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| Movie: | Far too many to mention. (see my "Favorite Movies" list) Like old and new movies - Independent and Foreign films |
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| Actor: | Johnny Depp, Tom Hanks, Robin Williams, Julia Roberts, Tim Robbins, Steve Martin, Michael Parks, Al Pacino, Robert Duvall, Robert DeNiro, Danny DeVito, Meryll Streep, Sissy Spacek, Meg Ryan, Cher, Sarah Polley, Angelina Jolie, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Kevin Kline, Paul Giamatti, Antonio Bandaras, Andy Garcia, Wynonna Ryder, Aiden Quinn, Sam Elliott, Paul Neuman, John C. Reilley, Tom Skerritt |
| Director: | Woody Allen, Wes Anderson, Clint Eastwood, Del Toro, Coen Brothers, John Turturro, Robert Rodriguez, M Knight Shamalon, Tim Burton, Ron Howard, Rob Reiner, Garry Marshall, Martin Scorsese, The Polish Brothers |
| Quote: | You know how to whistle don't you? Just put your lips together - and blow. |
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Not gonna add you as friends with nothing in your profile - no movies no ratings no nothing. PS - this is NOT a dating service - bug off.
(steps off her soap-box and back to the movies) BUT: If you are a music lover too as I am you can also catch me on my iLike page: http://www.ilike.com/user/Linda_D43 Please: NO WIDGETS posted to my messages okay? I find them distracting and intrusive and will only delete them as fast as I see them, and I'll have to delete you as a friend too - so keep it to the movies - and NO WIDGETS!!! NO WIDGETS NO WIDGETS!!!! Thanks. |
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SV's Recent Reviews
Happiness
Unrated
Very ...hmmm..intense disquised by light-heartedness or "happiness". This is hard to handle and uncomfortableness abounds..and yet? No discounting this film or the performances by an all-star cast of characters.
Manhattan Melodrama
Unrated
William Powell and Clark Gable are two friends who grow up together but live lifes as adults on opposite sides of the law. Between them stands one beautiful woman they both love played by Myrna Loy who marries William Powell who is running for governor. They remain friends with Clark Gable despite his underworld connections until?...the plot thickens. The title says it all - it's very melodramatic even for it's time but still enjoyable. A bit of triva here is this is the film that John Dillenger saw just before he came out of the theater and was gunned down...all because he had it bad for Myrna Loy. ; -)
Days of Heaven
PG
Cinematically this is just beautiful. Néstor Almendros actually won an Oscar for Cinematography for this and well deserved. Richard Gere stars in one of his earliest films here in 1978, having replaced John Travolta at the last minute. I think that was a fortunate thing to happen as he was perfect for this role of a Chicago Steel Worker in the early part of the last century who takes to hopping trains and traveling the country with his little sister and his girlfriend untll he arrives on a wheat farm in Texas that is owned by a farmer who is dying (Sam Shepherd). The story just is not as developed as it should be, and it seems to just end awkwardly; but over all it's still a very wothwhile watch.
The Old Man and the Sea
Unrated
A remake of the 1958 film & Hemmingway tale. This one stars Anthony Quinn as the old man Santiago and he brings a truly touching performance, but the rest of this particular version does not quite hold up to the original. Still, if you are a fan of Anthony Quinn as I am I would recommend this.
Phoebe in Wonderland
PG-13
Very good performance by Elle Fanning as Phoebe, a child that suffers from tourette's and OCD who finds peace in playing the role of Alice (in Wonderland) for an understanding and wise drama teacher played so well by Patricial Clarkson. The story itself doesn't seem to quite know exactly what it wants to say or do, but over-all it's an enjoyable little film nicely directed by Daniel Barnz.
Respect Yourself: The Stax Records Story
Unrated
Very good telling of the story of The Stax Records company, recording studio and all those fantastic musicians that graced it's doors. Soulsville!
SV's Favorite Movies
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(25) | Create a MovieBoard
2.
When Harry Met Sally
R
One of my all time faves..performances grand - New York never looked better, and the scrumptious soundtrack by a very young Harry Connick Jr.
4.
Breakfast at Tiffany's
Unrated
I can't watch when she is crying "cat cat - come back cat" in the end. (so happy cat came back) LOVE this movie (oh to look like HER)
5.
Annie Hall
PG
A sentimental favorite of mine and arguably my favorite Woody Allen movie. I'll move it down a few notches now and then, but every time I've seen it (and I own it) over the last 30 years when it's over I say to myself, "that's my favorite by far". Just a wonderful look at love and relationships.
6.
Gypsy
Unrated
My favorite musical and one of my favorite top ten movies of all time. "Look at me Mama, I'm pretty! You have a pretty girl Mama"
SV's Movie Scrapbook
SV's Talk
View All (1118)
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I recommend you see...
Anvil! The Story of Anvil
by scottposted 14 hours ago -
yeah, I aw Public Enemies the other day and The Manhattan Melodrama was in it. I love seeing old films in new films.
posted 1 day ago -
I recommend you see...
American Teen
by scottwhat apears to be a documentary on a group of teens in warsaw a middle america town, but clues give it away this is actually actors or non actors, working under a loose script, or thought out actions before hand, but what ever it is, its entertaining, as we follow the kids through there last year of high school,and thinking about college, the highs and lows of high school life, the actors/real life people, whatever they are are genuin, and not like you see in hollywood movie, this is part of the charm as you watch the whinny kids go about there day, some are annoying, some just sad,and some,,bitches, all the events you get in hollywood highschool films make it in here, but with authenticity, if this is fiction of course, if not,ainteresting doc
Hey, you should really see this!
posted 2 days ago -
I recommend you see...
Der Baader Meinhof Komplex
by scotta interesting look at a group of radicals during 1960s germany, protesting out against americas involvment in vietnam,and especially there ocupation in germany as bases for there preparation,what starts as protests to the streets turns into bombings and murder, they were germanys most wanted, the film with great detail takes us through a groups beginnings and getting in too deep, showing the 1960s through to the 70s where events became bigger and bigger, and inprisonment for most of the people, the story is well told, lots crammed in its two and a half hours, and lots of action, bombs being set of as part of there attack, all performances are good especially moritz bleibtreu,as the guy in control, another filmabout germanys past that isnt nazis and killing jews
Hey, you should really see this!
posted 2 days ago -
I recommend you see...
Gwai wik (Re-cycle)
by RobertWhat starts out as an interesting concept about a surreal alternate universe (think Alice In Wonderland meets Silent Hill) haunted by the discarded thoughts and ideas of a struggling writer, oddly enough ends up feeling like a (not so subtle) "pro-life" propoganda film. Strange...right?
Sure the story in general was a little convoluted, but some of the imagery was really creepy and the music hauntingly beautiful. Had they stuck to the core concept or at least not ended the film on such a stereotypically saccharine note...this film wouldn't have been half bad.See what you think.
posted 3 days ago -
I recommend you see...
Once Upon a Time in the West
by xGaryA newlywed arrives to find her adoptive family murdered and makes an alliance with a bandit and a mysterious drifter to unite against their killer. Sergio Leone's "dance of death" is probably his most artistic film; what doesn't happen on screen is just as important as what does. It is almost an examination of a difference in the mindset of the sexes. The only female protagonist, played by Claudia Cardinale, is the only one who truly embraces life, and is willing to do whatever it takes to survive. Robards' bandit, Bronson's revenge driven gunman and Fonda's steely eyed assassin not only expect death, but almost welcome it. This film is not about a bullet riddled slam bang finale; it's about a series of events and circumstances leading up to a single point in time, and is all the more powerful for it. Reeking atmosphere and tension, Leone's visuals have never been better and Fonda who is the true central character of the film is perfectly cast against type, his piercing blue eyes almost the opposite of Bronson's emotionless slits. The soundtrack is perhaps a little heavy handed in places and the 2hr 40min running time may seem a little daunting to some, but it's the perfect western for people who prefer them arthouse rather than action packed.
If you've already seen the Man With No Name trilogy, this is your natural next stop.
posted 3 days ago -
I recommend you see...
Vicky Cristina Barcelona
by KevinQuite simply one of the best Woody Allen films I have ever set my eyes on! Thats saying alot,the guy is a movie legend. I would rank this up there with Annie Hall,which is often regarded as his best film.
First off I love how the movie opens up. The scene in the resurtant when Javier Bardem's character suggests that Vicky( Rebecca Hall) and Christina( Scarlett Johanson) should fly to Spain with him and perhaps going site seeing and afterwords "make love" I love how he was so causal about the whole situation and how appualed Vicky was by the suggestion. At the same time Christa embrasses the opportunity. That scene says so much about all three characters and sets up the story perfectly. You can defentitly tell that Allen has complete control over this film.
From there on you see the relationship unfold. It has a very seductive feel to it. So incredibly sexy and provocative these scenes are.Spain was the damn near perfect place to set this film,it really does a great job and seduces the viewer,very effective! It plays this very thin line on relationships. Just how long can a relationship last? How do you know if its meant to be? Can love be free or must it be contained. These are some very important and controversial issues that the film adresses.
As for the performances,well one might say that Penelope Cruz steals the movie. And you know what I think she does,however I was surprised that she didnt come into the movie until the fifty minute mark. It was also nice to see Javier Bardem play a more sane character. He has so much range in this film,through his facial expression one could tell that he had seduced these young girls. Scarlett Johansson didnt wow in this film,probualy the weakest link. Rebecca Hall though,she was in her element. With this and Frost Nixon she has had quite the breakout year.
Overall you cant go wrong with this sophisticated love story. For all you guys out there who might not give this film a chance because its a " chick flick",well shame on you.
Juan Antonio: Maria Elena used to say that only unfulfilled love can be romantic.Check out this sophisticated love story,with jaw droping performances.
posted 3 days ago -
I recommend you see...
The Godfather, Part III
by RobertKnowing that this is the film that everyone seems to love to hate...I went into this determined to keep an open mind and to judge it on it's own merit. And I can honestly say that it was not easy.
Sadly what could have been a substantial and really solid end to the trilogy, is ultimately only mildly satisfying for the most part.
While once again the set design, music, costumes and (most of) the cinematography are truly exceptional...some of the editing and writing was a little week in my opinion. And at times it the story felt a little "pieced together" and not in a good or interesting way.
And now for the biggest problem of all. I hate to write this because I know it's been said before, but I have to say it..."what the hell was Coppola thinking when he cast Sofia in the role of Michael's daughter Mary"?
It is painfully obvious from her first scene that (aside from looking the part)she was horribly miscast and painfully out of place (as an actress) amongst the rest of this (mostly) stellar cast.
I started out very forgivingly, hoping that she would get better as the story progressed, but it just NEVER happened. It was SO bad that I couldn't help but wonder: "Did her father (Francis Ford Coppola) not see how bad she was?" and "DId he keep trying for a "better take" and these are the best out of hours of footage?". It really is puzzling!
Now it would be different if she had been in a lesser role, but "Mary" is a pivotal character and could have been a very powerful and defining role for a better actress. But sadly "Mary" ends up being the albatross around the neck of this film.
Now I've come to love Sofia as a director and think that she has done some impressive work as a director and that great things can be expected from her in THAT arena. I suppose we can be greatlful in the knowledge that perhaps the harsh reviews of her performance here helped to "push" her in the direction of directing?Hey,if you've seen the first two...you might as well.
posted 4 days ago -
I recommend you see...
Blood: The Last Vampire
by scottthis would get a nice 4 star rating, but two action sequences where a vampire monster atacks our two girls is awfully done the effects are really bad,and notwell executed, oncewas bad enough but when it came back, i was disgusted, the story it self is very stylish concerning a vampire good girl, exellently played by jeon ji-hyeon, killing for goverment spooks her fellow monster,whilewaiting for the showdown with the foe who kiled her father, some exellent fight scenes, throughout, full of samuri swordplay, jeon ji hyeon, loks great in her sailor outfit, giving a look thats maybe iconic,the film is wel directed giving the 1970s seting authenticity,especially army base school scenes, while the fight scenes, production looks great, also settingb up for more adventures, hopefully this will happen, as its based on a anime cartoon, theres lots of places to go, but please next time save some money for monster effects
apart from 2 scenes concerning a really badly done monster,this is pretty good
posted 4 days ago -
I recommend you see...
Sunshine Cleaning
by scottfrom the creatures of little miss sunshine, a filmsharing many elements,and of course the word sunshine, amy adams puts in another winning role, if a bit whinny, and alanarkin has good stuff in a role quite similer to his little miss sunshine performance, but yet again, its emily blunt, who steels the show, great to watch, both humorous and emotional, as the down on her luck sister. the story is enjoyable as they set off on there new venture, and situations great to watch,
Hey, you should really see this!
posted 4 days ago -
I recommend you see...
Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen
by SerdarI saw its trailer in theatre, it didn't say it was Transformers first but some things started to blow up, the first scene I told my friend "This must be Michael Bay". Now you gotta give it to the man, he blows real good :) In Michael Bay movies, at some point, they must stop the film and show some "behind the scenes" because while people watching them they don't think "I wonder what's gonna happen next" they think more like "Damn, how the hell did they do that!?" So, instead of a final, a behind the scenes extra would be more suitable.
Now I say I'm "not interested" but I know I'll see it somehow, with some friends on DVD, I will of course vote for another movie but nobody will listen to me, they never do. But during the movie I will think of the song from "Team America". Here it is:
"I miss you more than Michael Bay missed the mark,
when he made Pearl Harbor,
I miss you more than that movie missed the point,
and that's an awful lot, girl,
and now, now you've gone away,
and all I'm trying to say,
is Pearl Harbor sucked and I miss you.
I need you like Ben Affleck needs acting school,
he was terrible in that film,
I need you like Cuba Gooding needed a bigger part,
he's way better than Ben Affleck,
and now, all I can think about is your smile,
and that shitty movie too,
Pearl Harbor sucked and I miss you.
Why does Michael Bay get to keep on making movies?
I guess Pearl Harbor sucked,
just a little bit more than I miss you."
:)hehe
posted 5 days ago -
I recommend you see...
The Outlaw Josey Wales
by scottalong wth the good the bad and the ugly, best western ever made, aND really moody but very interesting, not a action western but certainly films like unforgiven got there edge from films like this, eastwood a great presence and directing talent
one of the best westerns ever made
posted 5 days ago -
I recommend you see...
L.I.E.
by scotta young paul dano performance, remember him the brother in little miss sunshine, and exellent as eli in there will be blood. hes exellent here too as a young lad living around the long island expressway, the lie of the title, when he gets i with another troubled kid again exellently played by billy kay, robbery is on the cards,but also some sexual awakenings, but to hisfriend not women. when some guns are stolen on one of there heists, he is turned in by his buddy to the owner again played exellently by brian cox, but this guy is a bit of a kiddy fiddler and gives him options, with his best friend now runaway, he strikes up afriendship with the dirtry old man. exellent performances all round fkay danoandcox are superb. and the direction from michael cuesta is very indie, and looksgreat, great music also,a great teen film dealing with inportant issues
Hey, you should really see this!
posted 5 days ago -
I recommend you see...
Quarantine
by scotta quick remake of 2007 spanish film REC, relocated to los angelesl, a faithful remake keeping and capturing the original, from the handheld camera set up, to the location, its all faithfully retold, with some nice touches in extra scenes that although not adding anything vital, it is a little added scares. the acting although not as memorable as original, there all good, the only downside here being for fans of original, theres no shocks involved, thats how faithful i see it, andfor people who havent seen REC, and snobby about not wanting to watch subtitles, its okay for now, but seriously, check out the original
the american remake of spanish film REC,its pretty good and faithful
posted 6 days ago -
I recommend you see...
Friday the 13th
by RobertWhile I'm not a big fan of the IDEA of remaking horror classics (even mediocre ones), Rob Zombie impressed me enough with his spin on the Halloween franchise to make me open to the idea that it can be done in a fresh and interesting manner.
Sadly I can not say the same for Nispel & Bay who put this film together. Sadly, there is nothing original, interesting about this blatant attempt to profit on the name of a horror franchise.
The cast is completely unlikable (and not just the ones that you KNOW are there to die) and the writing is sub par even for a horror film.
And "what's up with Jason?". He seems to have become part ninja, poping up in various places and locations that would be impossible (even by horror standards) for him to be, given his location just moments before. Crawling in and out of tiny bathroom windows, without knocking a display of bottles that sits on the window sill? What happened to the big lumbering kill machine we all know and love?
Gone also are the obligatory "dead friends reveal" where the "next victim(s)" either trip over their dead friend or their dead friend pops out of a closet, cupboard, refridgerator, etc. Instead people conveniently just "notice" the victims in passing. Sometimes in the most illogical and improbable ways.
If you are a die heart horror fan, see it just so you can speak intelligently about how bad it is and as an example of how remakes can deffinately go wrong. Otherwise don't waste your time.:/
posted 7 days ago -
I recommend you see...
Flashdance
by RobertI had remembered REALLY enjoying this as a teenager, so I thought I'd give it a re-watch (a la the DVR).
I would have to say that in hindsight, the music and the amazingly cheesy 80's dance numbers that the girls at MAWBRY'S perform at various point's throughout the film are deffinately the "high points".
Sure Jennifer Beals is adorable, but the scenes where her (be-wigged) "dance double" is dancing as her are just painfully obvious. Especially during the final "audition" routine.
And sure Michael Nouri is handsome and charming as the older love interest. They never actually say how old he is supposed to be, but the difference is considerable. Given the fact that he is her boss and that they go out of their way to mention that Alex (Beals) is just 18...the whole relationship just never feels quite right.
The writing is predictable and at times horribly trite. But I still find something likable about the film. I guess I'm a sucker for nostalgia?Hey, you might enjoy this! Maybe?
posted 8 days ago -
I recommend you see...
Chugyeogja (The Chaser)
by scottanother great korean film, as a call girl boss, is loosing his girls, he suspects a young client, a big barny in the street has both men arested,and young man confessing to killing 12 girls a case they are on, so the call girl boss goes ona frantic hunt to track his girl down while young man is in custody, a well made thriller, some good moments, throughout, some humour and action thrown in to good effect
Hey, you should really see this!
posted 8 days ago -
I recommend you see...
Veneno para las hadas (Poison for the Fairies) (The Evil Fairies)
by RobertThis almost has the feel of a "made for television" movie. Which in this case is not necessarily a bad thing as it makes the (horrifically bleak) ending all the more surprising.
It has a slow, but creepy pace and the two main children are actualy pretty good little actors. The story is simple, but interesting (in a twisted sort of way). It strings you along under the guise of a rather sweet "coming of age" story, but the things that are going on "beneath the surface" are actually pretty dark.
One of the things I liked best about this film is the way that the faces of all of the adults are only ever seen as a means to shock or frighten, other then that they are only shot in the half-light or from behind. Which is fitting when you think of the fact the ultimately it's the mundane little stories that these girls have heard from the adults in their lives that ultimately lead to the breakdown of their little worlds.
It is also very easy to see some religious analogies here as well, in as much as "words" are a way of making you think and of broadening our minds. In the hands (and minds) of the innocent that is all that they would do. But those same words in the hands of the self-righteous can cause all hell to break loose.
As my Flixster friend "divinetrash" (who turned me on to the film) pointed out it is more a "fairy tale gone wrong" then a horror film. I would definitely file this under "fractured fairy tales".Hey, you might actually enjoy this.
posted 10 days ago -
of course, thank you for accepting me, you seem to have great taste.
posted 10 days ago -
I recommend you see...
The Last House on the Left
by scottive not seen wes cravens original 70s shocker, but it was good to see he had a producers hand in this remake, the hills have eyes turned out to be a great remake, and this is pretty good too, a great first act where we see 2 girls in danger, somehorrific and graphic scenes follow, then on to the house of the title,for some tense moments and squeemish moments, as the bad guys of the first act meet people in common with the girls. a well made film, when theres a lot of crap out there
Hey, you should really see this!
posted 11 days ago
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