reendav Reviews

Big Miracle (2012)

A heartwarming story and well made

[10/10 · 21 July 2012]

First review I have written in a long time, but I have to say the negative folks pretty much forced it. First, it was a time of tremendous changes and controversies. The actors (particularly Ted Danson and Drew Barrymore) at times gave some pretty over the top performances. It was the eighties, and they were playing an Oil Executive and a Greenpeace Activist. Putting it in this context, it makes their performances seem almost understated. I was particularly skeptical at first of Ted Danson in his role, but after seeing the film, I cannot conceive of anyone else having been cast in the part. As for the complaints about special effects... Really? Its not Star Wars for crying out loud. The Whales looked real, the ice looked real, the water... OK, you get my point. One reviewer felt that the portrayal of the president was intentionally poor. Considering we're talking about a role that involved 2 scenes and a handful of lines, its possible the films makers were not as concerned about it, as portrayals of characters that had more significance for the story. As far as how one side, or the other was portrayed, they frankly showed all sides involved as looking to get good 'press' out of the deal.

Some will always look for political undertones, things to criticize about the acting or cinematography, or some other way to find fault with a film. But ultimately this was a great dramatization of a true story, a rare occurrence (not because of what happened in '88 - because Hollywood made a family movie), and a heartwarming movie.

You can always find a way to find fault, if that is where you are focused - in life or a theater. I watch a movie to be entertained, and this film did a wonderful job of that.

A Man Could Get Killed (1966)

Great Film!

[10/10 · 17 September 2005]

I saw this film several times, and really thought it was great. James Garner put in a superb performance as did Melina Mercouri. In fact, the chemistry between all of the performers seemed natural and lent to making a hilariously preposterous plot all the more believable.

Try as I might, I can't understand why it was never released on VHS or DVD. I thought the film to be very entertaining. It must have been popular, based on the number of times it was later shown on TV. It seemed too, to be an excellent showcase for James Garner's talents as an actor.

If you get a chance to see the film, please don't hesitate. It was not only very entertaining, but it is a fine representation of the movies of the day - original, intelligent, romantic and funny all at once. It had a quality about it that is sadly lacking in films today.