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Pewterhills
Reviews
Meet Joe Black (1998)
A Film, not a Movie
So many of us enter theaters to be entertained. To laugh. To cry. To relax. We go to escape from the cares and responsibilities of life. Meet Joe Black is not what we expect. Filled with the best actors of the day, we expect the usual entertainment, but Meet Joe Black is anything but usual. We are forced to step into an unfamiliar arena. Things look the same, but we find ourselves forced to deal with the issue none of us wants to think about, let alone contemplate deeply, and certainly not something we expect to see on film. Meet Joe Black is among my top twelve favorites. It's slow pace is unfamiliar to Americans used to instant gratification, and though Brad Pitt's finely sculpted face is easy on the eyes, many viewers lack the patience to absorb the films content. I wish they would try. A few lines are insipid. The 'multiply times infinity' makes me gag, but the scene where Pitt tastes peanut-butter for the first time is positively brilliant, and should be studied by all actors hoping for a film career. The shifts from high drama to low comedy are subtle, and you don't notice many of them until you have watched the DVD version several times. What critics point to as flaws, I find to be some of the best parts of the film. Thomas Newman's music is masterful, each performance superb. What Martin Brest did was release his Director's Cut in theaters. Many viewers failed to spend the time needed to absorb and enjoy it. A pity.
Cinderella Man (2005)
Best Film I've Seen In Years--It made me want to go back to the theater!
My friends, family and I have waited so long to see a film like this made, I must thank every person involved in its production. If it does not take every major award at the Oscars, Golden Globes, People's Choice, and every other contest, I will completely give up on Hollywood, because it will have failed to answer my needs. I go to the movies to escape, to learn something, and to be enriched. This film accomplished all that, and so much more. I was so grateful my two sons, ages 14 and 16 went with us. Going to the movies with your parents is so "uncool" at those ages, but as we shared our popcorn and the root beer we knew we couldn't really afford, we learned so much about the reality of The Depression, the bond of family, the importance of integrity, and the lessons we have always taught our children about what is right and wrong, and why. Our daughter, Rachel Youngberg, knew from a very early age that her calling in life was to become an actor, and we fought her tooth and nail, knowing how corrupt and evil people can become here in Hollywood. After seeing this film, I came away proud of her decision to stay and fight to make great films like Cinderella Man. I finally see what she has been trying to tell me for the past 15 years--how film can lift the human spirit, teach others, and be a light to this war-torn world. Ron Howard proved it can be done, and I hope the next time he needs a convincing cast for a creative film, he'll give my daughter a chance to audition for him. You've come a long way, "Opie", and when I see that Best Director Oscar in your hand, I will cry, but I will also pump the air with my fist, jubilate, and scream, "Yes!" Your victory will feel like one for me, and one especially for my daughter. Long may you live, and direct and produce to your dying day, at the age of 129, or so.
Black Cloud (2004)
Beautiful Film
It was great to see a film with such a beautiful backdrop...it seems all I've seen lately are office buildings in dirty cities, so this was literally a breath of fresh air, and I sort of hated to leave the theater and realize, oops, you're back in the big city now... Rick Schroeder has grown up on film, and we all expect a lot from him. I thought he did a good job with the character, and while the film suffered a bit in pace and editing, it more than made up for that by good performances, cinematography, and a nice score. Hope to see better distribution in the future. This one just didn't seem to have time to catch on with audiences. It made me wish for the old days when you'd see two films at a time, and end up liking the second one better. I guess financial gain for theater owners has taken those days away. Too bad, as some of these smaller films could really benefit from such a system. Anybody listening? Perhaps it will be sold in a two-pack DVD that can benefit another movie at the same time.
Terror in the Family (1996)
Hints at how good Hilary Swank will become
This film was edgy for a made-for-television show, dealing with real issues for a change. Miss Swank showed promise here early on, as well as newcomer Rachel Youngberg. Cinematography was good. Direction, for a film this size, was also good. The location shots were believable, which puts it ahead in my book. What made this film interesting was a storyline that moved it along, and enough action to keep it going. Some of the smaller parts seemed better acted than most, and may be due to the Utah casting. While it dragged in spots, the intensity of the characters pulled it through. I really liked seeing a younger Hillary Swank, with a hint at what she carried inside for later expression.