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andrewgrant72-1
Reviews
Hard Candy (2005)
Hard Candy is a hard movie. Be brave and see it
If a certain film blows me over, i'll see it again and again, hoping it will inspire others. This is one of those films. I watched it alone, having never heard of it, and within a day or two, watched it again with my sister. I then recommended it to my father. It's the kind of film in which word-of-mouth plays a HUGE part. The only reason I picked it up was because it featured an ANGELS IN America actor and had a few critics blurbs on the front of the box. What this film essentially does is take you on a ride. When we meet our characters, they are flirting online. Then we see them meet up at a coffee shop, (where the young girl educates the adult on the pleasures of ganache). This film takes many different turns. I LOVED that I watched it with NO knowledge of what it was about. And I hope just one reader here will walk into this movie with the same idea. Shame on all the reviewers who want to explain any plot details to the unsuspecting viewer. This movie is best left unexplained.
Quinceañera (2006)
Amazing, Refreshing and Unexpected
I recently picked up this movie because I'd heard a good review or two. I didn't actually remember it winning the Audience Award or Grand Jury Prize at Sundance, but knew that somebody, somewhere loved this movie. What a fantastic film! I go into many movies with trepedation, but sincere hope, because I think I'll be bowled over by the script or performances or direction. This movie was no exception. I sat down to watch it without expectation or knowledge of any kind and was blown away by the story and performances. The acting is outstanding. From the minor characters to the three leads, it is raw and moving. The acting is so real it almost seems unreal. The young teenage friends of our heroine improvised their scenes and it shows, but that's okay. If you have a problem with what they are saying and doing, you simply have a problem with teenagers. The two leads are outstanding. After having seen the docs and commentary by them on the DVD, I love them even more. Not a flase note among them. I think everyone should see this move. It may be difficult for some, especially those who have issues with subtitles, but it is well worth the time invested. Please don't overlook this heart-warming jem.
Bette Midler: Art or Bust! (1984)
Bette's finest concert.
Bette Midler is at her peak during this live recording. She sounds better than ever. Her version of, "Stay With Me," is perhaps the finest recorded. This was a quite unique concert. It's theme is in the title. It's quite artsy. The costumes were bold and sharp. The set designs were likewise. Stand-out moments include the aforementioned, "Stay With Me," "Don't Look Down," and the brilliant, "Here Comes the Flood." We are also treated to songs from her album release at the time. "My Eye On You," really rocks, and "Is it Love," is a very modern (at the time), kind of new-wave song. She went out on a limb for this show, and it really pays off. She's as raunchy and humorous as ever, giving us her standard Mermaids in wheelchairs act, Deloras Delago. If you are a fan of Bette, purchase this immediately.
A Prairie Home Companion (2006)
Strange but engrossing little film
I'm not quite sure what to make of this film. As far as Altman films go, it's not quite as good as GOSFORD PARK, or SHORT CUTS. It just didn't go as deep as those films. The acting was great, however. Meryl and Lily were, as always, outstanding. I loved Woody Harrelson, as well. Virginia Madsen was a revelation. She really does capture the screen when used properly. I loved that she and the woman who played the mother in SIDEWAYS were both in this film. The one issue I had with this movie was the Kevin Kline role. He was a bumbling detective, and it really seemed as though he was in an entirely different movie than the rest of the cast. It may be one of those films that works better at home on DVD.
Warm Springs (2005)
Outstanding In Every Way
This is another HBO film to astound. Like other fine productions, like Angels In America and Wit, it is first-rate, as far as writing, direction and performances. Not unlike Philip Seymore Hoffman as Capote, Kenneth Branagh IS FDR. He completely captures the great president in every way. Right along with him was Cynthia Nixon as Eleanore. This actress is outstanding. She has roots in theatre, and it shows, whether doing sexy in SEX AND THE CITY, or her unforgettable performance in PBS's production of THE WOMEN. The writing and direction are WAY above par for the average TV movie. This movie captures one's imagination, and doesn't let up for two hours.