Change Your Image
Andreapworth
Reviews
Breaking Away (1979)
Always uplifting and FUN
Alright, it reminds me of just when I was out of college and EVERYONE was talking about this movie. I saw it and was completely hooked. How can you not like this movie with so many good and young and coming actors?
It's a solid story and I met someone from Bloomington Indiana who was so completely wholesome and was amazed that I knew the school song (from this movie).
Many sections of the movie are just hilarious. In Austin we didn't have equivalent to 'cutters', but for some reason, the University loved this movie, too.
If you've never seen this classic, now's the time to try it out. OK, t takes me back in time, but it's still a hidden classic of the times.
The Kennedys (2011)
Very Good
I was 6, living in Dallas, when this occurred. I just remember my Mom on the phone saying "oh no, oh no". And she hadn't even voted for Kennedy.
I just know that whenever anybody visited Dallas after that, they ALL wanted to go to the school book depository, as well as the famous grassy knoll. Sometimes, they even wanted to go on to Parkland. Sigh.
One of our neighbors from church was also a Dallas policeman, and he was in charge of 'guarding' Mrs. Kennedy and then V.P. Johnson. He had a lot of quiet stories to tell.
I thought this 'film' handled Oswald well, as the loner that he was. I'm just glad that he was taken out of the picture early on.
Katie Holmes was great as the poor Mrs. Kennedy. Maybe without the 'finishing school' touch, but she was spot-on, as were the other actors, although I didn't think Rose Kennedy was well represented. Nor do I think the actor portraying Lyndon Johnson was a good choice. But maybe that's because I later went to school in Austin.
Again, not a nice memory for this city, for sure. But this 'film' handled Mrs. Kennedy's miscarriage well and showed it as the real turning point in their lives. So many movies have been made about this event. Speaking as a Dallas native, although a very young native, it left its mark on the city.
Dallas Buyers Club (2013)
Mind-blowing
Mathew Mc. obviously deserves a bit of a salute. His efforts to slim way down brings to mind, obviously, Christian Bale. Not bad company to be in!
But the REAL STAR is Jared Leto. I know his other work and kept reminding myself that he/she was really a transvestite. And so sad to see the drug use (shh). And he/she was truly pretty. Of course, in real life, he's s a gorgeous guy. So,I hope the Academy will take note!
Also interesting to hear of the Interferon drugs talked about. Now THAT'S something I know about. I have M.S. and inject myself once a week with it. It slows the progression of the disease Too bad the movie doesn't mention the other druga now available. Perhaps they weren't around then.
I'm not a doctor, just more familiar with some of the drugs - would be great if I weren't!
Eleanor and Franklin: The White House Years (1977)
Easy history lesson
I saw this film when in first came out and was blown away then. I just got a DVD copy and was likewise blown away.
I marvel at the producers/directors finding actors who closely resemble the main actors. And am beginning to believe that Jane Alexander can play bloody anything. Of course, I know that make up and face-altering items were used, but by golly, you feel that you are witnessing what they actually looked like and sounded like.
There are many speeches of FDR that Herrmann could imitate, and Eleanor was known mainly from her "My Day" column. And I've read that she had a high-pitched, sharp voice.
Not known by many, but Eleanor flew to bases in the Pacific BEFORE pressurized cabins and loss part of her hearing in the process. But she was such an great human being, that nobody every knew.
Of course, the source material was great. And it is painless history for everybody to enjoy and learn from.
Mrs. Doubtfire (1993)
Hilarious on many levels
Not the least of which is the chance to see Robin Williams let loose with his marvelous impersonations. From cutting the cartoon voice and singing Rosinni, all the way to his improv playing with with the dinosaurs.
You just know that the scene was totally improv on his part. Whenever I think of that scene, beginning with the 'Raptors rapt', and ending with 'but I'm coming as oil'. That always makes me think 'wow, that was a great line' If it was scripted, I'd be surprised. Sounds like it came from Robin's fertile imagination! Cannot imagine anyone trying to write a scene for him that he has to stick to. An inventive and comic genius if ever there was one!
The rest of the movie is also inventive and funny. No many how many times I see it, I always enjoy it all over again. Largely thanks to Robin Williams.
And OK, he may never win a lot of awards, but someday, he'll get his his just appreciation.
Apollo 13 (1995)
Never, ever get tired of this film
I saw this movie with a good friend. We were SO IMPRESSED that we left the movie saying 'vote for Opie'.
As many other people have said, we know the end (safety for the crew). But even when I get a copy of the film, I am still glued to the screen.
Many actors were SO good in this film, particularly Gary Senise, working so hard like the astronaut that he is, until he finally gets the 'right' sequence for the return of the guys in space.
Again, so many good performances by all of the actors. Loved when Ed Harris was so touched when the ship was in the ocean and his effort to keep his face straight and brush away any tears when he faces the rest of his crew.
Also, the funny part when Jim Lovell's Mom is glued to the television and Marilyn Lovell brings in some people do distract her. When she introduces them as Buzz Aldrin and Neil Armstrong, and the mother turns to them and asks them if they hope to be in the space program. What a hoot!
Ron didn't get any award for this wonderful movie, but it will live in the minds of everyone who has ever seen it.
Tootsie (1982)
Simply funny and intriguing
Sorry, buy I absolutely NEVER get tired of this film. So many funny parts and subliminal undercurrents. Still bugs me so much that the academy did not give Hoffman the best Actor award. It showed very clearly how difficult it was for a man to immerse himself in the character of a woman and make it completely believable!
So many scenes are unforgettable due to his talent. Absolutely love the scene when he surprises Sydney Pollack as a woman and then has to calm him down in an understated voice as to who he really is.
And of course the funny scenes with Bill Murray, who tells him not to play 'hard to get'. And the lovely Terri Garr and Jessica Lange.
Just too funny and great for words!
La Bamba (1987)
Such a fun and good movie
Never get tired of this movie. As the song says, the day the music died in lots of ways. Ritchie, Buddy and the Big Bopper. The first two? What might have been...
As many other folks have said, I'm a true fan of Rock-n-Roll, and I simply don't get tired of watching this movie. LD Phillips is excellent, as are Esai Morales, PLUS Joe Pantoliona, who's just great! Brian Setzer was a perfect choice to play Eddie Cochran, as was Marshall Crenshaw for dear Buddy Holly. And of course we can't disregard the super soundtrack by Los Lobos.
If you like this movie, you really need to get a hold of "The Real Buddy Holly Story", maybe from Netflix. Paul McCartney introduces sections, and it really takes you to the Lubbock area. As a native Texan, I cannot imagine a worse place to grow up! But it gave us Buddy, as well as Joe Ely. Plus my state have us Willy and Waylon. Whole different kind musicians, but really good. But I digress - back to La Bamba.
This is simply a wonderful movie, capturing the early days of rock(minus Chuck Berry) and much more simple times. Was anybody worried about air pollution?? Watch the film and enjoy! I got sucked into it last night on AMC, could not stop watching it, even though I'd seen many times before, and stayed up much later than intended.
So, come on, let's do it again and again and again.
The Untouchables (1987)
One of the best
Pretty much what has already been said covers it all. Fantastic film by De Palma. Great performance by the wonderful Connery.
So many parts that you think "oh, yeah, this is a good section' and continue to watch it! The part where they are in the train station and there's the woman with her baby in the carriage. Golly, there's just so much to that scene. When it becomes vital that Ness can trust Stone's aim.
I just know that when I saw it recently and discussed it with my oldest brother, he mentioned that exact scene and said 'it doesn't get much better than that'. Which is everything in a nutshell.
And of course, the wonderful period feel to much of the outdoor shots. Yeah, I know it's on a set somewhere, but it makes you feel like it's the 20s. And of course the fabulous line of 'it's not the Chicago way'.
That Thing You Do! (1996)
Fun musical romp
As many people have said, it's an homage to a simpler time. Love the small visual nods to "A Hard Day's Night" with the boys running through the simulation of the states. Also the hint of the same thing that happened to Lennon with the 'he's engaged' posting on the monitor. Of course, Lennon was actually engaged, if not already married!
I truly don't get tired of this film. Just a feel-good movie. Also liked everything I read about how Hanks insisted that the actors learn to play their instruments well enough to look good in the film. Some of them practiced several hours a day.
It's fun to see his wife pop in as a waitress where there's good jazz. Such a seemingly fun woman - but what else would you expect from Tom Hanks' wife? No, it didn't win any awards. But it's a 'keeper'. Watch it. Such fun!
Music of the Heart (1999)
If you like music AND acting, you'll love this movie
First of all, Streep practiced the violin for 6 hours a day in preparation for this role. And of course, it shows. I've studied piano for 10 years and so much of the music and musical places featured in this film were so fun to watch. The final scene in Carnegie Hall was super, plus a couple of THE violinists. Wow.
All in all, I just love this movie. All of the cast was good and the scope of the material covered was also fleshed out. You don't need to play the violin to appreciate it, but it does help if you SOMETHING about music and the drive to succeed in the field.
Just watch it, rent it, and learn something about music and the drive the fuels people to succeed at it. And learn something about the notable violists that appear in the film. They are considered some of the best. And if you listen to their recordings, you can see why!
Singin' in the Rain (1952)
A GREAT musical treat
What everyone says - a fun look at the movement from the 'silent movie' era to the sound movies. There are SO MANY fun scenes, like 'moses supposes', etc. And not the least of which is the title song with the beautiful dancing of Kelly.
The most surprising is that Jean Hagen did not win 'best supporting' for her role. Just try to imitate her lines. So great and amusing. Of course everybody talks! What's the big deal??
The movie is a true classic and everyone should see it. Aside from Kelly, there is the wonderful O'Connor and a very young Debbie Reynolds, who worked so hard on the dancing. I've read somewhere that she said Kelly was such a hard task master so she felt like she HAD to get it right. And was exhausted every night! Wonderful, wonderful.
Sense and Sensibility (1995)
Beautifully conveyed
OK, it's not Pride and Prejudice, but still such a lovely, evocative film. Makes one painfully aware of the old law of primogeniture and the financial difficulties it incurred.
Besides the incomparable Emma Thompson, so many other great actors completed their roles to perfection Long before she was known as the survivor on Titanic, Kate Winslet made a lovely contribution into a heady company and held her own beautifully. As well the young actress who portrayed Margaret Dashwood, offered some nice comedy relief and smiles.
And he small, role played by Hugh Laurie is so fun. And he comes to the rescue when Marianne falls ill. Such a bizarre thing to see they were still 'bleeding' patients. How very bizarre against modern medicine.
There are so many unsung heroes in this movie, not the least of which is Robert Hardy, Alan Rickman, and even the actor who portrays Willouby. That actor later married Emma Thompson, so he must be the right sort.
Watch it for the lovely, largely accurate portrayal of the times. As in all these movies, I think 'thank goodness' the bows and curtsey's are a thing of the past.
A lovely, lovely movie, is you like this sort of thing.
Schindler's List (1993)
It needs to be seen
I feel really goofy trying to write anything about this film. It's all been said on this site and most of it is true.
The first thing to underline is that Ralph F. should have won best supporting actor in a supporting role. I was so stunned that he did not. He is so good that for months I didn't know he wasn't German. And his character is truly vile. Read up on the real Amon Goeth and you will see what an evil man he portrayed. He probably didn't care, but good golly.
Secondly, having dated an observant Jew for a long time, I can attest to the Talmud quotation. My boyfriend believed and lived that precept.
No, this film is not earth-shaking, but once you see it, please remember that some of the people who made the film with Spielberg were, themselves, survivors. If you remember that Oscar ceremony, you might remember that one man got up to accept the award and gave the numbers that he had tattooed on his arm. It really happened!
Les Misérables (2012)
Know your history and enjoy
I'd been warned that I might cry. Well, tear up I did.
But I was proud that I did not sing out loud to some of the music. Just mouthed the words. As I was with a close theater friend and we've both sung on stage, I thought this was a great accomplishment! If you've never read the book or seen another production, get yourself educated.
As we walked out of the theater, some people were saying 'I didn't know it was about the French revolution'. And I had to stop and ask them if they didn't read the words at the very beginning of the movie. Not very politic, but golly, hello!
Loved Anne Hathaway tremendously. No wonder she has such short hair now. She so much like a waif, but she can truly sing. What a surprise to me.
No surprise about Hugh Jackman. What an actor! And the Thenardier's were fabulous, too. A real history lesson about hard financial times.
At the end of the movie, the entire theater clapped. Haven't experience that since 'Seabiscuit'. Everyone was enthusiastic, needless to say.
Witness (1985)
Never get tired of the 'barn-raising' scene
Whenever I happen upon this movie (cable), I get sucked in, although I've seen it enough times. It's just a good story with it's own suspense.
We all are rooting for little Lucas and the fact that John Book has to hide him and his mother away from the 'bad guys'. So many scenes are worth seeing again, especially when John Book gets hurt and must rely on the the Amish people to heal him - no doctors, of course.
And of course, when Rachel's father wakes him up at the crack of dawn for milking. And when Radhel gives him some clothes that were her late husband's and explains that zippers and buttons are 'too proud'.
And as mentioned, if you once see the barn raising scene, it will stay with you forever. Truly moving and a real example of community and what can be done by all people.
The Big Chill (1983)
Film, though dated, is still fun to watch
I saw this movie when it came out. So that dates me, a little, but it really takes me back to that time.
What can I say that hasn't already been said? Fun to see William Hurt as a coke head, Glenn Close as the stalwart Mom. And of course, great fun to see Kevin Kline in his 'head of the family' role. And he is so, so talented. If you have never seen it, watch him in 'French Kiss', in which he nails the French accent so perfectly, as well as the mannerisms.
A bit weird to see Mary Kay Place in such a smaller role. But she has done plenty of other roles very well and she is very solid in this biological clock role - wanting to have a child.
It may make you went to move to a small town in South Carolina. It may make you want to turn back time. It will not make you feel cheated. A really solid movie in many respects. Jeremiah was a bullfrog....
A Christmas Carol (1984)
One of my most favorite versions of the Dickens' classic
And the actor in me protests that Mr. Scott is not British and thus doesn't have the 'proper' accent. But he is just such a damn good actor that it doesn't matter a whit.
As a few other reviews have said, the supporting cast is simply STELLAR. No other word for it. I could go on and simply drool over some of the actors and their performances, but just watch this one for yourself, if you haven't already. It truly is the most in spirit with Dickens' work, in my humble opinion.
From Angela Pleasance to Edward Woodward, who truly is my most favorite Christmas Present, to the wonderful 'shadow' of Christmas Yet to Come are all so good that watching other versions is a bit difficult. Again, so many versions that are all good in different ways. But this is my favorite. This Tiny Tim doesn't get my kudos, but anyway, God Bless Us All, Every One.
The Guardian (2006)
Good story that is told very well
You could feel the pressure that Fisher put on himself and the pressure that Costner puts the young kids through.And it all makes sense in the context of what they are there to do.
When we finally find out about Fisher's past, it makes more sense. Lots of nice interacting lines in that story.
Think I especially appreciated it because my niece is married to a Navy Seal - one that was especially chosen to be a part of a 'hard core' group. Maybe its not as impressive as what the search and rescue swimmers go through, but it is darned impressive. And he is in fantastic physical shape, like the fellows in this movie. OOrah.
The Princess Bride (1987)
See it again
Hello, my name is Inigo Montoya, you killed my father, prepare to die.
Several years ago I worked in a great company where the 'art' department wouldn't even talk to you unless you knew all about this movie. So many parts of it are so great, not the least of which is the fencing that Rob Reiner insisted that they practice over and over. I once read that Mr. Reiner kept telling the actors - throw the lines away - this isn't theater. They're funny, so keep going! And it shows in the movie. We would all swear that Mandy Patinkin was a world-class fencer. Just a great actor, I'm afraid.
So many of the lines are so memorable, like "inconceivable!" With the follow-up line of "you keep using that word. I do not think it means what you think means".
And of course the part with Billy Chrystal and Carol Kane and Peter Falk. If you've never seen this movie, get out from under the rock and see it. You will see what you've been missing all these years. Inconceivable!
The Terminator (1984)
A dozen times, and it never gets old
And some of that is James Cameron's directing, but some of it is just a good story. Much better story, in some ways, than the one when the Terminator could morph into whatever shape he wanted, but that film had some good, scary scenes. And the end of that Termninator is really good film editing. But I like THIS one, before things got complicated!
I know that part of the reason I like this, original one is that my oldest brother loved Arnold and would frequently say "I'll be back". And I suppose that's the line everyone remembers. And everyone remembers "you are terminated".
My brother is no longer with us, but I think about him whenever this film comes on cable. Worth watching, if for no other reason than it's also the beginning of Linda Hamilton's career.
Dolphin Tale (2011)
Loved it
I had NO IDEA what to expect, other than it was about a hurt dolphin. As I am nuts about dolphins, I had hopes that it would be good. But I was GREAT. I had tears in my eyes at the end.
The cast was all solid and good. And you couldn't see what solution they would find for the financial difficulties and when they did find a solution, you will be so happy and relieved.
And maybe, like me, you will want to shout at the screen that dolphins aren't animals, but of the fish/aquatic family. OK, they have to breathe air. Does that make them animals? I don't think so. Whales also have to surface for air, but nobody calls THEM animals.
Lovely, wonderful movie with an excellent cast. If you are like me, and grew up with Flipper, etc., you will enjoy it tremendously.
Horizon: Life Story (1987)
Really good story about the discovery of what rules our lives
First of all, let me make it clear. I know NOTHING about this level of science. My father was great at it, but it didn't fall to me to follow in his footsteps.
However, I've always liked good films and this one caught my attention when it was released. It depicts intensity of the scientists tearing their hair out to find how it all worked.
The scene when Jeff Goldblum finally sees where one peptide (if that's the right word) fits into the sequence was very memorable. A real 'voila' moment.
Many years later, a college friend 'ran DNA sequencing' to make money out of his home. And I thought 'oh sure, that's what a man with a PHd in microbiology does'. Again, not at all like my father who went to MIT and worked on scud missile designs for the military. But hey - I speak 3 other languages, so my talent lay in other areas.
If you are oriented towards science and good acting, check this movie out! Once, when I was getting an MRI, I asked the technician who was the Watson and Crick of the MRIs. He had no idea what I was talking about!
A Chorus Line (1985)
Ditto with several other reviewers
If you were going to make a film of the wonderful, wonderful stage version, which I have also seen, the only way I could have 'devised it' is to simply put a camera in the back of the theater, do close-ups during some of the montages (Hello 12, hello 13, etc. and during "everything was beautiful at the Ballet", and so many other wonderful montages that MADE the musical so fabulous, and just film the damn thing. And I agree, Michael Douglas is a great actor, but totally wrong and wasted in this role. No way could I buy him as Zach.
And Richard Attenborough - yeah, a good director, but what the hell does he know about musicals?? Try to catch one of the touring companies that are doing it. Yes, for someone who has been on stage, sung on stage, but never danced at this level, the whole thing still brings goose bumps to my arms. And, unlike Diana, I feel a lot of something, rather than nothing.
Wimbledon (2004)
8
Fun movie, especially if you play tennis, which I have. Betthany showed his movements competently, as did Dunst.
The real fun for me was watching Evert and McEnroe do the commentary. So enjoyable after all the sports people have commented on their many wonderful matches. Loved the part where Chrissie asked John if he knew all about the questions about a line shot - in or out, and how labored the questioning of it got. Funny, when your remember all the shenanigans McEnroe used to put officials through.
No, its not a great sports movie, or even a tennis movie, but thoroughly enjoyable. Again, the key is if the audience has ever followed the tennis world and better yet, played it.