scratch1419

Phoenix and Witherspoon should most definitely garner Oscar nominations for 2 of the best performances of 2005. In fact, they both deserve to win the acting awards. Please keep in mind that they both do all of their own singing in the film. They did not copy their characters - but made the characters their own. Phoenix proved that he is definitely one of the best young actors presently in movies. Witherspoon has always been a delight - but has now shown why she will have a long movie career. Bravo to the producers of one of the year's best films. Let us hope that the Academy voters reward this film with multiple nominations - Picture, Actor, Actress, Director, Screenplay and many more - all very much deserved!

I saw this film tonight - a brilliant interpretation of the graphic novel. Cronenberg is definitely one of the finest film-makers around. His cast is superb, particularly the leads. William Hurt delivers an Oscar-worthy performance, as does the always-great Ed Harris. Viggo and Maria prove, once again, why they are so highly regarded in the film industry, and deservedly so. The photography and editing are both brilliantly done, as is the case always with a Cronenberg production. The ending was extremely moving and effective - no talking, just a family hopefully getting back together. Ashton Holmes also deserves some recognition for his touching portrayal of the son - a major discovery. All in all - a terrific night at the movies. Yet another terrific Canadian movie! Bravo to Cronenberg and all involved in this film. Bring on the Genies!!

PENGUINS is truly one of the very best films of the year. A group of us (12) went to see this extraordinary film - 6 were children. My 8 year old nephew was most impressed, as were the others. Other words come to mind about this film: STUNNING - HEARTBREAKING - SPECTACULAR - - A MASTERPIECE! Bravo to the producers of it. And thank you, Morgan Freeman, for your wonderful and sincere narration. It was truly a memorable night at the movies for all of us. Let us hope that PENGUINS is one of the Oscar Nominees for Best Documentary - and why not Cinematography and Sound? 2005 is shaping up to be another great year for documentaries. March out to your nearest theatre and see this truly amazing film on a big screen.

Some of the most powerful and overwhelming scenes ever filmed are in this George Stevens' production. I saw this film in its original roadshow engagement at the Music Hall Cinerama in Detroit Michigan in 1965. It was a truly memorable experience for me, as well as my friends who attended with me. The Lazarus sequence, prior to the Intermission, stills pacts a powerful punch. Several years later I 'witnessed' the 'shortened' version of this epic - and am still stunned as to why this was allowed to happen. The flow of the film was destroyed - e.g. the Wisemen appeared 'quickly' and then disappeared for some unexplained reason (even though we know why). How shameful for United Artists to do this. GSET is a magnificent telling of the story of Christ. Stevens created a true masterpiece. Having seen it numerous times over the ensuing years, it stills holds a special place in my heart - and helped to launch my 'love of the movies' as a teenager. Bravo George Stevens!

This film has always been a favourite of mine! I saw it in its original Cinerama release in mid-1963 - and I was totally overwhelmed! Now, years later, and having seen the film numerous times, I still find it overwhelming. It tells a tremendous story of courage and character. The stars are all well cast and are totally believable in their roles, particularly George Peppard and Debbie Reynolds. The music score, by Alfred Newman, is still one of the finest ever composed for a film. It is a shame that a cinemascope print was never filmed. The 'lines' are a distraction - but that doesn't hurt the thrill of watching this true epic. It still amazes me that the film did not win the Best Music Score Oscar - this was Newman's greatest achievement during his long career in Hollywood. The sequence near the end of the film on the runaway train is truly one of the greatest action scenes ever filmed! "How the West Was Won" is definitely a film that truly fits its tagline - "the greatest adventure ever filmed"!