GIFT, THE (9 1/2)
Intriguing, spiritual-mystery starring both GREATS Kate Blanchett
& Giovanni Ribisi.
These are truly gifted actors. Keannu Reeves in a powerful
supporting role. Story of spiritualist Blanchett who makes a living
in a small town with her small gift. I can't give this movie away.
Brief, but clear, nudity. Some language. Some violence. Powerful,
gripping, suspenseful movie.
GIRL INTERRUPTED (3)
Guy movies. Girl movies. This one is neither.
Winona Rider needs a new agent and should fire the one she has for picking
this script for her. Her spaced out stare thoughout this movie is
not acting. Why is she in this nuthouse anyway? Just because she
copies the Odd Manner of Frank McCount and his father from Angela's Ashes
is not a reason to put someone in this insane pokey and forget about her?
A stunning performance by Angelina Jolie? How could anyone concentrate
on her performance for wanting to share their chapstick with her the entire
movie. She should take off a few months to let the collagen dissipate.
This woman has enough lips for three women and they are always chapped
and dry. Get that girl a new wig, too. She is just evil in
this movie. This composite group of misfits are still misfits in a movie
about misfits. Of course there is the token lesbian and a token
lesbian scene to satisfy Hollywood's preoccupation with its own liberal
sexuality. The restrained performance by Whoopi Goldberg is irritating
and left me wanting to give HER electric shock treatments to get some acting
out of her. Girl, don't interrupt your busy life to grab this snoozer.
Guys, there's little doubt you are interested in the first place.
GLASS HOUSE, (THE) (7 1/2)
This is a pretty suspenseful movie centered around a recently orphaned
teenage sister, Lee Lee Sobieski, and her younger brother, who are informally
adopted by friends of their car crash victims, deceased parents.
New schools, new surroundings, and new family, all contribute to the slowly
unraveling plot. Diane Lane stars, with Bruce Dern, and Kathy Baker
in smaller roles. Don't pay any attention to the reviews and critics on
this one. It's a good film that will keep you guessing and on the
edge of your seats. Mild language. Some violence.
GREEN MILE, THE (9 1/2)
Has there ever been a bigger man on the screen without computer
generated effects? You have to go see this movie JUST to see John
Coffey: A gentle soul with miraculous powers. Tom Hanks is
so good in this film, that if you have ever had a urinary infection, you
will want to give the man the Academy Award hands down. He does have
one moment on the floor where you would swear he was Forrest Gump reincarnate...but
an applaudable role anyway. His sidekick prison guard, Brutal, is
so cute and loyal you want to pet him for the whole 3 hours. The supporting
cast of weirdos wind their way to your heart while you know their eventuality
is watching them take their turns walking the Green Mile and its
finality. The man you will love to hate is not a prisoner, but a prison
guard, Percy Wetmore, whose name supports his actions. Again, Hollywood
cannot help but try to influence movie goers to its own belief system:
to point you away from capital punishment in the event that we make a wrong
judgment, as in The Hurricane. But keep an open mind even if that
offends you. There is good to be had from seeing this FEEL GOOD movie.