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debterrill
Reviews
Mansfield Park (1999)
Better than I thought it would be
As a devoted fan of Jane Austen's novels, I am immediately suspicious when I hear of another novel adapted for film. Austen's novels are slow, delicate sketches, not terribly suited for film.
This particular novel, "Mansfield Park", is rather problematic for adaptation, as its heroine, Fanny Price, is a quiet, introspective creature -- hard to get to know and like. If it takes an entire novel to appreciate Fanny, how can that be accomplished in a 90-minute movie? The filmmaker accomplished this by changing Fanny's character. In the movie, she is far spunkier than in the novel. It's not a bad adjustment.
The key theme of the novel and the movie has to do with the opposition of "modern" and "conservative". Austen wrote the novel as an argument against the social and moral excesses of Regency England. Although it is not completely clear in the movie, you do get the idea that Fanny and Edmund represent old-fashioned virtues, while the Crawfords represent modern vices. It all works pretty well.
All in all, not a bad adaptation, and worth seeing.
Broadway Melody of 1938 (1937)
A fun period piece
Okay, so the plot lines on these "Broadway Melody" movies are pretty thin. But the dancing and the music are great! This one has the inimitable Sophie Tucker running a boarding house for out-of-work performers, and Judy Garland as her pre-teen daughter. Judy sings some wonderful songs in this, including "You Made Me Love You," to a fan photo of Clark Gable. And Eleanor Powell -- what a hoofer!
Roberta (1935)
A delightful classic
This is one of my favorite Fred-and-Ginger movies. The music is wonderful, the dancing glorious, and the gowns are to die for. The Art Deco sets and the fashions transport you right into 1935. I can watch this again and again.
Patch Adams (1998)
Too slick
Hollywood had too much influence here. This is a fascinating story, based on real life, but it was too glossy and manipulative. Oh, there's the love interest. Oh look, she dies. Oh, it's so sad. Spare me.
However, Robin Williams is, as ever, brilliant in this kind of role, skillfully weaving his manic comedy with that deeper, softer, darker side that we saw in "Good Will Hunting."
It's still worth seeing, just to watch Williams. But it ain't no masterpiece.
The Opposite of Sex (1998)
Different and Interesting
You never like DeeDee Truitt (Ricci), but you can't tear yourself away from this movie. What sleazy thing will DeeDee do next? The amazing thing about this movie, however, is that it isn't really about DeeDee. It is about love, forgiveness and acceptance. Ricci's gen-X voice overs are amusing, the movie is quirky, and it is ultimately about redemption. Go see it.
Mermaids (1990)
Delightful coming-of-age film
I think this is a delightful movie. The period details are fun, Cher is GREAT, and the chemistry between Hoskins, Cher, Winona Ryder and Christina Ricci is excellent. Ryder is especially good at capturing that mixure of idealism, angst and embarrassment which is adolescence.
Snake Eyes (1998)
Predictable but reasonably entertaining
Four of us saw this movie last week. One loved it; 2 thought it was okay, and 1 hated it. I thought it was okay: predictable plot (same old good cop/bad cop story with the standard conspiracy stuff thrown in). What redeemed the movie a little were the performances of Nicholas Cage and Gary Sinise. I always love watching those guys, even if the movie is the same old tired thing.