Worth Watching--A Superb Movie
593042
Few movies over the past few years have tugged at the very fabric of society and the roles of family.  American Beauty, Happiness, and The Ice Storm all manage to relay our own feelings about family in these dramas.  The Ice Storm, set in the 1970s age of sex, booze, and political scandels, offers the viewer a look into the lives of two dysfunctional families.  The family strife occurring throughout the movie mainly deals with a lack of communication; this and numerous other others happening within the family structure spirals out of control and ends in tragedy the morning following an actual ice storm (the title is not just symbolic).  The movie uses humor as well to express its ideas; plus, the acting is great.  Kevin Kline, Sigourney Weaver, Elijah Wood, Joan Allen, and Christina Ricci all play their roles brilliantly.  Christina Ricci portrays her character superbly by playing a curious teenager obsessed with sex.
2272911
This has to be one of most touching movies I've seen of late.  Does a noble job of portraying a mentally challenged man (played by Penn) in a respectful and sensitive way, demonstrating the tenderness, love, simple values and overall good-heartedness of those who don't measure up to society's standards intellectually; it shows through him and his circle of friends that these people have much to contribute to and teach the rest of us.  When Sam becomes a father (it seems without really comprehending how that occurred), and the child's mother dumps the perfectly normal baby on him to care for, he takes his role to heart.  Sean Penn does a remarkable job acting this part.  Michele Pfeiffer is also believable as his high powered lawyer.  And his daughter, the bright and beautiful little Dakota Fanning, acts this beautifully, as well.  I think this ought to be required watching for anyone working with the "handicapped."  Beautiful movie, where true love wins out over the "system," and justice is well served.  (It's not a fast-moving movie, so don't expect that, but it's well worth the watch.)
3307167
This is a movie you are compelled to watch. It pulls you in with its non-stop action and pulls you out of the ordinariness of today's world. It  is excellent storytelling, and it has 'dynamite' special effects, more cold  salt water than any other movie, good 'representative' characters for the  morality tale it is, and a thoughtful query of 'what' is leadership for the  main character. The director pays homage to the British by using the race  for subsequent capture of a later enigma machine as the catalyst of events  in this story. (If you read the credits, the list of those various,  predominantly British, crews who made enigma captures are given tribute.  Note that in truth this honored company includes 1 American group.) (Credit  is also given to the British admiral involved with the original enigma  capture who was a technical advisor for the movie.)This is a story that  grabs you. It reminds you 'how awful is war' (and how unrelenting to be  caught up in one), and that in impossible situations the good in  individuals is distilled and revealed. The more obvious struggle of Matthew  McC's character [is it better to be everybody's best pal and personal  advocate or to be able to make some tough, touchy decisions that could  cause disaster for some if not all?] Eric Palladino's ("Doctor  Dave" from ER) character is used to great effect in pushing the  buttons that spotlight this. Jack Noseworthy illuminates his small, pivotal  role. Jon Bon Jovi makes you want to see more of what he can do. Dave  Power's tangible despair over being 'too big' for what he MUST get done  raps you right in the heart. And the German captain-- did he not exemplify  the determination to protect and preserve what was important to HIS  country?If you missed any of this by being too caught up in the nonstop  action, BUY THIS DVD AND WATCH IT AGAIN. These boys did a superb job of  giving honor to the sailors of that 'Greatest Generation', for whom combat  was still one on one. The dvd has some terrific additional features that you  will be glad to have. More than that, buy this for the totally engrossing,  heartstopping rollercoaster of a good 'old fashioned' war story.
2357064
If you haven't yet had a chance to see Amercian Beauty, get it today.
This is clearly the best movie out of Hollywood in years, and was absolutely worthy of its Best Picture win at the Oscars.
While almost everyone I know who saw this movie loved it, there were a few women who had mixed feelings.
I think this is because many women don't like being depicted at the "bad guy".
Throughout much of this movie, the Kevin Spacey character seems to be the one to blame, but he turns out the hero, while his wife, played superbly by Annette Benning, shows us her true nature.
The music is great, the acting is top-notch, the story is original, the cinematography is stunning.
Take my advice: this movie is WELL worth your time.
1070971
This ain't the Malamud novel put on screen.  Yet this movie is very effective in its own right.  While inspired by the book (many scenes are pretty much out of the book), there is a very different sensibility.  The book is a kind of morality tale, with a dark view of the human condition.  The movie, after an elegaic beginning, also gets dark--but then ends with a dramatic moment and a touching, affecting close.

There are mythical moments in the movie that are most catching--the lightning bolt and the cover coming off the baseball, breaking the clock at the stadium, the climactic closing baseball moment in the film.

Roy Hobbs, though, isn't superhuman, although he is less prone to human foibles than his namesake in the novel.  He is human and very talented.  His life went haywire when he went to try out for a major league team early in his life(with a contract in his pocket).  A meeting with a mysterious woman derailed his baseball career for many years.

He comes back in his 30s and has a brief moment of glory, suggesting what could have been if things had worked out differently.

Thus stated, this sounds like a sad movie.  But the ending, bringing a family back together after a dramatic moment in the playoffs, provides an upbeat ending, testifying to the possibilities that our hopes can be realized.

Robert Redford's acting style plays well in this movie. Glenn Close provides an affecting counterpoint to Kim Basinger's Memo Paris and Barbara Hershey's mysterious woman.  Darren McGavin is wonderful as the gambler and Robert Duvall as Max Mercy, the sports writer. Wilford Brimley is terrific as the gruff old manager. Good acting; nice special effects; wonderful cinematography by Caleb Deschanel.

I know, it's a baseball movie.  But it remains powerful for me after too many viewings.
2639431
The characters were well written, the actors were excellent. The movie was moving without being sentimental.  This film is worth purchasing!
85278
cinematography.  Compelling direction.  The only problem for me was that it didn't hold up as well on multiple viewings.  Still, it is a movie that is very much worth seeing.
I'd heard good word about One Hour Photo, but went into it knowing little beyond the observation that Robin Williams' character was creepy. That didn't surprise me. I've always felt that, beneath the machine-gun style joke slinging, there is something, well, pathological about Mr. Williams. No, I don't think he is a psychopath like his character in this movie. However, let's just say that I always felt that being creepy was part of his less well advertised repertoir. (Come on. Patch Adams was creepy. Admit it.)
Let me cut to the chase. This movie is about the writing; about the directing; about the cinematography; and, mostly, about a stunning, understated performance by Williams. There are some flaws here. The actors who play the suburban family on whom Williams' character obsesses turn in relatively weak performances; but, fortunately, their roles are small. Williams so dominates the screen, and does his work so well, that it isn't a distraction that the rest of the world he inhabits seems a bit two dimensional (much like all those photographs in which he lives). I should note that the actor who plays his boss at the SavMart turns in a solid performance, as well. This is critical since Williams' fate at the SavMart, at the hands of this boss, is the core, and entirely credible, linchpin around which this psychological thriller revolves.
The music and sound effects are generally used well, although they are a bit heavy handed at times. And the interesting shots and colors are reminiscent of artistic photography--adding a magnificent texture and appeal to the film.
This film is creepy, and it sits with you. It's a tribute to good film-making, great writing, and Robin Williams.
1061314
This is a wonderful film. The stellar cast delivered outstanding performances, and although this film would fall into the category of films that make you feel great and that are ideal to watch with your significant other or family (I felt it was clean enough to be suitable for kids 10 and up or so), it never becomes nauseatingly "cute" the way a lot of those other warm-hearted drama/comedies do--the sort that usually when I find myself stuck watching with others make me roll my eyes and hope for a speedy conclusion. I loved these characters so much I would have been happy to watch another half-hour at least of their unique stories, but of course it was well-timed and edited so that we can enjoy the ride toward the conclusion. All of the talents were outstanding and I don't want to short any of them but I'll say Stallone, in his biggest SOB bit ever performed, had the force of a severe storm in one particular scene--some very powerful anger performed that had me in awe. Berenger was amazing as always, and seeing Kelsey Grammer portraying a seriously mean and nasty "business man" was amazing. Kevin Connolly's transition from slob to something greater was enough inspiration in and of itself, Thomas Jane as the kind-hearted vigilante offered up plenty to that part of me that enjoys films of vigilante justice. Then seeing the very talented Laura Cohan full of heart and on the other side of fighting the undead, Tom Sizemore as an irate, disgraced criminal, Nelly as a rehabilitated, formerly very negative hiphop artist, Elizabeth Henstridge dealing with a very negative experience associated with her breaking into the film industry, Cary Elwes playing a very (oddly for the likable actor) sleazy and detestable film star, Terry Crews being his usual awesome self. I guess my OCD wanted to list as many of the unique characters and talents portraying them as I could and even still I feel I'm leaving a lot of talent out, I should maybe write a thesis on this film? All in all I fell in love with this film that doesn't appear to be getting the recognition it deserves, in particular for the abundance of spiritual healing one might obtain by treating oneself to this exceptional piece of film art. Cheers!
866861
Super plot with competent actors--well worth warching..
767444
A wonderful and thoughtful film.  Although Jennifer Aniston is the "name" on the box, this is, in reality, a very strong ensemble piece, with each actor bringing great things to their characters, no matter how little time we see them on screen.  The casting is brilliant all the way around.  This is a touching story about average people, which is what makes it so powerful.  As viewers, we can recognize ourselves and our loved ones in the characters.  In a market saturated by simplistic "good guy" "bad guy" sterotypes, this script and film encourage us, as the audience, to really THINK and to consider the multi-faceted emotions, decisions, complications, and actions that make us human.  We are able to see our own strenghths and faults inthe characters as they evolve; we are able to empathise because we relate to the dillemas in whch the characters find themselves.  This script is wonderful, and obviously owes its inspiration to John Steinbeck's little-known play "Burning Bright".  "The Good Girl" does a wonderful job giving Steinbeck's play a modern edge, and makes it truly accessible for the viewing audience.  I highly recommend this film for anyone looking for a thought-provoking and enjoyable movie.  If you're looking for brain candy, this is not the one.
2040942
I won't reiterate the plot here, but this is a terrific film that does a really fine job of humanizing all the characters. Daniel Craig and Liev Schrieber are  terrific as brothers, as is almost everyone. There's a scene where the rabbi (I think, at least some sort of professor) gives a prayer that is a profound appeal, almost a reprimand, to God in the middle of hell, and says essentially, as a Jew, "whatever blessing or privilege we supposedly have as the chosen people, it ain't worth it. Please un-choose us." It good easily have gone all Woody Allen but instead it is so heartfelt and sincere it is the emotional tent-pole of the film.
Another worthy scene shows the Jewish camp members in the forest, the women and old men, mostly, beat a German soldier prisoner to death as he begs for his life. Daniel Craig's character watches but does not interfere. He does not agree with the action, but he understands their profound rage. The Russian commander of a partisan group with whom the brothers are cooperating is also terrific as a morally gray man in an impossible command situation. He will happily drink with you or shoot you with equal aplomb. It's your call.
There are some "big picture" scenes also, in particular one in the ghetto in the beginning of the film where one of the Jewish leaders declines an opportunity to escape to the forest. "The Germans need us to work," he argues. "Things are bad, but they can't kill us, they need us!" His profound failure of imagination is impressive.
Daniel Craig plays a man who is doing a task he didn't ask for, and shows a great range of strength and fragility. Liev Schreiber his brother who is more inclined to fight alongside the Russians than hide in the woods and whose character is less nuanced than Craig's, but in the end blood wins.
This is an important film both because of its quality and because it really helps explain how things went so wrong for the Jews in Europe during the time of the Nazis. i should mention that the action sequences are very well done and realistic, as are the technical aspects.
989920
This film is the best "Western" film in decades. Kevin Costner turns in a fine performance as a Civil War cavalry hero who is posted to the Western Frontier, and by accident is assigned to an abandoned outpost by a deranged commander. Alone and isolated from the Army, Costner eventually becomes first acquainted with, then absorbed by, the local Lakota Sioux tribe. Although the storyline sounds simple, this is in fact a complex story with many dimensions.

The film's greatest success is its portrayal of the Sioux as ordinary human beings in a highly complex and civilized society, albeit one very unlike our own. The Sioux are shown to be a brave, compassionate, friendly people, although possessed of a warlike tradition and culture.

The cinematography of the film is superb, and it wonderfully captures the size and grandeur of the American west. The picture is crisp and the scenes are vivid. There are no phony looking sets of the type that often plagues Western films. As if this were not enough, this film contains one of the best musical scores I've ever heard. "Looks Like a Suicide," the main musical score of the film, is wonderful.

Unfortunately, this film has two very serious flaws that caused me to deprive it of a "five stars" rating. It is far, far too long. I like the film enough so that I admit that I enjoy the length, but there is no doubt in my mind at least that this film could and should have been shorter--this would not have decreased its impact.

The second flaw is that, as the Amazon editorial review says, the scene when the American soldiers return is simply overdone. It is OK to villainize them; history suggests that this is at not undeserved. But it could have been done in a less extreme fashion--the way it was done caused the whole scene to seem one dimensional, and not particularly enjoyable, at least to me.

The Special Edition DVD is the one to get. The "deleted scenes" that it includes are some of the better ones; I would say that this suggests that the one big flaw in this film is the editing--the regular version excluded some good scenes and included some scenes that seem to simply constitute filler. Well, opinions may differ. The audio commentaries are interesting, although I admit I have not yet listened to them all and may never do so.

All in all, there is a tremendous amount to like in this film, and most film afficianados will enjoy this DVD thoroughly. The DVD format is great for this film, because of course it makes it possible to watch it in several sittings. At 237 minutes, that is almost a must for most of us.
4089666
Definitely a great movie worth the watching. The opening scene is a couple of 19th century boys who bury a box. They are obvioulsy scared - it's a dark night and they can hear wolves. Despite their fear, they agree they  must bury it. One nearly panics as steady drumbeats begins from the board.  They bury it when one boy asks the other, "But what if somebody finds  it?"
There is a deadly pause before the reply: "Then God have  mercy on his soul..."
1969, a small town. Alan Parrish discovers the  board and invites his friend to play the game. Yet they unknowingly unleash  powerful forces and Alan is sucked into the game "until the dice read  five or eight". His friend is chased screaming out of the house by  bats.
1995 - Two young kids discover the board in their new home and  begin playing, bringing about the arrival of giant mosquitoes and a lion,  and bringing Alan back. Yet there is no way out of the game except to  finish it. During the course of the movie, everything from stampeding  rhinos, to floods, to a crazed hunter with a machine gun appear all  attempting to kill the players.
They succeed in ending the game and the  board is eventually sent downriver, till it enters the sea. There is a  quick epilogue of the characters and how their lives end.
The closing  scene is the best. The board is lying on a beach. Two out-of-focus  characters are seen as the drumbeats begins. One of them says  "Qu'est-ce que c'est ce bruit?" The writing underneath translates  - "What's that noise?"
The movie incorporates the best parts of  movies to create a really good movie - comedy, drama and plenty of  thriller/action with lots of good acting AND special effects. Worthwhile  seeing, but not really worth buying in my opinion. It lacks something I  can't quite put my finger on...
One thing I can say for it - the sound  effects for the movie are really really good in a house of horrors (trust  me, I tried it!)
2337607
This is and has been one of my favorite movies of all time. The gritty reality is one of the best parts, as befits a film in the classic noir style. This is more than simply a movie, just made for the heck of it, it  is a world unto itself, along the lines of Star Wars or Lord of the Rings.  It is vastly different from those two, but deserves a place along side  them. The stunning cinementography and the lush characters keep one  entertained and thinking for hours after a viewing. Of course it has  wonderful special effects, but unlike most modern movies does not allow the  effects to take over and obscure the story and the characters. The ending,  while much less happy than that of the original, is powerful and contains  striking imagery remenicent in some ways of The Third Man. This is truly  one of the great movies, and will go down as such. If you have not seen it  or do not own it, do both soon, it is well worth it. ( And for heavens sake  don't buy or watch the 5th element, it is just a Blade Runner wannabe with  an uplifting finale and a dumb plot.)
3999039
This is a great movie. It provides an excellent introduction into the work of Noam Chomsky and the book he co-wrote with Edward Herman. What makes this movie worth seeing is not just the very insightful and provocative subject matter. Yhe film is also an achievement in the field of cinematography. The cut scenes flow with delicate precision and forethought. The archival footage is not overdone, unlike most films of this nature. Another good aspect of the film is that it's long, but necessarily so. "You've got to be limited to concision" if you want to make a point. If you don't understand why that is important, you need to watch this film!

So open your mind and get ready for what could be considered a course in "intellectual self-defense".
2419428
one of the best movies ever with a great meaning behind it...well worth watching...the acting was supberb
127816
Fabulous movie.  The cast and acting is superb.  The plot was intriguing, with some twists, and kept me glued to the screen.  The directing and acting so good; really pulled us in, really cared about these characters.  A moving story.  In turn, sometimes sad, fun, exciting, heart wrenching, heart warming.  Dev Patel rocks, and the children actors are incredibly talented as well, and/or the director is brilliant.