aruegg Reviews

Shall We Dance? (2004)

Not as good as the Japanese version

[7/10 · 21 February 2005]

I saw the Japanese version before this one. The Japanese one had an intro that explained why dancing, and even touching in public, is just not done. It made the movie that much more interesting. The characters are that much more interesting.

This movie, although cute and funny, was not as good as the original Japanese version. Seeing Richard Gere learn to dance with the other "two-left-feet" members of his class is pretty funny.

They do leave out an important fact in this version compared to the Japanese version and that is the main reason the dance teacher broke up with her dance partner and why Richard Gere did the right thing when he protected his dance partner.

If you can get a chance to rent "Shall we dance" in Japanese, I'm sure you'll enjoy it.

Ella Enchanted (2004)

A Real Surprise

[7/10 · 12 July 2004]

We got free tickets from our grocery store and I decided to take my 16 year old and her friend. We laughed so hard at times we cried. Come on, who can't be in hysterics when Ella breaks out into a Queen song with giants as her backup singers.

Although we have the book, I've never read it, but I've got to compare it with the movie. I never dreamed it was like this.

It's such a "twisted" movie. Cary Elwes plays a Sydly Wisplash sort of king with his extreme over acting ... he must have had such great fun doing this movie. Yeah, it's kinda dopey here and there, but there's always a surprise just around the corner.

As You Wish: The Story of 'The Princess Bride' (2001 Video)

Great addition to the DVD release of the Princess Bride.

[9/10 · 13 April 2004]

This is part of the DVD on the Princess Bride. I've had the Video and just got the DVD version this week (4/2004). My younger daughter, age 16, and I enjoyed this so much! As I watched it, I realized that my daughter wasn't even born when the movie came out and she loves the movie as much as I do. The viewpoints on getting the movie made from all different aspects was very interesting. The reaction to Andre the Giant on the set was touching.

One of the questions that Rob Reiner kept asking people was if they had read the book, a suggestion I support. I wish it was longer. If you bought the Video of the movie, I would suggest getting the DVD just for this piece.