“The Talented Mr. Ripley” Movie Details
The Talented Mr. Ripley tagline: How far would you go to become someone else.
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Actors:
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Sergeant Baggio |
| Directors: Anthony Minghella |
| IMDB Rating: 7.2/10 out of 59,958 votes |
“The Talented Mr. Ripley” Movie Review
“The Talented Mr. Ripley” Plot Summary
In late 1950’s New York, Tom Ripley, a young underachiever, is sent to Europe to retrieve a rich and spoiled millionaire playboy, named Dickie Greenleaf. But when the errand fails, Ripley takes extreme measures.
Elegant, literary thriller
THE TALENTED MR. RIPLEY Aspect ratio: 1.85:1Sound formats: Dolby Digital / DTSWhilst in Italy, a young American chancer (Matt Damon) assumes the identity of a wealthy playboy (Jude Law) with whom he’s become emotionally obsessed, leading to murder and betrayal on a grand scale
Elegant, literary thriller based on the novel by Patricia Highsmith (the subject of an earlier adaptation, PLEIN SOLEIL, in 1960), in which sociopathic anti-hero Tom Ripley (Damon) cheats, steals and murders his way to a position of huge good fortune, leaving a trail of devastation in his wake. Set against the backdrop of tourist Italy – encompassing Rome and Venice and all points in between – Anthony Minghella’s film is a compelling treat from start to finish, layering detail upon detail as Damon’s friendship with Law blossoms and sours, leading to an inevitable plot twist which introduces a whole new set of complications for the central characters, rendering the audience complicit in Ripley’s escalating crime wave
Damon may seem a little too young and unworldly for such a complex character, but he judges the role with great sensitivity, especially in those scenes where (overtly or otherwise) he indicates a sexual attraction to Law which goes unreciprocated (or does it?), until the characters are driven apart by jealousy, bitterness and – ultimately – violence. His fantasies shattered by harsh reality, Damon finds solace in the arms of a mutual acquaintance (Jack Davenport), the only person capable of taking Law’s place in Damon’s affections, only for their chance of happiness to be snatched away by a cruel trick of fate. Terrific, Oscar-caliber support by Gwyneth Paltrow and Philip Seymour Hoffman (as Law’s fiancee and best friend, respectively); beautiful, classy production values throughout. Followed by RIPLEY’S GAME (2002).
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“The Big Lebowski” Movie Details
The Big Lebowski tagline: They figured he was a lazy time wasting slacker. They were right.
 The Big Lebowski DVD Cover
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Actors:
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Jesus Quintana |
| Directors: Joel Coen |
| IMDB Rating: 8.2/10 out of 163,656 votes |
“The Big Lebowski” Movie Review
“The Big Lebowski” Plot Summary
“Dude” Lebowski, mistaken for a millionaire Lebowski, seeks restitution for his ruined rug and enlists his bowling buddies to help get it.
A True Masterpiece
This movie is sort of like a circus minus the clowns and the freak show; everything about it is attractive and entertaining. The characters are deep and interesting, and even the most minor of characters have their own unique personality. The camera work is ingenious, as are the visuals and costumes. The comedy comes in from all sides, whether subtle, witty, or straightforward. The Coen Brothers use stereotypes and wording like Van Gough used a brush. It is one of those few movies where almost every line is quotable and easily recognizable. Unlike most comedies (if you could call it such) the story is both followable and enjoyable. One of the true masterpieces of our time. If you don’t like this movie, I’m sure you hate to laugh.
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“Charlie Wilson’s War” Movie Details
Charlie Wilson’s War tagline: Based on a true story. You think we could make all this up?
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Actors:
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| Directors: Mike Nichols |
| IMDB Rating: 7.3/10 out of 39,160 votes |
“Charlie Wilson’s War” Movie Review
“Charlie Wilson’s War” Plot Summary
A drama based on a Texas congressman Charlie Wilson’s covert dealings in Afghanistan, where his efforts to assist rebels in their war with the Soviets have some unforeseen and long-reaching effects.
The incredible Philip Seymour Hoffman
Charlie Wilson’s war is an excellent example of how films should be made. This movie is of the highest quality and is cast perfectly. Tom Hanks play the lead and delivers an exceptional performance. Furthermore, Tom Hanks is complimented by the unparalleled acting ability of the incredible Philip Seymour Hoffman. I have never seen him in a role that suits him so perfectly.
The film is witty, intelligent and well written. Julia Roberts also stars in this film but is easily over-shadowed by the other two leads.
I rated this film 10/10 and am pleased to recommend this film to anyone that is interested in quality cinema.
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“The Boat That Rocked” Movie Details
The Boat That Rocked tagline: 1 Boat. 8 DJs. No Morals.
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Actors:
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| Directors: Richard Curtis |
| IMDB Rating: 7.6/10 out of 17,917 votes |
“The Boat That Rocked” Movie Review
“Pirate Radio” Plot Summary
A period comedy about an illegal radio station in the North Sea in the 1960s.
Very funny and clever
The best feel-good-factor film I’ve seen since Little Miss Sunshine. In 1967 I won a transistor radio and spent the next ten years listening to Radio Caroline (at night under the pillow, so the early scene is uncanny!!) The film is a clever amalgam of pirate radio fact and myth featuring barely disguised DJs, and cameo scenes from album covers, fashion shoots, etc.. (orgy in the hold = Electric Ladyland; girls arriving on the prow of the boat = Mary Quant…; poster scenes = Abbey Road…, etc.) Anyone’s guess if the station/boat owner is based on Ronan O’Rahilly. The kind of guy who, 20 years later might have founded a low-cost airline; The Marine Offences Act was a heinous offense against liberty and popular culture, worthy of the cold war opponents
Beautifully filmed, a bit like smoking grass while listening to CSNY.
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“Magnolia” Movie Details
Magnolia tagline: Things fall down. People look up. And when it rains, it pours.
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Actors:
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Reno Security Guard |
| Directors: Paul Thomas Anderson |
| IMDB Rating: 8.0/10 out of 114,715 votes |
“Magnolia” Movie Review
“Magnolia” Plot Summary
An epic mosaic of several interrelated characters in search of happiness, forgiveness, and meaning in the San Fernando Valley.
An extraordinarily moving and serious film
Magnolia is an extraordinarily moving and serious film. Its central concern is the question of what happens when people who have done bad things go unpunished in life. The two people in question Earl Partridge and Jim Gator are both being claimed by cancer ‘early’ but also after very prosperous and well-respected lives. They have both damaged their children one by direct abuse, which the film represents with unparalleled honesty and success and the other by leaving him to nurse his dying mother. Claudia Gator and Frank Mackie express this damage in their everyday lives and remain solidly opposed to reconciliation with their dying fathers. These relationships are reflected in a third abusive father-child relationship, which is still at its outset that between Stanley the child prodigy and his father, who violently exploits his son for gain on a child quiz show. Stanley’s possible future is mirrored in the life of ex-quiz quid Donnie Smith, who has been broken by his early ’success’ and is a figure of fun and hopelessness. The culmination of the film is Stanley going to his father’s bedside and delivering the words ‘Dad, you need to be nicer to me’. We are therefore left with the hope that either following a reform of his father’s behaviour or more likely through Stanley’s new found strength of character, Stanley will be saved from the permanent damage we see in Donnie, Frank and Claudia. The foil for this action is Jim Kurring, a policeman who seeks to do good. Against the backdrop of the other characters, his optimism and moral compass seem strongly tempered by naivety. He is also religious, which while it is not condemned is clearly not a solution for the other characters in the film. But his agency is still the main motor for good in the film. In the closing scene we see him providing the beginning of a rehabilitation to Claudia, which is a strongly positive closing note even if there is still along way to go for her. He also lets Donnie off a criminal charge, and we hope that Donnie will respond to this kindness by recognising the problems confronting him and beginning to take hold of his life. In these respects he is the main agency for good in the film. He does not, however, interact with the other ‘victims’ Frank and Stanley. Stanley begins to act as his own saviour. Frank is the least likely to undergo a serious reform or rehabilitation but we do at least see him weeping, which is an advancement on his previous behaviour. This is not the ‘nom (sic) plus ultra of pretentiousness and self-satisfied smugness’ or ‘a relatively unique vision’. This is real art, which examines human relationships with profound intelligence and honesty. There is not ‘much to admire and to cherish’ here: there is much to learn. It is natural for humans, as animals, to put themselves first in certain situations. But selfishness can cross a line when those on the receiving end are left with little hope of ever becoming functional people, let alone happy. The film challenges viewers to reach into their lives and ask which of their own relationships contain these elements. If a viewer empathizes with the parents, they are forced to confront the lifelong consequences of selfish parenting on a younger generation, as well as the non-forgiveness these parents are confronted by before death. But if a viewer empathizes with the children, he or she is also immediately forced to confront the basic humanity of the parent-perpetrators, as well as their obvious fallibility. This is most touchingly evident in Earl Partridge’s second wife falling in love with him for the first time on his deathbed. Depending on their age, they may empathize with both parents and children hence the final song, sung in part by all of the characters, with the chorus line ‘It’s not going to stop till you wise up’. The last line adds ‘ so just give up’, not as a serious incitement but as a challenge to continue. It is a challenge that intelligent viewers will take up.
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“Almost Famous” Movie Details
Almost Famous tagline: Experience it. Enjoy it. Just don’t fall for it.
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Actors:
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Dennis Hope |
| Directors: Cameron Crowe |
| IMDB Rating: 8.0/10 out of 89,793 votes |
“Almost Famous” Movie Review
“Almost Famous” Plot Summary
A high-school boy is given the chance to write a story for Rolling Stone Magazine about an up-and-coming rock band as he accompanies it on their concert tour.
Probably the best drama I have ever seen
As musical dramas go, this is definitely one of the better; not to say the best. It has a lot of acting talent going for it too; Jason Lee, Anna Paquin, Kate Hudson, Noah Taylor etc. Pretty much every major character is played by a talented actor/actress. The story revolves around a kid, named William Miller, who always seem somewhat outcast. He gets a lucky shot when he is offered to interview his favorite band and follow them on their tour. He starts out trying hard to interview them, but quickly finds out it’s hard enough just trying to keep up with the band. He meets a girl, a groupie who doesn’t admit to being a groupie, and falls in love with her. This is a great movie about the environment of the music of the mid-sixties. A very insightful look into the world of groupies, drugs and rock’n roll. This movie is worth watching for most fans of sixties rock’n roll, people looking to find out more about the environment, or just fans of Cameron Crowe. I gave it a 10/10, and most people will probably find it equally good.
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“Brokeback Mountain” Movie Details
Brokeback Mountain tagline: Love Is A Force Of Nature
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Actors:
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Basque |
| Directors: Ang Lee |
| IMDB Rating: 7.8/10 out of 109,921 votes |
“Brokeback Mountain” Movie Review
“Brokeback Mountain” Plot Summary
Based on the ‘E. Annie Proulx’ story about a forbidden and secretive relationship between two cowboys and their lives over the years.
An amazing piece of cinema..
I was fortunate enough to see the North American premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival. That was two days ago, and this film just wont leave my mind. Not that I’m complaining because this is what good cinema is all about
Ennis and Jack, two cowboys who fall in love. As others have touched on, Brokeback Mountain is so much more than merely a ‘gay cowboy movie’. It perfectly captures what true, unbridled love is all about and this love transcends any issues of sexuality or gender. ‘Love is a force of nature’. Unfortunately for many people and indeed the protagonists of our story, society doesn’t always view it that way. Kudos to Ang Lee who has not shied away from the material at all. This adaptation stays true to the original short story and the two lead actors fit the roles perfectly. Ledger and Gyllenhaal give incredibly strong performances but the supporting cast shouldn’t be overlooked either, particularly a somewhat unrecognizable Michelle Williams. Solid work all around and with Mr Ang Lee’s vision they have created an amazing piece of cinema that should not be missed by anybody. Without giving anything away, you are going to be moved by this one.
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“Scent of a Woman” Movie Details
Scent of a Woman tagline: Col. Frank Slade has a very special plan for the weekend. It involves travel, women, good food, fine wine, the tango, chauffeured limousines and a loaded forty-five. And he’s bringing Charlie along for the ride.
 Scent of a Woman DVD Cover
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Actors:
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Christine Downes |
| Directors: Martin Brest |
| IMDB Rating: 7.7/10 out of 48,856 votes |
“Scent of a Woman” Movie Review
“Scent of a Woman” Plot Summary
A prep school student needing money agrees to “babysit” a blind man, but the job is not at all what he anticipated. add synopsis
Good story, brilliant acting, what more do you want?
This movie once again proves that Pacino is one of the greatest actors of our time and that we all should be very glad he choose to portray Colonel Frank Slade in ‘Scent of a woman’, no one else could have done it. The story of ‘Scent of a woman’ stands and falls with Pacino’s acting and the bringing alive of his character. It’s touching and makes you smile and leaves you behind with the feeling that you’ve just have had the pleasure of meeting Colonel Frank Slade, a crazy but interesting man. Chris O’Donnell does what he has to do, he gives Pacino the opportunity to shine and triggers the story. The interaction between him and Pacino does the job and provides us with great lines. Overall a great movie. I give this one a 8 out of 10.
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“Twister” Movie Details
Twister tagline: The Dark Side of Nature.
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Actors:
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Willie |
| Directors: Jan de Bont |
| IMDB Rating: 6.0/10 out of 59,108 votes |
“Twister” Movie Review
“Twister” Plot Summary
A couple on the point of divorce keep meeting each other because both are researchers who chase tornadoes.
Great Movie.
First off, I love this movie. I first saw it during the 2004 Hurricane Season. We were staying by ourselves in an empty church because Hurricane Charlie was set to bulls-eye our town. Instead of watching the Shining and giving in to the creeping feelings of cabin fever, though, I popped the movie into the VCR for the projector screen in the student room, and watched Twister, the sounds of the movie mixing with the sounds of the storm outside
Also, another reason to like this movie: Thunderstorms rock. I was never one of those kids growing up who would cower under the bed when a T-Storm hit: Florida is, after all, the lightning capital of the world. Heck, we’d open up the window shades and enjoy the show. I also have a Grandma who would pamper us grandkids just like Aunt Mae. For me, there’s a lot of nostalgia riding on this film for me, and I won’t have any elitist snobs ruin it for me
Honestly, if you’re going to watch Twister, watch it on a rainy day. A really rainy day. Makes all the difference.
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