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Reviews
The Untouchables (1987)
Had great expectations, but found it mediocre.
I believe the strong points of the movie are Kevin Costner (acting & aesthetics - both great), the costumes and the music (subtitles only - more on that below). Costner's character & acting was as sophisticated & captivating as I wanted it. The costumes were superb, and the theme (Ennio Morricone) was superb too and very suitable for that movie.
Beyond these points, on a first level, I found the rest characters either not suitable for the story of Al Capone or the cast under-utilized. Robert De Niro could have been a guest-star here, completely under-utilized. Still amazing performance, but the director didn't give any depth or color of the huge Al Capone, zero serious dialogues, more like a caricature of Al Capone. Sean Connery's character was this of the misfit-cap, and although his acting was good (he is anyway great), I was not convinced he is suitable for this role, I just think he fits more bigger-than-life characters. Andy Garcia has close-to-none dialogues, plays more like the good-looking & all-in-style Italian (including shooting, the 1 of the 2 only elements of his character, the other was his good looks, honestly) - to the point that the close-up at the end of the film to his face for couple of minutes, really doesn't feel suitable considering his character.
On a 2nd level, I was disappointed with the plot, I was expecting bit more about Al Capone, and the movie got more intense only on the 100'-115' - the rest was very mediocre, complete lack of depth of characters, few plot twists, no serious dialogues.
As for the music, with the exception of the great theme (subtitles), the rest was not suitable (in my opinion) for an action-drama-thriller movie for the great story of Al Capone's case. In some parts, the music playing could very well be from "Police Academy", really...
I believe the great cast and the big story of Al Capone contributed to my great expectations, but I guess this is the risk the director took here, and it doesn't always work for all audience.
I would watch it again years later if I had nothing better to watch - but was not exactly memorable (for all the right reasons a least).
This is a 6.5 for me, rounded 7.
How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days (2003)
Very nice, relaxing and funny - you have to appreciate it for it's kind.
I am afraid this is the kind of movie that someone might admit is quite enjoyable and sweet-funny, most likely appreciate the excellent chemistry of the 2 stars, might even agree with most of the "ways to lose or win someone in 10 days" - but will find hard to give it a good 7 stars because it "feels light" or "lacks depth", and so they give it a "nice - 6" which feels patronizing for this type of movies & the stars and creators. If you are one of those who believe that not necessarily everything we watch has to be sophisticated, or mentally and intellectually stimulating, then you will probably appreciate this movie for it's kind as one of the best out there, it is actually time well spent just like other shows like "Friends" feel like.
I recommend this movie to anyone who not only likes movies as art or stories, but also enjoys the process of watching one.
Sleepless in Seattle (1993)
So romantic - it restores your faith to happy endings and soulmates
To me, this is one of those movies that are better to be watched in the afternoon-early evening hours, so that the ending in the film finds you in a similar time with the ending scene - which if you are just a bit romantic, you probably watch it kind of breathless and wishing these things can happen in (your maybe?) life. I have nothing to say for the impeccable, wonderful Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan, it is as if they were born to play in this movie together. The music is also adding to the "magic", couldn't be any better. This is not the first time I watch this movie, this must be the 5th or 6th time at least - and tonight, again, I finished watching it about 2-3hours before I go to sleep, but it leaves me feeling so, so good, that I don't feel like doing anything else for tonight. Maybe listen to the movie soundtracks and feel the magic.
The Holiday (2006)
A feel-good movie
This is one of my favorite "feel good" movies, I must have watched this 5 or 6 times already, and every time i have the same feeling. With just an idea of Christmas flavor, this is more like a romantic movie in my eyes, which is why i watch this all year round. Nice characters (nothing very deep/complex, just nice & charming to the point that you actually care for them as if they are real people and you know them in person), even nicer performance from all, the music is really lovely and the whole atmosphere (the plot, the places...) makes you warm inside, you feel hopeful and kind of happier and remind you that we all need simple things in life. For me, it is just like when i watch the TV series "Friends"; it is not a movie to be nominated for Oscar, but in all simplicity and romance it actually is a sweet movie that you feel good every single time you watch it. Very much recommended