whatsupdoc_55
Joined Jul 2005
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whatsupdoc_55's rating
I can only give this film, its production crew, and it's actors the highest score in every category. Truly, it is an "instant classic." That expression is often misused; in this case, it is definitely merited.
It is a rare instance when a film holds my attention from beginning to end. This film did exactly that. It lives up to the name: ACTION-THRILLER. It will not disappoint.
Jake Gyllenhall's performance is worthy of an Oscar. He creates a character as memorable as those from films like TAXI DRIVER, MIDNIGHT COWBOY, or THE GODFATHER. His performance is understated and intriguing. It is constant from start to finish. When the film began, I thought he was merely WEIRD; by the end of the film, I found it BRILLIANT.
Up until now, I've never been a big fan of Rene Russo. I've enjoyed her performances, and found her beautiful as a woman, but she never really dazzled me. Well, her performance in this film dazzled me. Once again (to overuse the adjective): brilliant! If you don't like thrillers, or action films, violence, and top-notch drama, then this film is NOT for you. If you like any or all of the preceding, then this film is a must-see.
One final thought: This film proves to me that the Motion Picture Academy of Arts and Sciences and it's Academy Award system is in need of an overhaul!
It is a rare instance when a film holds my attention from beginning to end. This film did exactly that. It lives up to the name: ACTION-THRILLER. It will not disappoint.
Jake Gyllenhall's performance is worthy of an Oscar. He creates a character as memorable as those from films like TAXI DRIVER, MIDNIGHT COWBOY, or THE GODFATHER. His performance is understated and intriguing. It is constant from start to finish. When the film began, I thought he was merely WEIRD; by the end of the film, I found it BRILLIANT.
Up until now, I've never been a big fan of Rene Russo. I've enjoyed her performances, and found her beautiful as a woman, but she never really dazzled me. Well, her performance in this film dazzled me. Once again (to overuse the adjective): brilliant! If you don't like thrillers, or action films, violence, and top-notch drama, then this film is NOT for you. If you like any or all of the preceding, then this film is a must-see.
One final thought: This film proves to me that the Motion Picture Academy of Arts and Sciences and it's Academy Award system is in need of an overhaul!
I never thought any movie could compare with the original Wizard of Oz! Let's face it, when I watch the original 1939 version, I sit there reciting every line of dialog in unison with the cast! Everything about the original is "sacred" to me.
A few years ago, Disney made a live version RETURN TO OZ. I own it on DVD. It's nice -- but I can never fully enjoy it because of all the "differences." Any change from the original, and the lack of music, just remove the "magic" for me.
I bought this DVD for my wife as one of her anniversary presents. I expected to not like it. Wow, was I ever mistaken.
The whole production is absolutely adorable. It follows the original very closely, including ALL THE MUSIC! The colors are gorgeous. The DVD includes TWO versions -- one version begins in black and white (in Kansas) and then changes to color (in Oz), exactly like the original! I won't belabor the point. For ANYONE who loves The Wizard of Oz and is a fan of the 1939 Judy Garland version, this is a must-see, must-own, must-share.
Enjoy! I hope my little review encourages you to give it a go and to lots of smiles and memories.
A few years ago, Disney made a live version RETURN TO OZ. I own it on DVD. It's nice -- but I can never fully enjoy it because of all the "differences." Any change from the original, and the lack of music, just remove the "magic" for me.
I bought this DVD for my wife as one of her anniversary presents. I expected to not like it. Wow, was I ever mistaken.
The whole production is absolutely adorable. It follows the original very closely, including ALL THE MUSIC! The colors are gorgeous. The DVD includes TWO versions -- one version begins in black and white (in Kansas) and then changes to color (in Oz), exactly like the original! I won't belabor the point. For ANYONE who loves The Wizard of Oz and is a fan of the 1939 Judy Garland version, this is a must-see, must-own, must-share.
Enjoy! I hope my little review encourages you to give it a go and to lots of smiles and memories.
Wow! This movie is a real gem and I came across it totally by happenstance.
My wife and I discovered it in our local branch library. It was actually she who took it home. I stared at the cover box rather suspiciously. Foreign film, subtitles (not just of one language, but French & German to English), World War 1 (rather dated, it seemed) . . .
No, this didn't seem like "my cup of tea . . .", uhh, "my cup of ACTION" (I'm a guy, I drink beer not tea.) For the first 15 minutes or so, I sat there only validating my preconceptions. "This movie is SLOW . . . this movie is too GIRLISH for me . . . not one person has been killed or maimed yet from a karate blow by a macho lead man . . ."
Despite my stubborn reluctance, the movie suddenly, somehow, caught my attention. I sat there "enchanted" and mesmerized. (Yes, I actually use the word "enchanted" -- like I said, I drink BEER, I also watch FOOTBALL and BOXING. Despite this, it's really the most appropriate adjective.) The production values are excellent. The story is captivating. The acting, in every way by everyone involved, is fantastic (and considering most of it is done in foreign languages, the fact that I was able to notice how great the acting is alone proves my point).
The story is beautiful, sensitive, cool, great, magic, and MEMORABLE. The fact that it's based on TRUE EVENTS only adds to the enchantment.
This movie re-instilled my faith in human nature, at the same time that it reaffirmed my criticism of the "powers that be" who distort personkind's inclination for fellowship and foster wars.
Enough said. I urge everyone to see this movie. The fact that it didn't win an Academy Award is beyond me. Politics, I'm sure. I'm not talking about Best Foreign Film, either (it WAS nominated for that) -- it should have won Best Film (period!).
Whatever your personal politics. Whatever your religious affiliation (or lack thereof). This film cannot "offend" anyone who (like the Tin Woodsman) was given a heart by the Wizard. In the movie, one Prussian (German) officer states, "I'm Jewish!" (And the magic touched him!) I RECOMMEND THIS MOVIE 100%. The rest is for you to judge.
My wife and I discovered it in our local branch library. It was actually she who took it home. I stared at the cover box rather suspiciously. Foreign film, subtitles (not just of one language, but French & German to English), World War 1 (rather dated, it seemed) . . .
No, this didn't seem like "my cup of tea . . .", uhh, "my cup of ACTION" (I'm a guy, I drink beer not tea.) For the first 15 minutes or so, I sat there only validating my preconceptions. "This movie is SLOW . . . this movie is too GIRLISH for me . . . not one person has been killed or maimed yet from a karate blow by a macho lead man . . ."
Despite my stubborn reluctance, the movie suddenly, somehow, caught my attention. I sat there "enchanted" and mesmerized. (Yes, I actually use the word "enchanted" -- like I said, I drink BEER, I also watch FOOTBALL and BOXING. Despite this, it's really the most appropriate adjective.) The production values are excellent. The story is captivating. The acting, in every way by everyone involved, is fantastic (and considering most of it is done in foreign languages, the fact that I was able to notice how great the acting is alone proves my point).
The story is beautiful, sensitive, cool, great, magic, and MEMORABLE. The fact that it's based on TRUE EVENTS only adds to the enchantment.
This movie re-instilled my faith in human nature, at the same time that it reaffirmed my criticism of the "powers that be" who distort personkind's inclination for fellowship and foster wars.
Enough said. I urge everyone to see this movie. The fact that it didn't win an Academy Award is beyond me. Politics, I'm sure. I'm not talking about Best Foreign Film, either (it WAS nominated for that) -- it should have won Best Film (period!).
Whatever your personal politics. Whatever your religious affiliation (or lack thereof). This film cannot "offend" anyone who (like the Tin Woodsman) was given a heart by the Wizard. In the movie, one Prussian (German) officer states, "I'm Jewish!" (And the magic touched him!) I RECOMMEND THIS MOVIE 100%. The rest is for you to judge.