robinflamingo Reviews

Mr. Holland's Opus (1995)

For all the Mr. and Mrs. Hollands...

[10/10 · 26 July 2005]

This movie exemplifies the love and passion that a born teacher can communicate to his students, and how it can change their lives. I've been fortunate enough to have my own Mr. Holland in my life, and I've tried to model my teaching after him. Richard Dreyfuss is excellent as the teacher who would be a composer, and occasionally forgets his own family in pursuit of excellence. But, as in any good old fashioned drama, his family sticks by him, and in the final reel, it all comes together to make it everything worthwhile.

Regrets and doubts, joys and accomplishments. Living those and coming out on the other side stronger is the mark of a true teacher. Mr. Holland's Opus is a delight because of its realism.

Great Performances: Andrew Lloyd Webber: The Royal Albert Hall Celebration (1998) Season Unknown, Episode Unknown

The Man, The Music, The Party

[9 January 2005]

Andrew Lloyd Webber's 50th birthday party was certainly something to behold...oh what a circus, oh what a show! Don't you get me wrong, it was absolutely stunning - from Donnie Osmond and his affectionate treatment of the children's chorus, to Antonio Banderas, and his star turns both as Che, and as the Phantom. Sarah Brightman, as always, just blows one away with her sheer beauty and presence, not to mention a dynamite set of pipes. I also was totally mesmerized by the staging, done on a giant ribbon of what looked like staff lines from sheet music, all in black and white. The cast, which was composed of singers and dancers ranging from 8 on up, was also adorned in black and white, making the whole staging visually stunning. The Hosanna set, from both Superstar and Requiem was moving and beautiful. Marcus Lovett struts his way through Superstar with tight black jeans, long flowing hair and muscle shirt.

For me, the high point of the concert is when Michael Ball steps on stage to sing Love Changes Everything, which has become a standard in just a few short years. The entire cast joins him onstage for this one, which serves as sort of a grand finale, even though there's another song after it.

I will always love anything that comes from Sir Andrew, and this DVD is no exception. It is beautifully sung and staged, and is a must have for any fan.

Renaissance Man (1994)

English teacher's delight

[10/10 · 8 January 2005]

This movie is one of my favorites, mainly because it accurately illustrates how I often feel as an English teacher trying to bring Shakespeare to high school students, and the things we learn on the way. When the cast does the Hamlet rap, I am entranced. When Benitez recites the St. Crispin's Day speech from Henry V, while standing in the driving rain, I weep. When the camera pans across the faces of the young men as they watch a live performance of Shakespeare, I am moved by their innocence and their amazement.

Renaissance Man is, in my humble opinion, Danny DeVito's finest hour. It also features wonderfully sensitive performances from the late Gregory Hines as the drill sergeant, and Mark Wahlberg as the yokel Haywood. My personal favorite character is Benitez, from Noo Yahk Noo Yahk, played by Lillo Brancato.

Many people think that because this film did not do well in its theatrical release that it wasn't a good film. This is simply not true. It is a marvelous ensemble cast drama, with enough funny moments to sustain even the shortest attention span.

If you have never seen this film, it is well worth renting, or catching on cable, as I am right as we speak.

The Big Chill (1983)

The Way We Were, before the Breakfast Club

[10/10 · 14 December 2004]

This has been my favorite movie since it came out because it is, ostensibly, about ME. I'm from Michigan, and while I didn't go to UM, I went to a state school in Michigan in the early seventies, and this was my life.

This movie has both *everyone* I ever knew in it, and all the best actors of the time. Who wouldn't love Tom Berenger, Kevin Kline, William Hurt, Jeff Goldblum, and Kevin Costner, especially when they play everyone you knew in college. This film helps define who I am and who I became. When I clean the kitchen table, I hear "Ain't Too Proud to Beg" in my head. I dance around the kitchen, using a plate as a tambourine, and I'm lost in the past for a few minutes.

I love this film.