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phuocle
Reviews
Larry Crowne (2011)
Feel good summer movie
There's nothing complex about this movie at all but Tom Hanks did a fine job as actor & director. Julia Roberts was Julia Roberts. It's just a good movie to watch with friends on a summer afternoon and nothing more than that. If you come in expecting more, you'll be disappointed. If not, you may just be pleasantly surprised. It moves quick enough and some of the supporting actors really add spice to the movie (George Takei's character for example). If you ride a scooter, you may get some of the references in the movie, which would be a plus. In fact, if you ride a scooter, go see it! I enjoyed it thoroughly. Co- written by Tom Hanks and Nia Vardalos (of My Big Fat Greek Wedding fame).
Hannibal (2001)
Not as gory/disturbing as some make it out to be - may contain SPOILERS
HANNIBAL is the fourth film in the series and made third. I've always thought it was the third film, but I've just learned that there was a prequel to Red Dragon called Manhunter. I'll get that movie soon so that I'm complete on the series. I've also bought the books just so that I can compare them to the comments on these movies so far. I've found that it's better to see a movie first and then read the books - doing it the other may jeopardize your enjoyment of a movie. So the series in chronological order is: Manhunter, Red Dragon, Silence of the Lambs, and Hannibal.
First off, I did not find HANNIBAL as gory or disturbing as other viewers. Maybe I'm a little desensitized compared to them or they're just wimps, I don't know. I do considered myself normal and a little sarcastic so that may shed some light on where I come from. The scenes that usually bother people are: 1. The scene on the balcony between Dr. Hannibal Lecter and Commendatore Rinaldi Pazzi and 2. The dinner scene with Dr. Hannibal Lecter, FBI Agent Clarice Starling (Moore), and Justice Department Official Paul Krendler (Liotta). They are grahpic, I'll grant that, but not over the top like some viewers have said here. Again, you are the best judge of whether you can handle it or not, but I'd say if in doubt, go for it - it's definitely not going to scar you for life... after all, it's just a movie and if you let it bother you then you have other problems.
The acting in this movie is great - contrary to what other people have said, Moore did a good job as Starling. I would have preferred to have Jodie Foster back like most people, but Julianne Moore did a very good job as did Anthony Hopkins as usual. I was surprised by Giancarlo Gianinni (Commendatore Rinaldi Pazzi) - he did a good job in a supporting role. Gary Oldman as Verger was good as well - it only took me a few moments to recognize him under the make-up.
Some people have wondered what the music is in the opera scene and have searched without success for it. Contrary to the information you will find here, it's not an existing opera. It's just a piece written especially for the movie. The text is based on Dante's "La Nuova Vita." If you want the music, buy the soundtrack - it's Track 2 I believe.
Don't let other reviews steer you away from this movie. Silence of the Lambs was good, but very hyped in my opinion. I actually prefer this to it and Red Dragon above all. I give this one 7/10.