Wardman3

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Reviews

Sixteen Candles
(1984)

2019 review of an 80s classic
I am a child of the 80s and was 15 when this came out... I loved it then and I love it now. I want to address the issues that have arisen in today's age in regards to a film from 1984. The inferred "" scene has come under scrutiny over the years and I can understand why in this climate. However, it was a different time back then...It is not a reason to validate it, but no one was thinking about it the way people do today... You can not go back and alter time, or censor things we do not like because society has changed. Would this scenario play in a comedic movie today? Of course not. As far as the rest of the movie, I still crack up every time at multiple scenes...John Hughes had a talent in casting and writing about teen age life in the 80's and he was spot on. Casting was perfect... In summary, if you are not from the era, you will probably not understand the huge influence this had on all of us born from 1965-1975. but it brings all of us back to a time where things were far more innocent and political correctness did not affect every aspect of our daily lives

Family
(1976)

Truly Top Notch...One of the Best Drama Series Ever
I was quite the precocious child at 7. Instead of coming home and watching cartoons, I preferred serialized dramas. This show was my favorite at the time. Even at that young age I knew what I was watching was good. Flash forward 30 years. I have now watched the episodes on DVD and this show truly is/was leaps and bounds ahead of anything in its day. The writing and direction was just phenomenal, credible, and so well executed. The acting is spot on, with nary a clichéd moment. It is great to watch these episodes again and see how a family drama should be produced. One can see why Sada Thompson Gary Frank and Kristy McNichol won Emmys for their work. James Broderick definitely should have been awarded one.

Dirty Dancing
(1987)

The little film that could! And boy, did it ever!!
Despite the obvious flaws, one can not deny there is a most definite magical quality in this film. Perhaps it is the nostalgic story line of innocent romance in an innocent time. Perhaps it is the feel good soundtrack and dancing. Whatever it is, it transcended many films of the genre and the decade. There is such a strong chemistry between and Patrick Swayze and Jennifer Grey, it outshines some clichéd moments in the script. The music works so well in the film. Even the juxtapositioning of the modern day hits, with the time period songs works.

The stars aligned for this film, it came out at the right time and just exploded and even after 20 years, it is one of the few movies that is still enjoyable to watch every time. And Patrick Swayze was right! Nobody puts Baby in a corner!

Coal Miner's Daughter
(1980)

Arguably the best Biopic ever made.
There is no doubt in my mind that this film is one of the best biopics brought to the screen. From beginning to end, you are so fully immersed in the life of Loretta Lynn, that you forget you are watching Sissy Spacek, who hands down deservedly won the Oscar and 1980 was an excellent year for the Academy awards with stiff competition.

From the opening sequences, you get sucked right in. The life of Appalachia and the struggles of Loretta growing up. The devotion of Doolittle, Tommy Lee Jones best role, to make Loretta the star that she should be is selfless, despite some tempestuous struggles.

Beverly D'Angelo, who is underrated and versatile, portrays Patsy Cline with such bravado, it just clicks with the cast and the credibility of the audience. The fact that both her and Spacek sang on their own just enhances the credibility of the film.

In summary, a must see for anyone who is a fan of Loretta Lynn and for how a biography should be filmed.

Ordinary People
(1980)

Stunning insight into a family falling apart.
"Ordinary People" deserved its Oscar. There was such fierce competition in 1980 that winning the award was a real honor. The movie should have shared honors with "Coal Miner's Daughter".

Having said that, the reality of the movie is so heartbreaking and so real that you feel every emotion and understand the characters feelings, whether you liked them or not. Mary Tyler Moore's performance of Beth Jarrett is so powerful that you forget Moore's comedic repertoire and immerse yourself into her persona as a cold, distant wife that can not show emotion for her son. It is disturbing that Beth can not show Conrad love and it breaks your heart when you see the awkwardness as he tries so hard to get any love or recognition from her. Her breakdown scene at the golf course and the realization at the end of the movie that she is incapable of affectionate love are powerful performances.

Donald Sutherland's understated and beautiful performance is brilliant. His making up for Beth's shortcomings as an affectionate human being are so touching. He does all he can to keep the rest of his family together. Why he was not nominated for an Oscar is beyond comprehension.

Timothy Hutton absolutely shines as the troubled Conrad. All you want to do is hug him, love him, after his rejections from his own mother. The torture and pain he is in is portrayed so stunningly. His guilt over the death of his brother and subsequent depression are heartbreaking.

Growing up in suburban America, the film rings many a truth to the insights of what people perceive as a "normal family". The cocktail parties, the school activities, the socialization of Beth and her friends over the recognition of her son do happen in suburban America. Robert Redford recognized every real detail of the facades that people put up and the reality of what happens at home. They are poignantly and chillingly realized.

Definitely one of the most deserved Best Picture Oscars given. Please don't miss this one.

Agnes of God
(1985)

Intriguing with hauntingly beautiful cinematography.
What I loved most about this movie was the beautiful cinematography. It is stunningly filmed and really evokes an emotion of spiritualness and the unknown in me. Meg Tilly was superb as the nun who gives birth to a baby that is then murdered. Her innocence, naietivty are portrayed with such adept skill. Jane Fonda's character was solid as well, playing a sympathetic yet inquisitive psychiatrist who wants answers. I also felt that Anne Bancroft did an adequate job, but was lacking something for me.

No easy answers in this movie, as religion and spirituality do not offer concrete answers. Thought provoking indeed and as I said, the film is so beautifully shot, it just adds to the spirituality of this movie. You won't find a tidy two hour movie but you will think about how religion is powerful behind many forces.

Muriel's Wedding
(1994)

Great movie as the Aussies can only do!
A dark comedy it is but it really touches the heart and it can be quite sad at times. There are many levels that you can watch this movie on and many do say there is a superficialness to it. However, there are core human elements that clearly ring through in this movie. Friendship, compassion, empathy. Toni Colette and Rachel Griffths both make this movie stellar. It is heartbreaking at times to watch Muriel (Collette) wanting to be someone of value. Her feelings are so true to her heart and I am sure many can relate. Griffith's character is portrayed with such humor and honesty. She also has some of the funniest lines I have heard in a movie in a long time.

Please watch this! It does offer meaning and you certainly can't go wrong with the music of ABBA!

Testament
(1983)

Absolutely Heartbreaking.
I still think of this movie as the most depressing and upsetting film I have ever seen. As the Cold War eased, this movie became forgotten but then came 911. It portrays how the world can come to a standstill and how precious life can be.

It is hard not to weep openly at this film. Jane Alexander and Roxana Zal's performance are nothing short of brilliant. The desperateness of Alexander to provide some normalcy after the effects of a nuclear fallout seem pointless, but not to her. She painstakingly does her best while watching people around her slowly die. The movie's lack of special effects and concentration on a small group make it all the more real.

This movie is not for the faint of heart. It will leave you feeling uneasy for a long time, especially in the world we live in today. It has left an indelible mark on my mind. Enjoy what you have and be thankful for your loved ones. It all can be gone.

Don't Be Afraid of the Dark
(1973)

Effective! and Creepy!
I am cracking up here with laughter at one of the previous posts! I am 35 and one of my brothers is 37. I just went "SALLY" in a whispered voice and he totally lost it. It is so true that there is a small generation here that knows what is up with this movie! I love all those creepy 70's movies.

I am glad I had liberal parents! Here is my list of favorite creepy 70s films that I would love to see again

"Bad Ronald" "Reincarnation of Peter Proud" "Whatever Happened to Aunt Alice" "Night Terror" "One of My Wives is Missing"

Race with the Devil
(1975)

Ahhh the 70s! Creepy Movies!
Thank God I had liberal parents. I was born in 1969 and my parents let me watch all these flicks. I have such memories of these and other movies from the 70's ensconsed in my head. I want to see all of them again.

" Bad Ronald "

" Whatever Happened to Aunt Alice. "

" Little Girl Who Lives Down the Lane "

" Night Terror "

" Reincarnation of Peter Proud "

" One of My Wives is Missing. "

Just to name a few. 70s flicks like this had their own cultish following.

You Can Count on Me
(2000)

Fantastic movie
Had it not been a Julia Roberts year, Laura Linney would have taken home the Oscar for best actress. She is fantastic in the role of Sammy.

What is so good about this movie is it's trueness and portrayal of life and how certain things don't get resolved in a nice 2 hour format. I found the relationships to be extremely credible and heartfelt. The love that Sammy has for her brother is evident, despite his screw ups. She wants so desperately for him to get his act together, but ultimately she knows she can't change him and loves him for him.

I had wanted to see this movie for a year and I finally watched this movie on a very emotional day for me and it really did bring tears to my eyes. I just found it to be a rare gem into human love and understanding. Bravo!

Showgirls
(1995)

Campy
OK I admit it. I am strangely drawn to this movie. It is technically awful but it has to be one of the top 5 campiest movies of all time. One can not help but be mesmerized by the movie. The dialogue is so bad it makes you laugh.

Some notable bad lines:

* When Nomi's friend's from Cheetah's come to visit her on the stage. Al, out of the blue says, " It must be weird not to have anyone c*m on you" WHAT??????? Where did that come from!

* Gaye says " I met my husband when I chipped my tooth on a quaalude, he was my dentist"

I recommend viewing just for camp value! You have to see it!

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