john907 Reviews

Privileged (2008–2009)

One of the Best New SeriesThis Fall!

[9/10 · 21 October 2008]

At first glance, I assumed many people, including myself, thought this series was just one of "super rich girls do anything they want" stories. Fortunately, after watching 5 episodes now, this is certainly not the case. There were actually motives and backgrounds to the characters which I thought was one of the most forgotten aspects on creating this type of series.

It is true that this series is more close to Gilmore Girls than 90210 or Gossip Girl. I thought the dialog are witty and the characters are interesting, especially our main girl, Megan (played effortlessly by JoAnna Garcia). She is quite wise for her age, but that doesn't mean she doesn't have any flaws, in particular regarding her relationship with her sister.

Overall, I hope CW will pick up this series for a whole season, just because the story potential are endless and the characters are interesting. And for those reasons, I think Privileged is one of the best new series this fall.

Flawless (2007)

A Terrific Little Heist Movie

[10/10 · 3 October 2007]

I just watch this movie last night and let me say that I thought the movie was terrific. Since the movie hasn't even premiered in the US or Europe, I was hesitated because there were no reviews at all out there. But I'm glad to say that I enjoyed every minute of it.

The story is set in the 1960s, so don't expect the heist to be high-tech or complicated like the Ocean's series, Entrapment or The Italian Job. The real gem in the movie is the way it explains itself, all in good timing - it's nice to see a movie that still makes its viewers guessing.

Demi Moore and Michael Caine did a good job, and so is the supporting characters, played by Lambert Wilson and Joss Ackland. I am surprised however that Demi Moore can carried the whole movie, she was practically almost in every scene, and she proved that given the right material, she can make the viewers empathize with her. I certainly felt cheated, nervous and uneasy during the last half of the film, just like her character did.

If you appreciate a smart, subtle and entertaining movie, this is the movie for you. I highly recommend it!

The Talented Mr. Ripley (1999)

Suspenseful, but a sad movie

[10/10 · 16 March 2004]

This is one suspenseful movie. From the beginning of the movie, we are invited to delve into the world of Tom Ripley, and how his loneliness are starting to bring him to the dark side. Funnily, although the main character is a murderer and a psycho, I do not hate him. In fact, I felt a little sympathy for his troubles and everything that he did. It's interesting to note that the movie beautifully showed us the glorious sights of Italy. It's like a travelogue movie but with drama, suspense and psychological insights all thrown into one.

If you have some spare time, do check it out. It's pretty entertaining nonetheless.

Only You (1994)

one fine romantic comedy

[10/10 · 16 March 2004]

If you're looking for a feel-good movie, this is the movie for you. It is unbelievably cheery and joyful, as if there were no bad things in the world (or in this case, Italy). This heartwarming Cinderella story will make you feel better at the end.

The story also touches the most talked about aspects of love: is it all up to fate? I think the main character is named Faith on purpose. So that even though we put everything into fate's hands, in the end we still decided our fate by ourselves. You will understand it when you've seen the movie.

My favorite moments are when they all were in Italy…. oh how beautiful and the view is sooo breathtaking. It also had a terrific ending and a little twist in the end. So if you have spare time in a lazy afternoon, go and rent this movie. You will most likely feel good in the end.

What Lies Beneath (2000)

Scary but fun

[10/10 · 15 March 2004]

This is a movie for true suspense thriller fans. It didn't rely too much on gore and gruesome images, but more on the suspense and ‘holding your breath' kind of thing. If you didn't watch the trailer, you will enjoy it even more because you didn't know what you're getting yourself into.

The acting are good, especially Michelle Pfeiffer and Harrison Ford, and the music reminds you of Hitchcock, the master of suspense. The settings are pretty good, with lots of creaking doors, falling pictures, and lots of other stuff that you normally find on a horror movie.

If you had a chance to watch it on a rainy night, you are guaranteed to have a wonderful scary time!

The Thomas Crown Affair (1999)

Escapism all the way

[10/10 · 15 March 2004]

If you ever dreamed about having all the best that life could offer, this is just the movie for you. Just pretend that you're Thomas Crown, you're handsome, rich, successful... but apparently, he wants more excitement in his life… and so he goes out and steals some paintings.

Ok, so the movie is not known for its real life situations, =) but its still entertaining nonetheless. It's escapism all the way. You also got a little romance here and there (Ms. Russo looks gorgeous, by the way) and also a pretty surprising twist near the end. So if you're looking for a nice entertaining movie, go rent this movie on a lazy afternoon. You won't regret it!

Sabrina (1995)

Romantic, entertaining, and magical

[10/10 · 27 October 2000]

I was a bit surprised looking at Sabrina's user ratings. I thought it would be around 7, but it wasn't. My vote for this movie was a perfect 10, simply because I can't find any flaws from this movie. Sabrina is definitely my all-time favorite!

Well, I know this genre is not for everybody's taste, but this movie is very easy on the eyes, very light, entertaining, funny and most of all: magical. Here's what I love about the movie: 1. The story itself the usual 'ugly duckling' story and it's also a remake, but in this movie they turned that average story into a very lovely one. 2. The casting of everybody in this movie: Harrison Ford, Julia Ormond, Greg Kinnear, Nancy Marchand, John Wood, and other actors are done very well. The chemistry between Harrison Ford and Julia Ormond is just wonderful.

3. Their acting is also very good, especially Dana Ivey as Mack, Linus' secretary. Her laugh was a hilarious one :) 4. The music? It compliments the movie. The movie would not be as magical if it wasn't for John Williams' score. His scores are just superb. I can't praise enough about it. If you don't believe me, just hear the soundtrack.

5. And last but not least, I just love how Sydney Pollack create those extremely beautiful shots. My favorites are the Paris and Nantucket scenes. They're very very very lovely.

Overall, this is a movie that can put you in a very good mood..

The Devil's Advocate (1997)

Satan? Call me Dad!

[10/10 · 21 July 2000]

The Devil's Advocate' is not your ordinary courtroom drama movie. It is outstanding in such many ways. Keanu Reeves, and especially Al Pacino, give us performances we'll never forget. And Charlize Theron - what a discovery! Of course she's very beautiful, and although this is her debut, her acting is terrific. The story itself is very flowing, not boring, and has a surprising twist at the very end. Maybe someday we will watch a sequel! A great movie all-around.

Sliver (1993)

Your mission: to watch the beautiful Sharon Stone

[10/10 · 8 July 2000]

You have to admit, Sharon Stone looks fabulous in "Sliver". Her appearance makes me captivated for the whole movie, and I think her short haircut is just perfect. And in odd ways, because of her, somehow I can enjoy the movie. So, your mission, should you choose to accept it: just sit back, relax, and watch the beautiful Sharon Stone.