pomspringz Reviews

Diggers (2006)

Very slow

[6/10 · 3 May 2007]

I agree with the first reviewer. This movie is way too talky and introspective, and I didn't really care what was happening with the characters. Good performances by Paul Rudd and Ron Eldard. The 1970s setting, its feel and the music are fun. Otherwise, it is a trial getting through this. If you live in New England or have some background in the clam industry, you may enjoy it. In many ways, I found its central premise about the father very annoying. Lauren Ambrose is good, but her portrayal of a hip New York City resident visiting the boonies seemed a little forced. This movie reminded me of "Ice Men" or one of those other male-bonding flicks.

Her Name Is Carla (2005)

Poor Julian Sands!

[4/10 · 28 February 2007]

I don't want to include a spoiler, so it is difficult to tell you how absolutely awful this movie is. I was looking forward to seeing more of Julian Sands. Julianne Nicholson's character, appearance, and performance is horrible. Max Beesley was very interesting to watch, and I wish his character had been better developed and allowed more on-screen time. Long after the movie ended, I was still trying to figure it out, and eventually some of the "clues" sunk in. It really was a convoluted mess. As a married couple, Nicholson's and Sands' characters were completely unbelievable and overly gullible. Even the setting was never clearly explored. Where exactly was this movie supposed to take place? It was implied that it was an extremely popular seaside resort, but we rarely saw any other vacationers. The publicity for the film leads you to believe it will be some kind of very sexy "Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf", but the entire premise and plot fall flat. There's some "woo-woo" stuff going on too, which might be supernatural or some cerebral malfunction. I'd say stay away from this movie.

Beat (2000)

Very Slick & Visually Interesting

[8/10 · 28 February 2007]

The bulk of the film takes place in Mexico City with side-trips to more remote areas. The scenery outside the City is lush and lovely. The interactions among the actors reflect these locales. I found the film extremely watchable, and was fascinated with the performances. All the lead roles are clearly developed. I loved Courtney Love. She is as beautiful as a modern day Anna Magnani and never has a bad scene. Seeing Kiefer Sutherland in something so unlike his "24" role is a delight. Ron Livingston's performance is controlled and finely honed. Norman Reedus presents raw energy. The cinematography is excellent with wondrous scenes of light and color. One can almost smell the tropical foliage. This is decidedly Courtney Love's movie, since she plays Burroughs' tragic wife. The interactions of these characters, based on real-life people during that time period, is a mesmerizing glimpse into lives in emotional turmoil.

Late Marriage (2001)

Much Better Than Expected

[8/10 · 24 February 2007]

This was an unexpectedly enjoyable film. The male lead was quite good, as were many of the female leads. The film provides many insights into modern day Israeli life, and specifically into the very conservative traditions of some of the Georgians who emigrated there. In the tradition of "Little Miss Sunshine", the viewer is allowed a glimpse into this very dysfunctional family, and along the way we come to like and care for many of the characters. Even Mouki the dog steals the show. I wish the ending had turned out differently, but the viewer is allowed to draw his own conclusions as to what will happen in the future. A captivating film, there is never a dull moment, and it easily holds one's interest throughout its entirety. The fact that most of the cast is extremely attractive and accomplished actors makes "Late Marriage" pleasantly watchable.