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Reviews
Canada Vignettes: Crossing Guards (1978)
A wonderful experience
When I was a young kid in the late 1980s, I remember seeing this on television. I only remember seeing it a few times, but its impact, and message has stayed with me for over 20 years. This short vignette had a calming and soothing effect on me. It allowed me to explore an aspect of reality that people never pay attention to. Sure, we see crossing guards daily (though it seems they seem to be dying out these days), but we never really consider them as a person.
We just walk by, and maybe share the odd greeting with the person, but nothing more. This vignette is touching in its portrayal of crossing guards. I have not seen it in years, but my memory is able to bring back good feelings just by thinking of it. I remember one scene near the end, where they showed clips of each crossing guard smiling. Really great feelings through this. Things like this are important in keeping the simple, special parts of the past alive. All too often we rush about our lives, and we forget to find joy and relaxation in the simple, everyday things. This vignette allows one to relieve his or her childhood, if only for a few minutes.
Who Wants to Marry a Multi-Millionaire? (2000)
Pity it did not take off
When I heard about this new show many moons ago, I knew it would be a life changing event. The history of television entertainment can now be separated into two distinct periods; the period before this great event, and the period after. Coming fast after the "Survivor" extravaganza, this special provided a glimpse into what us mere mortals can only dream about...
Who can say that they honestly will ever have the chance to marry a "multi millionaire" in this life? Sure, we may be able to marry a "millionaire" if we try hard enough because anything is possible, but to get the chance to marry a "multi millionaire" is a rare gem indeed. In fact, it is a gem to be cherished, like the most precious and fragile diamond. When I say Mr. Rockwell made an impression on all his prospective "suitors," it really is a gross understatement of a very important fact that has not been acknowledged. Lucky Darva, once an ER nurse now a multi millionaire, only to decide that she was too decent and ended the marriage.
Even though the storybook premise of this show ultimately failed, and it is all too often disregarded as "trash television" at best, and a "mistake" at worse, it really began a phenomena in the television media that continues to this day. This show gave all of us dreamers a hope that someday, somehow, somewhere and quite possibly someplace we may have our chance to get our hands on a millionaire. What once was a dream reserved for socialites or perhaps fairytale princesses became in that one instant, a reality for a group of incredibly lucky women. We had the "millionaire" and we had the "stage" and we had the concept, and what was created was something that was never repeated again.
Many people say that this special was a failed concept, but really what is "failure?" What does it mean in the long run? This show was once the greatest spectacle of the time, and it was on the front of every media magazine from the "Enquirer" to "TV Guide." What happened? This show had an amazing premise. In our capitalistic society we have an ever increasing thirst for wealth, and the "good life." It seems that more and more people want to find wealth, and to be something bigger than him/ her. Forget "The Apprentice" this show is where it's at. Why work for your money when you can be paraded around a stage and just maybe score the big "luck of the draw" and walk out a millionaire.
It seems to me that people have become lazy in our society. In fact a better description would be lazy and shallow. I suppose that where this show ultimately failed. The TV viewing public could actually see themselves being paraded on a stage, and lowering themselves to such desperate measures in order to "score the big one." Even though people dream of this, to actually see it on the screen can create a sense of intense revulsion. Alas, the epic story was never meant to be.
Rob and Amber Get Married (2005)
The event of the decade!
What can I say? Our two favorite Survivors, they "survive" to get married. Boy what a spectacular. Have you ever been witness to such a monumental televised event? We watched them "outsmart, outwit and outlast" everyone else, but they just couldn't "outlast" their bond of love. How romantic? Love found on an island, and when true love blooms, like a blossom in the wind, you know it is there forever.
So, I loved the show. It is a quality way to spend an evening. To watch two of the newest celebrities profess their true love to each other in a media spectacle. What better way to publicize your most important day than to have a whole camera crew following you around and chronicling your big event. I especially liked how they had a wedding planner on hand at all time. This was great because it makes absolutely sure that nothing can go wrong for the wedding.
Weddings are events to be shared and treasured for the generations to come. A wedding is a bond of love and ultimate friendship that transcends all else. A wedding is a gift to be explored, and witnessed and cherished for all time. Thank you, Rob and Amber, for sharing yours with all of us at home.
The Trip (2002)
A very moving film
I have never really been much into "gay films" because they all seemed to be too cliché and unrealistic for my liking. The problem with many films of this genre is that they take all the stereotypes associated with gay people, and mold them into a sort of plot that is full of everything "gay" without any real substance. When I watched "The Trip" I was presented with a film that really made you care about the characters and what happens to them. Especially in the "post Brokeback" era where that film seems to have become the ultimate symbol of the "gay love story" I enjoyed seeing a love story that is equally as complex, and full of feeling as this new blockbuster hit.
I found "The Trip" to be an excellent, well directed and well acted movie that does a good job of mixing the story with the current social and political climate of the period. This is a film that I would encourage anyone interested in a good love story to watch this film
Brokeback Mountain (2005)
Remarkable
Imagine being an individual who is so deeply in love with another individual. Also, take a moment to think about what it would be like to try and deny those feelings for 20 years, but in the end, when the ultimate object of that love is dead to finally realize the true depths and meaning of the feeling.
What I described is basically the meaning of (in my opinion) the greatest movie of 2005/2006, Brokeback Mountain. This movie is about two Young "cowboys" who meet while doing casual work together during the summer of 1963. Their job involves guarding sheep together high up in the mountain. Eventually, in the one place they least suspect it, they find a mutual attraction that quickly develops into love. This is the beginning of a movie that explores the depths of the human soul. As the years pass, they both get married, and have kids, and try to put on the face of the "normal life".
Brokeback mountain is the kind of film that evokes such feelings and passion in the viewer that you are left thinking about its message long after the movie is finished. It is a love story that is really powerful in the sense in that the conflicts involved seem so real and you can also feel along with the characters exactly how they feel. I suppose part of this is due to the fact that it speaks to the deepest parts of each of our souls. We can all relate (to some degree) to the feeling of yearning to find someone to spend our lives with, and who will love us unconditionally.
The "love story" is a theme that is done over and over again in films. To do a "love story" usually means the movie will become an instant "hit" because it involves young and attractive stars who fall in love and eventually have their "happy ever after." Although movies like "Titanic" and "Love Story" appear to be tragic, in the fact that one of the main lovers dies in the end, in the end they are redemptive and "feel good movies" because at least both of the lovers involved are able to acknowledge and accept their love for one another. These movies also have as the covert background "truth" that had fate not taken a tragic turn, they really would have been together forever.
This is what makes "Brokeback Mountain"completely different from any other love story that has ever come out in the modern cinema. Many people compare the relationship between Jack and Ennis to that of Romeo and Juliet, and where I do thee the thematic similarities between the two (the lovers who are doomed to never be together), but to me the greatest parallel is with "Wuthering Heights" because Jack an Ennis (like Cathy and Heathcliff) are never able to really accept their true love for each other. Jack and Ennis are in such gripping passion for one another, and the movie does an excellent job of showing us that, but they(and the audience as well) knows that they will never ever be together.
Really, could a love be more tragic than this? Man, two people who spend years trying to be happy, and trying to find their peace in this world, but who are unable to because of the lives they all have been forced to lead. Truth be told, I went into this movie with preconceived notions about rooting on the two main male characters, but I found that the more I got into it, I really got to sympathize with the wives as well.Every one of the main characters is trying to fulfill social roles while at the same time following their hearts. Its stuff like this that make the final anti-climatic scenes of this movie so much more effective. The way that the ultimate love is discovered and expressed, when it is already too late.
I believe that the one "element"that could make this movie "redemptive" is the most tragic moment of all. The end when Ennis discovers just how deep their bond was, and his ultimate regret is the most heart wrenching part of this whole film. The pain that he experiences is expressed most vividly at the end. This movie leaves you (or at least it left me) wanting more. I did not want this to be the final end. So tragic, to live in a crummy trailer in the middle of nowhere dreaming and longing for a perfect life that could have been, but never could have been. Even though it seems like Ennis is coming to terms with just how deep their bond was, and this could be seen as uplifting, to me it was the final curtain on the most beautiful tragedy I have ever seen on film.
This film is a must see piece of cinematic art that everyone needs to see. It is a true movie experience that bears witness to the pains and sufferings (and also triumphs) of the human soul. One warning though, you will most likely find your heart breaking in sympathy for the main characters. This is not a film for someone looking for a happy film, and you will most likely leave it with sadness, but I believe it is a necessary sadness.
The Aviator (2004)
Good Biopic
I saw this Biography of Howard Hughes and I enjoyed it. I was a fascinating glimpse of a man who has become known for his eccentric behavior, and as the guy who died in Las Vegas as an insane old man. Howard Hughes is remembered by most people as a shadowy figure. What I like about this movie is that it brings the character to life, and makes him into an actual human being, and into someone who we can understand.
I have never been a big fan of Leo DiCaprio before, but I thought he acted the part well in this movie. When I saw him, I saw Howard Hughes. He really brought the man to life in a believable way. I also enjoyed the special effects in the film. Most notable for me is the scene when he has the accident in Hollywood. That was really powerfully done.
Overall, this film is a must watch for anyone interested in Howard Hughes, the early history of Hollywood, or for anyone who is just interested in a well told story about one of the more enigmatic and interesting people to ever come out of it.
La vita è bella (1997)
Beautiful
This movie is a heartwarming journey into the soul. Set amidst the outbreak of WW2, and concentration camps, this is the journey of one man and his family, and their unbreakable bond and love for one another that is able to endure even the harshest of situations. The main character, Guido, has the amazing ability to see the positive and the hope in even the most desperate and frightening times. This movies is a spiritual renewing, "feel good" pleasure that has a lot to teach us about the small joys that are present everywhere if we only just take the time to look for them.
I only saw this movie once on TV, but its impact has stayed with me forever. This is one of those films that you just are not able to forget because it has such a positive and uplifting message. The acting, and the scenery are also done very well. Taken together, this film is a work of art that everyone should view at least once.
Majo no takkyûbin (1989)
Heart warming
I am not a big fan of Japanese Animation, But I really enjoyed this picture. It is a pure and simple "feel good" experience that really shows you how one person's positive attitude, and determination can lead to great success. This is one of those moves that you can't help but feel good inside just by watching it.
I recommend this movie to anyone who is looking for an opportunity to escape from the confines of responsibility, and "life" because it allows you to enter a world that so few of us can hope to live in. The adventures and experiences of Kiki can really are engaging, and I always left myself wondering what her next adventure would be.
If you are looking for a good, family oriented movie that teaches the spirit of hope, then I recommend this to anyone.
Problem Child 2 (1991)
Bottom 100? A total shock for me
I loved this movie. I saw the first Problem Child movie and I was left roaring with laughter from beginning to end. The crazy antics of "Junior" and his wacky dad made for a round of non stop fun. Problem child 2 delivers and adds so much more.
This time Jr has an accomplice in the form of Trixie, and what mischief do they ever get into. What really made this show for me was the the amusement park ride incident. The way everybody threw up because of the super speed of the ride cracked me up. Also, Lawanda and her Rabies scare and nose job gone wrong will always remain for me one of the highlights of comic brilliance. This movie is one of those rare comedies that can be called "epics" because it has the ability to take the mundane aspects of a boring reality and make them exciting.
I found myself rooting for JR all throughout the movie. The story of Junior belongs among the annals of the greatest folk heroes of any civilization that has, does, or ever will exist. His desire to transcend himself through his crazy antics and to make himself get noticed.This movie is deep, and the first thought that came to my mind is that JR is the "superman." He represents the new breed of humanity that takes actions into his own hands to achieve his results. He does not wait passively by and wait for things to just "happen," he makes things happen. JR is what we all should aspire to. His actions in both movies reinforce the fact. If we all wore pink bow ties, and, and angered our adopted grand fathers, then we would all learn how to regain our humanity.
Trixie and Junior make an awesome team together. Forget Themla and Louise, or Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, or even Elmo and Oscar the Grouch, these two characters are the ultimate comic duo, Their craziness makes this movie a treat to behold, and most deservedly earns from me an A+. I encourage everyone to watch this movie, it is a life changing experience.
Duplex (2003)
A nice diversion with Slapstick Humor
I know many people put this movie down as being "cheap" or "lame" or "stupid,"but I could not disagree more. The moment I saw this movie in the theater previews I knew it would be something I would enjoy. People put too much emphasis on "substance" in movies today, and when you get a movie that seems to lack this kind of substance, it is easy to put it down.
Duplex is different. It takes slapstick comedy, and silly situations to a new level. For me personally, every scene was hilarious, and the premise was a silly one, but is one that really drew me into the movie. Movies like this are not meant to be taken seriously, they are meant to be laughed at and enjoyed. I think that this is where the hard core critics of this movie make a mistake. They do not see it for what it really is. It is an excellent way to pass an afternoon, and is just plain funny.
I would recommend this movie to anyone, because I believe it was one of the best movies I have seen in a movie theater, and is hands down worth the price of the movie ticket. Sometimes all you need is something to take your mind off your troubles, and this movie is that something.