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Girl, Interrupted, a review by Rich

Girl, Interrupted





A substandard cuckoos nest, with women.
Great acting by Ryder, Jolie and Murphy kept me interested in a film which was at times quite difficult to relate to. Despite the setting, subject matter and a few harrowing moments, this true story is surprisingly uplifting, detailing a number of friendships and a young womans journey into understanding her position in life.
The film provides a believable insight into a mental institution and is very thought provoking, Jolies performance alone is worth the cost of the dvd.
 

**Angelina Jolie mini-marathon


(From Riches Random Reviews on August 8th, 2009)

Ring 2, a review by Jon

Ring 2
2 out of 5

Rachel and her son have survived their first encounter with Samara, but not without a price. She's trying to rebuild her life in a sleepy town when a local boy is found dead, in worryingly familiar circumstances. It soon becomes clear that Samara is now coming for the two of them, but why?

I always judge remakes -especially of foreign films- on how they stand up if the original didn't exist. Remakes are rarely better, but every now and then you drop across one that certainly did nothing wrong and was a watchable version. I thought the American Ring was like that. It was loud, brash and overdone, but the intricate storyline was intact and still powerful. Unfortunately this sequel to the remake is a missed opportunity, especially when directed by Hideo Nakata, director of the first Ringu.

Japanese horror films seem to generate a lot of impact by being made as simple dramas; no unnecessary editing or music and the actors play it straight. Howard Hawks once said, "no action without danger" and it makes a lot of sense. I get the impression Hideo is trying that here, but the score and cast are still being played like there is a ghost around every damn corner. Nothing can be accepted for what it is, it's overflowing with unresolved innuendo and furtive glances. It doesn't help that most of the cast are wooden or half-developed characters.

Naomi Watts is gorgeous as usual and does nothing particularly wrong and David Dorfman still impresses as Aidan coming across much older than his years, although I think he's being stretched in the last act. They're let down though by a murky, unfocused script and poor supporting characters. It tells you something when the most memorable is the ever reliable Gary Cole who is on screen for about 30 seconds. He gives the film a much needed slap in the face, but then goes away again.

Overall I quite liked the premise. Fitted in well with the mythology, as you'd expect. It just needed some... oomph! There's a scene toward the end in Samara's well that was great. It needed lots more of that while letting the drama scenes lighten up and simmer down.

All in all, this is a Asian-American fusion that has failed completely, taking the worst of both sides.

Note: there is an extra on the DVD, a short film acting as a sort of prelude to the first victim, that while being weak nevertheless makes me think it could have been a decent storyline for a sequel on its own. All the Rings start off with kids finding tapes and showing them to each other, scaring themselves shitless. Here they go one typical teen step further by forming a cult that records everything that happens after viewing the tape and seeing how close they can get to the 7 day deadline before showing it to the next person, a pre-appointed "tail". I liked the idea of them trying to play Samara at her own game for thrills.

(From Jon's Random Reviews on February 2nd, 2009)

Charmed Marathon, a review by addicted2dvd

"Something Wicca This Way Comes"
Original Airdate: October 7, 1998
Reunited in the grand Victorian home of their childhood, a trio of sisters, Prue (Shannen Doherty), Phoebe (Alyssa Milano) and Piper (Holly Marie Combs) discovers they are gifted Wicca witches. Little do they know that their newfound powers mean that they are now prey to evil forces.

My Thoughts:
Ahhh... this is the episode that started it all... including my admiration for Holly Marie Combs. I have to admit it seems a little weird watching these early episodes now... seeing how they are started compared to how powerful they are by the eighth season.

"I've Got You Under My Skin"
Original Airdate: October 14, 1998
Phoebe can't resist a peek into the future. She and her sisters learn their first lesson in witchcraft - deadly demons can come in any kind of package, including gorgeous male photographers.

My Thoughts:
This is a fun episode. I especially liked how Piper (Holly Marie Combs) was afraid to enter the church because she was afraid she was evil.

"Thank You For Not Morphing"
Original Airdate: October 21, 1998
Reunited with their long-lost father, Victor Halliwell, the sisters are ecstatic but a little suspicious of his sudden reappearance. Could good ol' dad have an ulterior motive?

My Thoughts:
This was a really good episode.... not only do you have the sisters battling shape shifters... but we meet Victor... the girl's father. Also at the very end of the episode Leo shows up for the very first time.

"Dead Man Dating"
Original Airdate: October 28, 1998
Prue tries to avoid a birthday celebration as Piper befriends and saves the restless soul of a ghost who was murdered by a gang leader. The sisters save his soul and learn a valuable life lesson.

My thoughts:
This one was another really good episode. One that deals with ghosts. I especially liked it since it was a big Piper episode. I also liked the way they put some Chinese folk lore into the story line for this one. This episode remains one of my favorites of the season.

(From Charmed Marathon on February 26th, 2008)