Ell-4

In the early fifties, my husband and I saw the "Tales of Hoffman" when it originally came out as a film. One of our first dates was to see "The Red Shoes." (Yes we do go back a long time.) Loving both opera and ballet we could not wait to see "Tales of Hoffman" and were enthralled by every moment of it..

Now over fifty years later, we have finally been able to purchase it on Amazon from The Criterion Company. It was, as we remembered, idyllic, creative and as thrilling as ever...

I would like to say at this point, why don't they make movies like they used to?...However, still being movie buffs there are some wonderful films out today...But never another Moira Shearer, Robert Rounsville, Leonard Helpmann and the rest of the glorious cast. A day, sadly, long past.

After seeing this film for about the fifth time,I can only say that it gets better each time I watch it. No one can achieve the feelings of middle class New Yorkers, better tham Woody Allen.

For his fans, they will agree. For those who dislike him. nothing he does will make them change their minds--- as they will not even see his films.

I ask only that you do not judge this brilliant director (even though he has made some clinkers) by his personal life. Rather by his words thoughts and feelings he expresses in his films.

I have read articles that state that many of the actors in Mr. Allen's films request to be in them and consider it an honor. Who can disagree with Alan Alda, Diane Keaton, Michael Caine, etc. etc. etc.

Was planning a long review during the night. However, after reading so many of the other reviews, most of them express my feelings to a tee.

Therefore, just a few comments. The marvelous acting of Tony Shaloub as Primo and Stanley Tucci as Secondo the brothers trying so hard to make a go of it. The restaurant itself trying to hold its own with esoteric food, competing with a mediocre "Olive Type Garden"restaurant (forgive me) The almost unrecognizable Allison Janney in a minor role, who has since become and rightly so an award winner on "The West Wing" Isabella Rossellini, the image of her famous mom, Ingrid Bergman. The wonderful music of the era that made the audience want to get up and dance as the actors did in the film.

Finally the non-ending so-- no spoiler as the film is left open ended as to the future of the brothers and their restaurant. In the wee hours of the morning, party ended, Louis Prima never shows or was never invited, brother Secondo makes an omelet. He serves it to his helper and his brother. Time is standing still in this euphoric moment where the brothers are patting each other affectionately on the back. The future for this moment, matters not. One of the best non-endings ever.

A father comes home from nowhere after deserting his family for twelve years. Was he a spy? Was he in prison? The answer is not for us to know. It is strictly the relationship or lack of it with his sons that the film is about. Did he love his children and not know how to show it? Or was he a cruel man that was out to punish sons he had not seen for 12 years. The answer is all guesswork. Some stories do not always have to have a beginning, middle or end. They are trying to express a feeling tone. This was one of those films and it did an excellent job.

Thank you oh thank you to the producer,director or whoever who made a film out of a basically true story.

How marvelous to see a group of women over 50 not afraid to show a few wrinkles and some saggy arms. Regardless, they all looked wonderful in their black outfits when photographed during the scene in Hollywood. (I must remember to wear black more often) Touching story, beautiful scenery and a feel gooder after all the depressing films that have come out in 2003.

Helen Mirren should be up for an Oscar. She is and has been a superb actress.

I love ballet---Couldn't wait to see the film. I remember the Joffrey Ballet Company when there home was in New York. Saw them many times.

However, was disappointed in the composers and musical scores. Thought the story line to be so-so. Robert Altman did much better in "Nashville"

The clinker was in the final ballet. It reminded me of the ending of the film "Apocalypse Now". The ballet itself was more involved with the story line (Whatever that was meant to be) costuming and make up, all of which detracted from the brilliance of the dancers themselves.

A little classical ballet from Balanchine could not have hurt the story line and might have shown some of the dancers agility without the way out costumes that seemed to be somewhat overpowering.

I originally saw the stage play "Taking Sides" by Ronald Harwood on Broadway several years ago. This production starred Ed Harris as the interrogating officer Steve Arnold. The role of Dr. Wilhelm Furtwangler was played by a British actor who was magnificent and unfortunately I am unable to remember his name. The play was not a great success on Broadway for reasons I cannot explain.The entire drama was cast in the office of Captain Arnold.

I personally thought the play was great and the film even better. The reason being that the film was able to portray scenes of Post-war Nuremburg and some vivid concentration camp scenes. (not for the weak of heart) to make its point. Nevertheless as in the stage production, the most vivid scenes still took place in the office of Captain Arnold between him and Dr. Furtwangler. The film roles being played by Harvey Keitel and Stellan Skarsgård. Was the relationship cruel to a point of excess by Capt. Arnold? How true were Dr. Furtwangler's version of life during the Nazi regime. ---??? I wish I could give an answer even to myself--Therefore, no spoiler is possible.

The film raises disturbing questions about the relationship of arts and politics.

As a conclusion, since this was a film with two intensely powerful actors, I would hope to see one or both up for a well deserved Oscar award.

Don't have a lot to comment about. It certainly was an interesting film considering that it was based on a true story. Also it was good to get away from all the electronic devices used by Mr. Spielberg in his last two films.

Actually my motivation for writing this comment is one of the scenes in the film. I am really wondering whether it hit anyone else as it did me.

It took place during the dinner scene in which Leonardo DiCaprio is extolling his virtues to Martin Sheen, the father of his fiancee, who is quite skeptical and gives him a line if questioning. Immediately came to mind a similar scene, at the dinner table, from the 1972 film "The Heartbreak Kid". Charles Grodin is extolling his virtues and line of goods to Eddie Albert, father of Sybil Shephard. Mr. Albert tells our hero afterwards exactly what he thinks of him and from there, of course, the similarity ends.

Would recommend this film, good story and great acting. Tom Hanks is always superior and Christopher Walken should probably be up for supporting actor. His facial expressions alone were heart rending

After just seeing this great film,I can only comment that I have never seen a film quite like it.

As all Almodovar films commence, you go with it, knowing that sooner or later you will understand what is happening and why. Don't worry about it because it all comes together. (no spoilers)

I only want to say that Almodovar exhibits feelings of love, as no other director I have ever seen. With his feelings, it makes no matter whether the love is between females, males or comatose women. He just makes it work.

My only hope is that no live bulls were really injured in the film.

Went to see Solaris with my husband and before we even went in to see the film, so many interesting things happened. As we were paying our entrance fee, the cashier at the Multiplex advised us not to see it. Said it was the most boring picture she had ever seen in her life and people were walking out.

Next as we were giving our tickets to the ticket taker,he again repeated how many people had walked out of the film, angry and bored, wanting their money refunded. He told us that if after 25 minutes, we didn't want to see anymore of the film, we could leave and go in to see the new James Bond movie at no extra charge.

We sat down to watch the film, I checked my watch and when I checked again an hour had passed. Obviously we were not bored. We were most interested in what was coming next and why. However, we did see a few people walk out.

As for trying to analyze the film, why bother! I think that one of the problems is that everyone wants a beginning, middle and end plus a rational reason for everything. It's like looking at an abstract painting that seemingly has no meaning except in the eye of the beholder.

The changing scenes and moods appealed to us.We chose to look no further than that.

As for the ending,and I think this might be a spoiler, I thought of the long time ago movie "Splash' One of Tom Hanks early films along with Daryl Hannah. The majority of the viewers who saw it, would have preferred the mermaid to become an earthly woman. Instead, Tom Hanks preferred devoting his life to her, splashing together in the sea. They wanted to be together. Same thing with "Solaris" Did it really matter where they were? Probably the majority of the population that saw the film and stayed till the end would have liked to hear that the entire film was a figment of Kelvin's imagination and never happened at all. They just wanted to be together.

There is no answer I can give. After all the universe is infinite.We can always ask the question, what is outside the universe????

Back to "Solaris" Too bad so many people were "bored" and walked out angrily asking for a refund (which the manager gave, due to such anger) We discussed it with him and quote his feelings "A great deal of the masses are asses"

As I was watching "My Big Fat Greek Wedding" ---- "Moonstruck" and "Goodbye Columbus" immediately came to mind. All three about weddings. All three stereotypical. All three,somewhat tongue in cheek and all delightful.

To me to be able to laugh and cry all in one film is a super feeling. Maybe none of these films are quite real to life but the enjoyment is the fact that this is how we would like life to be. Who doesn't want a happy ending and couples to live happily ever after. (Exception of course in "Goodbye Columbus")

As for the acting, Lainie Kazan, born Lainie Levine playing the role of the understanding, loving Greek mother was outstanding. Don't even have to use the word "Greek"---understanding, loving mother, more than says it. Also a beautiful bride that was not paper thin was refreshing and true to life.

As for actor, John Corbett the almost too good to be fiancé, how good to see him again. Have missed him since his tv days on "Northern Exposure" His compassionate facial expressions have always been good to watch.

All in all, thanks to the direction, story, cast and entire crew, for providing a fun afternoon to this most amateur critic.

A brief review, not even, as I do not want to compete with the wonderful other "Users Comments" both positive and negative. They have all been marvelous. The acting was superb, how can it not be with those magnificent actors? However, the make up artists also deserve a special plaudit for their job on Pacino's insomnia looking countenance. (Or is he just starting to look his age?) So very many movie buffs have been non-plussed by the film and agreed that it was convoluted and disappointing. Why then in "Rotten Tomatoes" did it get about 109 reviews from the pros????----104 being fresh, and about 6 being smashed. Who's right, the audience or the critics---Again are we dealing with "The Emperors New Clothes" syndrome.

How many of us are employed in work positions that we do and fail at and entrapped by family relationships and society's benign scorn. In this French film there are no attempts at false redemptive conclusions, tragedies unresolved, but that humankind rumbles along in failure that repeats and does it again without personal rewards. A man is fired. He can't face up to his job failure. However, the love of his family brings additional problems that culminate not to greenery ahead, or a dramatic finality, but to the drudgery of a no rewarding existence. This film also takes swipes at today's financial culture and the emptiness of Mammon in our contemporary world.

"Italian for Beginners" What a charmer! To be able to see a film that you can laugh and cry and go on a real emotional merry-go-round all at the same time.

The beauty of the movie was the six characters in search of themselves. All of them fine decent souls even though their personalities were far from flawless.

How nice it is in today's world to walk out of a movie and feel really good. To be able to say,that maybe all this can really happen. On second thought, maybe it can.

I wanted so much to love this movie as I think Steven Spielberg is one of the finest directors in America today. However, though the film held my interest,in reality, it was somewhat of a disappointment. I'm wondering if Spielberg has reached the end of the line with his previously wonderful fantasy movies. Almost every scene in A-I was reminiscent of another film. E.T. with the moon and the space ship, Poltergeist, with the severe distortion of faces and bodies, Close Encounters, with the A-I creatures in part three. Copying from other directors, The Wizard of Oz beginning of the blue fairy saga, and Teddy who resembled George Lucas, Ewoks, in The Star Wars Trilogy. At this point in time, Spielberg seems to be copying from himself.

We will discount Pinnochio as that itself was an intricate part of A-I and meant to be part of the picture. The acting of Haley Joel Osment was unbelievably wonderful. However, Sam Robards, the father, will never meet the acting genius of his father Jason Robards or his mother Lauren Bacall. It was a role that could have been played by almost any actor. What is most interesting, is although the majority of the professional movie critics, gave it a high rating, reading between the lines, they also did some sound criticism. The Spielberg mystic holds for us all. He knows how to keep his audience and how much new stuff can he come up with in his fantasy world anyhow? Despite its shortcomings, A-I still managed to keep a spellbound audience. Somewhat ambivalent review, but what else to be said.

I cannot add anymore than the mostly marvelous reviews from the contributors overseas. The cast was wonderful and Isabella Rossellini's resemblance to her mother, Ingrid Bergman is startling. Even their voices have a similarity. I am most disturbed that the picture,at this, time has such a limited distribution in the U.S.

In a sordid setting, the plot unfolds with a Contemporary feeling of British realism. Failure of relationships and family emerge in an Inner City environment. Suddenly the characters relate in a humanistic fashion. Though slightly contrived, we begin to accept to the message of the film. Brilliance of movement and color are stated and warmth and understanding are born. With a tear, we face sensitive and tentative feelings with the intent of the film, "Wonderland."

Probably the wittiest comedy around, Unfortunately, because of distribution, it will not be seen as widely as it should. We have a tendency to promote movies that are vapid and blatantly commonplace and hide the gems for few to see. Humor can be sly, not uselessly expensive to produce, and still highly successful,if the major studios distribute and advertise them. Hopefully, if more of us view movies like "Best In Show" the Hollywood enterprises will start to know.

Despite the films fine professional reviews, I found it to be somewhat disappointing.The entire movie was predictable with few surprises. For awhile there, I wasn't sure if I were watching Star Wars or James Bond. Nevertheless, seeing four such magnificent, older actors playing the roles of heros, was worth the price of admission. Perhaps, as a mature senior myself, it was good to see that older people can still be considered healthy, brilliant and unique. Thanks Clint Eastwood!

Several months ago, I critiqued on "Picnic at Hanging Rock", one of the early films directed by Peter Weir. At that time, though I had not seen it, I had the feeling that that "The Blair Witch Project" perhaps was somewhat of an imitation of that movie. After just watching Blair Witch Project, I wish to apologize to director Weir for even trying to make a comparison. The only commonality was the permanent disappearance of the actors in both films. The truly splendid "Picnic at Hanging Rock" was a small sensuous masterpiece with scenery and musical score that brought chills of emotion. "Blair Witch" was a non-masterpiece of hype. Tell everyone how frightening it is, so they will have to feel frightened. Tell everyone it is as scary as "The Exorcist" and they will feel guilty if they are not as scared. Tell everyone that this movie was made in only eight days, so they will think--"How incredible" Enough said on that subject. As for hand held cameras, the producers and directors need to take a lesson from some of the Danish film producers who produced "Mifune" and are dedicated to the use of hand held cameras with a flair and verve that this film could never have. The suspense was so great that, my husband, fell asleep and our ten year old grand daughter said-- "What a bore".

Short and to the point. Sit back, don't analyze and laugh for 95 minutes. Tracey Ullman's wardrobe and home furnishings are worth the price of admission. Elaine May should certainly be up for the Oscar for best supporting actress. Woody Allen, as always, is Woody Allen. The roaring water scene explosion and line up for cookies, should have you roaring also. As for Hugh Grant---yummie

As a young girl, I remember his name so well. However, the documentary brought back so many memories. I can't believe that I had actually forgotten about "Greenberg Gardens." I also was somewhat amazed that there were more young people in the audience, than usually seen in a film, that I thought would basically attract older people. Which goes to prove that baseball is and always has been a great national pastime. As a much older girl now, I'm still enamored of him as much as ever. Also the fine production and direction that went with it. Hank, I'll never forget you.

P.S. 2017 (update) Rereading and must add that the film was particularly nostalgic...My husband, Roy was one of Hank's greatest fans.. They attended the same High School in The Bronx.....Even though being a boy from The Bronx, Roy still always rooted for The Detroit Tigers..Ell-4 remained faithful to The Brooklyn Dodgers till they left Ebbets Field and went to LA

At any level; intelligent, brilliantly made, artistic, sensitive and worthy of plaudits for its deeply touching qualities, a must see for movie buffs and those seeking depth of understanding. To me personally, a vital search into my own visual and auditory memories. The question remains, how true are we to ourselves? Is life an existential joke? I left the movie theatre and saw beauty, nostalgia and sadness in the people and the settings that surrounded me. Written by husband of Ell-4 with her loving approval.

I really wanted to like this movie after reading such wonderful reviews from professional reviewers I covet dearly. Clever, yes, creative yes but a little bit of this and a little bit of that is what I think I saw. The wonderful film "Cocoon", "2001", "Alice in Wonderland" all seemed to come together somewhere along with John Malkovich. Where is all this supposed orginality coming from? As I watched the film, I kept being reminded of other films I'd seen. It seems a little like "The Emporers New Clothes" Due to it's being a different kind of picture, everyone has to say or think, it's different, so it's wonderful. Also, too bad the genuinely creative puppeteer, had to end up as the "Heavy".Despite my disappointment, I must give credit to the actors. They all did a super job.

Just returned from a vacation in Vienna. Went to the Prater Amusement Park where the famous ferris wheel is still in operation. Took a ride on it remembering the great scene with Orson Wells and Joseph Cotton every moment of the way. The actual ride takes about the same ammount of time that it took in the film,roughly about 15 minutes. Being that the city has been almost completely rebuilt since the film was shot there, the doorway where Orson Wells (Harry Lyme) appears is no longer in existence. Wonderful nostalgia for a wonderful, unforgettable film.