skbrn Reviews

The Poseidon Adventure (2005 TV Movie)

Yet Another Example of How Directors can't direct (these days)

[1/10 · 20 November 2005]

I've noticed, in the last 5 years or so, that many directors (and I suppose script writers have to take some of the blame) have no idea how to create suspense and tension. This movie is yet another example of such poor skill. For example, the capsizing, which is supposed to be a pivot point in the plot, is instead treated as yet just another minor scene. Post flip-over people fall from the ceiling in the background-like big fat rain drops-while characters are chatting in the foreground. Another opportunity for drama and pathos lost in the world of cheese.

In the original (which really isn't that good of a film either, to be frank) we along with the stranded characters didn't know if any rescue was coming, yet in this film that thread of suspense is completely removed: we see the rather inept rescue as it begins from the get go.

The dialog is bad, the effects bad to just okay, the acting nothing impressive, really just local dinner theater level, all topped off with offensive stereotypes. And, as usual, the so called morally upright survive while the rather more human don't. All in all the result is pathetic, silly, and totally unnecessary.

And to think NBC pre-empted "Law and Order: Criminal Intent" for this pile of junk.

Far from Heaven (2002)

People have it wrong

[8/10 · 16 April 2005]

I'll comment more about this film later (just know that I think it's darn good cinema), however, I wanted to write a quick response to readers/viewers who think this is about life in 50's America. It's NOT; it's a send-up/homage to *films* of the 50's, in particular the soap- opera genre spearheaded by Douglas Sirk (not sure of the spelling). J. Moore is great as the protag; while the satirical nature of the movie could engender a lessor actor to go over the top a bit, Ms. Moore's portrayal is skillfully underplayed, well deserving of Oscar nomination. Dennis Quaid's portrayal of the wandering husband generated both anger and sympathy. His consuming desire for a "normal life" clashing with his deep need for male contact comes through loud and clear, and while at times his portrayal enables a viewer to come close to loathing him, his angst over his trapped life pushes such feelings away.

Also, the colors are lush: autumn in all it's stunning brilliance seems almost (but not quite) lurid. The texture of the clothes and furniture is palatable. Is this because of digital film? Not sure, but it is extremely satisfying.

All in all, an excellent film from an extremely talented director.

Titanic (1996)

Ludicrous acting, bad sets sinks this boat faster than the iceburg.

[5 May 2002]

A lot of other comments stated that the acting was great, especially George C. Scott. Sorry, but that's just not so. His lines are delivered dripping with melodrama, so much so that I thought I was watching an amature production. His explanation of the ship and what would happen as soon as he stepped in the wheelhouse (after the collision) was laughable. How he knew the ship was doomed before anyone sounded the hull was amazing. Further technical gaffs was the sound of creaking wood and running water, even in the first class section, within minutes of the collision. The rape scene was apparently some scriptwriter's idea of connecting with contemporary stories, but it was ugly and just not true. In fact, this film is filled with more false info than any other (except the film by the same name with Clifton Webb and Barbara Stanwyk (sp?)). If you want to see the most accurate tale of what occurred during that April night, see the superb "A Night to Remember". I rate this one star out of 10.