Scarlett (1994) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)i am a "Windie" (extreeme gone with the wind fan), so i'm sorry to say that i loved this movie, almost as much as the ORIGINAL. the first scarlett was great, but in the sequel, scarlett O'Hara is much more mature, and definitely less whiney, but she still showed the same "passion for living." Timothy Dalton in the sequel is handsome, dashing, charming, everything clark gable brought to the part, but i dont know how much Rhett really would have gone for that goodey too shoes, oh i forgot her name. the pure fact that they hired both british stars to play southern american parts is absurd... and another thing, the book was extraordinary, how ALexandra Ripley could have thought of that stuff is beyond me... so why did they have to alter perfection and put in some crazy court scene and murder trial? Oh, i know why, simply to get the viewers attention. That never happened in the book and was totally unnecessary. But beside from all that the movie was a smash hit, and not a crash and burn like other "Windies" will tell you. And another thing... who was the costume cordinator, those dresses were stunning! There's a reason to watch it in itself!

Click Here to see more reviews about: Scarlett (1994)

Click here for more information about Scarlett (1994)

Read More...

Circle of Friends (1995) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Set in post-World War II Ireland, namely the late 1940's and late 50's, Circle Of Friends tells of three girls, Eve, who was raised in a convent because her parents died, the stunning Nan Mahon, and the plain but pleasant and charming Benny Hogan, who's father is the local tailor. She narrates the film from time to time, and Minnie Driver's charming voice aids in what's quite a charming little movie about being sure of and true to oneself despite changes.
The three go to the college in Dublin, attend classes, and go back on the 10 past 6 bus to the village. In an anthropology class, she learns of an obscure tribe and their culture, one of which is that men and women mingle freely without shame or guilt, a contrast to the repressive Catholic upbringing the girls have. But this learning also parallels her meeting Jack Foley, a handsome blonde with blue eyes and a nice smile. She's quite taken when he asks her out to a dance, only to be gradually disillusioned when he doesn't as time goes on. When he finally does ask her, she tells him that she doesn't like being messed about, but further that despite being a rhinoceros, a reference to her perceived bigness, she has a thin skin. She is heartened that he feels comfortable talking to her honestly. He sees that she's all there, more grounded, sure of herself. In contrast, Jack wants to play rugby but is going for the medical program because of his father's wishes and despite the fact that he faints at the sight of blood. Through her interactions, she learns that she is capable of being loved and to love, but she never goes all the way. Jack indeed is a preferable pick from the oily Sean Walsh, an employee of Mr. Hogan's shop who aspires to be a partner, but also wants to marry Benny. It's further his dream to run the shop when Mr. Hogan retires. However, Benny is quite turned off by Sean, much to her parents' disappointment. This learning at school is making her self-aware, and she's made up her mind who she wants to marry, should she do so. What's the point of learning all that knowledge, only to go back to her little village and be a good little wife, something also explored in the later Mona Lisa Smile.
The divide between Protestants and Catholics is seen here in the form of Simon Westward, a member of the landowning family who wants to marry the right girl. That is what Nan is looking for, a real man, seeing her peers as just boys, as tryouts. Things don't go the way she plans, leading her to disrupt Benny and Jack.
It's easy to see why Minnie Driver became a star. As the shy, hopeful, intelligent, and sensitive Benny, she's a fresh face. And she's unique with that slightly wide face of hers, She is mostly seen without much makeup, and she still looks wonderful, and with that accent and beaming countenance, totally believable as a daughter of the Emerald Isle. I'd definitely go for someone like her. Geraldine O'Rawe lends strong support as Eve, who turns out to be more loyal and true to Benny. Chris O'Donnell also gets a thumbs up as Jack, a likeable enough person, less sure of himself, well-meaning, but with a few failings.
As in all the other films I've seen him in, Alan Cumming (Sean) is another slimy, lizard-like, fawning toadie (Titus, Spiceworld, Eyes Wide Shut). He is a bit pathetic with his greasy black hair and sickly smile, but he's a character to be reviled as time goes on.
With a nice closing song, "You're The One," sung by Maire Brennan and Shane McGowan, Circle Of Friends is a film that doesn't go for the predictable drama of most romance movies. No, this is a movie that's all there.


Click Here to see more reviews about: Circle of Friends (1995)

Three girlhood friends now at college share first loves, first kisses and first betrayals. At the center of it all is the best-looking boy on campus. Can a self-conscious dreamer hook the biggest fish in the pond? ' 'A marvelous romantic comedy' ' (Siskel & Ebert)

Click here for more information about Circle of Friends (1995)

Read More...

Single Handed: Set One (2007) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Edge-of-the-seat suspense. Scenic Irish coast makes the eyes salivate. Fresh new star, fantastic series. Irish country crime is just as riveting as London's. I was astounded and surprised.
Filmed in the Tully Cross & Connemara, arguably the most beautiful part of Ireland, you can smell the peat burning as you view bogs, mountains, lochs, pubs, Guinness, Connemara ponies, & rainbows. But the crime in this deliciously visual district is far from pleasant. An emotional suspense with intrigue as high as the Cliffs of Moor. You'll love the filmed rural beauty and be shocked by the corruption.
3 episodes, each 92 min., YES they DO include SUBTITLES
1- Home
Sgt. Jack Driscoll (Owen McDonnell, a real Galway lad) is transferred back home from the Dublin Garda. He replaces his da. A carbon monoxide death investigation leads to suspicious findings. Further evidence leads to more sinister activity. There is a web of secrets & deceit that Jack discovers. A surprise end.
2- The Stolen Child
A small child is missing and 2 violent uncles may make their own law. Jack's Dad is subject to a tribunal for past "police work." There is yet many local secrets that hinder investigations. Jack's new 1-month sleep-in romance is Dr. Maggie (Caroline Catz-'Doc Martin'& `The Vice') Excellent work by Catz.
3- The Drowning Man
Jack is too late in pulling 17 year old O'Malley from the bay. As always, one investigation leads to something bigger. And, as always, another romantic involvement of Driscoll becomes an issue. That issue involves yet another. High-high suspense finale! So peaked, it becomes a thriller.
Ian McElhinney (Little Dorrit) plays Jack's dad, the former Garda Sergeant Gerry Driscoll. He is a local native, a good-old-boy type, who "turned a blind eye" in the past, and fought local crime "by any means necessary". Can Jack end that legacy which goes against his morals, but is so rooted in the community? David Herlihy plays Garda Finbarr Colvin, the cop assistant handed down by dad, and used to the older cop's ways.
Bonus material: I recommend you read through this prior to viewing the 3 episodes.
Text for all: prod. Notes; O.McDonnell (Jack) notes; Catz (Dr. Maggie) notes; & Produces Alan interview.
This series contains course raw language unsuitable for children (even if they may hear those words used at home).
Ah, lookit, blimy fine Garda suspense.
`Tis `nuf fer all, mind.
In English that means "Wonderful, buy it."
One of the best Irish cop drama mysteries ever made.


Click Here to see more reviews about: Single Handed: Set One (2007)


A lone cop fights crime and corruption in rural Ireland
"Don't miss it." --The Observer (U.K.)"Absorbing . . . multilayered and intelligent" --The Irish Times
"Powerful, charismatic performances" --Evening Herald (Ireland)
Murder and intrigue on Ireland's remote coast
When Garda Sergeant Jack Driscoll (Owen McDonnell) returns home to the windswept west coast of Ireland, his father-and predecessor at his new post--warns: "Out here, it's a team of one." As chief law-enforcement officer in this insular community, Jack soon learns the hard truth in those words. Small-town life presents challenges he never faced in Dublin--among them, winning the respect of the villagers and escaping the shadow of his father (Ian McElhinney, Little Dorrit), whose methods relied more on pragmatism than principle.
In these three feature-length crime dramas, Jack investigates a beautiful immigrant's murder, a child's abduction, and a teenager's baffling drowning. Complex characters rife with moral ambiguity and internal conflict populate this gritty series set against a landscape of epic beauty and isolation.

Get 25% OFF

Click here for more information about Single Handed: Set One (2007)

Read More...