porgiamor Reviews

In Secret (2013)

Melodramatic, Dark & Ultimately Uplifting Movie for me!!

[10/10 · 23 May 2015]

I loved the cinematography at the beginning of the movie and how it quickly changed into a dark and morose tale of human manipulation. When you cast strong actors such as Elisabeth Olsen, Jessica Lange, Oscar Isaac you have a powerful intense shocking human tale of lust, revenge and tragedy.

Oscar Isaac smolders on screen and I found his chemistry with Elisabeth Olsen truly believable during their numerous clandestine rendezvous throughout the first half of this movie. Then the tension just builds up to an incredible ending with both characters totally unravelling and at the end of their tethers.

Every single actor in this film was so strong, even the supporting cast: Tom Felton was incredibly unappealing as Camille. Shirley Henderson provided light and shade in her quirky portrayal of Suzanne. Impressive acting throughout. I really enjoyed this movie because it was so dark. Yet the cinematography was so clearly focused. The resolution of each shot was so sharp and appealing to the eyes.

I was uplifted at the end of the movie because the type of existence these people had was a living hell. Hey, I thought, my life is not so bad after all, compared to what these miserable people went through...

Jobriath A.D. (2012)

Can't wait for more

[10/10 · 26 May 2012]

Clearly Jobriath was ahead of his time and he influenced so many artists (Scissor Sisters, Morrissey, Def Leppard, Pet Shop Boys) after his death. This beautiful documentary captures the tumultuous times he shared with Jerry Brandt, and if what Jerry prophesied in the movie was true, then the public will see a Jobriath musical, book, movie, etc. Personally I cannot wait to see more of what comes of this 1st chapter of the resurrection of Jobraith into the mainstream. Unfortunately I saw this movie at The Inside Out Film Festival in Toronto, and it was not well attended. I was disappointed to see so few in the audience. Jobriath: A tragic life that left a powerful and controversial artistic legacy. A beautiful testament to an artistic ideal and the spectre of commercial greed existing amidst a sea of influential power brokers and conservative media in the rock music scene of the 1970's. Jobriath's battle for fame and artistic acceptance was too great for him and Jerry Brandt to win over. The forces of homophobia in the 1970's by the media critics and negative attitude of record companies was too great to overcome. This movie touched my heart, punched me in the guts and grabbed my balls. And made my spirit soar.

Lage Raho Munna Bhai (2006)

very entertaining movie

[10/10 · 17 April 2012]

you have to understand folks that this is not an artistic film nor does it pretend to be an artistic film. it's really intended to be pure entertainment with a message. And that is why this movie accomplished these goals in mind. entertainment - entertainment - entertainment!

i really admire the gandhi pacifist theme to this film. the acting was great throughout. great to see a movie with sanjay dutt as the top billed actor. sometimes you just want to see a common looking person and not an overtly handsome male lead like SRK or Salman or Saif Ali.

Sanjay can really carry this movie with his acting. I loved his crying scene with gandhi - he was so believable. boman irani and vidya balan are just as great as he is. boman's body language in his character role was amazing. vidya balan is such a natural performer, she's better than meryl streep because her acting skills are more nuanced and less technical than meryl's.

if you love movies then you'll love the spiritual quality of this movie with the ghost of gandhi popping in and out. the musical numbers are also fun but add more to the story by showing you how the characters truly feel about what is happening to them.

KUDOS to Cinematography C. K. Muraleedharan and Director Rajkumar Hirani and Producer Vidhu Vinod Chopra. Screenplay by Abhijat Joshi is just brilliant. When Gandhi sits on the couch and says "Why don't you just shoot Lucky?" - I died laughing. These folks are the future of film and Adam Sandler/Will Ferrell/Jim Carrey need to take lessons from a movie like this in my humble opinion.

I say Bollywood all the way!

Goon (2011)

Unexpected triumph

[10/10 · 6 April 2012]

I finally endured 2 hours of The Artist and was very disappointed that it had no depth and no plot. I paid to go to a movie that made me fall asleep midway through the film. So when I came across GOON I was so happy I found a film with so much heart. About 2/3's of the way through the movie, I thought it was a stroke of brilliance to have the main character suspended from hockey for one game so that the viewer could focus on the protagonist's moment of reflection. When Doug finally comes up with my stomach light needs your stomach light and we could both phone home together from ET, I was struck by how many levels this movie goes after. Instead of being fuelled by toxic jealousy from Xavier, we get a humble little proposal of a solution from Doug in the form of a bedtime soliloquy. Yes there's the comedy, the hockey action,there's a love interest, but for me what struck me the most was the brotherly relationships that these guys have for each other.

They end up having to protect each other because they are all on the same team and no one wants to get hurt real bad. The other great scene involves Doug and Ross in the diner at 3am. Totally unexpected. These two goons end up discussing how they mutually respect each other and then Ross tells Doug that if boundaries are crossed, Ross is not going down without a fight because he wants to retire a fighting hero. It seemed like such a civilized, gentlemanly exchange between the two. Personally I never like to watch hockey games in real life, but I definitely understood the guerrilla mentality of these men, and the compassion they have for one another on and off the ice.

Goon actually made me think whereas the Academy Award winning picture The Artist made me yawn.

Arthur (I) (2011)

Worth watching - will become a cult hit in a few years

[10/10 · 27 July 2011]

In a few years people will not be so harsh in their reviews, and this movie will stand the test of time. Whereas the original displayed the acting talents of Moore & Gielgud, this remake stands out because the plot moves along quickly and plausibly as far as comedies are concerned.

This movie emphasized the negative aspects of alcohol abuse and the movie made me feel happy that the protagonist chose to become sober. I'm glad this movie updated the story with a sophisticated plot and better acting (and better script) than the original.

Whereas Gielgud was condescending and pompous, Mirren was genuinely caring. Whereas Moore was a cackling idiot, full of slurring speech and slapstick humour, Brand was articulate and portrayed a sympathetic character with low self esteem. I found Brand's drunken portrayal more believable than Moore's because Russell's alcoholic behaviour remained functional and fairly cognisant even while under the influence. This is what classic alcoholics do - they behave as normal as possible even while drunk.

Also Moore's drunken character was an eccentric insecure superficial simpleton who was afraid of being alone. I also found the love-at-first- sight aspect more believable in this movie than in the original when Dudley meets Liza in a department store. Russell meets Greta at Grand Central Station and pursues her to fend off the police and get a chance to meet her. I also felt Minelli was miscast in her role in the original because there was no on-screen chemistry between her and Moore.

Moore's Arthur describes her as beautiful in the store but there was nothing beautiful about Liza Minelli in a bright red cowboy hat and yellow jacket. I found Russell and Greta's dates at Grand Central and Central Park very charming. I also found the wedding scene hilarious with Brand slowly undressing himself as he walked away from Jennifer Garner. This version was more entertaining and a lot less boring than the original Arthur.

Rachel Getting Married (2008)

Jonathan Demme is the star

[10/10 · 28 June 2011]

Anne Hathaway made good acting choices, but I still 'saw' her acting. It was not natural enough for me. When Debra Winger made her entrance in this film, that is when I expected things to pick up, but then an 'ah-ha' moment hit me. Right when the family returns home to gradually illuminate the house lights, I realized that Jonathan Demme was gradually illuminating the truly dysfunctional aspects of this family relationship we witness during this complex relationship movie. The way he shot this movie added realism but also added an element of voyeurism because we were witnessing such intense moments of emotional intimacy and rawness. The lighting was very effective and the camera shots were uncomfortably close and sometimes shaky for a reason. I felt this aspect of voyeurism when the family sat down to talk about the unfortunate accident from the past. Then the argument between Debra Winger and Anne Hathaway was a true pot boiler of a scene. I was pleasantly surprised by the men in this film. Bill Irwin and Mather Zickel were definite stand outs for me.

Bridesmaids (I) (2011)

Ensemble Cast rocked this movie

[10/10 · 28 June 2011]

Once Melissa McCarthy opens her mouth as she talks about the deep connection she had with a dolphin, I was rolling on the floor... literally. I did not want Melissa McCarthy to shut her mouth at all until the end of the movie. Also "That's what friends are for" was very funny stuff. More funny laughs follow when the rivals play tennis and hit tennis balls at each other's breasts - hilarious. Bridal store digestion problems follow later on, then Kristen Wiig as Annie eats candied almonds - her facial expressions were to die for. Even the nervous woman on the plane, Annie Mumolo was terrific. Then Kristen Wiig can't hide her anger problems at work and has a really heated and funny exchange with a young teenage shopper. Of course Jill Clayburgh was irreplaceable. Then the "I took two dogs they're in the back of my van (but Megan took 9)!" moment was so funny. Maya Rudolph was surprisingly restrained and very subtle - I loved her performance too. Everything that happens to Annie (Wiig) is very depressing but by the end of the movie you do feel that things are looking up for her.

The Wrestler (2008)

So many memorable scenes

[10/10 · 28 June 2011]

I loved it when he totally lost his mind in the grocery store. I loved the touching scene with his daughter dancing in the abandoned building along the boardwalk. I loved the arguments he had with his stripper friend and his daughter especially. Mickey Rourke truly carries this movie as a true leading actor should. He got robbed of an academy award that year. Sean Penn really didn't need another one - the problem with old Hollywood is that they didn't have the heart to forgive mickey the first time. Mickey's talent is for the world's gain and Hollywood's loss. i can't forget the back shot of Ram as he walks into the forest after his heart attack and suffers complete exhaustion - i felt so much empathy for the character. And of course definitely the highlight is the final fight where he confronts his own mortality - such heartbreak for the viewer. Amazing awesome movie from Darren Aronofsky. Unforgettable.

Rabbit Hole (2010)

Acting and Directing top notch

[10/10 · 26 April 2011]

Why are there so many negative reviews about this film - I just don't understand why there are people out there who are so insensitive to this movie. All I can say is wow, wow and more wow! Yes the subject matter is sad, but there are moments of humour too. When Dianne Wiest acts a little tipsy at the bowling alley I was reminded why she is so subtle yet so strong a dramatic presence in this movie. Sandra Oh has a very funny scene with Aaron Eckhart in her car and immediately at the support group. When Nicole Kidman explains why the house is so quiet I found her explanation very funny. You have to find humour in life or else you will be miserable for the rest of your life. I also appreciated the parallel universe theory that brings the theme of hope into the movie. It comforts us to think that there are happy people out there living a happy life somewhere in the infinite universe. Miles Teller explains anything is possible and I believe it when he says it. The leads and supporting cast are all very strong. I loved this movie.

Hereafter (2010)

A Symphonic Cinematic Masterpiece that touches the soul

[10/10 · 18 October 2010]

When the surviving twin Marcus finally meets with George Lonegan and gets to connect with his dead brother in the hereafter I started balling my eyes out. To me, this was the emotional climax of the movie. But the build up to this moment was as subtle and sensitive as the Rachmaninoff Piano Concerto that was used brilliantly throughout this movie.

There are so many special moments in this outstanding movie... I could go on and on about every single scene that was beautifully framed, but you just have to go see this for yourself.

1) I loved the way Marie LeLay's near death experience in the depths of the blue water was shot right after she is smacked by the tree in the rushing water and we see her lifeless body undulating underneath the blue mass of sea water. 2) There was that poignant scene of Marcus being separated from his mother with the rain falling down the windowpanes in the background. 3) Marcus' near death experience when he follows his brother's hat on the subway floor right before the train explosion. 4) Jason being surrounded by the gang of adolescent thugs and being thrust in a physical and verbally claustrophobic situation. 5) The spontaneous random interaction between Marie, George and Marcus at the London book fair. 6) The extremely horrific and sad effects of the unforeseen Tsunami destroying the idyllic Indonesian paradise. Etc. Etc. Etc.

The casting was superb - I believe Matt Damon is one of the most talented working actors today, and I loved the great cameos from the stunningly regal Marthe Keller, the articulate Derek Jacobi and the versatile "everyman" Richard Kind.

I don't believe Clint gets better with age - I believe Mr. Eastwood makes bloody great films period.

Revolutionary Road (2008)

Why do people say this movie is so depressing - get a life!

[10/10 · 24 July 2010]

I agree with previous reviewer who wrote that watching this movie sure beats going to therapy. Another reviewer concluded that relationships are tough - I couldn't agree more. That is what revolutionary road is about folks! I have nothing but praise for Leonardo DiCaprio, Kate Winslett and Sam Mendes. This is a great movie with superb acting, music score, scenery, costumes, set design - everything top notch. I saw The Hurt Locker recently and found that movie so utterly depressing. This movie was not. I believe the whole point of this movie is to ask those deep philosophical questions of oneself such as, what makes you feel inspired and alive every single minute of everyday? What's your ultimate purpose in life? What motivates you? What makes you special? Personally, I found this movie very helpful, and for me, the moral of the story is this: Life continues no matter how hopeless it feels. I would suggest watching A Serious Man after this movie.

Shelter (II) (2007)

Hated It - Very Disappointing Film - 2 Hours of your Life you'll never get back!

[1/10 · 20 December 2008]

Many reasons why I think this has got to be the most over-hyped film of 2007-2008. Where shall I start. First of all, the pacing is all wrong. Guess it's all due to bad direction & uneven cinematography. The fluid action shots of the surfing sequences are the only shots that I tolerated. Ugh! The acting was so badly directed and all the family confrontation scenes were so badly lit with bad camera angles. The only decent performance came from Brad Rowe, but unfortunately the script was so badly written, he did not have enough of a script to work from. Overall the ensemble was stilted, as were all the reaction shots. This movie could have been edited way better, because the trailer for the movie had pace and excitement. The actual movie had many embarrassingly long moments of silence with vapid facial expressions on each actor's face. The protagonist was supposed to be talented at creating artwork, but his drawings and graffiti were appallingly naive and adolescent. The so called nasty sister was much too soft on screen, so there was no hint of hidden agenda in her body language and in her tone of voice. The actress who played her was either horribly miscast or horribly directed - your choice. The lead actor was the most one dimensional character to ever appear in a modern gay Hollywood movie. No range of emotion or facial expressions from Trevor Wright. No chemistry existed between him and Brad Rowe. No self-respecting man would tolerate the type of behavior displayed by the conflicted lead character. Brad Rowe should have taken off to Los Angeles midway through the film and left Trevor Knight with his miserable life.

Breakfast with Scot (2007)

Loved it!

[10/10 · 20 December 2008]

Great film. Good dialog - much better in English than french. I was really impressed with the opening shots of the movie in which the title Breakfast with Scot appears on the side boards of the hockey rink. Very inventive. Also the ending credits with the pictures on the fridge and matching names was very memorable too. I guess I would call it a chick flick for all types of chicks, male and female, gay and straight. Based on this movie, these Canadians are portrayed as bitchy, compassionate, unpredictable, charming and sensitive and hilariously funny people. Good ensemble cast. Tom Cavanaugh's performance was spot on. Noah Bennett was very expressive and showed real depth of acting range. Wonderful script also. Very refreshing take on parenting and what it means to be in a modern family. Relationships take work and this movie depicts the real life stress involved in keeping every member of a family content. Each character has to compromise. Great movie for the Holiday season. I wish more movies like this were made today.

American Masters: George Cukor: On Cukor (2000) Season 15, Episode 3

Excellent Documentary

[10/10 · 16 March 2008]

A wonderful tribute to the Life and Work of George Cukor. He should have received more recognition, especially from the American Film Institute. Abroad, he was recognized, but at home, he was forgotten when the major studio system collapsed and his productivity declined. He overcame hardship and triumphed in Hollywood. His film career lasted over 50 years: a testament to his longevity. A truly creative artist, devoted to his actors and devoted to the true emotionality of the scene. He will be sorely missed. A wonderful acting coach and loyal friend to the stars of yesteryear. I loved the insight provided by George himself, along with his actors. The short movie clips provide insight into his genius. Worth watching again and again, especially if you are a film student.

A Double Life (1947)

Good old film noir with some cat & mouse at the end

[10/10 · 12 March 2008]

Colman's performance is aided by the brilliantly written script. The gargantuan Hollywood studios in the 30's and 40's were able to copy some of the German expressionistic film elements and incorporate them into Hollywood films. very good use of shadows and light and silhouette. i really liked the scene where colman turns off the light in his dressing room near the beginning of the film, and he starts reciting Othello while his face becomes instantly dark and evil. already the viewer sees the text and the drama of Shakespeare getting a hold of "Tony" and off he goes on his journey of doom. i also enjoyed the dramatic death scene within the play, when he becomes overwrought with emotion and accidentally strangles his costar a little too hard for her to bear. her pleadings "tony stop you're hurting me" are chilling and suspenseful. you just don't know if he is going to go over the top and kill her at any moment. the cat and mouse chase to reveal the killer was nicely added 2/3rds of the way through the film to add some faster pacing and to also add to the narrative element of the film. Masterful work from George Cukor. He's such as skillful director. Excellent film. Too bad they don't make 'em like they used to...

Reds (1981)

excellent cast

[10/10 · 16 September 2006]

• wonderful acting throughout. - wonderfully written script. - i loved all the argument scenes between keaton & beatty in their new york apartment. - maureen stapleton gets it right in every scene she's in. - jack nicholson's performance is perfectly understated. - keaton is so natural - she even sings in this movie - i can't believe she isn't as beloved as meryl streep. she certainly deserved an Oscar for this performance. - warren beatty's performance grew on me throughout the movie. even the other supporting roles are very strongly delivered. i saw this movie in 1981, same Oscar year as chariots of fire, on golden pond, ragtime, Excalibur, raiders of the lost ark, dragonslayer. hard for me to pick a favourite. all excellent movies with unique attributes.

Brother to Brother (2004)

excellent gay historical film

[10/10 · 14 June 2005]

i loved the flashbacks & the cast was very talented. great moments - great acting. so many layers. so interesting to watch. first, there's the possibility of a love story that doesn't pan out. then there's also the historical perspective involving black gay writers from the early 20th century. add to that the civil rights movement; and also the burgeoning friendship between perry & bruce nugent. i watched this program on pbs - independent eye. june 14th, 2005. i was very surprised to see the film was censored. the language was not really that offensive. the expletives did not need to be edited out. i've watched a lot of gay film & this one is a standout. definite required gay film for all to watch.