Tom4Surfing Reviews

A Good Year (2006)

Beauty is in the Eye

[8/10 · 26 July 2010]

Perhaps, unlike the Prince, you are a fan of modern London architecture. Perhaps, you love scenic French vineyards and estates. Maybe you have an eye for a beautiful woman? What's that? You have an eye for beautiful women? and a soft spot for cute cars and bicycles? Then it must be time for you to watch A Good Year.

An urban financier inherits his uncle's French estate and must return to dispose of it. A quick trip to the continent turns into a changing trip down memory's lane. Then an hitherto unknown claimant to the inheritance complicates and delays the sale of the state. Enter Marion Cotillard as the mysteriously attractive local from the café in town. Why is he so drawn to her? Is it only her alluring looks? All (well not quite all) will be revealed.

The Family Man (2000)

Worth watching more than once

[10/10 · 3 October 2003]

"The unexamined life is not worth living." Plato put these words in the mouth of Socrates. Brett Ratner puts this theme into `The Family Man.' This is not "It's a Wonderful Life." While it is a "feel good movie," it is an intelligent, reflective one. Neither of the parallel lives led by the main character is shown to be flawless. Both have their attractions. Jack, the lead character, is forced from his comfort zone by a "glimpse" of a life connected by commitment and love to friends and family. This movie does something for me few "feel good" movies ever come close to causing. This movie makes me think about what I really value in life. Both pro-capitalist and pro-family, "The Family Man" either leaves you pondering whether your life is consistent with your values or goes over your head and leaves you with the impression that your emotions have been manipulated by another crass commercial Christmas movie. It depends on what the viewer brings to the table.

P.S. Tea Leoni's shower scene has got to be the sexiest portrayal of a movie mom I ever saw.

Rip Girls (2000 TV Movie)

Better than Lilo and Stitch

[7/10 · 30 April 2003]

Looking for a great children's movie with a Hawaiian theme? Rip Girls has it all. Although the ostensible story line is a bit implausible, the taste of Hawaiian culture and respectful treatment of all generations is well above expectations. This is the kind of movie I used to expect routinely from Disney.

Parent Trap: Hawaiian Honeymoon (1989 TV Movie)

A classic family movie

[9/10 · 30 April 2003]

I love the Hawaiian islands -- especially the old Waimea plantation-style experience. This movie captures much of the fun in a superficial yet charming tale of a family who inherits a wreck of an Hawaiian resort. Is it raining or snowing tonight? Pop some popcorn and curl up in front of this escapist flick.

Dinner Rush (2000)

Food, sex, mystery, fun, and surprises

[15 March 2003]

Did you like John Corbett in My Big Fat Greek Wedding? as Chris in Northern Exposure? He has a significant and charming supporting roll in this sleeper.

Why wasn't this movie promoted? Better than Big Night. Great portrait of a restaurant kitchen.

This movie is the most accurate portrayal of the type of Italian community where I grew up and the kind of men I knew.

Four out of five stars. See this.

Picture Perfect (1995 TV Movie)

Feuding single parent neighbors are sucked into their children's scheme

[9/10 · 21 December 2002]

Children who are neighbors and friends scheme to win a contest that will allow a single dad to keep up payments on the mortgage and, therefore, not have to move. The scheme spirals out of control in a way that gives two feuding single parents an opportunity to see each other in a new light. Charming, warm, and funny. As for those who complain that this is not a movie to be taken seriously, I can only say, "Duh!"

Chance of a Lifetime (1991 TV Movie)

The emotional healing power of love

[9/10 · 21 December 2002]

This is one of my favorites. Betty White and Leslie Neilson sparkle in this romantic comedy. One is a business executive who re-evaluates life based on the expectation of her death within a year. The other is a playboy who has tired of gold-digging young women and seeks a relationship with a vital, mature woman. If you've got silver in your hair and/or romance in your heart, microwave the popcorn, curl up with your honey, and prepare yourself for a treat.

South Pacific (1958)

This production sets the standard for musicals.

[28 August 2002]

Although many reviewers get distracted by the use of color filters and other "special effects," I feel that these are an hommage to the Broadway version and suggestive of the magic of romance at work at specific points in the movie. The musical numbers are so integral to the story that the show is somewhat operatic. The theme of racism versus tolerance is no less relevant today than when the movie was made. It was never before and never again treated with such sensitivity. The scenery is gorgeous. Brazzi is an incredible film presence whose resonant voice and good looks should entrance the female audience. I am amazed that his career wasn't catapulted to the John Wayne/Cary Grant/Jimmy Stewart echelon. To paraphrase an old Remington razor commercial, I was so impressed I bought the movie.