pontmarie Reviews

Jesus (1999)

Wonderful retelling of the best-known story in history

[8/10 · 13 June 2000]

I had feared that this movie would be "irreverent" and that in wanting to bring a fresh view, it would ruin what the story of Jesus means to me. It didn't happen.

Instead, I was treated to a rare Jesus (as the reviewer from Amsterdam says) this was a HUMAN Jesus who laughs and cries like the rest of us. I see nothing wrong with that, there is nothing in the Bible or anywhere that tells us that Jesus didn't share in human emotions, that was the whole point, that he WAS one of us for a while.

True, Debra Messing jars things a little, but the rest of the cast is superb. I have always liked Gary Oldman and he plays a villain like no other actor I know. Jacqueline Bisset is wonderful as Mary and Jeroen Krabbe as the devil is just perfect.

The Talented Mr. Ripley (1999)

This movie deserved better

[9/10 · 11 April 2000]

I really don't understand why the bad word of mouth and lack of Oscars. I guess people prefer guns and cars and sex to an intelligent, well acted and disturbing film. As much as I dislike Matt Damon, he is brilliant as Tom Ripley and should have gotten more recognition. Jude, Gwyneth, and my girl Cate round out the great cast.

Elizabeth (1998)

Brilliant - Cate Blanchett should have won the Oscar

[10/10 · 11 April 2000]

This account of the Virgin Queen's ascension to power is masterful. Shekhar Kapur's vision and his cast all meld together to bring out the best of a historical account, which, although not 100% truthful, has the gist of who Elizabeth I was. Cate is absolutely magnificent in this movie, and the rest of the actors are superb.

Jude (1996)

Dark and tormented love story

[8/10 · 11 April 2000]

Wow, I thought I was getting a run-of-the-mill movie and this just blew my mind. Jude Fawley wants higher education, and the love of his cousin, Sue Bridehead. Sounds simple, doesn't it? But nothing is, indeed, simple in the world they live in. Tragedy and gory stuff are not diluted here. I love Kate and Chris in this movie.

Pride and Prejudice (1995)

Pride and Prejudice (and Perfection)

[10/10 · 11 April 2000]

Is there anything better than this miniseries? I thinketh not. Jane Austen's masterpiece is deftly handled and superbly acted by the entire cast. Jennifer and Colin are so wonderful are Lizzy and Darcy, and the rest of the cast does not suffer. This is as perfect a miniseries as I have ever seen.

The Buccaneers (1995)

Four wonderful actresses in Wharton adaptation

[10/10 · 11 April 2000]

The miniseries really belongs to Carla Gugino (Nan) whose story we follow and who grown from childish dreamer to a woman who can weigh the consequences of her actions. Mira Sorvino's accent is impeccable, and both Alison Elliot and Rya Kihlstedt are great. The tale of four American heiresses who trade themselves for a place in English society is bittersweet, but has the most upbeat ending of all of Wharton's works. Don't miss it.

Loving Evangeline (1999 TV Movie)

Horrible adaptation of a Linda Howard book

[1/10 · 6 March 2000]

I can't even tell you how horrified I was to watch this awful movie. The book and the movie are NOTHING alike. The secondary characters and even the plot are not from the book. If someone truly wanted to make an awful movie, fine, but why use the title and lead characters from Ms. Howard's book when the story is completely different? There is no Grant Shaw in the book, Grant Shaw is the actor from Melrose Place. And who is Mrs. Beacham? She is not in the book, either.

Anyone who has read this book and may be tempted to watch this piece of cheap filmmaking, don't bother. It is not worth it. Even if it wasn't based on a Howard book, this movie is not worth your time. Paint your nails, hammer some nails, eat some nails, anything other than watching this drivel makes more sense. And I hope Ms. Howard has more sense than turning over her work to producers who will butcher it.