lynne/tx Reviews

Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon (2000)

Nothing more beautiful in cinema

[12 February 2001]

If there is a more beautiful film than this one, I've not seen it. I don't think I could stand anything more ethereal than this story of love, honor, and eternity.

I plan to see the movie again and again and again. I already own the soundtrack...and am waiting for the video.

See this movie. It's one of cinema's finest moments!

Lone Star (1996)

Will go down as a classic!

[10/10 · 8 May 2000]

I first saw this movie when it came out and then again this past week-end on TNT.

It has lost nothing of its power and punch in the four years since its release.

John Sayles is proving over and over again just how very talented he is and what a good eye/ear he has for directing/dialogue.

This movie does not snap along, it's slow and builds to a powerful conclusion, with a surprise twist thrown in for good measure.

I'm going to purchase this movie for my collection. It's that good.

Enjoy!

Erin Brockovich (2000)

A great ride!

[9/10 · 5 April 2000]

I really liked this movie...Roberts is brassy, sassy and ballsy...and I especially liked Albert Finney's work....I kept wanting to say "You go, girl!" to the screen, but didn't want to disrupt the rest of the audience....having worked for a law firm and having been the one to give a huge settlement check to a widow, I really identified with Roberts' character.

I might not use all the same language she does, but I fought for my clients with the same fervor.

Enjoy!

The Mambo Kings (1992)

This melts ALL my butter!

[10/10 · 17 March 2000]

This is one of the best collaborative efforts between two actors....Banderas and Assante made me believe their relationship was real...and I rooted for them throughout the entire film.

I have the soundtrack and if there is a more beautiful bolero than "Beautiful Maria of My Soul," I've never heard it.

A passionate film about passionate men who are driven to passionate music.

I bought the video when it came out and have watched it several times....it ages beautifully!

Sabrina (1954)

Gets better every time

[9 November 1999]

This movie has been on HBO a lot lately...and I find myself captivated each time...watched it last night and just couldn't pull myself away.

I love Audrey Hepburn and William Holden....Bogart is a bit of a stretch for me, but I can't help but like him...

This is an enchanting movie about an enchanted girl who just happened to live over the garage. Enjoy!

Without Limits (1998)

A great look at a great runner!

[9/10 · 8 November 1999]

I'm a fan of middle distance running and I followed Steve Prefontaine's story in the 70's. This movie is a great telling of his life and times...and his fight against the AAU and the absurd standards that we held our amateur athletes to during this period in time. I don't know much about the actor who played "Pre", but he seemed to have the same elusive aloneness that the runner showed on the track and off. If you liked "Running Brave" (Billy Mills' story), you would like this movie.

Ulee's Gold (1997)

Fonda gave the performance of a lifetime!

[15 October 1999]

Peter Fonda should have won the Oscar for this film. After he didn't, I boycotted the movies for a full 12 months. Fonda gave the performance of a lifetime in this film about a solitary Florida bee-keeper trying to keep what's left of his family together.

This is not light entertainment. This is realistic film-making at its best.

There is no Hollywood "fix" ending. These are real people with really serious problems trying to make their way through with the least amount of damage.

Forget the Academy....see this film and ask yourself who deserved the Best Actor Oscar....

Hamlet (1996)

The best there will ever be!

[10/10 · 24 September 1999]

I doubt there will be another 'Hamlet' as well done as Branaugh's.

When the film first came out, I rose at 6:30, drove 120 miles one way, and sat in a darkened theatre for 3:59, and it was worth every second.

I recently watched it again on TV (TNT) and was still moved, in almost every direction, by all the actors. The only weak performance (to me) was Julie Christie. She seemed to have a time keeping up with the other, more classically trained performers. I enjoyed Charleton Heston more this time around. Although brief, his part was pivotal and he carried it without the histronics of his other work. Maybe he's finally learned that less really is more!

I purchased the movie and the movie poster for my English teacher husband. He uses both in his classroom. Also, I don't think you have to be immersed in Shakespeare to follow the story....just concentrate and let the words flow over you.

This is as good as it gets. Enough said.

The Year of Living Dangerously (1982)

Nailed me to my chair!

[24 September 1999]

I saw this movie in 1982...right after it came out. My date and I were two of only 8 in the theater at the beginning of the film. We were the only ones left at the end. I don't know how the other 6 could have left, because my date and I were nailed to our chairs by the story, performances and the direction.

If there is a sexier scene in cinema than the one of Weaver and Gibson coming down the hill from the ambassador's party, I haven't seen it...and I see a lot of films.

Linda Hunt deserved the Oscar....I wish she worked more often. She is quite impressive!

This is not light, family entertainment. It is serious film making at its zenith. Weir is to be commended for his bravery in telling such a compelling (almost true) story about abject poverty and human rights.

Rent/purchase/see this film. It's that good.

Shakespeare in Love (1998)

I'll be buying this one on video!

[10/10 · 26 February 1999]

I've seen this film twice and considering that I have to drive over 60 miles one way to the nearest theatre, I think that's a sound enough vote for "Shakespeare in Love" as Best Picture of the Year.

This film has everything....art, politics, passion, mistaken identity, and a delicious love story. As an English major with a minor in Shakespeare, it does my heart good to see the popularity of the Bard's work....from Gibson/Branaugh's "Hamlet," to the many upcoming releases of his work, Shakespeare is enjoying a long-deserved revival.

I'll be watching on Oscar night...good luck to all those involved with this glorious film!

Out of Africa (1985)

What a moving tribute!

[10/10 · 15 February 1999]

I love this movie and, contrary to other comments....I loved the book upon which this film was based. Dinesen wrote almost poetic prose describing her beloved Africa.

The love story is/was secondary to her love of Africa. I've read her biographies and I believe that the loss of her farm was much more dear to her than the loss of Denis.

If you're looking for a well told story translated onto film, this movie is a must. Watch Streep's wonderful man-servant. He will break your heart when he says, "Your name is Karin, Sabu," at the end of the film. Such loyalty.

Enjoy this love letter to Africa.

In the Heat of the Night (1967)

The best there is!

[10/10 · 30 January 1999]

This is my all-time favorite movie..and I see a lot of films. There is no better directing, acting, or writing....not one scene is a throw-away.

Poitier and Stieger are worthy opponents and the 1960's southern setting is a perfect backdrop to the racial tension going on/is still going on in our country.

Rent it. Buy it. See it. Watch for flaws...I doubt you'll find any.