story is so compelling, especially because it's true. I thought that the acting by Mark-Paul Gosselaar was exceptional. He has really grown into a fine actor. I have never seen anything Marisol Nichols has been in, but I thought she brought a unique innocence combined with strong will to the role. They had great chemistry on-screen and their characters, from interviews I've seen, remarkably reflect the personalities of the real Jason and Meriam. This has become one of my favorite movies and I've only seen it once!