Archive for December, 2003
Something’s Gotta Give
by Bill Henry on Dec.12, 2003, under Bill Henry's Movie Reviews
Something’s Gotta Give
Directed by Nancy Meyers
Opens nationwide 12/12/2003
Despite a cast that includes one of the movie’s ablest comic actors, Jack Nicholson supported by the Oscar-decorated likes of Frances McDormand and Diane Keaton and further decorated with a bevy of pretty young things led by Amanda Peet, the mediocre middlebrow writing and direction of Nancy Meyers is able to weigh down whatever potential charm this slight romantic comedy ever had.
Related Reading:
Attack of the 'B' Movie Posters (The Illustrated History of Moves Through Posters Series Vol. 14)
The Queer Movie Poster Book
Movie-Made America: A Cultural History of American Movies
Mamma Mia!: The Movie Soundtrack Featuring the Songs of ABBA (Piano Vocal Guitar)
Juno Music From the Motion Picture SoundtrackBig Fish
by Joe Barber on Dec.10, 2003, under Joe Barber's Movie Reviews
Joe’s Review
The tales our parents tell us about their lives are an important part of the legacy they pass on to us before and after they die. Their stories of how they dealt with life’s challenges and heartaches teach us valuable lessons that often form our frame of references for how we’ll live our lives. Within those stories we find a “road map” of sorts that leads to a connection with them and an appreciation for their journey through the world. Sometimes the connection isn’t quite complete with parents and children losing their way, becoming strangers without really meaning to. It is that journey and son’s attempt to make that connection work that is at the heart of “Big Fish,” a delightful new film from “Edward Scissorhands” and “Beetlejuice” director Tim Burton. (continue reading…)
Related Reading:
60 Great Horror Movie Posters (Illustrated History of Movies Through Posters, Volume 19)
Cinematic Storytelling: The 100 Most Powerful Film Conventions Every Filmmaker Must Know
The Art of Watching Films with Tutorial CD-ROM
Apple Pro Training Series: Soundtrack Pro
If You Take a Mouse to the Movies (Book & Cassette)Big Fish
by Bill Henry on Dec.10, 2003, under Bill Henry's Movie Reviews
Bill’s Review
Tim Burton is best known for the distinctive visual look he has brought to such movies as Beetlejuice, Batman Returns and Planet of the Apes. Undeservedly, he is less respected for his storytelling ability, but one only has to expand his filmography out to Ed Wood, Edward Scissorhands, and Sleepy Hollow to realize the importance he feels for the tellers of tales. (continue reading…)
Related Reading:
Looking at Movies: An Introduction to Film, Second Edition ( Set with DVD)
Making MoviesThe Last Samurai
by Bill Henry on Dec.05, 2003, under Bill Henry's Movie Reviews
The Last Samurai
Directed by Edward Zwick
Opened nationwide 12/5/2003
1/2
Tom Cruise’s acting ability has yet to be given its due respect. It usually takes a few decades (and a few gray hairs) for handsome leading men to be seen as anything other than movie stars (best examples—Clark Gable, Rock Hudson, or Sean Connery). Nor is Cruise’s case helped by his lamentable matrimonial record or his public support of Scientology—which seems to taint even the most good-natured practitioners of its dopey philosophy. What might help is working more often and making sure that each and every film project is the best possible choice.
Color Your Own Classic Movie Posters
The Film Club: A Memoir
Understanding Movies Value Package (includes Filmmakers on Film (CD)) (9th Edition)
Film History: An Introduction