Bottomline: Must see for any true sci-fi fan.
Pros: Strong writing with many layers.
Cons: Acting is a little wooden (on purpose?). It hasn't aged well but is nostalgic.
QMR Opinion: This is listed by many as one of the top Sci-Fi films of all time. Its theme -- fear of the unknown -- is common for sci-fi flicks during the '50s. However, I had heard about the underlying Christian allegory and noticed it -- if you tried hard. It also doesn't hurt that the the hero of the movie adopts the name "Carpenter." Go figure. It's enjoyable to watch and is safe for the whole family. You get to see an extremely young Patricia Neal and then you get to see Aunt Bea somewhere other than Mayberry.
Bottomline: Fascinating and poignant documentary.
Pros: Enjoyable format that allows the stories of the four principals to unfold naturally.
Cons: Essentially glorifies panhandling.
QMR Opinion: Those of us who enjoy documentaries enjoy them because many times they answer the question we ask: I wonder what those people are like? I have been on Hollywood Boulevard once and I do remember people dressed like characters shilling for tips on the sidewalk. I ignored them but did wonder: Who are these people? How did they get here? Why are they here? This documentary features four people who have adopted the personas of superheros -- Superman, Wonder Woman, The Incredible Hulk, and Batman. Each person featured has a particularly fascinating story to tell and all four are actors trying to make it in Hollywood. The irony should not be lost on anyone when Batman decides he needs to see a psyciatrist to work out some issues. He visits the psychiatrist -- in costume.
Rachel Getting Married (2009)
Bottomline: If you love movies, you must see this film.
Pros: One of the five best films of 2008. It should have been nominated for Best Picture instead of The Reader (2008).
Cons: I can't think of any.
QMR Opinion: Let's just get this out of the way because she has received so much buzz as well as an Academy Award nomination. . .Anne Hathaway is absolutely terrific as the troubled sister to Rachel in this film. The princess grew up in Brokeback Mountain and she has truly evolved as an actress in this terrific film. But, I have to tell you, there is not a weak character in this movie and I would throw special kudos toward Rosemarie Dewitt who is just pitch perfect as Rachel. Jonathan Demme's camera work here is excellent -- using a handheld videocam designed to make you feel like you are actually attending the wedding and filming it as it occurs. I was mesmerized from start to finish and was sorry to see it end
1 comment:
Great reviews! Especially like the documentary. I will check it out ! I'd The Day the Earth. . . A re- telling of The Tempest? I think I remember that from a Science Fiction class years ago. It 's been ages since I've seem it. I need to see it again.
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