| Calendar Girls: is
a terrific film that tells the true story of older British housewives who
did a nude calendar for charity. Helen Mirren gives a softly edgy
performance as the instigator of the calendar and Julie Walters gives
touching solid support as her best friend, whose husband comes down with
Leukemia. Another charmingly amusing standout if Annette Crosbie as a
very dignified upper crust wife who joins them. I found myself
laughing out loud in some scenes and getting choked up in others. An
audience winner. movie seen
01/08/04 Link
to Official Site ( shows the original calendar)
RECOMMEND: 40 Carats : I never got why they cast Liv Ullmann in the role of the older mother who meets and falls in love with a younger man during a romantic trip to Greece as she wasn't that near 40 when she did the film. The plot resolves her character's disconcertion when her lover follows her to New York to pursue the relationship. Gene Kelly plays her charming rogue of an ex-husband in one of his last films and gives some humor and life to the movie. This was a successful Broadway play that, as I see, ruined by poor casting when filmed. |
| Capote:
Is a substantial movie built on the strength of Philip Seymour Hoffman's
performance as Truman Capote during his writing of "In Cold Blood".
His attraction with the sad story of the murders of a respected family in
Kansas lead him there to initially write an article for the New Yorker and
ended up with the writing of his masterpiece. There are many levels to
this film that covers topics such as our own fascination with horrible
events and with killers, along with what happens to those who investigate
and report the story. And there is also the element of the person who
achieves his creative apex which he can never top and the price paid for
such extraordinary success. Hoffman has had a range of great
performances, but he really has a triumph in this multi-layered portrayal of
a person who for many became only a comical figure on talk shows. He
is given solid support by Catherine Keener as his friend Harper Lee.
An amazing movie that I highly recommend.
seen
12/29/05 RECOMMEND: In Cold Blood is the chilling move based on the famous book, that has a amazing performance by Robert Blake as the killer Perry Smith. I saw this film only once when it was released almost 40 years ago, and certain scenes have stayed with me ever since. |
| Captain Corelli's Mandolin: Is
a W.W.II love story set in an island in Greece, with Nicholas Cage playing the Italian
soldier who finds love and honor with Penelope Cruz. There is a gentle, leisurely
tone in the movie, but that may be part of the problem - it lacks the passion to be a
truly great love or even war story. Even Irene Papas lacked her normal spark and the
usually interesting Christian Bale is wasted in his role. But, I did enjoy the
understated performance by John Hurt as the wise father to Penelope. It wasn't a bad
picture, but not an ultimately satisfying one. movie
seen 8/18/01 RECOMMEND: A Walk in the Clouds is a very romantic, beautifully photographed movie about a W.W.II soldier who decides to help out a pregnant woman by pretending to be her husband. He visits her family's vineyards in the Napa Valley and, of course, ends up in love with her. Keanu Reeves and Aitana Sanchez-Gigon are lovely together and Anthony Quinn gives warm support as her wise grandfather. |
| Cars: It
is quite obvious where they got the storyline from - see my recommend.
In this engaging cartoon, a slick racing car gets lost on his way to
California in a little town lost along Route 66 which was bypassed by a new
highway. He meets the colorful characters of the town and learns
what's really important in life. What sets this cartoon apart is the
amazing graphics: the racing episodes can make you dizzy and the desert
scenes are stunningly beautiful. Many of the jokes will be over the
head of younger kids (some of who appeared bored by its length), but it is a
cartoon adults can enjoy too. Be sure to stay for the credits, since
some of the best jokes are there.
seen
6/15/06 RECOMMEND: Doc Hollywood is the very funny story of a slick young doctor, played with breezy charm by Michael J. Fox, who literally crashes into a remote little town and is forced by a court judgment to work at the town's hospital. Of course, he learns life lessons along the way and becomes a better person. |
| Casino Royale: is a reinvention of the James Bond movie, going back to its more gritty inception. The controversy about Daniel Craig being the first blond Bond is so silly; he has the same dangerous edge that Sean Connery had, which makes James Bond more than a just a suave killer. And since this one begins with Bond becoming 007, there is conversation about his working man roots and how he got his "polish". The movie has some really amazing action scenes, which I would not recommend viewing by those suffering from acrophobia. But, at the heart is a well-told plotline with lots of twists and turns, which don't challenge your sense of logic. I must give this flick a strong recommend - a winner (no matter how much my heart belongs to Sean Connery as 007). seen 12/2/06 |
| CAST AWAY: Tom
Hanks gives a bravura performance that anchors the movie about a modern man who is
survives a plane crash to live alone on an island for four years. Of course, in
surviving he learns what is important in life. I did the find the ending a bit flat
and disappointing, but that doesn't take away from the truly great performance by Tom.
movie seen 12/23/00 RECOMMEND: The Black Stallion has truly lyrical moments as it tells the story of young boy who survives a boat sinking along with a handsome horse. Mickey Rooney was Oscar-nominated in a supporting role. |
| Catch Me If You Can: Is
being sold as a fun comedy, but actually its actually the rather sad true story of a young
man who falls for his father's illusions of grander and becomes a successful con man.
Leonardo DiCaprio plays the Frank Abagnale, Jr. with charm and panache, while
Christopher Walken plays his father with a dignified pathos. Tom Hanks plays the
straight-laced unrelenting FBI agent pursuing Abagnale and actually provides the most
comedy for the film. I found myself a little bored with the pace of the movie,
as it was a bit longer than it needs to be, but there are some nice performances and
scenes that make it worthwhile. movie seen 1/4/03 RECOMMEND: The Great Imposter is another true story of a con man played with amusing confidence by Tony Curtis who convinced people he was everything from surgeon to a prison warden. |
| Cats & Dogs: My
human pet, Jane, usually writes the reviews, but I feel I must reveal the truth about this
scandalous film, which shows cats as evil beings bent on taking over the world from dogs,
which are only portrayed as being good and noble. Sure there's good special effects
and some very funny scenes and lines, but that is no reason to expose other humans to this
totally misrepresented view of cats. Personally I am very sick of the tiresome
stereotypes used and suspect this was written by some misbegotten canine. Felines of
the world, UNITE, do not allow your human pets and servants to see this movie!!! (Sorry, Buster got a little carried away. Don't tell him, but I and the audience enjoyed the movie for the slapstick effects and good-natured quality. OK, for kids of all ages.) movie seen 7/4/01 RECOMMEND: Lady and the Tramp is a classic Disney cartoon that has always been a favorite of mine. The scene of the two doggies sharing the string of spaghetti is so darling and the witty score by Peggy Lee is memorable. |
| CENTER STAGE: I found
myself enjoying this movie for the joy of the dance performances, despite the very corny
script. The young cast are pleasant and talented in dance, but no standout acting
performances. But, that's OK, remember Fred and Ginger movies had dopey plots too,
since they were only the excuse to get to the dance numbers. movie seen 5/26/00 RECOMMEND: Stage Door has a great cast including Katharine Hepburn and Ginger Rogers in the story of Broadway hopefuls who live in a boarding house. It has wit and humor combined with some touching stories that concludes with Kate's famous scene: "The callalillies are in bloom". |
| Changing Lanes: Is
a morality play that begins with a car accident between a slick young lawyer played by Ben
Afflick and a recovering alcoholic and desperate father played by Samuel L. Jackson.
The father is left stranded by the lawyer, but in accidental possession is an
important piece of paperwork left behind by the lawyer. And so begins the day long
brutal duel between the two. There is some good action and acting in this film and I
am giving a recommend, though I found the ending a bit too Hollywood neat. movie seen 4/13/02 RECOMMEND: The Duellists is Ridley Scott's first directorial effort and concentrates on a long-running feud between two French officiers during the Napoleonic Wars. Between the battles of war, the two fight duels between themselves. Have some remarkable sword-fighting scenes. |
| Charlotte's Web: I admit, I have never read the book or seen previous film versions, so had no idea what the story was about. I did become entranced of the story of the little pig and his friendship with a spider. Frankly, the movie feels a bit like a sequel to "Babe", but it does have its own charm. I was a bit creeped out with the spider in the beginning, but Julia Robert's dulcet tones become very comforting and I found myself lured in the movie's warmth. And, yeah, I did get teary at the end, but must give it a recommend for its heart and the sweetness of the story. (And Steve Buscemi gets many laughs as the wickedly funny rat.) seen 12/20/06 |
| Charlie and the Chocolate Factory:
I'll be honest, if it wasn't showing at the new IMAX Theatre
in town, I wouldn't have gone to see it, as I never liked the original film
or have ever read the book. But, I do enjoy watching what Johnny Depp
can do with unusual roles and I wasn't disappointed; he adds his own stamp
of peculiar charm and whimsy to the role of the socially challenged
Willie Wonka. Combined with the adorable Freddie Highmore as Charlie,
the special effects (most of which feature the whimsical Deep Roy as the
Oompa Loompas) are really fun on the huge screen, and the usual loopy
directorial bent of Tim Burton, it is one crazy adventure - rather like a
really wild dream. I liked it much more than I expected to, so giving
it a recommend. Just remember - don't touch that squirrel's nuts!
seen
7/30/05
RECOMMEND: Edward Scissorhands was the first pairing of Johnny Depp and Tim Burton and its scenes are particularly echoed in the beginning of "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory". It has a haunting quality to it as it tells the tale of the poor young man with scissors for hands who is first adopted, then adored, then reviled in a small suburban town. Like all of Tim Burton's work, it has a twisted edge with unusual sets and camera angles, but has at the center a warm heart. It is a modern classic. |
| Charlie Wilson's War: Is based on the true story of how the U.S. supplied the Afghans with the weapons they need to defeat the Soviet invaders using covert CIA covers. Tom Hanks ably portrays the Texan congressman whose wild personal life belied his sense of decency that was inflamed when he toured the refugee camps and learned first hand of the Soviet atrocities committed on women and children. He works with a CIA agent (played to perfection by Phillip Seymour Hoffman as a man frustrated by the bureaucratic system he's in) to set up the covert program and get it paid through Congress. The script is sharp and the movie moves quickly with intelligence, humor, and really opens your eyes to the backroom deals that make government function. High recommend. Seen 1/6/08 |
| Chicago: Is
the energetic filming of the famous Bob Fosse-created musical. Kudos to a uniformly
good performances by the whole cast, who all exhibit surprisingly good voice and dancing
ability: Catherine Zeta-Jones, Renee Zellweger, Richard Gere, John C. Reilly, and Queen
Latifah. Set in the 1930's, it tells the story of a pair of murderess's who milk
their crimes for all they're worth for publicity and fame. The musical numbers are
fast cut, but work well within the story-telling. As a long time fan of musicals, I
am delighted to see another successful one. movie
seen 1/8/03 RECOMMEND: Cabaret is one of the last great screen musicals, directed with energy and style by the great Bob Fosse, starring dynamic Liza Minnelli and Joel Grey (all three Oscar winners for the film). It takes place in prewar Germany, centering around a rather seedy nightclub and is filmed with super musical numbers. |
| Chicken Little:
I waited a couple weeks to see this film in the
amazing Disney 3D. The effect takes a cute movie and makes it an
experience. The story begins with Chicken Little being the laughing
stock of the village, because he caused a riot saying the sky was falling
and his poor father is embarrassed by him and ends with his redemption.
Of course, there are lots of funny characters, pratfalls for the kids, and
jokes for the grown-ups, but with the 3D you find yourself ducking things
flying at you and then giggling because its just a movie effect. So
high recommend for the 3D version, but just an OK for the movie on its own. seen
11/19/05 RECOMMEND: Mac and Me is one of those "ET" rip-offs of the 80's whose twist is the little boy who finds the alien is in a wheelchair. It is heavy on "cute", with a PC message. |
| CHOCOLAT: Is a
sweet, touching magical fable that employs the sensual pleasure of chocolate to open the
eyes of the repressed residents of a little village in France. Juliette
Binoche mysteriously comes into town with her little girl and in one delightful scene
after another, awakens and frees the townspeople, despite opposition from the pompous
mayor and a very young priest. Lasse Halstrom direction, like that of "The
Cider House Rules" shines light in dark areas and gives you a totally satisfying
movie experience. Juliette Binoche has an inner glow and charm that remind me of Ingrid Bergman at her peak and the other pleasant surprise is Victoire Thivisol who plays her daughter. Her performance here proves that "Ponette" was not a fluke. The rest of the cast is equally wonderful and remarkable, with kudos especially to Lena Olin and Judi Dench. movie seen 12/27/00 RECOMMEND: The Butcher's Wife has a blond Demi Moore as a psychic who advises all the people she meets, including matching her own husband, George Dzundza, with his true love, Mary Steenburen. It is that subplot and their performances that gives the movie enjoyment, as Demi is sadly miscast and the rest of the movie is frankly pretty lame. |
| THE CIDER HOUSE RULES: is
a movie that examines the commonly accepted rules of life and the reasons it may be
correct to break them. The story begins in an orphanage run by Michael Caine, in a
wonderfully understated, but very profound performance, and tells the tale of a young
man's passage into manhood. But the story goes beyond normal telling into
unimagined areas, sad and sweet all at the same time. Tobey Maguire gives another
solid performance as that young man and Charlize Theron is luminescent as the young woman
who forms part of three-way love triangle that is only a piece of the tale.
Unfortunately, the previews gave no hint as to the depth of this movie, which is properly
nominated for several Oscar's this year. movie seen 2/26/00 RECOMMEND: The World According to Garp was the first movie based on a John Irving novel, and like his recent film, it takes you to many unexpected areas of life examining them in unusual ways. Garp is more sharply satiric, but has several great performances such as from Glenn Close in her first movie. (Note: it was also Robin Williams' first ) |
| Cinderella Man: Is
the story of Jim Braddock, a failed fighter who came back from all odds to
be a winner. Russell Crowe gives another amazing performance that
emphasizes the dignity and honor of the man combined with the skills of the
boxer. Renée Zellweger and Paul Giamatti give solid
performances as his wife and his manager, who both believe in him and
support him through the hard times. The other supporting player in the
movie is the story of the Depression and what happened to people, the
desperation and frustration. Ron Howard has directed another worthy
film. I found myself feeling the blows of the fists during the fight
and tears welling up in the tender scenes - I must give it a high recommend. seen
6/04/05 RECOMMEND: Somebody Up There Likes Me tells the story of Rocky Graziano who came up from the mean streets to be a championship boxer after serving time in prison. It was Paul Newman's breakout film and also starred the fragile Pier Angeli as his love interest. |
| A CIVIL ACTION: John Travolta gives another
fine performance as a slick attorney who is drawn by greed into a case of children dying
from pollution and who eventually finds his conscience and heart as he fights the trial.
Eventually, he trades his ego (and everything else) to do what is right. Robert
Duvall wonderfully underplays his opposing lawyer, who teaches Travolta's character some
life lessons along the way. I found it an intriguing, well-done story with strong
support from William Macy and Kathleen Quinlen. Note: This movie is based on a true
story. movie seen
1/16/98 RECOMMEND: SULLIVAN'S TRAVELS is a Preston Sturges classic of a Hollywood movie director who runs away to ride the rails and experience the "real world". There is laughter and pathos in this 1930's film that gives an image of the Depression. The common link is how the director, played by Joel McCrea becomes a more compassionate human as he joins the ranks of the common man. |
| Cold Mountain:
Begins with a well-done, but violent recreation of a Civil War battle, but
then lapses into a Hollywoodized tale of a man returning to the woman he
loves and the people he runs into during his travels. Frankly, Jude
Law and Nicole Kidman are too pretty a couple and some of the supporting
roles are more like the cameos in "Around the World", then like a natural
part of the story. So in the end, I became annoyed with the length of
the film and the obvious plotline. So, I would only give it a weak
approval, not a memorable film, but some good parts that make it acceptable.
movie seen 02/28/04 RECOMMEND: Friendly Persuasion : is a charming story of a Quaker family whose members face tough decisions of conscience during the Civil War. Gary Cooper is the resolute father with a twinkle in his eye, Dorothy Malone gives another warm performances as the mother, and Anthony Perkins had an early role as their son. It is a solid combination of heart and laughter and still works. |
| Collateral: Is
a tense film about a "Terminator" type assassin played chillingly by Tom
Cruise who uses a cab driver to drive him to his hits. Jamie Foxx has
his real breakout role as the very human cab driver, who finds himself
dueling with the cleverly ruthless killer, Vincent. The dialogue is
crisp with wit; the action tight and edgy, aided by the camerawork which has
a documentary feel to it, due to the fact it was filmed digitally.
Honestly, you could drive a truck trough the plot holes, but it is so
well-done, that you don't care. This is a high recommend and I think
there will be some Oscar nom's from it. movie seen 08/7/04
RECOMMEND: Shadow of a Doubt is a great Hitchcock film about a teenage girl who realizes that her dear "Uncle Charlie" is actually a cold-blooded serial killer. The suspense is tight as the characters duel - with good performances by Teresa Wright and Joseph Cotton - one of Hitch's best. |
| Collateral Damage: Arnold
Schwarznegger plays a distraught fireman who sees his wife and son killed by a terrorists,
who then pursues revenge. The Dennis Quaid film, "The Savior",
dealt with a similar storyline in a more realistic way, though this script does attempt to
show the good and bad guys as not just black and white characterizations. Actually,
I found the second half of the film better than the first, with the addition of a
character, played by Franscesa Neri, and some plot twists. I would say this is an
O.K. film, not great, but interesting enough to fill two hours. RECOMMEND: Commando is a stock Arnold film where is pursuing the bad guys to retrieve his kidnapped daughter. This is some very dark humor, lots of violence, and a resourceful little girl, played by the young, tomboyish, Alyssa Milano. |
| Connie and Carla:
Manages to mine laughs out of what should be by now the worn
out plot line of hiding in plain sight by pretending to be another
sex. Nia Vardalos, however, finds a new twist with the
characters' love of show tunes that has a sweet humor built in that gives
her and Toni Collette an Alice in Wonderland appeal. Of course, a straight
guy, well played with wry charm by David Duchovny, finds himself confusingly
attracted to what he thinks is a guy. I am assuming that Nia and Toni
did their own signing and that was a nice little surprise, too (you can hear
them singing on their web site). All in all, it was a pleasant way to
spend an hour and half. movie
seen 04/16/04 RECOMMEND: Sister Act was a deservedly big hit for Whoopi Goldberg in which she plays a Vegas singer hiding out from her mobster boyfriend by pretending to be a nun. It had many of the expected laughs, but the real highlight was her singing as she modernized the nun's church choir. Still fun and the soundtrack is one of my favorites. |
| The Constant Gardener:
Is an intelligent thriller about a bland diplomat, who falls
deeply in love with an activist. While he is stationed in Africa, she
becomes involved in uncovering how pharmaceutical companies are using
Africans for experimentation with their drugs. Her murder leads him to
explore not only why she was killed, but just who she really was and how
little he really knew her. Rachel Weisz is fine as the wife, but Ralph
Fiennes gives another brilliant performance that is deep and honest.
It is a well-paced, lovely photographed and edited film that is intellectual
and emotionally fulfilling. One of the very best this year. seen
9/9/05
RECOMMEND: Frantic is an exciting story of a man trying to find his wife who has been kidnapped in Paris, all the while trying to prove it to the police who do not believe him. Harrison Ford does a fine job as the frenzied husband and Emmanuelle Seigner has a strong supporting role as the woman he convinces to help him in the search. Roman Polanski keeps the story moving and interesting to the exciting end with a feeling that Hitchcock could have directed it. |
| THE CONTENDER: has a
nice snap and crackle to the acting, despite predicable twists and turns to the plot. Look
for Joan Allen to be Oscar-nominated, as the VP candidate whose sex life
becomes the fodder of her contentious confirmation hearings. And in fine support is
Jeff Bridges as the President and Gary Oldman as her main adversary. movie seen 10/14/00 RECOMMEND: "The Contender" is obviously based on Advise & Consent, a solid 1962 film about Washington dealer brokering during confirmation hearings. Good performances from Henry Fonda and the rest of the cast. |
| COOKIE'S FORTUNE: Director
Robert Altman manages to combine an observant, amused eye on the residents of a
sweet, sleepy little Southern town with an outrageous black comedy and make it all
work. Glenn Close gets to chew up the scenery (in one case, literally) as a
controlling bitch, while other characters are more laid back and loving. The twists
and the turns of the storyline are linked by little bits of business which all come
together in the end. It is slow to start, but the audience went from giggling to
laughing at loud by the end. A lovely, charming little comedy. movie seen 4/17/99 RECOMMEND: Nadine is a romantic comedy set in 1954 Austin, Texas starring Kim Basinger as an "almost" divorced hairdresser who accidentally views a murder and the complications that ensue. She and Jeff Bridges, her near-ex, have a funny rapport between them, as they bicker and fall back in love. A surprisingly winner of a little forgotten film |
| The Core:
is a forgettable action movie that has
some scary and pretty ridiculous special effects. A military project
has stopped the spinning of the matter at the center the earth and the
planet is doomed. A hodge podge of scientists and inventors manage to
produce in less than 3 months an incredible machine that can not only core
to the center of the earth in a couple days, but can also resist the heat
and pressure found there. And of course everyone is remarkably brave,
performing amazingly heroic deeds, while still able to crack jokes. If
there's nothing else on, it is a movie that could be entertaining, but too
full of clichés and crappy special effects to be truly memorable.
movie
seen 3/29/03 RECOMMEND: Journey to the Center of the Earth is a sentimental favorite of mine from childhood, based on the famous Jules Verne novel. James Mason is a very proper Scot professor who leads an improbable expedition to the (you guessed it) center of the earth. The special effects are pretty tame by today's computer effects, but were pretty nifty in their day. One of the highlights that still stands out is the terrific score by Bernard Herrmann; it is eerily majestic. |
| The Count of Monte Cristo:
Is a well-done retelling of the classic Dumas novel of an innocent man unjustly
sent to a terrible prison, befriended by a fellow prisoner, who teaches him, gives him
instructions to find a fortune, and eventually provides his escape. The man returns in
disguise to reek vengeance on those who betrayed him. James Caviezel does a fine job
as the hero, Guy Pearce offers up an outstanding performance as the nasty villein, and
Richard Harris gives wonderful support in another role as a wise old man. Very
classy movie, done with elegance and style. movie
seen 1/29/02 RECOMMEND: Captain Blood is one of the first great swashbuckling movies and the breakout starring role for Errol Flynn. He is doctor who is forced to become a pirate. Lots of great action and romance with Olivia deHavilland. One of my favorites growing up. |
| Crash: Is
without a doubt the best movie I have seen in a long time. Using
several different story lines, it investigates our feelings and opinions
about people of other cultures and races and how people react to each based
on pre-conceived notions. The script is intelligent and perceptive and
the puzzle pieces all come together with a wonderful logic as it crackles
with brutal honesty and natural language. On top of that is many solid
performances by well-known actors in the small vignettes. At each turn
our opinions of them change as we learn about them and their personal lives.
This is definitely a "do not miss" movie for adults. seen
5/21/05 RECOMMEND: Traffic was a good view at the drug world using multi-layered plots that goes from a Federal Government drug tsar who deals with her teenage daughter's decent into heroin, a drug dealer's wife's efforts save her family's fortunes, and a Mexican cop's attempts to get the drug king. Many Oscar nom's and win's for it. |
| THE CREW: Another
limp comedy that tells the tale of some over-the-hill gangsters and their problems with
retirement. There are some laughs, but I found myself staring more at Burt
Reynolds's god-awful face lift and wondering why Richard Dreyfuss is able to play senior
citizens so well when he is only 52. Actually the frustrated South American Drug
Boss (Miguel Sandoval) has the funniest scenes. movie seen 8/26/00 RECOMMEND: Going in Style starring George Burns, Art Carney, and Lee Strasberg as retirees who decide to rob a bank. There are not just laughs, but a touching storyline and good performances. In other words, all the elements that "The Crew" lacks. |
| Crocodile Dundee in L.A.:
Yes, Paul Hogan is back after all these years (although with all the ads and reruns, we've
hardly had a chance to miss him). There are some laughs with the Crocodile Dundee
character, but the storyline is tired and doesn't hold the interest. So, it's a
lukewarm review, some laughs from an old favorite, but it just doesn't have the freshness
and fun of the classic original. movie seen
4/20/01 RECOMMEND: Beverly Hills Cop was the movie that kept coming to mind while I was watching Crocodile Dundee. Eddie Murphy is at his best as the streetwise, smart alleck cop from Detroit who goes to L.A. to solve a murder of a friend. It is funny and full of action and a real winner for Eddie (and it's sequels didn't work either!). |
CROUCHING TIGER,
HIDDEN DRAGON: Has had much word of mouth and rave reviews as an
artful intelligently done martial arts movie directed by Ang Lee. But, while
watching it, I was surprised to discover that it was actually a "chick flick" in
the disguise of a "Kung Fu" movie. It is truly the story of two couples
who are thwarted in their love for one another. In between the quiets moments of
romance there are some very fantastic scenes of martial arts, which frankly I found myself
laughing at. There is something about the sight of people running up the sides of
buildings and fighting on tree limbs, obviously hanging on wires, that is rather
ludicrous. But, I did find myself warming to the love stories, the tales of good
vs. evil, and the fact that women were the central characters in the story; so it is a
worthwhile curiosity piece. Michelle Yeoh and Zhang Ziyi are especially good in the
female lead roles. And Chang Chen, the younger of the men, has strong male charm
that will undoubtedly lead to some American films. movie
seen 1/27/01 |