Susan-IMO Reviews

Mercy (1995)

A soulful script and Amber Kain make "Mercy" Shepard's best film.

[7/10 · 16 June 2006]

The films of this director have, for me, been hit or miss. Shepard is a consistently good director, with deep values and a great sense of sarcastic humor. The problem is with the scripts that he chooses or co-creates. But this film is by far his best, especially because of its fine performances. As always, Sam Rockwell is captivating and John Rubinstein delivers a solid performance. But the runaway star of the film is its unusual villain. Amber Kain is a fireball of raw genius. She is brilliantly disturbing in the role of "Ruby." It takes an actor of rare humility to commit to playing such an unlikable role. It takes an even more rare talent to make such an unlikable character sympathetic. Amber Kain scores on both counts, much like Angelina Jolie did as the character of "Lisa" in Girl, Interrupted. Amber Kain is a movie star in the making that audiences will love to hate. The only question now is: can she play nice?

My Date with Drew (2004)

A Charming & Funny Film

[8/10 · 28 January 2006]

MY DATE WITH DREW is a sweet and inspiring film about "a guy trying to land a date with someone who's totally out of his league." It takes this very simple concept to illustrate the power and satisfaction of going after one's dreams, whether you end up with the girl or not. Somewhat similar to the surprisingly funny 1990s documentary, 20 Dates, MY DATE WITH DREW depicts an ordinary fellow with very little money but a great deal of heart and a few loyal friends who set out to meet and hopefully win a date with famed movie star, Drew Barrymore. The problem is: none of them actually know her. And beyond that, even IF the filmmaker did know her, why would Drew Barrymore want to date him anyway? I say, spend a couple of hours with this adorable crew of determined filmmakers and you'll soon find out why any nice girl might be interested. Most importantly, the film may show you just how rewarding (and frustrating and humorous) it can be to take a chance on life and go after your dreams. In my opinion, this film is not the laugh-riot of the century, but it did keep me on the edge of my seat and made for the perfect Friday night family entertainment. (And be sure to watch the Bonus features on the DVD, for further enjoyment.) 8 Stars out of a possible 10.

In Search of Our Fathers (1992)

Excellent documentary

[15 October 2005]

This film is an excellent rendering of one human being's journey to investigate his own identity by searching out a father he never knew. I was quite struck by Williams' willingness to expose such poignant and personal moments between he and his parents, as well as a look into his own experience of becoming an independent artist in and out of Harlem after spending much of his childhood at a highly exclusive prep school where, it appears, the young man rarely saw any black faces besides his own. I found this film impressive in its candid, sensitive and intelligent depiction of so personal and delicate a subject.

I recommend "In Search of Our Fathers" to all who enjoy documentaries, as well as to anyone long estranged from a parent or from the "parentage" of their own race and history.

Times Square (1980)

What a celebration to rocker-girl angst.

[18 May 2001]

This film beautifully captures the grittiness, longing and soulful danger that comes with leaving home and shaking off the dreamland of childhood in order to discover truth & the real world. Like rock-n-roll itself, this film is a raw, bittersweet and unrelenting tribute to the spirit of being young, brave and, most of all, hungry to live by one's own rules. Trini Alvarado gives a perfect performance and Robin Johnson is an absolute revelation. "Times Square" is a dynamite depiction of gritty New York City circa 1980 and the undeniable power of Rocker-Girl angst. If you already love this film, I would also recommend checking out "Pump Up The Volume," another impressive piece by director Allan Moyle.