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Reviews
Strange Bedfellows (2004)
Not as bad as I was expecting
I had to see this movie because it was filmed in my local area... Albury was used for the Sydney street scenes (no folks, that isn't actually Sydney!) and Yackandandah is an actual town about 20 minutes from Albury. I knew a lot of people who were extras in the film so the main reason I was going was to look for my friends in the film and try and ignore what I thought would be an absolutely terrible film.
However, I was surprised. I actually found the film somewhat amusing... the plot actually managed to distract me from searching for people I might have known in the background. While I would not say it is a great movie, it certainly isn't bad for a bit of a laugh.
Yackandandah is almost as beautiful in the movie as it is in real life and hopefully this film might help to increase tourism in the local area.
Hoges left his ability to act behind with his big knife in Crocodile Dundee I'm afraid, but playing an easy role such as this which didn't require much effort from him worked well. Caton was great... he really brings to life Aussie "characters" and did a good job in this film.
While the view of gay and lesbian culture may have been a bit skewed and over the top, the film is meant as a comedy so I think it can get away with it, because the whole notion of the film is fairly absurd so it just fits in with the tone of the film.
So overall, this film wasn't too bad. I would never have gone to see it though if it wasn't shot in my local area, but it wasn't a total waste of my $11 for the movie ticket.
Chicago (2002)
Dancing, Singing, Murder, Sex and all that Jazz- Wow!!!
This movie musical has it all, bringing a classic musical into a format that contemporary viewers can enjoy and understand. Intertwining story and song, performance and reality, Chicago stuns us with a fantastic soundtrack, a fantastic storyline, complimented by a fantastic cast.
Catherine Zita Jones (with her West End musical background) sizzles as the dark beauty Velma, while cute Roxie is played with skill by Renee Zellweger. Richard Gere brings the characteristic, smooth charmer Billy to life. When I first saw the cast for this I remember wondering "They can sing and dance???" Yes, they certainly can!! Zellweger isn't quite as skilled a dancer and singer as Jones however her performance does nothing to detract from the movie.
The Cell Block Tango would have to be my favourite musical number, with fantastic choreography and great effects with the sillhouettes.
The movie combines comedy, murder, intrigue and all that jazz for a combination that will delight audiences and help give the musical genre greater recognition amougst the general public.
Center Stage (2000)
Great Dancing Overshadowed Not-so-great Acting
The dance scenes and choreography in this film were amazing...... great beats, great moves. I loved the inclusion of some of the classic ballets (the Romeo and Juliet Pas de Deux is breathtakingly beautiful), as well as the modern numbers.
The acting and storyline was not strong, but I think the dancing was the focal point of this film and this is what made it so enjoyable.
All in all, a worthwhile film, that would hold special appeal for dancers and dance admirers.
Crossroads (2002)
Kept me in Stitches the Entire Time
This movie kept me in stitches for the entire time. It was absolutely hilarious. Despite getting lots of foul looks and "shhh"'s from devout Britney fans, my friends and I were unable to contain ourselves. This film was truly entertaining because it was just so comical.
Britney's acting stood out by a mile......... you can probably guess why. As for the storyline, it was hilarious. Britney Spears smart?? A doctor??? A nerd??? Willing to lose her virginity to a geek???? It was so absurdly funny.
Like an above poster said, the film was basically an extended video clip. They never stopped singing, much to the delight of many twelve year olds in the audience.
Basically, the film was what I expected- a shallow storyline centered around Britney Spears, who was often singing and semi naked.
I would recommend this film to 12 year old girls, dirty old men, and people who like to laugh at pathetic films.