September 2, 2003
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Movie Reviews
Saw 3 movies over the holiday – Open Range at the theater and Bowling for Columbine and Chicago on video.
Open Range – Costner has never looked better. Aging very nicely. Central theme is Evil Ranchers against Good Free Grazers (cowmen who move their cattle on “open range” to feed until they’re sold). Gorgeous scenery (shot in Canada). I did think the town looked like a movie set. Plot is basically a huge shootout orchestrated to look gorgeous – if lots of bullets hitting lots of mainly bad guys can look gorgeous. Side love story between Costner and local nurse. Some good character development of the few main characters. Happy ending. I’d give it 4 out of 5 stars for its genre.
Bowling for Columbine – Bless his shuffling baggy-pants self, Michael Moore goes fearlessly in pursuit of various political targets – including K-Mart (for selling the ammunition that was used at Columbine). Lots of important facts to know about the use of guns in this country (and others). Almost felt sorry for elderly Charlton Heston in the final interview of the film. Mincemeat. A film that should be in everybody’s home library. So few voices in this country willing to speak out against violence. 5 stars
Chicago – Haven’t really been a fan of musicals since my childhood. But, like Moulin Rouge, if you’re going to watch one, you might as well choose one with class. This one used a technique of morphing from reality to fantasy and back very effectively. Too bad Richard Gere wasn’t recognized for his performance, as well as the 2 women. The plot, however, in my mind didn’t add up to anything interesting. Two women murderers with bad karma get themselves out of prison with the help of shady lawyer and team up to become celebrities. Huh??? Sorry – 3 stars.
Common theme of all 3 films – bullets.
Deep Thought: I hope, when they die, cartoon characters have to answer for their sins.
I’m feeling better, I think, today. It’s going to get really hot – high 90′s – so I probably won’t be able to tell HOW I feel by tonight.
Comments (3)
I haven’t seen the first two films, but I agree with you about Chicago. I watched it, and I left not sure if I liked it or not… if that’s possible. Kind of strange.
I agree about Chicago, the performances were the only thing worth it. The plot sucked. I love musicals too. Mulin Rouge was so horrible, I got up and left the theatre though.
I saw Bowling for Columbine with my ex-boyfriend who was just too p.c. for me looking back. It was the day I met his eldest daughter and her son. I spent more time in the theatre cooing at the baby than watching this film, that seemed to make a good point but to do it too arrogantly for me.
I liked Chicago a lot, mainly because of the artful way they integrated the music into the story. Great music great dancing — great look to it all. I’ve always liked musicals, though. It’s true that there wasn’t a uplifting message to the story, but I don’t ask that of a film. It entertained my royally, and for me that is the bottom line for a movie. Actually, I usually dislike films that try too hard to send a message… especially a political message. I don’t think I’ll be seeing Bowling for Columbine. My husband and I are going to see Open Range this afternoon… so it was nice to read your mostly positive review.