Texasguy Reviews

To Kill a Mockingbird (1962)

Horton Foote is a National Treasure!

[10/10 · 24 November 2002]

There are simply not enough good things to say about "To Kill a Mockingbird," but for my money it is Horton Foote's screenplay that truly holds everything together in this beautiful work of art. In fact to this day whenever Gregory Peck encounters Horton Foote, he always says "Thanks for the Oscar Horton!" After viewing this film, it is easy to see why.

Few great novels have ever made great films. Harper Lee's "To Kill a Mockingbird" is a masterpiece, and in the hands of a lesser craftsman its translation from page to screen could have proven disastrous. However, in my view, "To Kill a Mockingbird" the movie is every bit as excellent as "To Kill a Mockingbird" the book.

Mr. Foote, you're a national treasure and our world is certainly better because of people like you!

I'll Fly Away (1991–1993)

Television At Its Finest

[16 May 2001]

"I'll Fly Away" was and always will be my favorite show. Intelligent, well written, and beautifully acted, the show was much more than prime time entertainment and I was absolutely heartbroken when it was cancelled. I was ten when the series premiered, and my mother and I would watch it (and cry) every week. Though it has been years since I have seen an episode, I still never fail to feel a huge lump in the back of my throat at the thoughts of Lily registering to vote, or John Morgan telling his friends that his mother is a famous cowgirl. Each episode was like a small Horton Foote play, and to watch its characters grow over a long period of time was the show's greatest asset.

Though an enormous critical success, I find it tragic that the show has become such a forgotten treasure. In today's cynical world of post-O.J. Simpson, I will always remember "I'll Fly Away" for its shear hope, optimism, and unabashed honesty.

It is high time for this show to be brought back for reruns!!!

Forrest Bedford is an extremely flawed and conflicted character, and his relationship with Lily is deeply strained. Morally, he understands that segregation is wrong and that integration is inevitable, however he worries about the changes Civil Rights will bring as he is bound up with tradition. He beautifully illustrates the mindset of several white southerners as his dilemma is representative of the struggle of tradition vs. change that STILL plagues the modern south.

The Man Who Came to Dinner (1941)

One of the Greatest Drawing Room Comedies EVER!

[10/10 · 2 December 2000]

There are not enough good things to say about this charming film! Monty Wooly is divine, Billie Burke is adorable, and what could be said about Bette Davis? Witty, and amusing, this film has it all: A hilarious plotline with many twists and turns, a catalog of wacky characters, and enough one liners to keep you laughing until next Christmas! If you don't love this movie, you obviously don't know a good time.

The Shining (1980)

In Defense of Duvall

[10/10 · 30 November 2000]

Having read several negative comments regarding the performance of Shelley Duvall, I took it upon myself to defend the actress. You see, I simply cannot envision anyone else in the role of Wendy as Duvall has a quality of innocent quirkiness and weakness that lends itself beautifully to the character. She also proves highly effective in conveying a state of shear terror, and emotional devastation in her scenes with Jack Nicholson, which never fails to curdle my blood. In addition, I feel her character is not supposed to be necessarily likeable as her behavior is often blind and irrational. However, at the same time, the viewer roots for her to escape, as she is human, and does not deserve to be a victim of Jack's insanity. I feel that many may mistake their feelings of frustration with Duvall's character for Duvall's performance, which I happen to find pitch perfect.

Nashville (1975)

One of the most moving films I've ever seen

[10/10 · 5 October 2000]

I saw this movie for the first time at the age of thirteen, and just cried. At the time I couldn't figure out exactly why I had such a tremendous emotional response to the film, but have now come to realize that the shear beauty of "Nashville" is simply overpowering.

You see, "Nashville" is a movie about America, and its people. The themes studied are as broad and varied as its story's twenty-four main characters. However, as the result of Robert Altman's brilliant direction, the picture never becomes didactic or unfocused in any ways. Instead, it is the most realistic depiction of our nation captured on film.

I cannot put into words the tidal wave of emotion the viewer experiences in the movie's final scene when all the story's characters are united for a single moment in song. Just thinking about it brings tears to my eyes. No, I never lived through Watergate, Vietnam, or Kennedy's assasination, but I don't think that could matter any less. I believe "Nashville" is as relevant to America today as it was twenty-five years ago.

If you have never seen this, go out and rent it NOW! It is only the greatest film of the 1970's, and still is the most important movie since "Citizen Kane"

Hud (1963)

A Great American Tragedy

[10/10 · 2 October 2000]

If there is a picture in this world that proves film is as great an art form as the novel, it is "Hud." Intricate, well layered, and ultimately heartbreaking, "Hud" is an American tragedy that easily merits comparison with Eugene O' Neil's New England dramas as it is a simple, yet profound contemplation of human nature. Though a tale of morality, "Hud" is at its core a eulogy to a bygone era of America's past, and devastating portrait of modern degeneration. The performances are nothing less than fantastic as the characters presented in "Hud" are all so well realized that their presences will haunt the viewer long after the screen fades to black. Paul Newman is at his best as the despicable title character, while Patricia Neal gives her most legendary performance as a rangy housekeeper. Equally brilliant are Melvyn Douglas whose character functions as the film's moral center, and the young Brandon de Wilde whose character serves as the innocent spectator to the story's tragedy.

Though the deserved winner of several Academy Awards, "Hud" has become somewhat of a forgotten masterpiece. If you have never seen this beautiful movie, go out and rent it now! I guarantee it will move you to tears!

My Dog Skip (2000)

Sentimental? So what! I still love it!

[10/10 · 28 September 2000]

Maybe I'm just a sentimental old fool, or perhaps it's because I just lost my childhood dog, but I flat out loved this movie. Sure, you might think the "boy and his dog" thing has been done to death, but "Skip" dares to go into such emotional territory that if its simple story fails to move you, I simply don't know what will. You see, this movie is not so much about Skip, as it is about childhood in general, and oh what I wouldn't give to have those days back once more!

No, "My Dog Skip" will never be nominated for any oscars, and it probably will not appear on any critics top ten lists, but I give this movie a ten because it is a touching gem of good wholesome fun.

Gold Diggers of 1935 (1935)

A Visual Masterpiece

[10/10 · 27 September 2000]

I make no apologies for saying that Busby Berkeley's incredible sequence to "The Lullaby of Broadway" is one of the most beautiful, chilling, and exuberant moments in the history of American cinema. Not only is the number amazing from a visual standpoint, but is a fantastic illustration of urban isolationism, and attitudes of "The Great Depression." Dreamlike and hypnotic, the song easily seduces the moviegoer as its short character study takes flight, then leaves its viewers in a bizarre state of discomfort as its story takes an abrupt and disturbing turn. I know it's cliched, but they really don't make 'em quite like this anymore!

King of the Hill (1993)

A Beautiful Gem of a Film

[10/10 · 10 May 2000]

I watched this film for the first time as a freshman in high school, and found myself simply captivated by its utter beauty and humanity. Over the course of the picture I came to truly identify with the character of Aaron, and his story struck a chord within my soul that I never kew existed.

As the years have passed, I have come back to this movie time and time again, and I find that "King of the Hill" only grows better with each viewing. Undoubtedly this film has a tremendous amount to say about endurance, triumph, love, and adversity, and Soderbergh tackles such themes with great eloquence and ease. But what is most striking about this beautiful picture are the endless number of images that appear throughout the course of its story. I will never forget the tragic dance scene in which the character of Ella experiences a random seizure, the brilliant exchanges between Spalding Gray and Elizabeth McGovern, or the touching final interaction between Aaron and an elevator operator. But for me, the most incredible sequence comes at the story's very beginning when Aaron stands before his class and reads a report on Charles Lindbergh as it offers fantastic insight into Aaron Kurlander's strong spirit.

Beautifully acted, and brilliantly written, this film is an underrated jewel. I recommend "King of the Hill" to anyone, and make no apologies for saying that this is my very favorite film.

Shadowlands (1993)

Intelligent, Powerful, and Joyous

[10/10 · 14 April 2000]

I probably watch this film every two years, yet like fine wine, it grows even better after time. This picture is a beautiful, thought provoking, and highly effective meditation on how love, death, god, joy, and pain all coexist in the strange universe that is life. With subject matter as complex as this, the viewer can see where one could easily become lost in C.S. Lewis's story, but "Shadowlands" never falters. The film remains quiet, simple, and highly effective through Attenborough's understated direction, and its cast's uniformly excellent performances.

However, what sits at the very core of "Shadowlands" beauty is its ultimate truth. There are moments in this film so full of genuine, unflynching emotion that its power practically hits the audience member in the gut. Yes, the film's magnificently depicted scenes of death and grieving never fail to jerk tears from my eyes, but Lewis's closing lines regarding the choices he made as a boy and a man make me sob.

"Shadowlands" is undoubtedly representative of filmaking at its very best. I recommend this film without reservation to anyone!

American Beauty (1999)

Come on Folks!

[1/10 · 7 April 2000]

In a year that brought us such magnificent films as "The Straight Story," "Topsy Turvy," "Being John Malkovich," "The Insider," "The Sixth Sense," and "Boys Don't Cry," why... WHY did this sensationalist piece of garbage receive such adoration? I shall take that question with me to my grave.

Although I will admit to finding the film's performances impressive, I make no apologies for saying that Kevin Spacey did not deserve to win best actor by a longshot. Both Denzel Washington and (especially) Richard Farnsworth gave performances of far greater depth and difficulty, and I can only thank the rising sun in the East that Anette Benning did not garner a best actress nod for her performance.

Everyone talks about how "deep" and "profound" this film was in exploring the hollowness of American materialism, but in truth all themes covered in this picture have been explored time and time again. For a fine example of this check out 1997's film "Happiness," that though disturbing, sheds away from Beauty's gratuitous excess.

Years from now, people will wonder what all of this film's hype was about as it will not stand the test of time.

Marvin's Room (1996)

A Small Gem of a Movie

[10/10 · 2 April 2000]

Initially performed off Broadway in 1991, "Marvin's Room" was written by a man by the name of Scott McPherson. At the time, he, his lover, and a number of their friends were suffering from the effects of AIDS. "We all take care of each other," McPherson wrote in the play's program, "the less sick caring for the most sick. But at times, an unbelievably harsh fate can be transcended by a simple act of love." "Marvin's Room," is about just this. By no means is it a story about cancer or terminal illness. Instead, it leaves all television "disease of the week" cliches at the door, and stands as a gut wrenching testament to the healing power of love. Eloquently brought to screen in this handsome production, "Marvin's Room" loses none of its beauty in its transition to film. The performances are excellent across the board with Meryl Streep, and Diane Keaton shining in their roles, and Gwen Verdon and Leonardo DiCaprio giving equally fine work. Veteran stage director Jerry Zaks does an excellent job with his material as the picture is filled with several moving images and moments. It is hard to forget the scene in which Lee is pictured cutting her older sister's wig, or when Hank is finally shown reaching out toward his aunt. But of all the film's many well executed moments, nothing can match the story's touching and emotional ending for its shear impact and genuine humanity. Watching this film is pure cinematic joy. There are moments of pure hilarity, and scenes so moving that the viewer's heart almost stops. There is no bathos, or sentiment in this movie. Just simple and honest feeling and emotion.

Toy Story 2 (1999)

The Perfect Studio Film!

[10/10 · 28 March 2000]

1999 was undoubtedly one of the greatest years for film since the 1970's. It was the year that brought us the darkly brilliant "Being John Malkovich," the spellbinding film "The Insider," and the richly beautiful "Topsy Turvy" (Please note I am excluding the instant classics "The Talented Mr. Ripley," "The End of the Affair," "The Sixth Sense," "Boys Don't Cry," "The Straight Story," "All About My Mother," "The Cider House Rules," and "American Beauty" due to time constraints as I could write paragraphs on how much I adored each one of these films). Yet I make no apologies for saying that "Toy Story 2" deserves to sit with these amazing artistic achievments as one of the greatest films of the late 1990's. No, it does not offer any particular new insights into the human condition, or brim with originality. But what "Toy Story 2" is the perfect studio film. It is that perfect Fred Astaire/Ginger Rogers dance that can be marvelled at time and time again, and coax tears out of the most cynical of souls. The film brilliantly interweaves a magnificent tapestry of comedy, fun, family entertainment, and pathos that is only rarely exhibited in today's cinema. As I watched the film in an audience full of laughing children I both found myself smiling so big that my face began to hurt, and gently crying.

I loved this movie. It is great for both kids and parents alike.

Buena Vista Social Club (1999)

Flawed, yet touching and ultimately beautiful work

[10/10 · 4 March 2000]

Is this film perfect? By all means, no. In places the camera work waves out of control, and the constant featuring of Ry Cooder grows tedious. Yet despite all of this, there are certain images that this film captures that have refused to leave my mind. I get chills just thinking about Eliada Ochoa tearing up during her rendition of "Silencio" as she is filmed before an audience of thousands in Stockholm. I will never forget Ruben Gonzalez sitting at his piano basking in applause. And, of course, seeing Ibrahim Ferrer walk through the streets of midtown Mannhattan in utter awe is enough to make any man choke up. Though flawed, this picture never fails to stand as moving testament to the triumph of the human spirit. For these beautiful moments alone, I give this poignant film a 10.

Lost in Yonkers (1993)

Touching, Poignant, Funny, and Well Executed

[10/10 · 23 January 2000]

After watching this movie, I became interested in finding out about the young actor Brad Stoll who played the role of Jay. How sadenned I was to learn that he died of cancer. His talent was very promising, and it is tragic that his career was cut short at such a young age. Nonetheless, this film serves as a testimony to his fine ability, and I never tire of watching it. The performances are excellent across the board, and the story well written. I give it my highest recommendation.

Lonesome Dove (1989)

Beautiful, Evocative, and Genuinely Touching

[10/10 · 14 December 1999]

It has been many years since I have seen this movie, yet to this day whenever I think of it, I cannot help but tear up. "Lonesome Dove" is not just the greatest television production of all time, but one of the best movies ever filmed. The characters are all extremely well drawn, the acting is nothing less than superb, and the script is absolutely brilliant. This magnificent picture stays true to the romantic vision of the American West while not shying away from the dark aspects of its history. Because of this, the story has the sprawling look of an epic saga, yet is on many levels an intimate story of friendship.

I love practically everything about this movie, and only wish there were more like it. This film definitely ranks with "The Searchers," "My Darling Clementine," and "The Unforgiven" as one of the greatest and most intelligent westerns of all time.

The Thin Red Line (1998)

One of the greatest films of the 1990's

[10/10 · 12 November 1999]

Say what you will, but Terence Malick's gorgeous opus was 1998's most stunning oscar contender. Although I enjoyed "Saving Private Ryan," and found "Shakespeare in Love" to be absolutely wonderful, neither film could match the profundity, depth, and utter beauty of "The Thin Red Line." In truth, "Saving Private Ryan," and "The Thin Red Line" should never be compared because their tones are so strikingly different. Yet Malick's representation of WWII is far more realistic, and less jingoistic than Spielberg's. Whereas Spielberg treats war as a necessary evil in "Saving Private Ryan" and looks at each one of his characters as a hero, Malick questions why people fight in the face of Eden and reveals his characters as flawed. There is no dramatic salute scene or shot of a waving American flag in "The Thin Red Line," for Malick's aim is far deeper than that of Spielberg's. Not only are the films performances well executed, and its themes amazingly explored, but "The Thin Red Line" is one of the most visually beautiful films created in recent history. The shots of waving grass exhibit the extreme beauty of Guadanacanal, and serve as the perfect contrast to the horrors of war the picture presents. "The Thin Red Line" is true cinematic poetry, and is destined to go down in history as one of the greatest war films of all time

L.A. Confidential (1997)

Gorgeous!

[10/10 · 3 November 1999]

Say what you will, but history will prove this film as the greatest movie of 1997. The acting is greater, script deeper, and story much more engaging than the utterly ridiculous "Titanic." Kim Basinger is outstanding, Kevin Spacey gives his best performance, and Russell Crowe completely steals the show. This is the only film of the 1990's that can be compared with Chinatown. Go out and see it!

And a Nightingale Sang (1989 TV Movie)

Great movie!

[10/10 · 25 October 1999]

Although this film pales in comparison to the beautiful play it was based on, this is still nonetheless worth watching. Joan Plowtwright is excellent as the mother, while the film is commanded by a talented British ensemble. The story is often funny, poignant, and heartbreaking as it tells the wonderful story of one family's strength to endure.

Moonstruck (1987)

Pure Amore!

[24 October 1999]

I don't know what it is about this movie, but there is something about it that just makes me happy! Olympia Dukakis is wonderful, Cher totally deserved her Oscar, and the usage of La Boheme is absolutely beautiful. The scene when that beautiful moon rises above New York never fails to give me chills. What a great movie! Five Stars!