Amazon.com

As directed by Jonathan Glazer (Sexy Beast) and dimly lit by cinematographer Harris Savides, Birth is a melancholy chamber piece, its pensive mood sustained by nearly sub-sonic nuances in a fine, thematically developed score by Alexandre Desplat. All of these fine qualities are well-matched by the somber performance of Nicole Kidman, playing a still-grieving widow of 10 years, about to remarry when a 10-year-old boy (Cameron Bright) arrives to announce that he is her dead husband, reincarnated and full of convincing answers to personal marital questions. Rather than go for Sixth Sense-like chills and thrills, Glazer approaches Birth as a conundrum with no clear-cut solution, and his directorial style is so subdued, so deliberately understated, that most of the story's dramatic impact is sacrificed to oppressively dour atmosphere. If it doesn't lull you to sleep, Birth might hold your attention as a strange, subtle thriller in miniature scale. With its delicate, mature approach to the processes of grieving and recovery, however, Birth rewards attentive viewers attuned to the film's ultra-low-key wavelength, and it's guaranteed to provoke interesting post-movie discussions. Lauren Bacall, Danny Huston, Anne Heche, and Arliss Howard lead an esteemed supporting cast. --Jeff Shannon ... Read more

Reviews (86)

Long Labor, Doesn't Deliver

I just watched this movie and while the music, lighting, and hollywood "slickness" were all present and accounted for, I kept waiting for this movie to really get going.It never did.Which is such a shame because I think it had potential.The main problem I felt was that the characters were almost impossible to connect with.Sean, who is the 10 yr. old boy claiming to be Anna's dead husband, has such a flat affect, which may have been intended, that no emotion comes across onscreen (doubt that was intended).And with the exception of one comment by him that his memories are "like deja vous", he gives no other reason for his laspes in memory.Or why he thinks the whole thing is happening at all.Hence, me waiting for something significant to happen.If only slightly.

The movie does have the feel of a foreign film and at times is visually pleasant but overall, the performances by the actors, is rather bland. If you like movies of this genre to have detail and answer some very basic questions, then is not the movie for you.On the other hand, if you like pretty scenes, pretty actors, and a feeling of "was that it?", then this movie is definitely worth your time.

Absolutely Pointless
The premise of this film is intriguing but it is so badly delivered that it seems as though the script were incomplete. This is a film where very little is said; there are long, annoying shots of winter trees, icy New York streets, etc. all amounting to abolutely nothing. Questions that are so obvious are not even touched upon, and Nicole Kidman comes across as mentally ill herself.
It ends so abruptly, as if the director said, "Let's just end this thing and put ourselves out of our misery". This film insults the intelligence of any viewer in a way that is shameful. What a waste of an evening.

the movie was great but some compains about the dvd release
It's not a regular hollywoodic movie which if it was, it could be more entertaning. but its an excellent valuable and conseptual movie with very good actings and very good directing. I said conseptual but its not a boring movie and certainly grabs you to the end. DVD has not special features but theatrical trailer and 10 sneak peaks. but nothing more. It could be good if the studio release it at least with some deleted scenes and alternate ending. And a directors commentary could be useful in many scenes. but the dvd has no special features. I'm sure they will gonna release a director's cut or special edition of this movie in near future but when they want to stop this tradition, releasing a simple dvd first and release several editions later!? anyway, I Suggest everyone, if you like this movie, dont buy this release, simply rent it, and wait for a special edition or director's cut!

Beautiful film...but very boring
Genre: Drama/Thriller

Genre Grade: C-

Final Grade: C+

This movie only saved itself in my book because of Nicole Kidman's wonderful performance and the amazing cinematography and soundtrack. The story itself was weak, uninspired, pointless, and did nothing to entertain the audience. It seemed as though the director made this movie for his own enjoyment and didn't care that it might put the audience to sleep. It's sad because this movie had such potential...if only it had an ending.

Snaps to Nicole Kidman, Alexander Desplat (for the music), and Harris Savides (for the cinematography), but that's all the credit I can give, this movie sucked other than those things.

Pretty good but Pointless...
This movie is good. There is a fairly good plot but some parts aer just stupid. The end makes you think Why was this movie even made? It seems pointless. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Director John Kent Harrison's imaginative film adaptation of Madeleine L'Engle's 1963 A Wrinkle in Time may not be able to fully satisfy the immense expectations of those decidedly loyal to L'Engle's book, yet delivers a family thriller impressive enough to stand on its own merits. Katie Stuart plays Meg Murry, the introverted, intelligent oldest child of Dr. Jack Murry, an astrophysicist who has suddenly disappeared without a trace. As Meg struggles with her father's absence and her own coming-of-age awkwardness, she tightens her bond with Charles Wallace (David Dorfman), her brilliant, eccentric 6-year-old brother. When a trio of celestial beings summons them to find their father, the children are joined by neighbor Calvin O'Keefe (Gregory Smith) to embark on a dangerous journey of time travel. They "tesseract" onto the planet Camazotz where Dr. Murry is being held prisoner by an evil force. The film retains the essence of the novel, and deftly employs its 128-minute running time to build viewer affinity for the heroic children. The special effects will not disappoint, though the climatic last battle should have held closer to the book. Stuart is exemplary as the understated and deeply reflective Meg, while Dorfman dazzles as conflicted Charles Wallace. (Ages 8 and older) --Lynn Gibson ... Read more

Reviews (34)

One of the most amazing films I've ever seen
The Spitfire Grill is a movie that shows the beauty of life and the hope that can be found inside it. This film can make you cry; I've seen this a few times and I still cry. You cry because you feel like you've lost part of your heart when it's over, like it's part of you. Allison Elliot portrays a girl that just needs love, and she's remarkable at it. Everyone should see this.

A Heartbreaking Treasure
This is a moving and rewarding film that places our heart in it's palm and slowly squeezes until we feel it's pain. You will never forget Alison Elliot's quiet performance of young Percy Talbot, fresh from prison and trying to start her life over. In a sad and pivotal moment in the film, she reveals the heartbreaking reason she was incarcerated, and why she has picked Gilead, Maine to start over; "I thought maybe....in someplace small..."

The day to day life of a small town and it's people is perfectly captured as Percy comes to work for Hannah (Ellen Burstyn) at The Spitfire Grill. Hannah knows about pain and gives Percy a chance. Marcia Gay Harden gives a fine performance as a shy and sweet soul who's husband uses her for a doorstop and hates Percy for being her friend and encouraging her to be herself.

Many lives are touched in this small town by Percy who has seemingly found her home at The Spitfire Grill in Gilead, Maine. There is the mystery of the food Percy leaves out back at Hannah's request that is gone the next morning. There is the underlying sadness of Percy's past that is always present. An essay contest to find a new owner for the Grill so Hannah can retire is part of the small town mosaic painted in this wonderful film.

There is tragedy as well as we are reminded how life does not always give us the chance to start over. There is also redemption and the message that what we do in our lives does affect others and can even change the way they think. To say this is a small independent film is to do it an injustice. This is a great big film about the small things in life, the things that matter. If you really love the movies and want to see something you'll remember and keep in your heart forever then this is your DVD. Don't miss this one.....

A Wonderful Film of Redemption
I won't get into any plot details, as several previous reviews have already discussed the character and scene development. I thought the film was a minor masterpiece in its subtle understatement and remarkable artistic achievent. The film seemed to adumbrate several themes; namely, the quest to find peace and harmony in a remote town far away from the hustle and bustle of modern urban stress. As it turns out, however, that there is an undeniable malaise which pervades this small town located in the far away wilderness of Maine. The name implies biblical associations. There are the themes of loss, of alienation, of lack of understanding and communication among the towns people. Despite the undeniable beauty of the place, there emerges a sort of spiritual wasteland which poisons the town. Along comes Percy, a stranger with her own desolate past. As the movie progresses Percy's involvement and commitment to her work and to several of the inhabitants involve the viewer's growing awareness that she is somehow a redeeming force. The scene between Percy and the reclusive, hermetic son near the end fully defines her role as the young woman redeemer of this wasteland. Her death, not unlike the ultimate sacrificial act brings the townspeople together in a sort of final requiem. The town is awakened and is ready to accept the new caretaker of the Spitfire Grill. A wonderful film.

It captures the Spirit of a northern New England town!
Having lived both in Maine and in northern New York, I can tell you that the Spitfire Grill captures exquisitely the spirit and essence of a small town in both of these places. Characters abound in these parts of the country --just as they do in this excellent movie, "The Spitfire Grill". This is one of those movies that has a little bit of everything. It is good, clean entertainment that even the kids can watch. It is at times thrilling, at other times heart warming; and it may even bring tears to your eyes. Acting is all around superb! The Spitfire Grill is now one of my all time favorites. Its both in full screen and widescreen.

The colors of New England never fade.
I came upon this film completely by accident years ago. It was being shown on a cable channel and out of sheer boredom, I decided to watch. It is, quite simply, a beautiful story. I couldn't find a fault anywhere. Having grown up in the East Coast, the film depicts New England accurately down to the last fall, colored maple leaf.

We have the small town values and concerns pitted against the dark and mysterious past of a stranger, an outsider. Redemption. Acceptance. Forgiveness. Understanding. The more you need, the harder you'll have to work in order to get it. ... Read more

Reviews (45)

A Movie for both Guys and Girls!
I first saw this movie when it was in the theaters. After much resistance, my girlfriend got me to go. And to my surprise this was an excellent film. Helena Bonham Carter is superb! The story takes place in turn of the century London. But don't be fooled by that this movie is something right out of a 90's soap opera (that's why the girls will love it). Helena and her boyfriend try to swindle a dying woman out of her fortune. Not to give too much away, but the boyfriend begins to fall in love with the dying woman which creates the conflict.......but wait a minute guys....this is for us also. You have a gigilo who is playing with two women. Big money is at stake....and to top it all off the beautiful Helena Bonham Carter gets buck naked at the end. Not only that but she crawls around that way for at least five minutes with tons of close up shots. So to conclude, guys pick this one up and watch it with your girlfriend or wife.

Helena Bonham Carter excels in despairing period tale
Adapted from Henry James' book and pushed forward into the 20th century, this is one of those rare period dramas that lulls you into thinking that you know what's coming and then pulls the rug from under you. The story has Kate (Bonham Carter) carrying out a love affair with Merton (Roache), although her aunt and benefactor thinks that marrying him would be below her. So it's a case of what does Kate want more - love or money? Pursued by sleazy Lord Mark she uses her friendship with millionaire Millie to fly off to Venice. And it's here that the plot takes a turn that few will see coming, as Kate's plots to have the best of both worlds become gradually darker as she forces Merton and Millie together.

What stays with you though is the bleakness of the movie, as Kate's corrupt plans corrupt any hope of future happiness, and it's a brave film that offers up a dark ending with no redemption in sight. The performances from all concerned are so perfectly judged that it will, in its last half, destroy your faith in basic human goodness and the truth in love. Bonham Carter and Roache are particularly impressive, playing the conflict between wanting to do what's right and doing what benefits them astutely. Moreover, there's a sex scene that is completely necessary to the story, tasteful and beautifully full of desperation, due in no small part to the acting. Surely there are few movies out there that can say that.

In a lot of ways this reminded me of the later 'House Of Mirth', so if intelligent period dramas are what you like then this is a fine example.

Miramax: ever hear of anamorphic?
I'd like to review this film, but Miramax (and others) are still polluting the market with non-anamorphic transfers. The single star is for that bone-headedness. The film may deserve 5 stars for all I know.

magnificent little drama
I love the premise of this story, very intriguing: a rich young woman named Milly is dying and her best friend Kate senses that Milly is in love with her boyfriend, Martin, so out of compassion (and hopes that she will leave Martin all her money when she dies), Kate works out a calculating plan to get Martin and Milly together. One problem, they start falling for each other, and Kate starts getting jealous, afraid that she will lose Martin's love. The last sequence of the film was riveting, and the final scene was simply heart-stopping. It'll make you gulp and sigh.

David Rehak
author of "Love and Madness"

Best and deepest of it's genre
Merchant Ivory produced ten movies from 1986 to the mid 90's, making up a distinct british subspecies of uptight-victorian melodrama, the kind that have brought Helena Bonham Carter and Emma Thompson to world fame.

This isn't one of their most famous works, but I like it very much. One reason is Alison Elliot, whom I fell for immediately. Julian Sands is also a talented actor when he's not playing a warlock or wizard.

Basically, this movie had punch. I could feel Sands' greed, and his shame at his base motivations. And I also felt Ms. Elliot's despair and resignation as her ilness progressed. She knew she was being doublecrossed, but still went forward and gave the money in an act of forgiveness and grace. The effect was sublime, and deeper than I expect from cinema these days. The production and cinematography were also quite beautiful.

Merchant Ivory haven't done very much lately. I do miss them. ... Read more

Description

The story centers on a young girl whose desire for a household pet is quashed when her mother marries a man with severe allergiesto animal hair. when she happens upon a monkey in need of help, she rescues it and harbors it secretly. ... Read more

Reviews (8)

Cute movie!
This was a cute movie-and it's pretty good all except for a few words. If you have the TV Guardian, then this will be acceptable for all ages to see. It's funny. Eva hides a monkey who is the pet of a crook and has been taught to steal. Eva is getting blamed for the robberies, and when she tells people that it's her monkey causing the trouble, even her parents won't believe her! :0 All in all, it's a great movie and remember, everything is not as it looks.

A Wonderful Thora Birch Movie
You don't need to be a kid to love this movie, it's just good, clean fun. Thora Birch leads the cast with Harvey Keitel as the villian.

Feeling neglected being saddled with a baby brother and new step-father, a school girl, Birch, desperately wants her own pet to love. Her agony is compounded when her parents deny her wish and tell her she is too irresponsible.

Walking home one day she is adopted by a monkey that has run away from his villianous keeper. She secretely keeps her new pet, learns to care for him, then eventually discovers the monkey brings her troubles - Keitel has taught the monkey to steal and wants him back.

Thora has a great emotional range and will cause you laughter and tears. Keitel obviously has fun with his role. I recommend this movie for any occasion. It will appeal to adults and children alike.

EXCELLENT!! You'll LOVE this movie!! Its my Fave!
About a young girl name Eva, Who badly wants a dog or any pet of her own to love, But her parents say no.So as she walks home from school she comes face to face with the cutest monkey and names him Dodger and secretly takes him home, even though her step-dad is allergic to fur!!! But Eva has no idea Dodger belongs to a Bum who makes money on the boardwalk using Dodger to steal people's stuff!! A AWESOME movie you'll watch again and again!! GET IT NOW!!

Thora Birch's BEST Movie!!
This movie is AWESOME!! I remember seeing it on tv and i wished i were in the movie! Its about a young girl name Eva who really wants a dog but her parents think she is not responsible.Then one time as she walks home from school a monkey pops out right in front of her hanging on a tree!! She falls in love and takes him home,only Eva hides Dodger [the monkey] from her family.A really GREAT film for the ENTIRE FAMILY!! A MUST BUY!! GET IT TODAY!!

Thora Birch the best
Thora Birch in a stunning performance, you will enjoy this film. ... Read more

Description

Based on the true story of the McMartin family who, accused of a heinous crime, suffered six years of public humiliation before being found innocent. The scandal that tore a family and a nation apart. ' 'Riveting, frightening, dynamite.' ' (The Washington Times) ... Read more

Reviews (8)

They told the wrong story
I grew up in Manhattan Beach in the 80's. Luckily for me, I went to a different pre-school. I grew up with bumper stickers reading, "I believe the children."
This movie offends me simply because they only told one side of the story, and because they skewed it so much. I was horrified to see the defendants portrayed as victims, and the children and parents portrayed as fools, when I knew the opposite to be true. Parents are not fools. They know when their kids are lying. I helieve the children.
Other reviewers claim this is a true story. I beg any viewer to take it with a grain of salt-- this is the "true" story as told by the defendants. Ask any parent or child involved, and you'll hear a completely different story.

James Woods, Superstar
Armed with a perfect Verbal SAT score and an IQ of 180, intellectual powerhouse James Woods aces his portrayal of a defense attorney who, against the political might of the Los Angeles District Attorney's office, brings the best possible approximation of justice to a family falsely accused of committing the most heinous of non-capital crimes--a family already tried and convicted, though ambitious, reckless, and sensational reporting, in the court of public opinion.

So put the kids in bed, put the DVD in the player, sit back, and prepare to be blown away by Woods's best performance since his guest appearance on "The Rockford Files".

Everybody Loves Raymond
HBO really outdid themselves with this one! The riveting story of the McMartin Pre-School tragedy is delivered with a knock-out punch! The story centers around the molestation charges hurled at the infamous Manhattan Beach pre-school, where head maven Virginia rules with either an iron fist or a mother's heart (depending which side you choose to believe) from her wheelchair. Joining Ma McMartin is her daughter Peggy and her grandchildren, Ray and Peggy Ann. There are also special appearances by Betty Radar and Babette Spitzler. James Woods delievers an inspiring performance as Ray's attorney, while Mercedes Rhuel & Lolita Davidovich play the "villians," Lael Rubin and loose Kee MacFarlane. The film really gets to the heart of the argument that if "children say it is true, they must be believed." I went to school with a guy named FC Gaybo and he knew Kee personally. He said she'd sleep with anything on 2 legs, but that "children don't lie about these types of things." I found this quite an ignorant statement. It is also to note that the writers, Abby & Myra Mann had their home burned to the ground. Insanity! The film is campy too. Watch out for hilarious references to the Alligator Game and (my fave) Naked Movie Star (wish I knew how to play that!). The film also demonstrates the level of paranoia that engulped everyone involved. The mother of the first accuser (a drug addicted psychotic) hits the bottle and makes outrageous claims that the family dog was molested and that she is "Jesus Johnson"! Keep an eye out for Peggy's body cavity search scene!

One side of a very tragic story
Too bad only one side of this story was ever turned into a movie. I would consider it a powerful piece of government propaganda, playing on the incredulity of an audience that would rather not believe the history of this very kind of abuse far beyond what this case attempted to handle ... particularly since it was one of the first to attempt to make its way through the courts.

If one believes everything they see in a movie as the truth, one comes away believing that a terrible injustice has been done. James Woods was, indeed, magnificent as the lawyer defending the accused McMartin clan; as was Mercedes Reuhl as the prosecuting attorney. The McMartin's were portrayed as hapless, innocent victims of a hysterical media circus and Kee MacFarlane was portrayed as ignorant, manipulative and overtly sexy -- bad, boo! evil!

They show you what they want you to see, and so many people have bought it, hook, line and sinker. The children have grown up, their memories intact, and those who survive, continue to suffer and struggle with their healing, moreso because of how the media betrayed them. The children know what this movie could not possibly reveal, they knew it then, and they know even more today.

Someone should make a movie telling *their* story. Not the lawyers, not the accused, not the media, but the children, who are children no longer. It's as if the charges never existed, and the children never existed either.

The fact of the matter is they did, and they still do, as do hundreds of children who were caught up in the nightmare of trafficking in children for nefarious purpose that existed then, and continues to exist today, now in the thousands, globally.

We have a better understanding of this entire phenomenon now, and it is incumbent on all of us to understand the story that is unfolding here so that we can finally put an end to it.

...

......

Vivid and compelling
This account of the most celebrated trial arising out of the child molestation and satanic abuse hysteria of the eighties and nineties-a witch hunt far worse than that of the McCarthy era in terms of lives destroyed and innocent people thrown in jail, and even worse than the Salem witch trials of the 17th century in extent, except that nobody was actually stoned or hanged, was only the tip of the iceberg. Hundreds of innocent people went to jail and some are still there. Nobody can give them back their lives, ruined by immoral prosecutors bent on career-building at any cost and by guilt-ridden latch key parents out to excite their blood lust. Yes, children do lie and more important, as this film demonstrates, they can be brainwashed and coerced into telling the most outrageous and horrific tales (and believing them) to escape the gestapo tactics of their interrogators.

Oliver Stone produced, and Abby Mann, who wrote the celebrated Stanley Kramer film, "Judgement at Nuremberg" (1961) and Myra Mann penned the compelling script. James Woods is excellent as Ray Buckey's attorney, but Lolita Davidovich who plays the evil and sick Kee MacFarlane (who led the indoctrination of the children) is both too pretty and too sane to be truly effective. Mercedes Ruehl plays incompetent L.A. County prosecutor Lael Rubin with enough vile to drip. Sada Thompson brings warmth and charm to the part of Virginia McMartin, and Henry Thomas plays Ray Buckey to a perfect fit.

But this movie was made too soon. In the five years since its production, the full extent of the hysteria has come to light. When a significant portion of a society is taken in by something like this, it takes the passage of time before the full truth can be accepted. Had director Mick Jackson known of the near pandemic extent of the sickness he might have made a larger film. As it is, this is a vivid and compelling film. ... Read more

Reviews (24)

This is a great remake
Tried to expose my kids to the original movie - they hated it. They can't stand black and white. Got this, and they love it! It's a beautiful and heart warming story. Haley Kate is a beautiful Helen Keller!

Great Job by Disney on this one!
Imagine the troubles one would experience trying to raise a child is unable to speak, hear or see; this movie does a great job bringing the struggles to your television screen. The Pepsi-girl, Hallie Kate Eisenberg, gives a fantastic performance as the famous Helen Keller. She managed to pull off one of the most difficult jobs for any actor or actress - playing a the role of a deaf-mute, not to mention the blind part.

Alison Elliott plays Annie Sullivan, a woman dedicated to teaching Helen more than anyone could have ever dreamed of; the two are amazing, and each actress played off each other's extreme professionalism in making this film work. It could have easily failed without these two in their respective roles.

To date, I have watched this movie four times; I think I enjoyed it the same each time. This is a movie that touches your heart, and if it doesn't, maybe you've misplaced it. 

See ya next review!
www.theruninggirl.com

The Best Evee...r!
This is one of the best movies ever.People say the first one is better,but I don't know.I recommend this version especialy for kids...but also for adults.This is seriously one of the greatest movies ever.I've never seen the first version...but I think this one is still better.You should get this.It's about a girl,Helen,who is deaf,blind,and mute!Annie is hired to teach her good manners,because she eats with her hands,can throw things when she's angry,and can even knock down the babies crib.Annie agrees on teaching her but wants to teach her so much more.She strives to teach her sign language,and Helen turns into a very smart girl.This is a very compasionate story,so I recommend that you get it.

The Remake
After I watched this movie, I still like the original 1962 better. Why? Because it has more emotional impact in it, and it has really funny scenes like the "feeling emotions on faces" the original has. The "battle of wills" is more tame in this (the Disney version) one than the original. I've noticed they left out some really good scenes that was from the original.
This version from Disney is ok. The actress who played Anne Sullivan did good, but I like the original James (Helen's half-brother) better than this one. The little girl who played Helen in this version is not as good as Patty Duke, but she did well.
If I had a choice, I'd pick the original. But this is good to watch too, if you want to see both versions, even though it is MUCH different than the 1962 movie.

Very Impressive movie
This was a very impressive movie, it touched me, I am a 12 year old girl reviewer, I normally like funny movies, but certain ones really touch me. This was one of them. Hallie Kate Eisenburg did an outstanding job at this character, with the talents that she has and the age that shes at, along with the disabilities that Helen had and that she had to play, she did a terrific job! I do admit, it was not as good as the first one, but do you expect it to be? It's a disney classic! This movie was very well made and I would love to see it again, and again, and again. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Whereas most movie remakes are straightforward updates of older (and usually better) movies, this 1994 crime drama tries to revitalize an old story with a few tricks of its own. Using the 1949 film noir thriller Criss Cross as his primary inspiration, director Steven Soderbergh takes a different, stylistically adventurous approach to the story of a habitual screwup (Peter Gallagher) who returns to Austin, Texas, for his mother's wedding and tries to pick up where he left off. He left a lot of people angry at him, including his abandoned wife (Alison Elliott) and some book-makers looking for payment on old debts. He concocts a robbery scheme after taking a job with an armored car company, and from that point forward Underneath lives up to its title, using multiple flashbacks to relay the story of a man who slips below the border of propriety and gets himself into all kinds of trouble. Although it's too low-key to generate consistent excitement, the movie draws you in with its intriguing plot and characters, and the flashback structure keeps you guessing about what will happen next. Not a great film by any means, but in hindsight it can be viewed as valuable preparation for Soderbergh's highly underrated 1998 thriller Out of Sight. --Jeff Shannon ... Read more

Reviews (5)

Great non-mainstream film
I usually don't watch suspense movies over and over again, but this one does.
The main character, played by Peter Gallagher, has serious integrity issues and a shady past, but you wouldn't know by his charm. He is a drifter running out of second chances, what will happen next? Will he give into temptation again? Has he finally met his match?
Watch and it a see

Underneath Much Under-rated
I have read the other reviews of this film and I am disappointed. Certainly, the film's narrative style contains jumps from one time period to the next. But that would only be interesting if the script and performances were interesting, too. And they are excellent. The film screwdly portrays the hero as a witty, angst-ridden nihilist surrounded by other nihilists (Tommy D and the hero's ex)who are one, and two, steps ahead of the hero, respectively (of course the Joe-Don Baker figure is three steps ahead). The unpretentious psychological depths of the film are one of its strongest features: Michael wears his Dad's suit to his mother's wedding, misuses the word "divorce" for marry" with respect to his mother. The homely, trite, but nevertheless tender relation between the mother and her new husband is a wonderful counterweight to Michael and Rachel's wicked (though much sexier) egotism. Settled age, age that has seen its limits, lived a lot, and wants the pleasures of company and routine are counterpoised to Rachel's cunning, calculating, perverse ambition. The brother figure - brilliantly acted - is an alternative to Michael - for he is dutiful to his mother and law-abiding. And yet, he also simmers with plots, and secretly envies his brother's bad-boy charm, good looks, and way with women. Michael tells his brother, in effect, that only the exhilirating, selfish highs make life worth living: winning a bet, seduction, etc. "There's what you want, and there's what's good for you. And they never meet." That's pretty good writing, and a good example of the diamond-hard-boiled phrasing that this excellent work is full of. I really detest pseudo-knowledgeable film reviews that tell you "the plot lags" or that there are "flashbacks-within-flashbacks." Who cares about special effects for their own sake? This is a movie that brilliantly weds selfishness with our common existential yearning for more and more possibility. It is a morality tale to the extent that it shows how destructive can be the pursuit of total ego-gratification, but it shows us this without also denying that Mom's tranquillity and comfort in old age consists in a vacant stare into the television, hoping to win the lottery. A watered down form of the same despair her son expresses through gambling, irony, and deceipt. A magnificent film.

A WOMAN'S REVENGE
Along with a few others, Steven SODERBERGH is one of the last authors-directors of the american cinema of today. He has the same problems than, before him, an Orson Welles or, closer from us, a John Sayles : how to present something personal and original and to make money and stay in the business ?

The structure of THE UNDERNEATH, a loose remake of Robert Siodmak's CRISS CROSS, is very interesting. Flashbacks and flashbacks in the flashbacks. It's not as literary as it seems and, at least, it keeps the audience awake without any need of explosions.

Soderbergh does an excellent work with his camera which, in its movements, often reflects the state of mind of the hero, Peter Gallagher. The scene in the hospital, in the last part of the movie, is, technically speaking, an achievement.

Bonus features are of above average-quality with an interesting comparison between the letter-box and the pan and scan version.

A should have a second chance DVD.

Surface apathy hides raging indifference
Steven Soderbergh's The Underneath is not a successful film. The three stars I gave it are not so much in reccomendation of the film as they are in admiration of its method of story telling.

This is a morose, gloomy and relentlessly grim film noir, its the other side of the coin to Soderbergh's masterpiece Out of Sight. As the film opens Micheal Chambers (Peter Galagher in a suitably morose performance) is returning home to Austin to attend his mother's wedding. These opening scenes are inter-cut with Gallagher driving and Armourd Car Van and flashbacks to his life in Austin before he left as an out of control gambler. The film's first 10 minutes are confusing, but once you get hold of the style it flows pretty smoothly. The Underneath actually gets better as it goes along building to a climax that stays within the established rules of a film noir but is brilliantly realised by director Soderbergh.

The title of this review comes from a description of Galagher's character by his ex-girlfriend. I guess it is also an accurate description of the film as a whole. An underwhelming experience, with a few first class sequences and a unique if depressing atmosphere.

Note: This film was co-written by Sam Lowry who any Terry Gillaim fan will tell is the lead character in Brazil. Lowry is actually a pseudonym for Sodorbergh himself.

Underrated
A great film that keeps you in a haze of flashbacks and pieces of truth. If you are a fan of The Usual Suspects,The Limey or Out of Sight, You should see this movie. The Disc isn't all that as far as extras go, but the movie packs a punch. So if you are in the mood for a good solid original Thriller See this movie ... Read more

Amazon.com

Michael Almereyda, whose unusual career finds him bouncing between personal experimental movies and genre pictures, is back in commercial territory with the supernatural thriller The Eternal, which was given the opportunistic yet appropriate subtitle Kiss of the Mummy to cash in on the success of 1999's The Mummy. Alison Elliot and Jared Harris star as an alcoholic American couple who travel to Scotland with their son so he can meet his grandmother and, ostensibly, so they can dry out.("Ale isn't like alcohol. It's like food," she explains to her dubious son as she immediately violates her vow to quit drinking.) Unfortunately, they walk in on their crazed uncle (Christopher Walken), who is in the midst of reviving a centuries-old Druid witch--who looks just like Alison Elliot! Almereyda manages to create some genuinely spooky moments (the underwater photography in particular takes on a dreamy beauty), but much of the film has a slapdash quality, from clumsy special effects to awkward performances. The exception is Elliot, excellent as usual in the double role and conveying more with her eyes alone than many actors can manage with words, while Jared Harris offers a dead-on Walken impression in a humorous interlude. It's a gorgeous film with a marvelously eerie soundtrack, but the story is too slight to carry the tension through to the end. --Sean Axmaker ... Read more

Reviews (19)

Uncle Walken we hardly knew ye...
Disappointing because it had potential. Alison Elliot in the lead is a complete stiff and shows virtually no range. Lots of shots of her in the second half of the movie staggering around (as the wife or the witch) looking distraught. There's your drama and it just ain't enough. Jared Harris does a better job as the husband. Tough to get involved though when the married couple they portray comes off as a bit repellant. Walken does his usual thing (which I like) and breaths a bit of life into the midpoint but the story turns to complete mush after he leaves (too soon). As the site review mentions above, the underwater photography is quite pretty. Not intended as a "serious" horror movie to be sure but Nadja (also an underachieving movie) had the better sense of humor.

Horror,Romance and nice soundtrack.
Released on video in Brazil a month ago,this film mixes horror and romance in a cool way. Walken's character,uncle Bill,gets so fascinated by the female druid mummy and her story through the centuries and falls in love with her in hope she'll suddenly comes back to life to save him from boredom.But her story was so sad although intense that might make you think if it's worthy to leave all plans and purposes behind for a great passion. Yes,there is also blood in some scenes,but I think this a very nice movie and somehow reflective. Walken's performance is as good as ever and the other actors are also alright.The soundtrack is nice,mixing indie guitar and techno bands plus good incidental tunes. Yes,do see this film.

whose your mummy?
this one gave me a sort of chill down the center of my spine. Jared Harris(Igby Goes Down), his wife played superbly by Allison Elliott(dont know whatelse shes played in) and their son go for a vaction in Scotland to where Elliott used to grow up. Their they meet Joe, a guy who Elliott loved back then and her relatives, a eeirly Lois Smith(Minority Report) and a ever so mad frankensteinish Christopher Walken(Catch Me If You Can, Envy). Walken brings Elliott to the basement where a centuries old corpse of a mummy lies. He tells her a chilling tale about love and death. Pretty much what you'd expect from Walken, thought I sort of knew he would die. He looked more like a pale vampireish figure (with one blind eye). Maybe it was the red robed coat that gave it away. The mummy is in the shape of Elliott and it's on the loose when it gets done chopping poor Walken to bits. It goes on, roaming threw the house. Tensions flare and chills fly. Camera work is dizzy and amazing. Almereya knows how to make you feel like your there. Harris does a nice Walken impression...Elliott is sexy as ever and Karl Geary(was in 2000's Hamlet with Ethan Hawke with was also directed by Michael Almereya, forgive me if I spelled his last name wrong), Geary is a nice supportee with his long tied back hair and gun. He was bitchin in this movie. Some people might not like this type of movie but I did really enjoy it and I watched it last night. So I recommend this movie

Nothing to really brag about
Eternal is an OK horror film. The idea is that Nora and her Husband Jim, along with their son Jim, travel to Ireland to visit her ailing grandmother. While there she stays with her Uncle Bill (Christopher Walken) who seems to be as ecentric and insane as he described her Grandmother. FOund this 2000 year old druid witch mummy in the bog and seems to be trying to ressurect her. HE succeeds and he dies. From there the witch is trying to fuse with Nora and live her life out again for another 100 years or so. As it turns out however that Nora Grandmotehr is Good Witch and with Nora help slays the evil witch.

This movie is only Ok and is a weekend rental. There is mild violence and gore, and really the R rating goes for the [f]word ... being said a few times, a slit throat, and a lot of drinking.

Not a horror movie
This is not really a horror movie, more of a psychological
thriller. In fact, it's not even all that heart-pumping
suspenseful. Rather, it has a cool rhythm and sense of
inevitability and growing dread. The camerawork is beautiful,
Almereyda's direction is deliberately choppy to give you a
sense of what the usually drunk) characters are feeling.
The soundtrack is great. I loved this movie, which is why
I went out and bought the DVD. I thought it was lovely and
uplifting, while still delivering B-movie thrills. ... Read more