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Reviews
Lost in America (1985)
I've seen the future!
And it's a bald headed man from New York! There are so many great lines - Garry Marshall is fantastic as the casino owner - from his opening "We have to tawk" to "Schmucks like Wayne Newton?" - he's underrated and used to perfection in this film. Hey, I even like the bellhop who shows the couple-to-be-married to their room. "Is this the bridal suite?" "I don't know." "Does this open to another room?" "I don't know." "Can you push these beds together?" "I don't know." Understated and hilarious.
This is among Brooks' best movies. Along with Defending Your Life, and of course, Real Life, Brooks is an absolute master at dry, subtle humor.
When this movie came out, I was about ten years away from being the "right" age to blow up at my boss, drop out and live free like in Easy Rider. When I got to the right age, I had kids and obligations, so this movie lets me live vicariously. And I don't even have to eat **** in order to do it!
8 out of 10
My Mother, the Spy (2000)
5 out of 10 about right.....
We recently bought another movie, and received this one as a bonus (it was originally priced $8, then $5. We got it for a penny). Jayne Brook is a cutie-pie, and Dyan Cannon is still attractive (gorgeous in her prime, but she's had too many face-lifts).
This movie was okay, but very predictable, cliché-ridden, and completely unoriginal. As far as I'm concerned, the only reasons to watch it are Ms. Brook and Ms. Cannon.
Far from the worst movie ever made, but on the other hand, it's nothing special. If you rent it, make sure it's a freebie. For me, I'd say it's worth the price I paid for it.
My Dinner with Andre (1981)
Great as it ever was
*Possible spoilers* I first saw this film nearly 25 years ago when it was first released, and finally just finished seeing it for the second time. A classic. Whenever I've described it to people ("It's about 2 guys having a dinner conversation...") they've simply said, "Yeah, uh huh, I'll wait for the next Rambo (or some other check-your-brain-at-the-door movie)." But this is one film to make you *think* - throughout, I'm siding first with Andre and his philosophy of getting away to find reality, then with Wally when he talks about science, and finally, stepping back to mull over Andre's final thoughts (and nodding in understanding with Wally's final comments at the end of the film).
Definitely an acquired taste, but in my opinion, one fantastic movie.
Shrek (2001)
Great graphics, predictable story
I took my 11 year old daughter to see this movie, and she really liked it. I was tremendously impressed with the CGI, but the story was too predictable. I thought some of the action was a little too topical (no real spoilers, but beware), such as characters doing the lambada, and a wrestling match. Future (years from now, that is) movie goers may see that and wince. Overall, I enjoyed it. Myers did a good job with the Scottish accent. Some of the action may be too intense for very young (5 and under) children. Definitely worth seeing, though.