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Reviews
Pennies from Heaven (1981)
Bravo!
Unusual story combining drama, musical numbers and fine performances by all concerned. This had to have been one of the first times that Steve Martin was allowed to show that he is so much more than just some guy with an arrow through his head, a fact that has been demonstrated time and time again over the past 20 years.
This film physically depicts the depression era in beautifully muted tones and powerfully evokes the desperate feelings of people trying to make ends meet during hard times. Martin gives a dead on performance of a man with nothing left in his moral bank account. Arthur does and says whatever it takes to gain the instant gratification he constantly seeks.
As for the ensemble musical numbers, let me just say that even Busby Berkeley might have been envious. Martin and Peter's turn at Fred and Ginger was well beyond adequate and Walken's tap dance number is worth the price of admission.
I watched this movie the other evening after not having seen it for several years. I was amazed at how much it had improved with age. This movie could almost certainly never be made today and, in fact, I find it hard to believe it was ever made. Hollywood rarely takes chances of any kind and this movie had to have been a huge gamble, even in 1981.
The Gift (2000)
Overall Great Performances
As an avid movie fan for over 55 years, I would like to say I enjoyed this movie on many levels. And, although it used many of the modern day cinematic sight and sound "tricks", as I call them, I first and foremost tried to focus on the performances.
In that area, I found few, if any, faults. Let me firstly say, that as an "old timer", I was raised on the notion of actresses (ooops, there I go again showing my age; I know the term today is "actor" for both sexes) being "glamorous". I saw and immensely admired Cate's turn in Elizabeth in a starring role and even liked her in a minor part in The Talented Mr. Ripley. But, in The Gift, I think she has truly moved beyond a limited audience. This time I was impressed not only with her acting ability, but her beauty, as well. I think I have finally come to fully understand that beauty truly does come from within. Cate is luminescent!
I think enough has already been said about Reeves' strong performance as a "bad guy", but I was really knocked out by two lesser roles played by J. K. Simmons (Call me Schillinger) as Sheriff Pearl (how'd ya like to have that name as a man in a small southern town?) Johnson or Michael Jeter as Donnie's attorney. Both were terrific.
So, to all you drama students out there, I guess what I am saying is if the plot is bad, try to focus on the performances. If those are bad, try to appreciate the cinematography. If that's bad, just enjoy the car chases and the bare breasts!