jauntie2 Reviews

Saved! (2004)

Smart, Witty ... and NOT What You Might Expect

[22 June 2004]

When I saw the promos for "Saved!", I thought, "That looks like it might be good." I'm pleased to say that it exceeded my expectations.

Don't expect to see a "standard" summertime teen flick. The writing and characters are smart and witty. Don't think of it as just a put-down on devout Christians. It's more of a slice of life known as "The ones who don't fit in with the Popular Kids," and the effects of ANY over-zealous group.

As always, Jena Malone is a gem, and even "Mac" Culkin gives a good turn. I agree with an earlier reviewer who said the Jewish girl (you KNOW I can't remember how to spell her name!) almost steals the show. As an aside, she's the daughter of Susan Sarandon.

Passionada (2002)

How wonderful it was to see a well done "feel-good" movie.

[26 August 2003]

Passionada is an interesting, romantic movie that is sometimes drama and sometimes comedy. You know ... real life without all the death and destruction.

Basically, the movie is about a ne'er-do-well gambler who is captivated by a beautiful and seemingly unattainable singer in a small restaurant. However, it is so much more than that. The romantic leads are mature adults, the singer being a widow with a teenage daughter. The British gambler is staying with friends in New Bedford, Mass, which has a Portuguese fishing subculture.

The viewer is introduced to this interesting (and infrequently depicted) subculture with its exciting music and intriguing cuisine. Generational differences and interfamilial dynamics should be familiar to someone of any culture, nationality, or ethnicity.

Sofia Milos is wonderful as the breath-taking Celia Amado. You are likely to leave the theater wanting to find/view more of her work. While all of the actors were quite good, Milos was simply superb.

The Perfect Mother (1997 TV Movie)

Major Kudos to Tyne Daly

[19 July 2003]

If there was ever any question in your mind about what a terrific actor Tyne Daly is, you MUST see this movie. The themes of "every mother wants what's best for her family" and "only a mother knows what's best for her son" are taken to (sometimes unexpected) extremes.

The movie had the potential to be predictable, but Daly's performance blew that possibility right out of the water. She scared the "heck" out of me (and I've always LOVED her)!

Road to Perdition (2002)

If a gangster/crime movie can be described as "beautiful," this is it!

[23 February 2003]

I'm not partial to movies that are potential "downers" or have a favorite actor playing "the bad guy" or against type. However, friends wanted to see it, so I went...wondering how the portrayals by Tom Hanks and Paul Newman would affect me. As we walked out of the theater, the first thing I said was that it was a beautifully shot movie. I was deeply moved by the acting (especially that of Tom Hanks and Paul Newman)but was even more dazzled by the cinematography. When it came time for Oscar nominations, I feared the movie might be overlooked because of its release "early" in the year. I was actually thrilled to see the nomination for Best Cinematography and was happy for Newman's nomination in the Supporting Actor category. Am I the only person who was shocked by the omission of Tom Hanks from the nominations? Don't avoid seeing this movie because of its dark and, at times, violent nature. It is, indeed, beautiful.