Diwali Movie Reviews

This film is a lukewarm piece of americana. It is meant as a hymn to a bygone pastoral era but seems contrived and manipulative to me. The directing is competent, the acting fair. Nothing stands out here but the scenery. The laughably speedy manner in which members of David's family are crippled, his dog shot, his father dies of a heart attack (all in one afternoon) is a bit over the top. It is only mildly pleasant, nothing more. Not a terrible film but not that important or indispensable either.

Watching this film is an amazing experience -- something like a great mixture of looking through the personal scrapbook of someone from a bygone era, hearing a wonderful legend retold, and feeling your own visceral emotions fired with electricity.

In making the film, the characterizations and plot were designed in such a way that they are familiar but also unique. The story defies some of what have come to be conventions (stereotypes) for supporting roles. And, it betrays what have always been simpler expectations for a story with a happy ending. While there is sorrow and loss in modern film and earlier film, here they are portrayed without the often contingent silver-linings. Bad things happen in this film...and we are not given the immediate sense that all will be right in the end.

The title role is filled admirably by Richard Barthelmess. He did fine work here -- no wonder it led to his making as a star. But for me, the film was made by the principal heavy -- played by Ernest Torrence. What a creep he managed to portray -- a villain with a completely perverted moral sense. And Torrence held nothing back in his postures and expressions. He had this character nailed. A stunning performance.

Director Henry King did marvelous work with this villain and all of the film's elements. Portraying an idyllic rural atmosphere which is soon troubled by the arrival of lawlessness (Torrence and two other actors who play the nefarious Hatburn family), he demonstrates an ability to frame a scene with great visual appeal. He also manages to be economical in a sense -- one camera angle captures the majority of a scene's action and this is supplemented by occasional close-up reaction shots. His camera positioning is expert in this. We are given the best angle -- not several lesser angles from which to view.

I could not leave out mention of the charming Gladys Hulette who played the sweet romantic lead in this film. As the young girl, Esther, who is a neighbor to David and his family, she gave an incomparable performance. This role called for her to do much more than bat her eyelashes at the camera and she accomplished it with skill.

So, yes, this film does end happily...but I'll say no more.

It is the sort of film which should be appreciated as something other than a relic from the cinema's past. It is a postcard from an earlier day -- the message isn't as simple as "wish you were here" though. It has much more to tell us than that!

Tol'able David is one of the finest silent films which I have seen. It seems more realistic than many silents. This is partly because of the location shooting, partly because the story is neither overly melodramatic nor comic. Barthelmess as the David character gives a wonderful performance while Torrance as the Goliath character is only just a little over the top in his villainy. He was perhaps more suited to the comic monster type of his later Captain Hook. The real revelation though, is Hulette. She is almost completely forgotten now, but clearly had great talent. Her performance is realistic and charming. She is quite simply adorable. The print on this DVD has been formed from separate sources. Thus it looks slightly different from scene to scene. There is some damage, but it rarely detracts. It is however, slightly distracting to see variations in the tinting. It is inconsistent to have one green scene when the rest of the movie uses greys and browns. One of the best features of this DVD is the music, which is a series of wonderful folksy tunes which fit in so well with the action that even David's harmonica playing is included. As an added bonus the DVD includes an interesting interview with director Henry King and some useful, extensive sleeve notes. Tol'able David is not as well known as many silent films, but really it ought to be considered as among the very best.

"The Apostle" staring Robert Duvall is a film that you will remember long after your viewing. The story of Preacher "Sonny" Dewey is one man's quest to live for the God he loves and his
fight with his own sinful nature and those he loves.
When Sonny's wife is caught in infidelity, Sonny commits a crime of passion and the story takes you with him as he battles for
his redemption. My heart broke for this man many times in this great movie as his pain and suffering were so greatly crafted
upon the screen that they etched their way into your heart.
This is a movie that will leave you deep in thought and will
have you searching your own soul concerning your own redemption.
Well worth your time!

"The Apostle" proves not only what a wonderful actor Robert Duvall is (not that it was ever nessesary), but that he's a good writter (more like a good story teller), and he has as much faith as his charactor (he put up a lot of the money himself). This movie is a slow, methodical examination of the duality of man. Sonny is a good man, a preacher who's devotion to God is beyond reproach. But he is still a sinner; specificly an alcholic and a womanizer with a bad temper. When he finds his wife sleeping with a local stud, Sonny kills him in a fit of rage. He runs away to another state, becomes known simply as the Apostle, and begins a non-segregated church, and starts his redemption down a long, humble road. There is no way I can give this movie justice. The acting by Duvall, Farrah Fawcett (who I usually don't like) and a good apperence by Billy Bob Thornton (returning Duvall the favor of apperaring in "Sling Blade", another gem worth your time) is all beyond so great, I'm tempted to call it devine. Like I said, it is slow, but that is never a problem; it gives the charactors time to be real people instead of just charactors in a movie. The script is grat, and I just can't say enough about the movie.

This movie is very good. Robert Duvall did a great job directing and acting. This is a great depiction of how fragile a person's faith is in bad circumstances. A very good heart felt film!!

"The Apostle" staring Robert Duvall is a film that you will remember long after your viewing. The story of Preacher "Sonny" Dewey is one man's quest to live for the God he loves and his
fight with his own sinful nature and those he loves.
When Sonny's wife is caught in infidelity, Sonny commits a crime of passion and the story takes you with him as he battles for
his redemption. My heart broke for this man many times in this great movie as his pain and suffering were so greatly crafted
upon the screen that they etched their way into your heart.
This is a movie that will leave you deep in thought and will
have you searching your own soul concerning your own redemption.
Well worth your time!

"The Apostle" proves not only what a wonderful actor Robert Duvall is (not that it was ever nessesary), but that he's a good writter (more like a good story teller), and he has as much faith as his charactor (he put up a lot of the money himself). This movie is a slow, methodical examination of the duality of man. Sonny is a good man, a preacher who's devotion to God is beyond reproach. But he is still a sinner; specificly an alcholic and a womanizer with a bad temper. When he finds his wife sleeping with a local stud, Sonny kills him in a fit of rage. He runs away to another state, becomes known simply as the Apostle, and begins a non-segregated church, and starts his redemption down a long, humble road. There is no way I can give this movie justice. The acting by Duvall, Farrah Fawcett (who I usually don't like) and a good apperence by Billy Bob Thornton (returning Duvall the favor of apperaring in "Sling Blade", another gem worth your time) is all beyond so great, I'm tempted to call it devine. Like I said, it is slow, but that is never a problem; it gives the charactors time to be real people instead of just charactors in a movie. The script is grat, and I just can't say enough about the movie.

This movie is very good. Robert Duvall did a great job directing and acting. This is a great depiction of how fragile a person's faith is in bad circumstances. A very good heart felt film!!

"The Apostle" staring Robert Duvall is a film that you will remember long after your viewing. The story of Preacher "Sonny" Dewey is one man's quest to live for the God he loves and his
fight with his own sinful nature and those he loves.
When Sonny's wife is caught in infidelity, Sonny commits a crime of passion and the story takes you with him as he battles for
his redemption. My heart broke for this man many times in this great movie as his pain and suffering were so greatly crafted
upon the screen that they etched their way into your heart.
This is a movie that will leave you deep in thought and will
have you searching your own soul concerning your own redemption.
Well worth your time!

"The Apostle" proves not only what a wonderful actor Robert Duvall is (not that it was ever nessesary), but that he's a good writter (more like a good story teller), and he has as much faith as his charactor (he put up a lot of the money himself). This movie is a slow, methodical examination of the duality of man. Sonny is a good man, a preacher who's devotion to God is beyond reproach. But he is still a sinner; specificly an alcholic and a womanizer with a bad temper. When he finds his wife sleeping with a local stud, Sonny kills him in a fit of rage. He runs away to another state, becomes known simply as the Apostle, and begins a non-segregated church, and starts his redemption down a long, humble road. There is no way I can give this movie justice. The acting by Duvall, Farrah Fawcett (who I usually don't like) and a good apperence by Billy Bob Thornton (returning Duvall the favor of apperaring in "Sling Blade", another gem worth your time) is all beyond so great, I'm tempted to call it devine. Like I said, it is slow, but that is never a problem; it gives the charactors time to be real people instead of just charactors in a movie. The script is grat, and I just can't say enough about the movie.

This movie is very good. Robert Duvall did a great job directing and acting. This is a great depiction of how fragile a person's faith is in bad circumstances. A very good heart felt film!!

They don't make 'em like this anymore. Just as well, we wouldn't make head nor tail of it. He took that key instead of the other key which didn't fit that door so he took that key from the bag and changed it with the key from under the step and then that key wouldn't fit the lock so he changed it for the key in the coat- sheesh! Doesn't answer why I can never find my own bloody keys. I could murder a pint. Anyway, nothing beats Ingrid Bergman in 'Gaslight': "Knife, what knife? You want me to put down the knife? But there is no knife. I am mad, you see, that's it, quite MAD!" Wouldn't work the same with a key in her hand. Which wasn't in anycase the key to the attic where everynight he....etc.

Alfred Hitchcock's 1954 Dial M For Murder, ended up as an "also ran" to the more popular Rear Window, released that same year. Another problem was that it was decided to add some 3-D elements to it, as a way to entice folks into the theater. 3-D was all the rage back then, but in the end, this only proved to be a distraction, rather than an enhancement. I think Dial M is a better film than most people think it is, especially when looked at outside of the Rear Window and 3-D factors.

Tony Windice (Ray Milland) hatches a plan to have his lovely wife Margot (The ever lovely Grace Kelly) murdered. It seems that she has been having an affair with a writer friend of theirs, named Mark (Robert Cummings) Tony's plan involves a casual school mate of his (Anthony Dawson) carrying out the deadly deed, while Tony has a solid alibi. When the plan is complicated by an unepected turn, Chief Inspector Hubbard (John Williams) is sure there's more going on here then meets the eye.

Based on Frederick Knott's play, Hitchcock keeps that "stage" mood going by not stretching too far beyond the main set. At first, this may seem very limiting but I think it only hieghtens the tension. Hitchcock is quite good at staging scenes in a confined space, as the aforementioned Rear Window and a few of his other films like Rope and The Trouble With Harry, demonstrate. Milland is devishly suave as Tony. Kelly is great as always, but really shines as a woman conflicted. The film has a problem with its pace at times, getting booged down with a dialogue heavy scene, now and then, but it's not as bad as some have suggested. People often compare the film to its updated and greatly expanded remake, A Perfect Murder, that's like comparing apples and oranges. It's not neccessary in my opinion. Both can stand alone and have their own strengths and weaknesses.

Dial M For Murder, is one of the only Hitchcock films left, not to get a DVD release. Ok, so it's not his best work, but as we approach a landmark anniversary for the film, this situation deserves to be rectified soon. It's gotten a bum rap for too long now.

Ray Milland pulls off another flawless performance as the jealous husband determined to have his cheating young wife Grace Kelly murdered. The aging former tennis star who lives mainly off his wife's wealth. When he learns of her infidelity with an American acquintance, Milland's adoration for the beautiful Kelly becomes nothing more than a strained pretence, all-the-while planning how he can get rid of her, then live happily ever after off her money.

A man Milland barely rememebered from college has a few dark secrets, which Milland uses to blackmail him into the meticulously planned "perfect crime" of murdering Kelly. A clever (although typical) "Hitchcock-Twist" makes for a thrilling change to an unexpected "Plan B".

Not as well known as similar Hitchcock films, this one is no less of a gem. Although the story and handling, particularly the dull-British "Scotland Yard" dialog are definitely from another era, the unfolding plot is sheer Hollywood candy. The final scene is priceless. A sure hit for those who love "whodunits" as well as for fans of the Master. A 5-star-classic!*****

Few movies drag you into them as though you were reading a book. This movie made you forget to blink! Amazing Preformances and story line. BUY IT!!!!

"i passed up watching this movie a dozen times..always catching it in the middle or near the end" i have always been a big fan of john ritter and the role he plays in (sling blade) was diffrent and portrayed john as being more then a comedian,he can still be funny but serious too.so to anyone who has been hesitant on watching this movie...watch it and i garantee you wont be disapointed,who knows you may even run out and buy you a copy just like i did.i give it ***** plus many more.

I finally saw this movie days ago. I can't really say why I had avoided it for so long, but I wish I hadn't. What a movie!

The script is absolutely amazingly written. The dialogue is tremendous and doesn't feel scripted at all.

The direction is extremely well done. No jumpy, trendy camera changes, and beautiful solo shots that really help to develop the characters.

The absolute high point is the acting. Everyone in this movie is tremendous. Thornton does such an amazing job, that it's hard to believe it's him. Which I think is the greatest thing an actor can do, make you forget its them. The young boy (Lucas Black) is unbelievable. Long scenes are usually impossible with children, but there are some very long shots that he comes through without error. Terrific. Yoakam as the abusive boyfriend does an excellent job, second only to Thornton. Ritter(r.i.p.) plays the gay friend of the boy and his mother without a hokey flamboyance or any stereotypical nonsense, great performance. Canerday is great as the boy's mother, she portrays he character with utter realism (a woman that knows her situation is awful, but doesn't know how to deal with it).

This is film-making at it's finest. The script, direction, and acting are all tremendous. I would recommend this film to anyone that wants to see a great movie.

I hadn't even heard of this little thriller before I saw it on the video shelves. I was drawn to it by the star presence of Billy Bob Thornton, Sela Ward and Patricia Arquette. They don't disappoint. It was nice to see them in an independent little potboiler involving murder and politics in steamy Louisiana.
Billy Bob is a small town sheriff whose "good old boy" handling of a truck accident uncovers something more unpleasant - the murder of a transsexual dancer. It turns out the dancer was present at a party that could implicate the Democrat governor and upset the town rich guy's plans to build a casino. Billy Bob's position as sheriff becomes inceasingly precarious as he changes his mind about a murder investigation he initially didn't want to put much effort into.
There are a lot of twists and turns as the sherrif moves from self-preservation to seeking true justice. There is even some humor, not all of it intentional. One scene where I laughed out loud is when Arquette's character tells Thornton's sheriff that she and the dead she-male were married. That was even before the weirdness of the situation registers on Thornton's face.
William Devane delivers a satisfying performance as the rich guy manipulating local politics. Sela Ward is good in a small if predictable role as Thornton's ex-wife, now the assistant DA. It's an entertaining film, but the ending is a bit too melodramatic and preachy to get a higher star rating.

This is a slightly complex movie full of great performances. Depending on your point of view no one is entirely sympathetic. And while the story line is plausible, in real life guys like Billy Bob don't get within 100 feet of women like Patricia Arquette and Sela Ward. Come to think of it, real people don't look like Patricia Arquette and Sela Ward, do they?

But that's what makes this a quirky and not entirely predictable story. Pretty entertaining. Knock off one star for William Devane's ludicrous fake southern accent.

Excellent acting, direction, writing, editing, photography and a story full of the unexpected. This one is memorable for several reasons. Number one...the twists, you will be surprised throughout this film because it doesn't go in the direction you think it will. Try to guess what's going to happen a scene or two ahead and you can't. Billy Bob plays a very believable, somewhat lethargic lawman who'd just as soon take a nap in his pickup as solve a bizarre crime. Number two... the conflict, Billy Bob vs. the powers that be who want a baffling crime to remain unsolved. In most films Southern Politics either makes for good drama or it comes off as silly and pretentious. In this case it's the basis for numerous tense situations involving ethical questions. Number three...the humor, drama just doesn't work as well without it and this film gives the giggles when it counts.

Overall, this is one of the most underrated, overlooked films of 2002 and I'm glad I came across it on the new releases shelf at Hollywood Videos. If you want to get drawn into a different sort of mystery, this one will do it for you. It's refreshing to see Billy Bob, Sela Ward, Patricia Arquette and a few other big names show off their talents outside of the predictable Hollywood Blockbuster loop. Kudos to writer/director Robby Henson on another successful film project. I hope to see more from him soon.

I like John Travolta so when my sister went to the video store and rented a tape of The General's Daughter I watched it with her but I didn't like the movie at all, it was very disappointing and my sister who usually has different tastes in movies then me didn't like it either. Maybe the book is better but after watching this terrible movie I have no desire to read the book.

There was some good acting in The General's Daughter. John Travolta, James Woods and James Cromwell as usual acted very well but still this movie was flawed, it was very uneven and seemed so forced and rushed that I was left with a feeling of disappointment and that this could have been better.

Look, as much as this film seems to assume that all military guys rape female soldiers at will, it is just a movie!!The story is not real, the characters are fictional, and it was meant to entertain, not educate. We know the military doesn't act
that way , ... So realize that even though this film seems to depict an unsavory life in the military, it is all fiction created by the Author of the book, Nelson DeMille, and the filmmakers. I still feel it is a great film to watch, it engrosses you in the story and the music by Carter Burwell is fantastic!!

I like John Travolta so when my sister went to the video store and rented a tape of The General's Daughter I watched it with her but I didn't like the movie at all, it was very disappointing and my sister who usually has different tastes in movies then me didn't like it either. Maybe the book is better but after watching this terrible movie I have no desire to read the book.

There was some good acting in The General's Daughter. John Travolta, James Woods and James Cromwell as usual acted very well but still this movie was flawed, it was very uneven and seemed so forced and rushed that I was left with a feeling of disappointment and that this could have been better.

Look, as much as this film seems to assume that all military guys rape female soldiers at will, it is just a movie!!The story is not real, the characters are fictional, and it was meant to entertain, not educate. We know the military doesn't act
that way , ... So realize that even though this film seems to depict an unsavory life in the military, it is all fiction created by the Author of the book, Nelson DeMille, and the filmmakers. I still feel it is a great film to watch, it engrosses you in the story and the music by Carter Burwell is fantastic!!