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Isabella Andolini
Reviews
Helen of Troy (2003)
Very Good, Needs More Gods & Goddesses
This movie is beautifully shot and very entertaining. I highly recommend it. There are a few very minor changes to the original tales but unless you are familiar with them it doesn't matter. The biggest problem I had with this film is that I love Greek mythology and all those meddling deities. They were all missing from this film. No meddling Goddesses or Gods interfering and wrecking havoc. They were really the cause of all the trouble but they aren't present here. The film is still great but I had to give it 8 of 10----which isn't bad---because it had no meddling Gods/Goddesses.
I hope the new "Troy" does, but I doubt it will
Malibu's Most Wanted (2003)
Have you seen "whiteboyz"??
MMW is hysterical. But if you like this movie be sure to rent "Whiteboyz" on video. It's the same kinda story but in a different setting. Both are really good and funny. But "Whiteboyz" has some deep moments too.
Jamie Kennedy is soooo cute, (he was even rocking that pink outfit). Jamie and Regina King make a really cute couple. They should do a sequel with them two.
See this at the theatre and be sure to rent "Whiteboyz".
The Truth About Charlie (2002)
You Have To See Paris!
The movie is so, so. Mark Wahlberg is not charming enough for this role. I love him don't get me wrong, it's just that no woman would be so gullible to someone with no charm: He's no Cary Grant. Oh, and add to that the fact that we see him un-shirted for but a brief second. If he were a woman with such a fabulous body he would have been naked in several scenes!! :(
The pacing is slow also. The director/editor could have picked it up a notch.
But the real reason to see this film is Paris! It's beautiful, and if you have been there it will bring back so many memories. If you're planning on going to Paris see this movie first for a sneak peak. It's a truly magical city.
Charlie Chan in London (1934)
This may or may not be a spoiler
In Charlie Chan in London, Chan's son is missing. This was a terrible mistake. Chan is in serious need of #1 Son or #2 Son, or anyone, to provide much needed comic relief. Without such relief the film is all but unwatchable.
Training Day (2001)
Very Good -- In Spite of Antoine Fuqua
Don't believe the rumors; Denzel Washington was not "over the top". He was to quote Roger Ebert "over the top and down the other side". His performance was wild and out of control--and he seemed to be enjoying it! There is a line that separates a tour de force performance from buffoonery, Mr. Washington skidded all the way to the edge, wobbled violently, but managed to keep from falling over that line. Viewers will love being along for the ride.
I have never before seen a Denzel Washington performance worth seeing, let alone mentioning until now. Sure he's a wonderful actor, yada, yada, yada, but he has always been too bland and vanilla for this reviewers taste. But now Denzel has acquired some long needed "flava"
Ethan Hawke was good too.
Antoine Fuqua on the other hand was not good. He should return to directing music videos at once. Will someone tell him there are more camera angles besides extreme-up-the-nostrils-close-ups. The direction was deplorable. A first year film student could have done better. I kept thinking to myself "when did I direct a movie?" that was the only possible explanation for it being so poorly directed. This film was saved from it's simple script and horrendous direction only by exceptional acting (Washington and Hawke) and an editor who must also be a magician.
The acting and editing not only saved this film from it's unskilled director but from the additions of Snoop Dog and Dr. Dre to the cast. I imagine there must not be very many skilled actors in Hollywood since they found it necessary to scavage among rappers to play minor roles.
Hot Off the Grill with Bobby Flay (1998)
I MISS JACQUI :-(
When I first started watching Hot Off the Grill I wondered why would you need a co-host on a cooking show?? I thought Bobby Flay could do it by himself, like everyone else. BOY WAS I WRONG!!
Since Jacqui Malouf left the show, it's become horrible. I can barely stand to watch. All I think when I see it now is "Where is Jacqui, I hope she comes back soon". Bobby Flay is lousy working alone. Without Jacqui he comes off as arrogant and, even worse, dull. Those morons in the audience try to keep things going but they make matters worse. They ask half-witted questions and do not enhance viewing or the understanding of the dish.
I wish they would just cancel the whole show. But if money will bring Jacqui Malouf back to the show, I'm willing to chip in.
Boys Don't Cry (1999)
Over-Rated Movie and Performance
Boy's Don't Cry is a fine movie with acceptable performances. Nothing more. The attention it has received is only because it involves a hate crime and is based on a true story. I advise anyone truly interested in the Teena Brandon story to skip this movie and read the book All That She Wanted by Aphrodite Jones. It's much more comprehensive and moving.
Also those who wish to see a truly impressive performance of a woman pretending to be a man should view the film Just One of the Guys(1985). While Miss Swank's performance is very good, actress Joyce Hyser gives an equally wonderful performance as Terry in Just One of the Guys(1985). Hollywood (and the Oscars) often overlook comedic performances. Just One of the Guys(1985) is not Oscar worthy, but it is a simple 80's comedy with an Oscar worthy performance that should be given another viewing.
Drop Squad (1994)
The Worst Movie Ever
Drop Squad is ostensibly about a black man being brought back in touch with his roots through de-programming. However it's the audience who feels it has been kidnapped and forced to endure torture. There is yelling, screaming, and endless diatribes and it all feels aimed at the audience. I saw this movie at the theatre and everyone (about 25 people) walked out within the first half hour. Unfortunately for me I stayed the entire time. The film only got worse.