Algic Movie Reviews

Related Subjects: Language_and_Linguistics Abenaki-Penobscot_Language Algonkin Arapaho Beothuk Blackfoot Cheyenne Cree Gros_Ventre Kickapoo Lenape Lumbee Maliseet-Passamaquoddy Menominee Miami-Illinois Michif Mohican Montagnais_and_Naskapi_Innu Munsee Míkmaw Potawatomi Powhatan Shawnee Wiyot Yurok
More Pages: Algic Page 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25
Family movie reviews for "Algic" sorted by average review score:
The Last Days
Released in DVD by Umvd (05 November, 2002)
MPAA Rating: PG-13 (Parental Guidance Suggested)
Director: James Moll
In the last year of World War II, German defeat was inevitable. Yet rather than reinforcing his troops and focusing his efforts on battle, Hitler chose to renew his campaign to eliminate the Jews of Europe. Hungary, which had remained mostly untouched during the war, found her Jews being rounded up and shipped off to concentration camps where they were systematically and brutally killed during these last days. This documentary, directed by James Moll and produced through the Survivors of the Shoah Visual History Foundation, whose goal is to document the memories of those who lived through the Holocaust, records the stories of five Hungarian Jews who managed to survive.

The five survivors, all now living in the United States, movingly tell how they made it and recount the tragedies they witnessed: Tom Lantos, a Congressman from California, whose 17 grandchildren are a gift from his two daughters to try to make up for the families Lantos and his wife lost; Alice Lok Cahana, an artist who uses her painting to testify to what she saw and to grieve for the meaningless death of her sister Edith; Bill Basch, who while working for the resistance escaped from Hungarian police by joining a group of Jews that were, unknowingly, being led to Buchenwald; Renee Firestone, an educator at Simon Wiesenthal Center's Educational Outreach Program, whose touching connection to the past is discovered in the simple gift of a bathing suit given to her by her father; and Irene Zisblatt, a grandmother who smuggled out, at tremendous risk, a few precious diamonds in order to buy bread when there was no more food to be had. Other interviewees include American liberators, a superkommando, and a Nazi doctor who performed experiments on camp inmates.

While the stories are tragic and watching this documentary is a tearful experience, the final message is one of hope, as the five people return to Hungary and the camps with their families to confront their pasts and say their prayers. While the occasionally graphic footage will disturb, this Oscar-winning film is one that should be shared with family as a way of educating and reminding us, "Never again." --Jenny Brown

Average review score:

One of the best, very powerful
For those of us who have never had the opportunity to meet and talk with Holocaust survivors, this is a must-see and a must-own! Takes you there in a very personal way!

A real-life heart-wrenching documentry
this is the most powerful film i have ever seen, the pain of the survivors is just tear-jerking, the fact that people did this stuff (and in some places still do) is just unbelievable on how gross humans can get and be. there is clips on the survivors of the death camps, in real-life WHEN they were liberated, so it shows "the walking dead" walking skeletons with barely enough energy to stumble around with no idea. It is a most powerful documentry. i HIGHLY reccommend, so see it, it will make you think.

Real People and the Real Horror of the Holocaust
This documentary of five Hungarian survivors of the holocaust is not a comfortable movie to watch. We cannot make believe that it is an re-enactment by actors; we are not distanced from it by the general news clips. Instead, this tightly edited film brings five individual stories of real people to the screen with a scorching reality. In the last six months of WWII, Hitler concentrated his resources in deporting 440,000 Hungarian Jews even after he knew the war was lost. The five people in the documentary, then teenagers, were caught up in this brutal chapter of history, and each one tells his or her story against a backdrop of rare footage of films that were taken by the Nazis. Now in their late 60s and 70s, each one of these survivors, surrounded by loving families, visit the scene of the devastation, and tell their stories.

Steven Spielberg is the executive producer of this small gem of a film, a memorial to the horrible truth, and I am sure it is his name which brings this film to movie theaters, where I first saw this film. The theater complex on had only two showings -- at noon and at 4:55 p.m. I cannot help but wonder why it was deemed unfit for Saturday night viewing, because every seat was taken in the tiny theater. I cried, and heard the sobbing of the people around me. It was that kind of film. The human beings on the screen were so real. Their stories so true. Their lives so shattered. And then rebuilt. A living testimony to the survival of the human spirit. It's a testimony also of what can be done with film. How a history can be preserved. How snapshots of real life can be recorded. As I left the theater, my eyes swollen from crying, my soul sick from what I have just seen, there were lines of people waiting to get into see the latest romantic comedy, the newest thriller, the silliest cartoons. My heart was still beating wildly as I gulped the fresh air outside the theater and walked slowly home, the horror and the history still touching my raw nerves. I cannot help but think about the other sad stories in history that cry out to be memorialized in this way. And the fact that without a big name like Spielberg, or the proper funding, these stories will never be told. But why do we need to know? What good does it do? How can it change our lives to relive over and over again the many atrocities of humankind? The answer lives in the perspective it gives us as we go about our lives. We are only a part of the continuum of history. It is luck or karma or just the random winds of life that give us our lives of abundance. And when I pause, and think about it seriously, I can only give thanks for my wonderful life.

Black Orpheus - Criterion Collection
Released in DVD by Criterion Collection (08 June, 1999)
MPAA Rating: PG (Parental Guidance Suggested)
Director: Marcel Camus
Starring: Breno Mello, Marpessa Dawn, Lourdes de Oliveira, and Léa Garcia
Marcel Camus's 1959 update of the Greek myth features an all-black cast and a story set in the frenetic energy of Carnival in Rio de Janeiro. Orpheus, a trolley car conductor and superb samba dancer, is engaged to Mira but in love with Eurydice. For his change of heart, Orpheus and his new doomed lover are pursued by a vengeful Mira and a determined Death through the feverish Carnival night. Camus at once demystifies and remystifies the old story, shifting not only its location but its tone and context, forcing a reevaluation of the legend as a more passionate, pulsing, sensual experience. The film is really one-of-a-kind, an absolute whirl that barely needs words. --Tom Keogh
Average review score:

Spicy
This 1959 adaptation of the Greek myth thrilled me.It is quite rare that I am entertained by books turned into movies. Even though the setting (in Rio de Janeiro,Brazil at Carnival)undeniably differs from the original, I truly admire this film.

A Sad Story
This was a great film but it was sad. Eurydice is being chased by death (a dude in a death mask but the actual grim reaper) and we never know why. Perhaps Eurydice was supposed to have died and she somehow cheated death but she finds Orpheus while visting her cousin only Orpheus is engaged to Mira, a crazy but beautiful woman who immediately becomes suspicious of Eurydice. This film was made in Rio and the cinematography was wonderful considering how dated this film actually is. Be warned that it's subtitled and that it's a pretty depressing ending.

Keeping the for Orpheus alive
When I first saw this movie in 74, I was in my early teens.

I was aware of Africa and its many different people, but I had

no idea (besides African Americans) that there were other

people of African decent, and (who looked like me)spoke a

foreign language. I was filled with even more Black Pride!

In the 80's I purchased a VCR. I inquired to a friend as to

whether I could find Black Orpheus on tape, my friend said "all

movies were on tape now." Ever since then I have had several

copys.I've shared my tapes with everyone, most of the time they

were not returned but thats alright because it meant the

person enjoyed it. Many of my friends and co-workers thought

that they would not enjoy a foreign film but were intriqued by

Black Orpheus.

I would like say in closing that for many years I've searched

for info on the cast of this movie, very little has been found.

A couple of days ago I read that Adhemar da Silva (death) had

died in '01. He was not only an actor but an outstanding Olympic

athelete of the 52-56 games. Between both games he won seven gold

medals in the triple jump. Mr.da Silva was also a lawyer.

Why do we always allow good people to go to the wayside before

we give recognition. I would definitely like to known about the

lives of the surviving actors, especially the children whom are

not that much older than I.

PEACE

Alice in Chains - Music Bank - The Videos
Released in DVD by Sony/Smv (21 October, 2003)
MPAA Rating: NR (Not Rated)
That Alice in Chains were, in the early 1990s, routinely bracketed alongside Seattle counterparts Nirvana, Pearl Jam, and Soundgarden as exemplars of grunge always had more to do with geography than reality. Alice in Chains were a heavy metal band, pure and simple. And like most successful heavy metal bands, they attracted an unusually devoted fan base, who will be well rewarded by this generous 94-minute compilation. Music Bank contains all Alice in Chains' videos, plus the kind of curios that suggest that someone, somewhere, put some thought into this. The clips are broken up with grabs of on-the-road footage shot by the band members themselves, and the program begins with a local television documentary made about them before they'd signed their record deal: the scenes shot in the kitchen of the house they were sharing at that point are probably best avoided by the faint-hearted. --Andrew Mueller

Average review score:

Defective DVD?
I am a huge AIC fan, and was thrilled when I saw the VHS copy of this. I've watched it more times than I can count. So why the 3 stars? Something is a little goofy with the sound on the DVD, and I've heard the same complaint from other people. The harmonies are the most affected, with Jerry completely drowning Layne out on some songs.

All in all, stick with the VHS copy. It's outstanding.

Awesome Visual history/evolutionary record of AIC
I love this video because it offers the diehards a chance to relive the history of Alice in Chains. We not only get every music video released by this enigmatic band, but we get some home video footage and live performance clips that really bring the experience to life. I highly recommend it to any fan of Alice in Chains: diehard or otherwise.

Excellent but a little morbid
I have been a devoted Chains fan for as long as I can remember. I acutally did not even know they had put out a DVD of their videos until a friend bought me this for my birthday in July. All the video's look and sound excellent, especially with a nice home theatre system, or a decent rack system. The highlights include "Would," "What the hell have I," "Heaven Beside You," and other footage in between.

I must caution though, the sad part about this DVD is that you can see the steady decline of Layne Staley, who passed away in Spring 2002. From the beginning he looks mostly normal, but by the time you see the videos from the "tripod" period and the MTV Unplugged, it appears that Staley is fried completely, given his empty stare and unheatlthy look. Buy this if you are a fan of Alice in Chains, or if you like decent metal music.

Trick or Treat
Released in DVD by Platinum Disc Corp (04 November, 2003)
MPAA Rating: R (Restricted)
Director: Charles Martin Smith
Starring: Marc Price and Tony Fields
Average review score:

A product of the times
Do any of you remember when all that bull that came out in the 80's about playing records backwards and how they had subliminal messages? Well that little controversy is main point of this film. When a teenage metal head plays a demo record of his favorite dead heavy metal singer backwards, he resurrects him as a demonic force. Why this hasn't become an even bigger cult classic than it already is is beyond me. This film is a definate product of the times. I am a huge 80's heavy metal fan, and I really enjoyed all my favorite bands making an appearance in this film in some way or another. The lead characters mom is going through his record collection with a shocked look on here face, and one of the records she comes across is Megadeth - Killing Is My Business. That just made me smile because Megadeth is one of my favorite groups. This film is a must watch for 80's horror film fans and heavy metal fanatics. It may have a silly premesis, but its played straight, and it has great results.

Trick or Treat Indeed
This film is a fairly good comedy horror film with some interesting cameos by Gene Simmons of KISS playing a DJ, and Ozzy Osbourne, playing, and are you ready for this? A televangelist. It also features a great hard rock soundtrack by Fastway. The title track of Trick or Treat is excellent.

The film follows the story of a misfit teen named Eddie "Ragman" Weinbauer who idolizes a rock star named Sammi Curr that used to go to his high school. Sammi dies in a mysterious hotel fire but is resurrected by Eddie playing Sammi's last album backwards. Sammi helps Eddie get revenge on the popular kids, but soon, the revenge game turns deadly, and Sammi has more of a hidden agenda up his undead sleeve.

The best rock n roll soundtrack
Even though this is a cheesey movie.
It's still a great movie with a killer soundtrack.
This is kind of a true story to.
Back in the 80's kid's were playing their
record's backward's.
But the record's did not talk back to them.

The soundtrack is awesome.
Even the song's that the bad guy sang were excellent.
If you like horror's this movie is for you.
Most of the film is not scary but it is cheesey.
It's still a classic 80's movie that everyone should own.
The film features Gene Simmons and Ozzy Osbourne in it.

A classic soundtrack and a classic horror.

Nobody's Fool
Released in DVD by Paramount Home Video (09 September, 2003)
MPAA Rating: R (Restricted)
Director: Robert Benton
Starring: Paul Newman, Jessica Tandy, and Bruce Willis
"Worn to perfection" is the tag line promoting this crafted character study. It describes Paul Newman, the resourceful 70-year-old lead actor, but not his character, Sully, a North Bath, New York, loner who totally emulates the negative definition of the title. Newman gives a brilliant performance (Oscar-nominated and winner of two critics circle awards) relying on his well-honed subtleties. The dramatics are simple: the return of his son (Dylan Walsh) and grandson, offering a chance to reconcile; odd jobs for a construction company he's trying to sue for an injury; and a comedic grudge match against the owner (a reserved Bruce Willis). North Bath is the kind of place, wrapped in winter (beautifully shot by John Bailey), where enemies are friends, marriages are shaky, and Hawaii is only a state of mind. This "town drama" of a blue-collar America offers the patient filmgoer a rich and rewarding experience. Another small gem from writer-director Robert Benton (Places in the Heart). --Doug Thomas
Average review score:

Good For What It Was, I Guess
First, a disclaimer: it's really tough to watch a movie, let alone review it, objectively when you've just finished reading the excellent book upon which it was based. Upon reflection, this was actually probably a pretty good movie, for what it was, and I do agree that Paul Newman deserved his Oscar nomination. It's just that the book was so real, so convincing in its portrayal of its characters, that I couldn't help feeling that the movie was, well, wrong. Though I know the book was a fiction, I couldn't help feeling that the movie was betraying the truth that the book presented. As the scenes in the movie pieced together the highlights, I kept having two thoughts: "wow, this is going by too fast; are we there already?" and "but that's not how it happened!" At any rate, I'd like my review to be something a little more meaningful than just the self-important cliche, "The book was way better." Whether or not I will succeed is up to you. [end disclaimer]

The book was 550 pages long and rich in description, so I don't fault the movie for trimming story lines and collapsing others (e.g., Bruce Willis's character was a composite of at least three distinct characters in the book). In fact, this technique works surprisingly well for much of the movie; the story feels a little flatter, but the meaning is left pretty much intact. And I suppose that the filmmaker can be forgiven for softening up the title character and sentimentalizing him a bit in the very way that I pointed out the book did not. This is a Hollywood movie, after all.

I do find fault, though, with distorting the essential truth. Minor variations hurt the movie a bit throughout, but in one particular instance, near the end, a major breach significantly changes the whole point. I won't give it away, because it might ruin both the book and the movie (hint: it involves Melanie Griffith's affections), but it gives Sully more credit than he deserves, takes away something important from his son's character, and generally turns a fairly dark personality study into a warm, snuggly, feel-good moment. Eech.

As I expected I would, I have focused on the negative aspects of the movie, but, as I mentioned in my disclaimer, I think it was probably a good movie for what it was and I would still recommend it to people who have no intention of reading the book. The acting of the entire cast is strong (even Melanie Griffith and Bruce Willis are bearable), with especially high marks for the always-incredible Philip Seymour Hoffman, Jessica Tandy (in her final role), and Paul Newman, who is particularly good in the title role. And of course it had an excellent story to work with, which was, for the most part, told quite well. I guess that's the problem with reading books. They ruin otherwise perfectly good movies.

Definitive Newman....Delightful Miss Tandy....Delicious Film
This review refers to the Paramount DVD edition of "Nobody's Fool".....

The irresistable Paul Newman, in a role that was tailor made for him and the always wonderful Jessica Tandy(in her final feature film performance) will steal your heart(as if they haven't already)in the life affirming dramadey, "Nobody's Fool". The rest of the cast are no slouches either. It includes Bruce Willis, Melanie Griffith,Josef Summer, Phillip Seymour Hoffman,Dylan Walsh and a performance by youngster Alexander Goodwin that will have you in awe of his extraordinary talent.

Wintry upstate New York is the setting for the story. "Sully"(Newman) is an aging down on his luck, jack of all trades(master of none),regular guy. He just can't seem to get a leg up... figuratively and literally(arthritis is getting the best of him).His life seems to be in a shambles. Abandoning his wife and son years earlier, still trying to eek out a living for himself,constantly seeming to have minor run-ins with the local police are his day to day exsistence. Yet with all these dark clouds over his head,there doesn't seem to be one person in this little community who could get along without him. When his now adult son and young grandson come back into his life, he now has a chance to do something right.It's a heartwarming and funny view and Newman will charm you right out of your socks!

The transfer to DVD is excellent. It is presented in widescreen(you won't miss a bit of the scenery),with a nice crisp, clear picture and beautiful colors. For sound you have a choice of Dolby Digital 5.1, or stereo surround and has English subtitles for those that may need them. I had a little technical problem with my copy. I could not seem to delete the subtitles no matter what I did. Although this is something that didn't bother me too much, if this happens it may be annoying if you are not used to watching with subtitles.I'm pretty sure though that this is probably a fluke and my copy only because I haven't seen any other complaints on this issue.Maybe the next reviewer can mention whether or not their copy was also affected.Other than that, it's a great view. There are no special features,but a film that will leave you smiling the rest of the day(that was bonus enough for me).

Directed and written for the screen by Robert Benton("Kramer vs Kramer"/"Places In The Heart"), with engaging music by Howard Shore, this captivating film is a must have for Newman fans.His superb performance garnered him Best Actor awards from the Berlin Int. Film Fest.(Silver Bear), the National Society of Film Critics and the New York Film Critics as well. It's a feel good story that's great to watch anytine life throws you a little curve! It is rated "R" for language and some nudity.

Definitive, Delightful, Delicious!
Thanx and enjoy....Laurie

AN OLD FRIEND
I have been waiting for years for this gem to be released on DVD.
Nobody's Fool is one of my favorite movies of all time. It's one of those timeless, priceless "slice-of-life" movies you can watch again and again and never tire of (like, for me, Grumpy Old Men, Driving Miss Daisy, Love Story, Starman, Waking Ned Divine...).
Sully (Paul Newman) is one of those people you wish you knew in real life. An absolutely great movie.

Midnight Madness
Released in DVD by Anchor Bay Entertainment (15 May, 2001)
MPAA Rating: PG (Parental Guidance Suggested)
Directors: David Wechter and Michael Nankin
Starring: David Naughton and Debra Clinger
Nothing dates a movie quite as much as a roller-skating blonde in white shorts and a tube top. Midnight Madness opens with exactly that and quickly follows with a scene in which a student counselor reassures a romantically nervous freshman with the line, "Flynch, you could be a real Burt Reynolds, I know you could." Ah, nostalgia. Made on the cusp of the '80s, after Animal House but before Porky's, Disney's college comedy gained a considerable following, thanks to countless screenings on HBO during the Reagan administration. Like all the best cult movies, it's awful, but compelling nonetheless. This is a film in which all the nerds look alike, the jocks have names such as Armpit, and you get to see fat twins shake their abundant disco booties. The plot revolves around an all-night scavenger hunt, with five teams of competing students racing around Los Angeles solving clues and getting into all sorts of amusing scrapes, including a visit to the Pabst brewery that will have you humming ancient advertising songs for days. David Naughton, who went on to star in An American Werewolf in London, is our hero, but the real fun comes from Stephen Furst as the mean and chubby rich kid and the legendary über-nerd Eddie Deezen as Wesley. Michael J. Fox makes his film debut as Naughton's troubled but feisty kid brother, and the eagle-eyed viewer may even spot Paul Reubens in a tiny role. Being a Disney film that was released before Porky's made shower scenes an integral part of campus comedies, this is a curiously innocent movie--just watch how long it takes the teams to decipher the clue, "Look between the two giant melons." Nevertheless, Midnight Madness is 112 minutes of undemanding, cheesy fun for anyone who remembers the last days of disco. It makes Animal House look like Chekhov, but watch it with a group of friends, and perhaps a little Pabst Blue Ribbon, and you'll have a hoot. --Simon Leake
Average review score:

FINALLY FOUND IT!
I am so psyched! After years, decades, even, I've found the title of the movie I only remember small snipets from. I saw it when I was 10 and have never forgot how cool it was to see a bunch of kids running around at night looking for clues. I'm sure its a cheeseball of a movie, but to a 10 year old it was the coolest thing and I CAN'T WAIT TO SEE IT AGAIN!

Family Fun !!!!
I really enjoyed this movie this is a fun movie this movie so fun that this movie makes you feel like you are right along with the actors and would like to be with them!!!! This movie is about different groups in colors : green, red, blue, white, and yellow . It is a group that includes a pair of twins they are so funny !!!!! It is a must have for any Michael J. Fox fan he is in this movie he is a whiz at playing video games and he helps his brother's team and he joins the team this is basically a movie about different teams going on a scavenger hunt it is so good funny and interesting I would really reccommend anyone who likes movies of the 1980's to purchase this video!!!!

I love this movie!
I really love this movie.It's alot of fun! get this if you can you won't be sorry! watch it with a group of your friends so that you guys can pick your favorite team to win!

Midnight Madness
Released in DVD by (03 February, 2004)
MPAA Rating: PG (Parental Guidance Suggested)
Directors: David Wechter and Michael Nankin
Starring: David Naughton and Debra Clinger
Nothing dates a movie quite as much as a roller-skating blonde in white shorts and a tube top. Midnight Madness opens with exactly that and quickly follows with a scene in which a student counselor reassures a romantically nervous freshman with the line, "Flynch, you could be a real Burt Reynolds, I know you could." Ah, nostalgia. Made on the cusp of the '80s, after Animal House but before Porky's, Disney's college comedy gained a considerable following, thanks to countless screenings on HBO during the Reagan administration. Like all the best cult movies, it's awful, but compelling nonetheless. This is a film in which all the nerds look alike, the jocks have names such as Armpit, and you get to see fat twins shake their abundant disco booties. The plot revolves around an all-night scavenger hunt, with five teams of competing students racing around Los Angeles solving clues and getting into all sorts of amusing scrapes, including a visit to the Pabst brewery that will have you humming ancient advertising songs for days. David Naughton, who went on to star in An American Werewolf in London, is our hero, but the real fun comes from Stephen Furst as the mean and chubby rich kid and the legendary über-nerd Eddie Deezen as Wesley. Michael J. Fox makes his film debut as Naughton's troubled but feisty kid brother, and the eagle-eyed viewer may even spot Paul Reubens in a tiny role. Being a Disney film that was released before Porky's made shower scenes an integral part of campus comedies, this is a curiously innocent movie--just watch how long it takes the teams to decipher the clue, "Look between the two giant melons." Nevertheless, Midnight Madness is 112 minutes of undemanding, cheesy fun for anyone who remembers the last days of disco. It makes Animal House look like Chekhov, but watch it with a group of friends, and perhaps a little Pabst Blue Ribbon, and you'll have a hoot. --Simon Leake
Average review score:

FINALLY FOUND IT!
I am so psyched! After years, decades, even, I've found the title of the movie I only remember small snipets from. I saw it when I was 10 and have never forgot how cool it was to see a bunch of kids running around at night looking for clues. I'm sure its a cheeseball of a movie, but to a 10 year old it was the coolest thing and I CAN'T WAIT TO SEE IT AGAIN!

Family Fun !!!!
I really enjoyed this movie this is a fun movie this movie so fun that this movie makes you feel like you are right along with the actors and would like to be with them!!!! This movie is about different groups in colors : green, red, blue, white, and yellow . It is a group that includes a pair of twins they are so funny !!!!! It is a must have for any Michael J. Fox fan he is in this movie he is a whiz at playing video games and he helps his brother's team and he joins the team this is basically a movie about different teams going on a scavenger hunt it is so good funny and interesting I would really reccommend anyone who likes movies of the 1980's to purchase this video!!!!

I love this movie!
I really love this movie.It's alot of fun! get this if you can you won't be sorry! watch it with a group of your friends so that you guys can pick your favorite team to win!

Awakenings
Released in DVD by Columbia/Tristar Studios (28 August, 2001)
MPAA Rating: PG-13 (Parental Guidance Suggested)
Director: Penny Marshall
Starring: Robert De Niro and Robin Williams
Based on the acclaimed book by neurologist Oliver Sacks, director Penny Marshall's hit 1990 drama stars Robin Williams as Dr. Malcolm Sayer. Sayer is a neurologist who discovers that the drug L-Dopa can be used to "unlock" patients in a mental hospital from the mysterious sleeping sickness that has left them utterly immobilized. Leonard (Robert De Niro) is one such patient who awakens after being in a comatose state for 30 years, leaving Sayer to guide Leonard in adjusting to the world around him. Penelope Ann Miller costars as the daughter of another patient, with whom Leonard falls tenuously in love. Earning Oscar nominations for best picture, actor, and screenplay, this moving fact-based drama was a hit with critics and audiences alike. --Jeff Shannon
Average review score:

TOUCHING DRAMA WITH SUPERB PERFORMANCES.
"Awakenings" is one of those movies that will touch most of the people due to the situations that the film shows. The movie is based on a book written by real-life neurologist Oliver Sacks, represented in the movie as Dr. Malcolm Sayer, played by Robin Williams. This is the story of a group of catatonic people living in the '60s, and the struggle of Dr. Sayer to save these people.

It's really a shame that diseases like this can destroy the ability to fulfill the hopes and desires of the human beings, and "Awakenings" superbly captures on-screen the pain and suffer of the relatives of the affected people that can't fully enjoy their physical abilities.

"Awakenings" displays excellent performances from Robin Williams, in one of his finest performances, and the magnificent Robert De Niro as well. However, the movie wouldn't had the same impact if the supporting cast wouldn't delivered such fine performances as they did on "Awakenings", everybody on this movie contributed to print a remarkable realism to the movie.

"Awakenings" is a film that will provoke several feelings, will provide clean entertainment and will make people reflect about the value of life, because the human life could be limited or finished at any time.

Outstanding Movie
This was one of the most outstanding movies I have ever seen. I have just resently seen this movie for the first time and I could watch it over and over again. I was touched by this movie,and was inspired in so many ways! I give it 5 stars and would recommend it to anyone.

Facing the Incurable Disease
I was in high school when i first saw this film while unwinding myself one evening from a school work. It was in a free tv channel in our local area that when i first saw this moving flick. Then years have passed, I bought this film straight from the video shop near in our place...from then, it became one of my favorite films for all-time.

'Awakenings' is a story of hope, survival, and triumph of human spirit amidst of uncertainties in the fields of science and health. Two of the most notable and brilliant actors in their own right (and at the same time, included in my lists of favorite actors)...Robin Williams and Robert de Niro surfaces their award-winning performances in this film. Dr. Sayer magnificently played by Robin Williams which I truly commend him for being a versatile actor...not just a comedian but an actor whose different portrayals in his different movies gave an astounding performances with better execution. We saw Robin Williams played also as a doctor in 'Patch Adams' which is more humorous and spirited act but not in 'Awakenings' which branded more on a serious tone and in a sense 'geek' doctor. Nevertheless, he fairly overcome his pathetic character to become extreme but turning to a mild one.

In Robert De niro's character as Leonard Lowe, who was contracted with a forgotten illness of 1920's did a great performance. It is likely believable for De Niro's part to be in this character as a patient of this illness. I was moved by his credible act for this movie.

Penny Marshall should also be credited for a wonderful and moving performances of her actors and of course her unique directing gave way the very heart of this film.

The film was dealing with an incurable disease of the 1920s which existed until the 1960's with no medicines that are able to cure them but Dr.Sayer tried to dare himself by experimenting with drugs that can cure basically Parkinson's disease and which is so uncertain also if it cures the disease that Leonard and others has. But lo, everybody 'awakened' from their long sleep. Leonard and the others experienced a short 'awakenings' in their life that particular summer but not for long...the disease came back and no matter how the drugs (that cured them before) prevent this, it is useless. Although the film deals with this disease there is something more incurable disease that revolves around the story or much more, it is the worse disease that humanity have ever contracted...the disease of indifference...

Sayer was right in saying 'We are faced with incurable disease...that is indifference'...The film doesn't focus only on that particular disease but the the disease of indifference also. What makes life more simpler and happier that one cannot find in the facts of science and medicine? That is love and compassion...that makes life so simpler and yet so fulfilling. The joys of life that one can attain and live fully is given by the people we loved dearly and loved us and through this love one can cure the disease of indifference. 'Awakenings' speaks about this...

I definitely recommend this to everyone...of all ages. So that you can find cure by giving your total and unconditioned love for your family and friends as well as others...

City of God
Released in Theatrical Release by ()
MPAA Rating: R (Restricted)
Directors: Fernando Meirelles and Kátia Lund
Starring: Alexandre Rodrigues, Leandro Firmino, and Matheus Nachtergaele
Like cinematic dynamite, City of God lights a fuse under its squalid Brazilian ghetto, and we're a captive audience to its violent explosion. The titular favela is home to a seething army of impoverished children who grow, over the film's ambitious 20-year timeframe, into cutthroat killers, drug lords, and feral survivors. In the vortex of this maelstrom is L'il Z (Leandro Firmino da Hora--like most of the cast, a nonprofessional actor), self-appointed king of the dealers, determined to eliminate all competition at the expense of his corrupted soul. With enough visual vitality and provocative substance to spark heated debate (and box-office gold) in Brazil, codirectors Fernando Meirelles and Kátia Lund tackle their subject head on, creating a portrait of youthful anarchy so appalling--and so authentically immediate--that City of God prompted reforms in socioeconomic policy. It's a bracing feat of stylistic audacity, borrowing from a dozen other films to form its own unique identity. You'll flinch, but you can't look away. --Jeff Shannon
Average review score:

CITY OF TRUTH
This film is the truth!! The experience of growing up in a violent ghetto has never been closer to the truth than this. I grew up in the heart of the crack epidemic in Washington Heights, NYC, the birthplace of crack cocaine, so take my word for it. Everything from it's beautiful cinematography to it's skillful quick tempo storytelling, taking you from one character to the next without missing a beat is perfect!! This film is on my Top 5 favorite list and should be on yours, so enjoy!!!!!!!

storytelling and violence at its best
forget about boyz n da hood or menace to society, gangs of new york was a joke. This is the real deal, and best of all its all based on a true story. Rocket is a boy who grows up in the slums of Rio De Janeiro a small city called " City of God" and sees the harsh brutal reality that is life in the hood. Youngs kids and teenagers run the city with guns and drug deals is an everyday occurrence. The actors are perfect, story is flawless full of surprises and twists, both shocking and humorous.

This is truly a great movie and should not be missed!!!!!!!!!

City of God, The Joe Martin review
City of God is the film equivalent of being hit in the head with a sledghammer. From its opening sequence involving a fast paced chase scene between a chicken and and dozens of gun toting teenagers and children to its blood soaked ending this movie grabs you immediately and doesnt release its hold for even one moment.
You become immersed in the characters and the irony of the film in my opinion is that even the worste characters inspire pity rather than anger or dislike as is exemplified by the scene where Ze Pequeno kneels over the body of his murdered friend, crying and inefectually shoots his pistol into the air. It is his conditioned response to everything. But we, as he, realize you cant shoot someone back to life.
Products of their environment and desensitized to violence to such a level, that when one of the main characters brother's dies we see that he is less concerned with the death of his brother and more interested in the camera somone is using to take pictures of the dead body. These children have seen it all by a very young age.
The violence in this movie is chilling. Although disgusting we realize it is central to the theme and necessary to the plot.

See this movie. It is quite simply unbelievable.

City of God
Released in DVD by Buena Vista Home Vid (02 December, 2003)
MPAA Rating: R (Restricted)
Directors: Fernando Meirelles and Kátia Lund
Starring: Alexandre Rodrigues, Leandro Firmino, and Matheus Nachtergaele
Like cinematic dynamite, City of God lights a fuse under its squalid Brazilian ghetto, and we're a captive audience to its violent explosion. The titular favela is home to a seething army of impoverished children who grow, over the film's ambitious 20-year timeframe, into cutthroat killers, drug lords, and feral survivors. In the vortex of this maelstrom is L'il Z (Leandro Firmino da Hora--like most of the cast, a nonprofessional actor), self-appointed king of the dealers, determined to eliminate all competition at the expense of his corrupted soul. With enough visual vitality and provocative substance to spark heated debate (and box-office gold) in Brazil, codirectors Fernando Meirelles and Kátia Lund tackle their subject head on, creating a portrait of youthful anarchy so appalling--and so authentically immediate--that City of God prompted reforms in socioeconomic policy. It's a bracing feat of stylistic audacity, borrowing from a dozen other films to form its own unique identity. You'll flinch, but you can't look away. --Jeff Shannon
Average review score:

CITY OF TRUTH
This film is the truth!! The experience of growing up in a violent ghetto has never been closer to the truth than this. I grew up in the heart of the crack epidemic in Washington Heights, NYC, the birthplace of crack cocaine, so take my word for it. Everything from it's beautiful cinematography to it's skillful quick tempo storytelling, taking you from one character to the next without missing a beat is perfect!! This film is on my Top 5 favorite list and should be on yours, so enjoy!!!!!!!

storytelling and violence at its best
forget about boyz n da hood or menace to society, gangs of new york was a joke. This is the real deal, and best of all its all based on a true story. Rocket is a boy who grows up in the slums of Rio De Janeiro a small city called " City of God" and sees the harsh brutal reality that is life in the hood. Youngs kids and teenagers run the city with guns and drug deals is an everyday occurrence. The actors are perfect, story is flawless full of surprises and twists, both shocking and humorous.

This is truly a great movie and should not be missed!!!!!!!!!

City of God, The Joe Martin review
City of God is the film equivalent of being hit in the head with a sledghammer. From its opening sequence involving a fast paced chase scene between a chicken and and dozens of gun toting teenagers and children to its blood soaked ending this movie grabs you immediately and doesnt release its hold for even one moment.
You become immersed in the characters and the irony of the film in my opinion is that even the worste characters inspire pity rather than anger or dislike as is exemplified by the scene where Ze Pequeno kneels over the body of his murdered friend, crying and inefectually shoots his pistol into the air. It is his conditioned response to everything. But we, as he, realize you cant shoot someone back to life.
Products of their environment and desensitized to violence to such a level, that when one of the main characters brother's dies we see that he is less concerned with the death of his brother and more interested in the camera somone is using to take pictures of the dead body. These children have seen it all by a very young age.
The violence in this movie is chilling. Although disgusting we realize it is central to the theme and necessary to the plot.

See this movie. It is quite simply unbelievable.

Related Subjects: Language_and_Linguistics Abenaki-Penobscot_Language Algonkin Arapaho Beothuk Blackfoot Cheyenne Cree Gros_Ventre Kickapoo Lenape Lumbee Maliseet-Passamaquoddy Menominee Miami-Illinois Michif Mohican Montagnais_and_Naskapi_Innu Munsee Míkmaw Potawatomi Powhatan Shawnee Wiyot Yurok
More Pages: Algic Page 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25