Change Your Image
tracym-33943
Reviews
Ice Castles (1978)
Ice Skating Love Story About Overcoming Adversity
Watch this beautiful 1978 classic love story about overcoming adversity. W the beautiful song "Through The Eyes Of Love" by Melissa Manchester, Lynn-Holly Johnson does a beautiful job as the delicate, ethereal talented ice skater who is thrown into the fast life of competitive ice skating and pleasing sponsors.
Her hometown boyfriend, Robbie Benson, loves her thru thick and thin. And her loving dad played by Tom Skerritt.
Lynn-Holly Johnson is so innocent looking and beautiful. This movie was a tear jerker in 1978 and still us now. We all wished we were ice skaters when we saw this movie. Wish it was longer or there was a part 2.
Robbie Benson is great also.
Dave (1993)
Kevin Kline Is So Athletic And Talented
Kevin Kline is so multi-talented, athletic, and intelligent in this movie. His talents really come thru in this movie. He's a genius.
He's an everyday guy w great emotional intelligence that gets put in a position where he gets to act as the President.
He ends up liking Sigourney Weaver, the First Lady.
Fun movie. They could have changed the plot a bit towards the end, but still a fun movie.
He is idealistic and wants to help the people of the country. Kevin Kline's character goes from an everyday guy to a super confident leader.
Still entertaining and worth a watch. Just to see Kevin Kline.
I Know What You Did Last Summer (1997)
Perfect Teenage Thriller w Excellent Acting
Perfect teenage thriller w excellent acting by all esp Ryan Phillippe. Jennifer Love Hewitt got top billing, but Ryan Phillippe made this movie. He does a great job of a v athletic, aggressive, go-getter, who is the leader of the pack but rather angry.
He comes from a rich family, and may have dad issues.
Jennifer Love Hewitt plays the constant whiner. Freddie Prince Jr cannot stand up for himself. And Buffy has no identity.
Classic thriller / horror movie similar to Nightmare On Elm Street, but a lot less gory. If you've never watched this movie, it's def worth it.
It's extremely entertaining and a great thriller until the v end.
Ryan Phillippe is a great actor.
Celebrity (1998)
Genius Writing, Art Of Conversation
Woody Allen is a master of words. Just simple conversation is so rich, artistic, genius, witty, and creative. Just the pauses, mumbling, shrugs, him (main character) being so awkward and in process let's out brilliant words to flow. Kenneth Branagh plays a guy who talks exactly like Woody Allen.
Woody is in his 70s, but he needs to write and direct like 20 more movies because his movies are just so rich, comical, and entertaining. I feel like reading non stop to improve my vocabulary after I watch his movies.
This movie was really fun and brilliant. Branagh plays an entertainment writer and playboy going thru divorce w his wife, Judy Davis. Not a second of slow or boring moment in this brilliant movie.
Unlawful Entry (1992)
V entertaining and thrilling
Great movie for sheer entertainment. Kurt Russell and Madeline Stowe do a great job. Ray Liotta plays a good psycho.
Cop is a v lonely guy w deep seeded issues of unworthiness. He grew up poor so he fantasizes about being w a rich, pretty lady. He feels he could never get a woman like Madeline Stowe. He feels like he can only get loose women or one night stands.
This is not reality but what it's what he feels in his mind that he "deserves". He probably had an abusive childhood w a parent who always put him down.
So he becomes obsessed w Madeline Stowe, stalks her, and feels he must have her to make him feel better about himself.
He is mentally ill. It's v entertaining. Done v well w the beautiful house, clothes, scenery. Shows Kurt Russell to be a v successful guy and Madeline Stowe to be an unattainable woman. The grass is always greener on the other side. Don't compare yourself to others. Look at yourself first and fix yourself before blaming the outside world for your problems.
Falling Down (1993)
Relatable. I Can Relate.
I lived in LA when this movie came out. Ad said "do you ever feel like this?" Me and co-worker said, "we feel like that everyday." LA is a crazy town. So crowded, dangerous, dirty, expensive, and so many absolute uneducated, losers living there. Then there are the ultra wealthy that go to Stanford and live in Beverly Hills. Can't help but envy them.
Also there are the blondes who get a million plastic surgeries and fake boobs and all the men who lust after them. It's a fun town if u have money, are 18, and just want to party. If you're trying to make a living, good luck.
The frustration this man felt is felt by everyone stuck in LA traffic. Or just by someone simply running an errand in LA and realizes what an incredibly dangerous city it is.
This man had serious rage and mental issues though. He was divorced and lost custody of his 6 yr old daughter. He was also laid off and living w his v timid mom. He had a domestic violence background w his ex wife.
So he was psychotic.
But watching the lead character go thru various parts of LA and rage w frustration is relatable. Like the traffic, all the cars honking, the extremely wealthy family he runs into, the Korean store guy who's so disrespectful. The Mexican gang bangers who tried to rob him. The homeless guy who tries to scam him. Him being laid off from the Aerospace industry.
His frustration just builds. He needed to take a mild tranquilizer, regroup, go for a walk or swim, and lastly move out of his mom's house.
But the movie is relatable because LA is so violent. It's common to see guns and to be surrounded by gang bangers. V common to witness a crime.
This movie expresses frustration every LA resident feels daily. I like how they show the different neighborhoods. Storytelling is good. He's a man in his mid 40's who's basically forgotten about by his society. And he feels v angry and jilted.
Great movie to watch if you're from LA. It's a great town. We still have time to save it.
The Accused (1988)
Very brutal. Violation of humanity itself.
I saw this and wasn't expecting the v graphic scene. Performances by all actors is so realistic that I met "Danny", the main rapist, in real life, at a bar in 1992, and I was scared out of my mind.
I read the real life story of Cheryl Araujo whom this movie is based on, and I was so saddened. She was gang raped in MA. She was also a mom at the time. I can't imagine having to go back and face your child after this. She was so terrified after she escaped the bar. They interviewed the guy whose pick up
truck she waved down and got into. He said she just clung onto him for dear life, like a terrified child or animal.
Success of this movie is a way to honor what happened to Cheryl Araujo and so many other rape and abuse victims who are just used and discarded like garbage. Rest In Peace Cheryl.
Kudos to the writers, director, producers, and actors who decided to make this movie and bring Cheryl's story to life. Jodie Foster def deserved an Oscar.
The Last Fling (1987)
Nostalgic 80s LA comedy w John Ritter
Nostalgic 80s LA romantic comedy with John Ritter John Bennett Perry, Connie Sellecca, Scott Bakula, and Shannon Tweed.
John Bennett Perry is Matthew Perry's dad!
John Ritter looks very handsome and is extremely athletic. He meets Connie Sellacca and falls in love at first sight. He is a Michigan alumni.
Connie Sellecca has been dating the same guy for years and has lost touch of what she really wants. She has become a puppet.
Her fiancé, John Bennett Perry, is taking her for granted.
John Ritter is a playboy but after he meets Connie Sellecca, he realizes he wants much more. And he is determined to not let her go.
He runs around all over Los Angeles to find her again and wants to profess his love and stop the wedding.
Movie is about slowing down and being with the right person and not just with a good looking man.
Rest in peace John Ritter and Matthew Perry. Very nostalgic 80s Los Angeles scenery in Echo Park, downtown LA, LA Zoo, and Los Feliz. Also beautiful mountains of Acapulco, Mexico.
Movie highlights comedic and athletic talents of John Ritter.
Random Hearts (1999)
Randomly Ok. Good to see Harrison Ford.
A random movie for Harrison Ford who normally plays action heroes. Here he plays a romantic lead. Him and Kristin Scott Thomas have zero chemistry.
I had a hard time believing her as an American Senator. She is European and has an English accent and European mannerisms.
Harrison Ford acts really stiff and is not natural or charismatic in this role. What a waste of an incredible actor.
The 2nd half of the movie was not thought out at all. The storyline was all over the place. The director should have demanded a rewrite. And Kristin Scott Thomas was not right for this role. (Glenn Close would have been better.)
It's about spouses cheating and how it happens more than we think. The script was really bad. It needed more depth. What's the core of the story? Undeveloped storyline. Not convincing.
Interiors (1978)
A Controlling Woman In Deep Denial.
A v boring movie about an extremely wealthy upper west side family w a v controlling, emotionless mom. The mom dresses in beige and grey, pulls her hair back in a bun, is stiff and emotionless, and an utter snob.
She talks constantly of $400 vases, matching drapes w furniture, etc. Her husband is a v successful attorney who can't seem to get the heck away from her.
The family dinners w the 2 adult daughters sound like a business meeting.
During one of these dinners, the dad announces in a formal manner to his wife (in front of his daughters), that he wishes to have a trial separation and move out of the house.
His wife starts crying. His wife (the mom) (played by actress, Geraldine Page), moves out herself. Within months she falls into a deep depression, starts feeling really sorry for herself, and acts v needy.
She becomes v emotionally disturbed and depressed. She is v rigid and emotionless on the outside. A woman in deep denial. She obviously has deep seeded issues that she has never addressed.
She needed this marriage and family to give her an identity. Once that's gone, she can't deal w facing her real inner pain.
Movie is v sterile and stoic w formal dialogue that sounds like its from an English textbook. Can't really relate to or like any of the characters. Found this movie v boring.
Something's Gotta Give (2003)
Romance w Jack and Diane!!!!
Jack's a cutie pie that leads a v superficial life w supermodels and fake friends. He doesn't know the word "commit". Diane is an overly responsible, over achiever, who has always taken care of others. And she doesn't want to get her heart broken again.
She ends up falling for Jack. Lesson in life: don't fall for a guy like Jack. They never change.
Should Diane exercise caution, like always, or go w her heart and go for this guy?
I'm halfway thru this movie, and Diane K. Is crying her eyes out.
Cute movie, not sure how Diane K. Can have such a perfectly kept house w perfectly set table and perfectly prepared meals? I didn't see any maids or cooks. Her house scenes look like a commercial.
Jack N. Is adorable but always plays a womanizer. Diane Keaton is a classic over achiever. Woman who has it all and is down to earth. I think she's supposed to be like Nora Ephron or Elaine May (writer).
Great movie and perfect romantic comedy.
Jackie (2016)
Jackie's Grief, Loneliness, Shock, and Abandonment.
Movie shows how Jackie felt first few days after JFK's death. She was v alone. Except for Bobby Kennedy, no one else was there for her to confide in. A journalist (Billy Crudup) interviews her in her cold home and asks her what she remembers about the assassination. She talks candidly w him and then says "you are not allowed to print that."
She also confides in a priest (John Hurt). She asks "what will people think of me now?" She asks a female assistant to read her letters of condolences.
One night, she walks around the house trying on different outfits, drinking and smoking cigarettes and plays the record "Camelot".
Jackie seems completely in shock and almost disassociated. One scene she yells at Bobby for not telling her that Oswald was killed.
To the reporter (Billy Crudup), she says "my husband wasn't perfect but he was mine." And "he was a good father." She also tells another person "Jack and I hardly ever spent the night together."
She's so alone in that White House and then steps on to a crowd of thousands just outside, waiting for the funeral procession. Yet no one to talk to.
One scene, a staff member tries to be condescending w her about security concerns and the funeral procession, but she doesn't allow it.
She's extremely intelligent, well read, ambitious, and strong willed.
Good movie. I watched it in honor of the 60th anniversary of the assassination.
Born on the Fourth of July (1989)
Tom Cruise robbed of an Oscar.
When Tom Cruise didn't win Oscar for this, I was truly shocked. I'm positive that he has angered some big time execs in Hollywood to constantly be snubbed of this much deserved award.
Tom knocked this role out of the ballpark. Especially the scene where he is in the wheelchair and gets into an argument and further injures himself by breaking bones in his leg. Excruciating pain.
He plays the role of the forgotten Vietnam vet, Ron Kovic, beautifully. He goes to Vietnam only to be stuck there and not supported by his own country. Also completely neglected when he returns, paralyzed w out the use of his legs. False promises by his country.
V sad story. Shows how political war is w very little regard for human lives. What I liked most about the film is Tom Cruise's electric performance.
Tom can do action and drama as he has proven in "Minority Report" and many other movies.
The Truman Show (1998)
Jim Carrey best dramatic role. He deserved an Oscar. Brilliant idea of not being in control of your own life.
The music score is brilliant. The sad music they play when Truman is hitting golf balls w his friend is so touching. You can feel his sadness. He has no one to talk to. He feels trapped in his life and knows something is off.
Everyone around him seems fake. His wife doesn't acknowledge his feelings. She just manipulates him.
I can relate. I have led such a fake life for many years now. It's a v sad existence. You are constantly gas lighted.
Jim Carrey is constantly crying in this movie. Crying out. Poor guy. W the brilliant director, Peter Weir, movie does a great job of conveying this message. Carrey deserved an Oscar for this.
Arnold (2023)
Arnold is captivating! "Sculpt the body to your will. Also your mind."
Arnold is a complex guy. Part 1 of this series blew me away. At age 15, he goes to a big city for the 1st time and sees movie "Hercules". He is mesmerized. He then reads in a magazine how the "Hercules" actor, (bodybuilder, Reg Park), trains 3 times a day. Arnold decides at that time he wants to be a bodybuilder and just like that actor. Reg Park becomes Arnold's idol and "blue print" for bodybuilding success.
Arnold had a physically, verbally, and emotionally abusive dad who never showed him or his brother any affection, validation, or even an honest word.
Arnold justifies his dad's behavior by saying he was a "broken" man due to WWII, and everyone used to hit their kids back then.
Armold's mom seems to have coped by working. Doing non-stop, compulsive housework and cleaning. They were all kept very oppressed by the dad.
Arnold finds his passion and purpose in life: body building. Seems like the goal setting, having control over his life and outcome seemed to give him the optimism and purpose he needed.
This discipline of goal setting translated to other areas as well: acting, business, real estate, and politics.
Arnold mentions that he really enjoyed the camaraderie as well as the competition. And he is described by his peers as charismatic, extremely competitive, and calculative.
Arnold says through out his life he "had an incredible ability to visualize his goals clearly." "If you can see it, you can be it."
He moves out of Austria and to London and moves into a gym w other bodybuilders. There he meets Franco Columbo. Then his hero: "Hercules" actor, bodybuilder Reg Park. Arnold describes meeting him and working out w him as a religious experience!!
This was truly his "vision" and a sign that he was following his passion and right path. The way Arnold describes these scenes is v poetic.
I have only watched part I so far, so my review ends here.
Arnold has always been my hero. When I moved to Los Angeles in late 80s - Arnold, Sly, Franco Columbo, Jack LaLanne, and Vince Gironda were all our bodybuilding gods! I was determined to work out at Venice Beach, World Gym. The gym that Arnold started. When I finally made it there one day, my feet practically flew from the parking lot to the front door!
I describe Arnold as resilient, intelligent, high self esteem, ambitious, and a people person. (He was also hugely successful in real estate when he first moved to LA.)
I look forward to seeing parts 2 and 3.
Bad Influence (1990)
Fun 80s movie about a yuppie who has it all and a con artist who befriends him.
James Spader at his best. Michael (James Spader) is a v successful young man in LA in late 80s who has trouble saying no.
He has a controlling girlfriend. An older brother who is an underachiever and always borrows money. A coworker who is v manipulative and walks all over him.
His life is being "run" for him. Until he meets Alex (Rob Lowe) who is a rogue, bravado guy who does whatever he wants. Michael (James Spader) is drawn to him.
It starts out fun but Michael later finds out "grass is always greener on the other side", and his life was a actually pretty good when it was "boring".
Rob Lowe his 80s good looking best. Fun movie if you were an 80s yuppie and want to see the South Bay Area in LA. Nostalgic.
Blue Steel (1990)
Great thriller. Jamie Lee Curtis scores!!
Fantastic movie w 80s Jamie Lee! A seemingly successful man becomes obsessed w a female cop after he witnesses her killing store robber.
Not much is mentioned about this man's background and why he becomes obsessed w a stranger. But he may have had a domestic violence background.
He's a rich stockbroker but steals a gun and goes on a shooting spree.
Jamie Lee is the rookie cop that's trying to save her mom from her dad. Jamie looks v pretty.
There's a low tense music in the background the whole time. Don't live in NYC. Everyone is crazy. And don't date a stranger.
The stalker becomes a serial killer. Why?
The Devil's Advocate (1997)
KEANU at his peak. CHARLIZE is excellent. PACINO powers.
V entertaining but turns weird at the end.
There's meaning in this if ur religious. Lots of biblical references. Keanu had lots of tests thru out, and he fails each time. Devil will tempt u. Don't fall for it.
If something is too good to be true, it probably is. Follow ur conscience.
"The Firm" meets "End Of Days".
It's like "selling ur soul" to have a great career.
Keanu is excellent. So is Charlize. Al Pacino is 3rd best on this movie but makes a great bad guy.
The cinematography is v pretty. Takes place at a very fancy NYC apt.
Keanu at his peak. One of my fav Keanu movies. Charlize is also v excellent.
It's a v entertaining movie and worth 2 hours.
Friends: The Reunion (2021)
Watch it w a FRIEND! r.i.p. Matthew Perry.
What a fantastic idea to do this just 2 yrs ago. Will be in the time capsule forever. This was obviously a tight group, w great memories.
This is reflection of what happens in real life.
You go to high school or college w a group of close friends. And 20 yrs later, some of you have changed (grown) for the better. And some have gone thru tough times.
One end is Aniston who is a huge success. Other is: MP who fell victim to his demons and fought many tough battles which could be seen in his physical appearance and demeanor. It is v sad.
I was working a lot while this show was on and did not watch it regularly.
They show the actual set, dressing rooms, craft services (dining) room etc.
Warner Bros recently tore their entire lot down and took down many classic TV show sets including the Friends fountain! :(. What a travesty.
Not sure if any of the mementos from the reunion show were saved?
Watching this reunion show after MP's passing, is a bitter reminder to: enjoy this moment because u may not get it back.
Even though they got back together, it wasn't the same w everyone so much older and MP in such poor health. :(
Rest In Peace Matthew Perry and thanks for the memories. :(
Numb (2007)
missing Matthew Perry__art imitates life perhaps?
MP plays a guy who is feeling emotionally numb and depressed. Until he meets a woman that jolts him back to life.
Since he just passed 4 days ago, wondering if the storyline has anything in common w his own personal life? (He does NOT suffer from alcohol or drug addiction is the movie.)
Just a guy who is lonely. Kevin Pollack plays his buddy who's trying to help him snap out of it.
Turns out MP just lacks an emotional connection w another person.
In MP's book, he mentions serial dating many, many women but refuses to make a commitment.
If u want to see MP again one last time, like I did, this movie may be right for you.
Pretty Woman (1990)
Popcorn. Candy. Butterscotch. Cake. Shines like a Diamond.
This movie is all good and fun things. You can eat popcorn, candy, butterscotch, and cake. That is how good this movie feels.
Julia Roberts and Richard Gere have perfect chemistry. They light up the screen and fully entertain us for 2 hours.
The director, the late Garry Marshall, shined like a diamond when he created this gem. Oscar worthy.
The screenplay was excellent and felt like a Nora Ephron or Rob Reiner film. In other words, cozy and perfect.
Classic Hollywood romantic comedy. Felt like an old school Frank Capra or Billy Wilder film.
Julia Roberts and Richard Gere hit the jackpot. All credit goes to the screenplay by J. F. Lawton and superb directing by the late Garry Marshall.
Best supporting actor award goes to Hector Elizondo for playing the hotel manager who adores Julia Roberts.
Julia Roberts becomes a household name. She steals the show as a v charismatic and witty natural beauty. That red, ruby necklace is perfect for her.
If you want to create a blockbuster, feel good movie, this is your template.
Ghost (1990)
Best Romantic movie of the 90s.
Patrick Swayze is perfect as the hot boyfriend, and Demi Moore is perfect as the adorable, beautiful, loving girlfriend. Whoopi great side kick.
I have seen this movie 10 plus times and never gets old. Perfectly done from beginning to end. The story is so innovative. And acting by all is superb. The screen play deserved an Oscar. Extremely original.
Great popcorn movie to watch alone or w friends. Greatest love story pre "Titanic".
Director, cinematography, screenplay, and acting. All Oscar worthy. And the soundtrack.
True love never dies. Love lasts forever. This is a modern day classic, Hollywood romance movie. R.i.p. Patrick Swayze.
Milk (2008)
a v well told story of a v courageous and inspiring man
Harvey Milk is one of the most courageous and inspiring people I have ever heard of. What an absolutely charismatic and fearless man.
He was bright, cheerful, and a much needed leader. What an oppressed group of people the LBGTQ community was. And San Francisco, the Castro district, was their haven. Thank god they at least had that. And thank god for Harvey Milk.
I cannot imagine being gay and being from a small town like in the Midwest. What isolation, discrimination, and personal turmoil they must have gone thru.
Movie is v empowering for LBGTQ and anyone who is a minority or an outcast. We must continue the fight for rights for all minorities.
Sean Penn is excellent. Gus Van Sant excellent directing. Thank you for telling the story of this v important man in our human history.
Dead Man Walking (1995)
thought provoking
Based on a real life nun from New Orleans who worked w death row inmates and who has been v outspoken about the death penalty.
Sean Penn does a great job as the tortured soul who regrets his mistakes.
It is a great movie about a v serious topic. The death penalty. Is it humane? Should we do it or are all criminals capable of being reformed?
It makes us look at a criminal who has been given the harsh sentence of the death penalty and what anguish he goes through. Susan Sarandon plays the nun who goes there to offer him spiritual guidance.
At the end, she is the only person he has to talk to and confide in.
To Die For (1995)
entertaining but a little sickening. Pretty sociopath.
Entertaining. Nicole Kidman is excellent as the v pretty, tight clothes wearing, zealous sociopath who cons Matt Dillon into marrying her.
Based on a true story. It is entertaining if you want to see Kidman w perfect hair, make up, and tight clothes.
She is an uneducated, small town girl that wants out of her situation. And needs to use everyone along the way. Matt Dillon is a fool who falls in lust and marries her. His family sees the truth.
It is a little like "Fatal Attraction". People are not really as they appear. Even attractive people can be evil.
Matt Damon comes from a traditional Italian family. His dad is v strict and possessive. Do not cross his dad. Will Nicole Kidman's character heed the warning?
Joaquin Phoenix plays a teenage student who falls for her also.
If something seems too good to be true, it probably is. Nicole Kidman's character is like a candy that is deceivingly hard, sweet, and delicious on the outside but filled w arsenic.