calm Reviews

Tell It Like a Woman (2022)

Brilliant Acting, Important Message, Not So Good Movie

[7/10 · 6 March 2023]

I didn't think the film was awful, I just think some of the messaging was unclear and some stories fell short of meaning and direction. The first story that dealt with mental health and drug addiction was based on a true story and was well acted, in my opinion. If you know anything about this topic, you'll know there will be plenty of drama, that's a given. The other stories, some also based on actual events, were delivered adequately enough, as I remembered most of the stories long after the film was over. I thought the worst was the last story, which was animated, I didn't think it was a good fit.

I did like the song "Applause" which was nominated for an Oscar however, my pick is RRR's Naatu Naatu.

Sugar Mountain (2016)

A twisted story of lies and more lies

[8/10 · 15 July 2018]

It's amazing what people in financial woes can cook up to get free of debt. Sugar Mountain centers on 4 people. 2 brothers, 1 girl and a cop. Both brothers are in love with the same girl who is the cop's daughter. The three cook up a scheme to change reate a story of rescue and preserverence while being lost in the Alaskan wilderness. However, the cop is on to them - his pursuit is ruthless. There are so many twist (lies) and turns (lies gone bad) you can hardly keep up. Even the ruthless cop has dirty secrets. Watching the lies unfold can be exciting to some, so it's safe to say this movie isn't for everyone. I for one, liked it. The acting was good, especially Jason Momoa as Joe Bright. Check it out.

Transformers: Age of Extinction (2014)

Too much confusing action but still a good movie!

[8/10 · 16 July 2014]

The only reason I gave Transformers an 8.5 is because of it's non-stop action and story telling. I didn't really care for the endless plots within plots but I realize it's getting harder and harder to make these sequels interesting and meaningful. How many times can we humans be rescued by these unwanted machines (Autobots) and how many villains are out there trying to get a piece of the autobot action? Cade Yeager (Mark Walhberg) a struggling inventor, and his 17-year old daughter Tessa Yeager (Nicola Peltz) along with Shane Dyson (Jack Reynor) who plays Tessa's not so secret boyfriend, battle the bad guys together.

Transformers: Age of Extinction begins millions of years ago, during the Cretaceous period which include dinosaurs. According to the story, Beings or Creators detonate many seeds causing the dinosaur's extinction on Earth. The story then picks up 4 years after the battle in Chicago, we're now focused on Cade Yeager and his business partner, Lucas Flannery (T. J. Miller). Down and out, Cade purchases an old truck he is planning to strip down and sell for parts. The truck turns out to be Optimus Prime who is in dire need of repair.

In the meanwhile, Harold Attinger (Kelsey Grammar), a CIA agent is assigned to hunt down the remaining Decepticons but is secretly hunting down Autobots as well. Harold gets help from a Transformer named Lockdown, who is a bounty hunter and along with Harold, kills Rachet. Cade tries to repair Optimus, after his identity is discovered and Optimus activates the remaining Autobots: Bumblebee, Hound, Drift and Crosshairs.

Joshua Joyce (Stanley Tucci is head of the KSI Corporation and has perfected Transformin, which is the metal the Transformers are made of. Joshua has also imprisoned Brains, the Autobot's Drone sidekick to decode dead Transformers' brains, Megatron being one of them, for use in human made Transformer brains. As a result, KSI's ultimate Transformer, Galvaton is created. To complicate matters a little more, James Sovoy (Titus Welliver) is a field leader of Cemetery Wind, an elite CIA unit tracking Decepticons and Transformers along with Harold. James makes up the third bad guy and greedy human to round out this band of bandits. There are so many players, one can get pretty confused. You have the original Transformers (Optimus Prime, Bumblebee, Ratchet, Leadfoot, and Brains), The bounty hunter (Lockdown), the man made Transformer (Galvaton) and a new species called Dinobots. You also have the bad guys versus the good guys and all that's in between.

As usual, the original Transformers prevail and gives a speech about morals, life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. Transformers: Age of Extinction is 2 hours and 47 minutes long but keeps moving so that you don't really notice the time. It started in Chicago and ended up in China. The destruction was enough to declare the world a dismal, hopeless, disaster. In case you didn't get it, this movie was all about getting the Seed, the only one left that could annihilate the Earth. Overall, lots and lots of action — worthy of the big screen. In order to put closure to this story so that it makes perfect since, take a leap of faith and buy a ticket, you probably will like it.

Innocents (2000)

Who's really crazy here? (Possible spoiler)

[7/10 · 23 February 2011]

I tried not to get interested in this movie but the dialog and music sucked me in. As the film progressed, I realized that the sisters were not the only ones disturbed. While the movie was well acted and the plot reasonable, the story became unbelievable. No normal person would stay in a situation like that, for any reason.

I suspect love, shock and intrigue kept Jean-Hugues Anglade involved. In reality, he would have never made it -- the cops would have never reacted the way they did and the story would not have ended the way it did. I'm trying to say this was a movie worth seeing without giving away anything. My value of 7 is because I think it's okay for a comedy to be unbelievable but not a drama.

Clash of the Titans (2010)

Where was the love?

[7/10 · 6 April 2010]

I just returned from seeing Clash of the Titans. I really expected a great movie. So much effort was put into 3D and special effects but not enough into the direction of the characters. Everyone was so emotionally detached from each other. The only emotional connection was between Liam Neeson and Perseus near the end and the semi-quasi relationship between Gemma Arterton and Sam Worthington.

Additionally, the movie just didn't flow, scenes literally jumped from one to another. The marching soldiers seemed too mechanical. The Kraken was upstaged by the first beast they fought in the dessert (there was little difference). Perseus didn't seem to be a very good fighter, Poseidon was completely absent from the story and Pegasus was black (historically, incorrect).

I'm sought of sick of the whole 3D thing. It didn't do much for this movie and it's not exciting any more. It's never been as well done as Avatar. I've seen Avatar, Alice in Wonderland, How to train a Dragon and Clash of the Titans in Real D 3D. With the exception of Avatar, it's not worth the extra money. We shelled out $22 bucks for 2 seniors at the matinée showing for Titans and I really felt it was not worth it. I didn't hate the movie, I just felt emotionally disconnection from it. I and my husband kept looking at our watches -- we live at the movies but couldn't wait for Titans to end. I usually feel like I've been on an adventure after seeing a movie the likes of Titans but not this time. I gave it a 7 out of 10.

American Dreamz (2006)

It had potential

[5/10 · 24 July 2007]

I am so surprised to see Hugh Grant in this awful, not so funny, movie. In my opinion this is the worst I've seen Grant in. What was he thinking. This movie was all over the place. I don't think it's realistic to have a president that out of touch. I know Bush comes pretty close but no cigar. The whole country was fixed on "American Dreamz" and nothing else. I know this was suppose to be funny -- **POSSIBLE SPOILER**however, the ending made it just plain stupid and depressing. Had a certain person lived, I would have like this better. As it stands, I am sorry I wasted my time watching it.

I guess this is suppose to be a spoof on Bush and American Idol. It's not too effective because this president was too detached and the Chief of Staff was too kiss a@# for very little return. This scenario could normally be funny but I guess it hits too close to home and, I hope, too unrealistic. The characters didn't come off the way they should and Hugh Grant came off more qualified to be the president than the president. The movie just didn't work for me. Wait for HBO and see if for free.

Superman Returns (2006)

Superman is Super Spectacular

[10/10 · 29 June 2006]

The man of steel is more powerful than ever before. Superman has a new and improved look from his costume to his not as chiseled chin. I was impressed with Brandon Routh who portrayed Clark Kent as the nerdy reporter and Superman as the bigger than life super hero with a big heart. This Superman has a softer, more "feely" demeanor than the old Superman but still as effective.

Kate Bosworth turns out to be the most attractive Lois Lane to date. However, I didn't get the usual aggressive, nervous behavior I've seen in past Lois Lanes. Kate plays a softer, kinder character, ***who now has a son.*** While Jimmy Olsen, played by Sam Huntington from "Not Another Teen Movie" still gets on ones nerves, he's slightly toned down from the Jimmy Olsen of the 50's.

Frank Langella surprised me as the Chief and Editor of the Daily Planet -- we're not use to seeing him as a good guy. It took me a minute to digest him on the good side of evil. Before it was all said and done, I knew they made the right choice in casting Langella. He played the perfect Perry White.

There are a few surprises you may or may not catch such as the bartender, played by Jack Larson the original Jimmy Olsen from the 1957 Superman TV series or the opening death of Lex Luther's much, much older multi-millionaire wife, played by Noel Neill the original Lois Lane from the same 1957 Superman series.

The flying is different and much quieter, not the loud sound of wind when Superman takes off. It seems more like gliding. Director, Bryan Singer outdid himself with special effects. There are so many scenes that seem so real I can't begin to mention them all.

Kevin Spacey plays a darker, calmer, Lex Luther than Gene Hackman. While Kevin is as crazy and deadly, I was more afraid of Gene's portrayal of this character.

Overall, "Superman Returns" is great. The audience started clapping during 3 different scenes. There are a few issues, like Clark and Superman reappearing at the same time, that might make one go "um". Violence, blood and gore are kept to a minimum. That's an excellent sign of a good movie for all.

Madea's Family Reunion (2006)

I Loved this Movie

[10/10 · 1 March 2006]

It's crazy, funny, a little ghetto in parts, but it has a great message and it's thoroughly entertaining. I laughed, cried, shouted, cheered, commented out loud and even clapped. Madea is an outrageous character brilliantly played by Tyler Perry as is Madea's brother, Joe and the handsome lawyer. It feels so good to be entertained at a movie. Family Reunion gives you a chance to unwind and relax plus have a good, hardy laugh. Anyone who takes it for more is in for a surprise because there is more -- a great message of forgiveness and love. It's worth seeing. I'm not sure how IMDb, who I give a lot of respect for such an informative website, calculates the voting averages but I challenge the accuracy of 2.5. To know the Madea character is to love it and I do love it. This movie is funny!

Once Upon a Time... When We Were Colored (1995)

Too Nice!

[7/10 · 7 June 2005]

This was a very nice, scaled down version of how it really was in the Deep South. The movie did not even begin to depict the real horror Blacks faced each day. There was just a hint of the KKK, Jim Crow and the plantation mentality Blacks had to endure. I kept waiting for those historical, explosive events, we all knew to be the law of the land, to explode onto the screen, but it never happened.

Life was unbearable; Blacks were looked upon as animals and treated as such. I walked away from this movie feeling like life was almost a bowl of cherries.

I find it so odd that people are tired of hearing about the Black experience but never get tired of all the holocaust movies. 6 million Jews were slaughtered over a 6 year period (approx) -- hundreds of thousand Blacks were hung, beaten, raped, shot, humiliated and abused to death over a period of 150+ years, not to mention the suicides that took place on the slave ships in route to America. Admittedly, the holocaust was an atrocity, hopefully never to be repeated, while discrimination of Blacks is still a reality. Too bad there are no great movies that tell the Black Plight the way it should be told.

Birth (2004)

Another deceitful movie!

[6/10 · 29 October 2004]

Why oh why did anyone make this movie? It was slow, dull and down right deceitful. The trailers would have you believe you're in for a mysterious ride but in fact, you're in for another unresolved, waste of time, money sucking, open-end flick. Birth's concept was done before in a 1989 release of "Chances Are", which was in good taste, with a good story and a good follow-up. The ending tied up all the loose ends, unlike "Birth" which left us hanging.

I truly want my money back -- everyone in the theater agreed that "Birth" sucked. Not even Nicole Kidman could save this one.

Wait for cable!

Waiting for Guffman (1996)

And the point is?

[4/10 · 27 August 2004]

I found this movie to be quite annoying. I can't believe the 7.6 rating this movie received from voters. There was no point to it. 90 minutes + of annoying dialog, going nowhere. The few laughs, actually I can only think of a couple, were not worth an entire movie of mediocre characters trying to put on a 150 year anniversary show about the history of a little town called Blaine, Missouri. Somewhere in this movie, I heard folks of Blaine refer to a UFO abduction several years ago. The incident went unnoticed by the outside world, thereby making it an unproven tale. The UFO story was the most interesting thing about Blaine -- the director and all the characters were extremely eccentric, which was the premise for the movie.

I just don't see 7.6 or even 5.6 -- after the movie, I kept wondering, what was the point? I was neither entertained nor mentally stimulated.

Catwoman (2004)

Catwoman is a comic book story

[10/10 · 23 July 2004]

I can't believe 206 people voted Catwoman a 1. What are they looking for in a fantasy? A smart, talented woman, who is taken for granted by the company she works for, dies and comes back as a cat. Now she can add sexy and confident to her former persona. She's also skilled in marshal arts and capable of taking care of herself as well as do battle with the evil forces of this world. This is the comic book formula that has been successful since they first thought up this character.

I came away believing that this female, super heroine will develop her newly found role to be more mature and conservative in the future. I was well entertained and absolutely loved the movie. I gave it a 10 for costume, authenticity, casting and plot. Halle Berry is synonymous with sexy -- Catwoman has always been sexy -- go read the comic book!

The Ladykillers (2004)

The awful truth!

[7/10 · 26 March 2004]

There has been a lot of hype about this movie. I've seen Tom Hanks on a few talk shows promoting the heck out of `The Ladykillers'. While the movie was funny, Tom Hanks' character got on my nerves. He talked way too much and the words, while somewhat funny, were not funny enough to overlook or overcome the constant chatter. I actually found most of the dialog down right boring.

This unlikely crew of bandits had a most brilliant plan, which was well executed. However, when it came to the simplest task (the one that really counted), no one could accomplish it. A comedy of errors led to more and more errors which led to the biggest error, The Ladykillers!

As usual, Tom Hanks' performance raised the bar but it wasn't enough to raise this movie above it's borderline tale. Ladykillers was somewhat entertaining but not great. I thought George Wallace would have been better cast as part of the gang, rather than the sheriff -- he's a very funny comedian. I particularly enjoyed the performance of J. K. Simmons as Garth Pancake. His voice alone was almost worth the watch.

Frankly, I'd wait for this movie to come out on DVD.

Secret Window (2004)

Been There, Done That, NOT!!

[9/10 · 12 March 2004]

At last, an unpredictable movie. Every week I go to the movies and every week I guess the ending 20 minutes into the movie. Johnny Depp, as usual, was awesome. His unique movements are prevalent in this movie as was in "The Pirates of the Caribbean". In no time, I got past who was acting and became lost in the mystery and intenseness of the story. I admit I am a hopeless Johnny Depp fan and while I'm not a fan of Stephen King, good is good and Johnny is good. He gave his character all the depth, wit and charisma it deserved. Turturro was also excellent as the cheated author of a book he claimed Johnny took credit for.

Like it or not, Johnny Depp is a major actor with a unique style and is showing us how he portrays characters from all walks of life. I haven't yet figured out why this movie is called "Secret Window" as I would have called it "Shooter".

I enjoyed the movie, the acting and the plot -- I highly recommend it as a nice change from the same old story lines we've become so comfortable with.

The Passion of the Christ (2004)

What were we thinking?

[10/10 · 27 February 2004]

WOW! What a movie, what a story. The Passion of the Christ made me ashamed to be human. It's amazing to see how vicious man could be. It doesn't matter if it was a Jewish man or a Roman man. It was a human(s) that killed Christ. The angry people had the passion and vindictiveness of those who burned so called witches at the stake. What were we thinking?

I am a devout Christian who believes the Bible. Jesus Christ was born to die for our sins so that we might live. This beautiful depiction of what happened was both accurate and passionately told, according to the New Testament. Mel Gibson has finally given us imagery to go along with the story, as told in the Bible. I felt as if I were there. I cried as I was saddened by the pain Jesus had to endure for us. Seeing the Passion of the Christ makes me feel like never complaining about pain again in life.

As to the comments about Jesus not being nailed to the cross via his hands, I say, watch the film carefully. Jesus was tied to the cross and then nailed.

Finally, I think God worked through Mel Gibson to show us what we take for granted. This movie is more than a movie, it's history!

In America (2002)

Oh My God!

[10/10 · 30 January 2004]

I could hardly believe my emotions. This emotional roller coaster of a movie is fantastic. What a pleasant surprise. I must admit when I saw the trailers for this movie, I thought it was going to be another Avalon. Not that Avalon wasn't really good, but let's face it, been there, done that. Far from it -- it not only engaged my emotions, it taught me a thing or two or three about being stoic.

The performances were letter perfect. I found myself trying to find the secret to having such well behaved and darling children. If only they all could be like these two. They got along so well but maintained their status as children. They displayed a wealth of knowledge with hearts as big as gold. They gave me all warm fuzzes.

Djimon Hounsou was fantastic as a dieing man who wanted to be angry but managed to channel his frustrations through this extraordinary family in a very good way. They all brought something to the table. Gifts were plentiful, shown in a most tender, loving way. Jim Sheridan really went the distance in his direction of "In America" and I really enjoyed it.

I don't know why this movie was not widely released because it should have gotten a best movie nod. If you look at some other best movies from the past -- In America shines. See this fine piece of art any way you can -- it's worth your time.

I'm happy Djimon picked up the Best Supporting Actor nomination and Samantha Morton, the Best Actress nomination for this movie.

Love Stinks (1999)

Here's a comment that makes sense *very light spoilers*

[8/10 · 8 November 2003]

Love Stinks is funny and as we all know, true things are said in a joke. It is the nature of most women to control men. Mostly because we've been in control of our lives all our lives. Then, along comes a candidate ripe for marriage. As a women, if you're following the Bible, you'll be submissive and allow the man to take the lead -- if you are not, you'll do what you always do, control or at least try to control.

I believe, in this hilarious movie, French Stewart's character, Seth knew on some level, that this was not the right women for him. She looked magnificent, she was a heavy hitter in the sack and she was smart and loyal. So what more could a man ask for? I think in this case, he just wanted to be a man and he wanted the respect that comes along with being a man. If Bridgette Wilson's character, Chelsea was a submissive type of women, we wouldn't have this very funny, dark comedy to watch because Seth would have been willing to marry a soft, kind, non-controlling women in a minute. Bridgette showed her true colors long before she slapped a law suit on him by changing one of his rooms into a nursery -- that should have been his first clue. Sometimes you have to ask, why is such a beautiful women available and vise versa for us gals when picking a man. There's always a reason they are unattached.

I was curious when I started watching this movie as to how French Stewart would portray this character. I thought he did a fantastic job -- demonstrating that he is an excellent actor. The ending was unpredictable and I felt quite pleased with the results.

In conclusion, I think no one can really speak for how someone else will perceive a movie -- I can only say, I loved "Love Stinks" and highly recommend it, especially to the ladies who have too much balls and the men who don't have enough!

Mystic River (2003)

(**SPOILERS**) The point of this movie is....

[9/10 · 5 November 2003]

Don't let your emotions guide your decision making, you'll come up wrong every time! Mystic River is an emotional roller coaster of personalities and heart wrenching realities. Starting with the sexual abuse of an innocent child, which strengthens the old cliché, "only the strong shall survive". Next there's the death of a 19 year old teenager that tears a father to pieces, not to mention the audience. It was a brutal and senseless killing that impacted every family in this story. Finally, there's another not as innocent killing that could have taken down more families but only showed us what an untrusting, non-supporting, wife could accomplish with her emotions leading the way.

The only problem I had with this movie was how long it took to get to the truth. Sean Penn delivered another flawless performance -- I really believe he should get an Oscar soon -- he's too good not to join the ranks of those who have been awarded the priceless statuesque. Also, Tim Robbins delivered one of his best performances as a man whose spirit had been mentally weakened as a result of being sexually abused over a 4 day period when he was abducted as a child. Fine performances were delivered by all and if you read the review about the music being over whelming, don't believe it, that's always been the way Hollywood portrayed drama. The music is nothing new. Finally, if you believe in the Almighty, the ending says it all!

Clint Eastwood has finally arrived as a director -- this is the best movie I've seen under his direction. I left the theater feeling a little happy, a little sad and a little more knowledgeable about the role emotions can play if you let them. I give Mystic River a 9 because it kept me in suspense -- I actually could not figure out "who done it", I was thoroughly entertained and I actually learned a little somethin', somethin'.

Mystic River (2003)

(**SPOILERS**) The point of this movie is....

[9/10 · 3 November 2003]

Don't let your emotions guide your decision making, you'll come up wrong every time! Mystic River is an emotional roller coaster of personalities and heart wrenching realities. Starting with the sexual abuse of an innocent child, which strengthens the old cliché, "only the strong shall survive". Next there's the death of a 19 year old teenager that tears a father to peaces, not to mention the audience. It was a brutal and senseless killing that impacted every family in this story. Finally, we have another innocent killing that could have taken down more families but only showed us what an untrusting, non-supporting, wife could accomplish with her emotions leading the way.

The only problem I had with this movie was how long it took to get to the truth. Sean Penn delivered another flawless performance -- I really believe he should get an Oscar soon -- he's too good not to join the ranks of those who have been awarded the priceless statuesque. Also, Tim Robbins delivered one of his best performances as a man whose spirit had been mentally weakened as a result of being sexually abused over a 4 day period when he was abducted as a child. Fine performances were delivered by all and if you read the review about the music being over whelming, don't believe it, that's always been the way Hollywood portrayed drama. The music is nothing new. Finally, if you believe in the Almighty, the ending says it all!

Clint Eastwood has finally arrived as a director -- this is the best movie I've seen under his direction. I left the theater feeling a little happy, a little sad and a little more knowledgeable about the role emotions can play if you let them. I give Mystic River a 9 because it kept me in suspense -- I actually could not figure out "who done it", I was thoroughly entertained and I actually learned a little somethin', somethin'.

The Italian Job (2003)

Every one wants to be a critic **Slight spoilers**

[10/10 · 30 May 2003]

Being a critic doesn't mean you have to bash every movie you see. The Italian Job was very entertaining and I think that's what counts! Ed Norton played an excellent villain who said in the movie, right or wrong, I don't care, it's about what I want. His character had no morals which explained why he was able to turn on his follow thieves. The director left no stone unturned. Every word and action was accounted for and in my opinion, that's a huge contributor to what makes a good flick. While nothing new was introduced, the movie had some of the best car chases I've seen in a while. The plot was good and the actors were excellent. I thought The Italian job was well cast and the story was well acted and well told.

The action was endless and I had such satisfaction because the ending was soooo... sweet. It's okay to just sit back and be entertained by a movie. You don't have to pick it apart for casting, intellect and it's special effects. I guarantee anyone who sees this movie will walk away quite satisfied.

Ghost Ship (2002)

Potential Out to Sea

[7/10 · 14 April 2003]

Oh well! Another good idea gone astray. Ghost Ship started out pretty good. It was suspenseful, well acted, funny, and down right interesting. As the story unfolded, I began to suspect it wasn't going to end well. How right I was. I figured out the villain much too early but I still held out hope for a descent resolution to the movie.

The acting was good, the plot was good, the tension mounted at a normal to fast pace. The only thing that screwed this movie was the punch line. I don't want to give the movie away so I won't include any spoilers but I will say, wait for cable. Julianna Margulies should have stayed with ER.

Anger Management (2003)

A True Comedy

[9/10 · 11 April 2003]

Anger Management was one of the funniest movies I’ve seen in quite some time. I was pleasantly surprised by this movie, as I don’t like stupid comedy. There were some scenes that were so ridiculous that you had to laugh. And laugh I did. I found myself crouching down into my seat and placing my hand over my mouth to keep from being embarrassed because of my gut wrenching laughter. The guy in front of me just let it all out. I truly didn’t expect the movie to be much funnier than what was shown in the trailers.

The story reflected Adam Sadler’s journey as he traveled to get to the bottom line, Control of his situation. On the way to meeting his goals, Adam learns “it’s who you become while on the journey”. Jack Nicholson was unpredictable, witty, and superbly portrayed as the Anger Consultant who had the task of changing Adam’s approach to life

Of course this movie was pure fantasy but after all, it is a comedy! I was thoroughly entertained.

Crossroads (I) (2002)

What a Surprise!

[7/10 · 9 April 2003]

In my opinion, Britney Spears is all body and cannot sing. I was so surprised that not only did she show the best of her singing and acting talents in Crossroads but she did it quite well.

Crossroads is a cutesy movie about 3 young friends who make a pact to review their lives at midnight on the day of their graduation from HS. By the time graduation rolls around, they have out grown one another. Each is at a crossroad in their life. They get a gorgeous hunk only one of them knows to drive them cross country in pursuit of answers.

I loved the fact, despite 2 girls are white and 1 black, that there was no mention of race or any prejudices in the movie. It was a story that treated everyone pretty equal, except they played Britney up as the lead singer. I don't know why viewers rated this movie poorly. It was a nice semi-quasi, escape from the fast pace, violence, and sex we see all the time. Basically, it is a feel good movie and Britney was pretty good.

Bagdad Cafe (1987)

Mesmerizing Cafe, Mesmerizing Movie

[10/10 · 9 April 2003]

When this film first started, my first thoughts were to turn to something else because Bagdad Cafe was not what I thought it would be. The movie guide said it was about a large women who brings change to another women's business.

For some reason, I stuck with the movie and was pleasantly surprised. I found myself laughing, crying, cheering, standing, sitting, jumping and even talking to myself. All of this equates to happiness, I felt happy by the time the movie ended and of course, I didn't want Bagdad Cafe to end.

An unlikely German woman named Jasmin (played by Marianne Sägebrecht) appears at this cafe/motel out of no where. She has a suitcase of men's clothes and no car. Her appearance raises the eyebrows of the owner, whose husband just left her, as well as some of the permanent residents of the Cafe. Jack Palance, for one, is a painter who finds Jasmin mesmerizing and wants desperately to paint her. The owner (Brenda) has a son who plays classic piano that no one cares to hear until this woman, who later performs magic, comes along.

By the end of the movie, things are jumping, attitudes have disappeared, and the camaraderie among the cafe staff is unbelievable. This is truly a feel good movie that picks up long after it's slow beginning. It took me to a place, in my heart, that was filled with emotion, song and dance. Bob Telson won an Oscar for best song (Calling You) for this movie in 1989. The song was also mesmerizing and would win again in 2003 if it were up for an award. The owner, played by CCH Pounder, played the role of a lifetime. She should have gotten an award for her performance as well. There's a lot to be learned at the Bagdad Cafe.

Chasing Sleep (2000)

Chasing What? -- ***slight spoiler***

[7/10 · 4 April 2003]

This was definitely a weird movie. It leaves too much to the imagination. A college professor played by Jeff Daniels (an excellent actor) comes home to find his cheating wife missing. Somewhere in this flick, I began to think the professor may have killed his wife because of all the finger business, which was unrealistic. I wasn't sure if his pill popping, grief, or obsessions with his wife was causing hallucinations, or if his sleep deprivation was causing him to imagine things, or are we supposed to believe that fingers walk around without a body attached.

Whatever the case, this movie left many questions unanswered. Since the film is called `Chasing Sleep', maybe we are not suppose to know who killed his wife or if she is really dead. Maybe it's about what can happen to the mind without sleep.

The movie was well cast, directed and I was not bored. I was, however waiting for answers that never came. I'd call this an unsolved mystery.