VinceM

Wow, Gore Vital is unflappable in the face of the many disappointments and challenges in his life. His courage to speak out and question the status quo of the American lifestyle is cleverly portrayed throughout this movie. Clearly he was a man of great insight, charm, writing still and influence so that few can compare. His criticisms of past US Presidents was both accurate and often hilarious. If you'd like to find out who this man was and his place in US History, this is the film to see. Cheers!

This is a classic art film worth every minute of it's viewing. Everything seems to fit so perfectly, including the black and white filming which embellishes the themes of loneliness, deep secrets, loss and the meaning of life. Ida's stares are so emotional and expressive as she discovers so much of the world and her past for the very first time. Her few words are often unnecessary. Her Aunt is a study in extremes - her cold, controlling manner often shifts into passion and impulsivity. To pick up the nuances and details of the making of this fine film, see it again!

This film is easy to watch and very enjoyable. Yes, the main subject is heavy - the AIDS crisis and the very difficult and personal decision to get tested for the virus. But it is handled with great skill and hopefulness. The characters are real and very convincing and, perhaps, the best part is the modern dancing which was a pure joy to view. The dancers are pros and great actors also. With a small budget to work with, this film is an excellent production on a very difficult subject. Many cheer for this memorable movie. It's a shame it's not drawing bigger audiences. Perhaps it would have fared better in a film festival.

This movie was a very pleasant surprise and I have not read the book. Yes, I expected a tragic love story but the sarcastic playful humor on the part of Hazel Grace and her lover, Augustus, was captivating. Near the tragic end (it became quite obvious somebody was going to die - the only question was who was first) others around me were crying out loud. I was moved but not to tears because the chemistry seemed so natural between them and the script flowed so well. This film was more than touching and insightful - it gave me a sense of hope that life's suffering and tragedies can have great meaning.

Gross jokes and scenes were my expectations but there is some depth and tenderness in this film which brought me to view it again. Having lived in a male fraternity in a New England private college, the reality of party life and the immaturity portrayed here are actually realistic. I remember one drunken fraternity brother riding his motorcycle around our dining room to the great amusement of our drunken brothers and the enormous mess that this party created - spraying beer at each other etc., etc. But there was also deep bonding which endured as we shared our lives and growing older and becoming adults seemed so, so far away - just like this fraternity portrayed here. The contrast with the couple next store (really struggling with their transition to adult responsibilities) provided the depth that was below the surface of all the comedy and tensions. This is a good, funny flick worth seeing.

This film is generally well acted and well shot but the story is all over the place. Further, there are some basic unanswered questions: why is Mr. Allen living with the African-American family - this makes no sense? Why is Mr. Torturro so stiff, cold and laconic (we have to rely so much on his facial expressions instead of more meaningful dialogue)? Why is there so many Hasidic Jewish details which seem to distract rather than add to the story (the Jewish trial is overdone and not funny)? The meeting between Mr. Torturro and Ms. Paradis just happens out of the blue although their involvement develops fairly well. And then, impulsively, she dumps Turturro without any preparation and, to make matters worse, Turturro tells Allen that he's going to just "move away". We're left wondering about these details without satisfactory explanations or development.

This film is both entertaining and informative. The settings are gorgeous and the acting first rate. The story (true history)flows smoothly and is easy to follow.

This is a fascinating documentary about the life and work of this recluse artist. Ms. Maier indeed suffered from mental health issues which became apparent as her life is revealed, both by her work and by the people who thought they knew her although no one really did. She was probably abused as a child but there was no proof despite the extensive investigation into her past, what little could be found. It's follows like a well scripted mystery how this unattached spinster came to make the briefest contact with ordinary people she photographed so profusely. She also had a cruel side which was revealed by several of the now adult children she worked with as a nanny. The interviews are candid and honest as the story unfolds. This film, which includes many of her insightful and sensitive photos which were her life work, is truly worth seeing.

This film shows sensitive insight and great artistic expression as the characters develop and the plot unfolds. The writer and director really understand many aspects of gay life as the three main characters, Frank, Michel and Henri search for more than sex - they want understanding, love and commitment. But, the sexual drive wins out because of their deep seated loneliness and the difficulties and complexities of relationships. Frank is obsessed and infatuated with the rugged and cool Michel and overlooks the serious warnings for his own safety. Powerful, gripping film, extraordinary in it's tenderness and insight.

Terrific movie filled with real people struggling to find meaning and intimacy in their relationships. Paulina Garcia is outstanding as her character develops and she faces all the heartaches in her life. Somehow she manages to find hope to keep going. When she finally dumps Rudolfo she has to deal with her anger since she was abandoned by him on several important occasions. She decides to paint ball his house and him - a very justified punishment for leading her on and treating her as a sex object. He was really not available for any commitment, despite his words and his pitiful begging for forgiveness. She won my heart for her earthiness, honesty and cheerful spirit.

This is NOT a film for everyone. Yes, it is morally bankrupt even though the good guys win in the very drawn out ending. But it's a wild and often hilarious ride to get to that end. DiCaprio show a huge range as he vividly displays his skills. However, it seemed he was over-acting on many occasions. The result was a very primitive form of entertainment. And, yes, women were badly stereo-typed and exploited as passive sex objects for the overly aggressive and greedy men.

Very enjoyable and entertaining film. Yes, it keeps jumping from Traver's real life childhood in Australia with her alcoholic father and pitiful mother to her dealings with Walt Disney who was superbly played by Tom Hanks. Yet, there's a real charming, satisfying and touching quality to the overall production. Ms. Thompson was excellent.

This version of the timeless classic is, generally, a disappointment. The settings in Italy, (Verona and Manchua) was pure delights so much so that it was somewhat of a distraction. The music and costumes were also beautifully executed. Perhaps the poorest part of this effort was Juliet. Ms. Steinfeld was miscast and poorly directed. So many of her infamous lines were mumbled or given without real feeling especially the balcony scene which she rushed through with such poor articulation. She really was a poor match for the power of Mr. Booth. Next were the liberties Mr. Fellowes took with the Shakespearean lines. His attempts to make the language more contemporary were an insult to this classic and hurt the overall effect rather than make it more understandable and enjoyable.

It is true that reading David Sadaris, "Naked" is funnier than viewing this film adaptation but this movie holds its own very well as a gripping coming of age story. From the beginning the story flows well and is understandable.There are moments of intense, touching feelings for Samuel (David's taken on name) as he expands his experiences after graduate school by picking apples at a small Oregon farm and then in a factory. His struggles as a gay man in a very straight and often homophobic culture are readily apparent and very moving, especially in the last scene as he is betrayed and then rejected by a "would be" Christian rescuer who has obvious problems. This film is worth seeing.

This was a moving experience to view. Mr. Heyerdahl had a clear goal to prove by his efforts that Polynesia was settled by sailors from Peru on rafts 1500 years ago and not by sailors from Asia. He had many doubters and obstacles to overcome but his faith was unshakable. When he finally reached his destination after a long and dangerous journey (101 days), he wept when he touched the ground. So did I. Now I understand why Oslo, Norway built a museum to permanently house Heyerdahl's raft as a fitting tribute to the courage of this man.

Frances Ha is a delightful study in character development and all the relationship struggles 20 something New Yorkers struggle with. Meaningful friendships is a common goal the individuals share with their ups and downs. Greta Gerwig shines throughout with an irresistible lightness that has her dancing sometimes aimlessly through the streets of NYC. We intently observe her trying to cope with her dance career and intimate partners and the inevitable disappointments as well as her moments of truthfulness and ecstasy.

Corny story, pretty good acting, especially the cameo performance of Alan Arkin. The writing could have been better. Carrey was definitely "off the wall". It was sometimes hard to watch his masochistic "magic" attempts which were bizarre and not funny.

Lovely mystery story. Barbara is so ice cold most of the film, especially towards her fellow doctor, Andre, that it's not until she comforts the young trapped girl that we see her gentle, caring side. She's in a real dilemma she wants to flee oppressive East Germany and yet she's drawn to her patients and her calling to care for sick and injured. Finally when her lover tells her she'll not have to work in Denmark after she escapes, she makes a heart-felt decision. Surprise ending which makes sense.

This film held my interest throughout the viewing. It was striking in its display of the cruelty the common people suffered under Pinochet and the power of the media to turn out the vote of the people who were thought to be complacent and unwilling to even vote due to their apathy and depression. I found it inspiring.

Interesting, touching and well acted film. I just wish more time was spent on Yossi's involvement with the charming 27 year old gay soldier. There was too much development of Yossi's grief, lonlilness and depression for the ten years after Jaeger's death.

This film is both good entertainment as well as a brief study in human development and how this small group of British 7 year olds faired for 56 years. There's a huge range from the lives of the wealthy and priviledged to those struggling with misfortunes and tragic beginnings. It's also an insightful commentary on various aspects of society the past forty years.

This wonderful film version of the musical play is truly a delight on so many levels. Several years ago I viewed the theatre version in London and, although the music was grand, it was hard to understand the story - I had not read the book by Victor Hugo. For example, the very funny sequence, "Master of the House," did not make any sense. Well, that is all cleared up in this film - some comedy is necessary to balance the enormous human suffering, both emotional and physical which is the plight of the masses in nineteenth centure France under the kings. This movie definitely has its flaws, especially going in and out of focus on the close ups of the solos and some of the singing - Russel Crowe sometimes is flat or off key at times. The director, Hooper, took great risks by filming the singing live instead of the usual methods. But, these matters pale in comparison to the power of the emotional drama and the impact on an audience. Crowe gives a brilliant performance as Javert. This film will go down as an extraordinary classic of the cinema.