Pageharrison Reviews

Everybody's Fine (2009)

A surprise of a movie

[10/10 · 1 October 2010]

Now, I like French films, because they are always character driven. American films are normally driven by action and/or schtick comedy. The lowest grade. Here is a film that has it all, excluding schtick. There isn't a moment that is not completely riveting. Deniro plays the father, Drew Barrymore, one of the daughters, along with kate Beckinsale and Sam Rockwell, as one of two sons. There is another son, David, but he has overdosed on drugs when this story gets started. This viewer has seen Deniro in everything he has done on film, but his tired, bewildered father is incredible. As in all of his work, he shows you his entire life in every scene, whatever his choices, his life is there between the lines and you can feel it. What an actor this man is. He wasn't tough in this one, just loving and compassionate. On the other hand, you knew was a tough father. As a matter fact, there is a scene with the kids when they were youngsters where we see him disciplining the children harshly, but the love behind it is palpable. Drew Barrymore. I'm always happy to see her. She's like our child, who has grown up to be extraordinary. From a engaging child in E.T. to Never been kissed, Charlie's Angeles and finally this wonderful grown up woman, who is afraid to admit she is a lesbian. I just love her art. Kate Beckinsale is astonishing. An Aussie, who masters the American Language, as if it were her own. From the horror films and well done, by the way. She plays action as if she lives it. But, this daughter is not an action hero, she is a caring and doting off-spring, compassionate and wise. Just as consumed by protecting her father as the others. Sam Rockwell has never seized to amaze. The first time for me in Galaxy Quest, then Dangerous Mind and many others. He is an artist through and through. This movie should be watched and savored for generations to come.

The School of Flesh (1998)

real love, painful

[10/10 · 20 July 2008]

This movie examines obsession of the heart and body. Isabelle is brilliant. She is very personal. She expresses her need to be adored in a very vulnerable way, as in the arcade scene, when the boy refuses to leave. She walks away, the camera tracks with her, revealing her ambivalence and confusion. She then returns, tries to play his games, but is unsuccessful. It's a wonderful scene and she's fabulous. Love to meet and work with this incredible actor. Her expressions are so telling. This movie had subtitles here in American and I really didn't need them most of the time to understand what was happening on the screen. I could identify with needing someone so much that you are addicted to them. Again, terrific movie. No car chases, just people chases.

Ray (I) (2004)

Sharon Warren

[22 January 2005]

Sharon Warren, although it was her first feature appearance was sensational, as well as the others in the cast. Why isn't she ever mentioned or included in the cast list? Recently, there was another awards show, where the entire cast of RAY was nominated, but Ms Warren was not on the list. Does anyone know why that is? Her portrayal of Ray's mother moved me to tears more than once. There was a scene, where young Ray, after becoming blind, falls down and can't find his way. She had to fight the urge to help him. What she did with that scene just floored me. Taylor Hackford should be repeatedly commended for his direction of this young woman. What he did was priceless. just floored me. Personally, I'd like to see more of her.

Ally McBeal (1997–2002)

dancing in the unisex washroom

[20 June 2004]

Also, Peter McNicol dancing in the unisex washroom to a Barry White tune was a delight to behold. This entire concept was innovative; I had not seen it before, nor do I expect to see it again. Someone would inevitably interrupt, join his dance, then go about doing their personal business. most times it was Krakowski's character, who was incredibly sensuous and funny. Every character on the series was a bit eccentric, dangerous and funny. And what made it so delicious was none of the actors were trying to be funny. They played it straight and serious. I remember the episode where Greg German's short uncle died. Not one scene was played for laughs, but it was the funniest funeral I had ever seen.

Ally McBeal (1997–2002)

Better than most

[18 June 2004]

One of the best shows to ever hit TV. There are some pretty negative comments here, but I know why. Folks are angry that the show changed in the last few seasons and they are disappointed that it ended. The first three seasons you couldn't go to the water cooler if you had not watched the show and had some little tid-bit to say about what you saw. That spells great writing and fabulous performances to me. Calista Flockhart is a wonderful person and a terrific actress. She made the show work. without her, no Ally. There are episodes that are priceless. The dancing baby is unique and entertaining. No one had ever taken that kind of risk on TV. A computerized baby dancing with real people. Of course everyone's doing it now. I believe Ally Mcbeal to be a classic.