liana-16 Reviews

True Love (I) (1989)

Don't waste your time

[1/10 · 5 January 2008]

One of the least funny "comedies" I've ever wasted time watching.

The characters are so awful I didn't care what happened to them, and the story is depressing - the clue that it's no fun to watch is the term "slice of life" on the DVD case.

That should always be a warning. "Slice of life" means, nobody is happy.

Also, the term "True Love" has absolutely NOTHING what so ever to do with this movie.

Boring, bad, stupid, unlikeable characters...what else do I need to say?

Flyboys (2006)

Excellent movie, moving and enthralling

[8/10 · 24 September 2006]

Most of the other reviewers have already commented on the high quality of the story, the visuals, and the acting in this fine film. I only wanted to add that as far as the romance goes (being dismissed as "unnecessary" by some) I would like to point out that the relationship with the young French woman provides the naive American (and the audience) with our first view of the impact that this war has already had on the country and on individuals. In addition, with her our hero is away from his training and his duty, so we are able to enjoy his youth and joy of life, both of which make the risking of it the more empathetic. Later on, events with her (I don't want to give details away for those who haven't seen it) allow us to see how the movement of ground troops is affecting the people, and changes the type of action.

Therefore, while the romance itself lent a greater depth of empathy to our main character in several ways, the character of his girlfriend enables the film to move in directions it would otherwise have been unable to explore.

So there :-b ;) Liana

Superman Returns (2006)

Long, slow, and not especially interesting

[4/10 · 1 July 2006]

In my opinion, this was a very bland movie - Lex Luthor wasn't memorable (if he's just an amoral con man why should the sight of his wigs terrify anyone?).

There were too many pointless "rescue Lois" scenes, and the subplot with the child seemed to be dragged on far too long. Somehow I kept expecting something more to come from the rescue scenes, some further plot development, but nothing ever happened.

And come on, could they really not come up with just one person who questioned the fact that Clark Kent and Superman were gone for the same length of time and reappeared on the same day?

The only memorable moment was the "Alex Ross pose" in space, the rest we have seen before many times.

Star Wars: Episode III - Revenge of the Sith (2005)

Necessary, but not good

[4/10 · 19 May 2005]

This movie fills in the gaps - as a matter of fact, a LOT of time is spent talking as they try to take care of these 'housekeeping' matters. The visuals are outstanding, and most of the acting is good...except for Hayden Christensen. What a flat performance! He only has one expression, and his character is written so badly that I found it impossible to sympathize with (or even care about) him. Anniken/Vader just doesn't makes sense.

Lots of action and looks great, and it wraps the story up okay, but I came out of the theater not caring a whit about any of it. Too bad.

It could have been much better. Hope Lucas now focuses his talent and energies and resources on something new, not just re-making these films.

Mrs. Winterbourne (1996)

See it for Brendan Fraser!

[1 May 2004]

See it for Brendan Fraser!

He's sweet, he's sexy, he plays twin brothers who are very different. See it for Shirley MacLaine, who is very good as his mom.

But honestly, I found the way the "Connie" character was written abrasive and offensive, and the way she was played by Lake unappealing. Every time she spoke, it was like fingernails on a chalkboard with her potty-mouth characterization. It felt like they were targeting "white trash", so I was offended to be watching it.

Still...worth it just to watch Brendan Fraser! :)

Paco was a neat character, too. As a matter of fact, the only one I didn't like was the female romantic lead, Connie. What were they thinking?

And we found it in the discount bin. Good deal!