dolce's Official Reviews: (All Reviews Have Been Deleted)
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dolcevita
Extraordinary
Joined: Tue Oct 12, 2004 11:24 pm
Posts: 16061
Location: The Damage Control Table
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 Breakfast on Pluto
http://www.worldofkj.com/reviews/Galia/ ... tPluto.php
Quote: Jordan struggles slightly with delivering the episodes of Patrick’s story. Headings are etched out in the handwriting of the young protagonist. <i>Breakfast on Pluto</i> flips through chapter after chapter of Patrick’s life book. The pretext leads to a choppy film to say the least. Sometimes the equal gravity assigned life, death, and dressing up like a giant chicken works; other times it does not. Jordan’s backgrounds are always teeming with noise and overheard conversations that help to build the chaotic environment Patrick risks getting lost in. But the whimsical “chatting†birds just seem a little misplaced even for the bright blue-eyed boy’s dreamland.
The gusto Jordan exhibited in placing the upbeat birds, handwriting, and soundtrack into the dark setting of poverty and violence must be applauded. He at least tries to deliver a new “1st person†narrative, even during the film’s shakier and more redundant moments.
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| Thu Nov 24, 2005 3:18 am |
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zennier
htm
Joined: Sun Oct 23, 2005 2:38 pm
Posts: 10316
Location: berkeley
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Cillian dresses up remarkably well.  Admit it, you were wondering if he could pull it off.
Superb review, and even if this movie is HALF as great as other Jordan pictures, I'll be content.
Wow, going back over what you wrote, this movie sounds right up my alley. Hehe.
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| Fri Nov 25, 2005 9:08 am |
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Dr. Lecter
You must have big rats
Joined: Sat Oct 16, 2004 4:28 pm
Posts: 92093
Location: Bonn, Germany
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lennier wrote: Cillian dresses up remarkably well. Admit it, you were wondering if he could pull it off. Superb review, and even if this movie is HALF as great as other Jordan pictures, I'll be content. Wow, going back over what you wrote, this movie sounds right up my alley. Hehe. The back alley?
Sorry, I just couldn't resist.
And the movie looks pretty interesting and judging by your review, Dolce, it seems like a good one too. _________________The greatest thing on earth is to love and to be loved in return!
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| Fri Nov 25, 2005 10:22 am |
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zennier
htm
Joined: Sun Oct 23, 2005 2:38 pm
Posts: 10316
Location: berkeley
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Dr. Lecter wrote: lennier wrote: Cillian dresses up remarkably well. Admit it, you were wondering if he could pull it off. Superb review, and even if this movie is HALF as great as other Jordan pictures, I'll be content. Wow, going back over what you wrote, this movie sounds right up my alley. Hehe. The back alley? Sorry, I just couldn't resist. And the movie looks pretty interesting and judging by your review, Dolce, it seems like a good one too. If I didn't adore you...
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| Fri Nov 25, 2005 1:48 pm |
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dolcevita
Extraordinary
Joined: Tue Oct 12, 2004 11:24 pm
Posts: 16061
Location: The Damage Control Table
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RENT
http://www.worldofkj.com/reviews/Galia/Rent.php
Quote: There’s just something about Chris Columbus that is so “safe†it makes the screeching heroes of his latest work, the Broadway hit-cum-Hollywood movie RENT, seem slightly bland. RENT is not offensive, but similar to many of Columbus’s previous works, all the raw energy that RENT aspired to, and inspired in others, gets a monotone bleach treatment akin to the dirty streets of the East Village once bills got too high and even the struggling artists had to get day jobs.
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| Tue Nov 29, 2005 1:58 am |
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Ripper
2.71828183
Joined: Mon Oct 11, 2004 9:16 pm
Posts: 7827
Location: please delete me
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Taye Diggs was an orginal cast member, that's how he met his wife, Idina Menzel.
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| Tue Nov 29, 2005 1:28 pm |
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dolcevita
Extraordinary
Joined: Tue Oct 12, 2004 11:24 pm
Posts: 16061
Location: The Damage Control Table
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Thanks for catching that Ripper.
 Perfectly illuminates how many Broadway shows I've seen in my life (zero).
Anyways, working on fixing it, screwed up once, but third upload is a charm, right? RIGHT?
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| Wed Nov 30, 2005 1:12 am |
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dolcevita
Extraordinary
Joined: Tue Oct 12, 2004 11:24 pm
Posts: 16061
Location: The Damage Control Table
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Syriana
http://www.worldofkj.com/reviews/Galia/Syriana.php
Quote: Choppy yet rhythmic, <i>Syriana</i> is uneven, sprinkled with convenient moments that fall flat, but it also harbors plenty of suspenseful moments that truly engage. The jumping between storylines all leading up to one crucial moment is an effective suggestion of behind-the-scenes daily dabbling and their bigger consequences. Had the technical strengths not cloaked the fairly mundane storyline, <i>Syriana</i> could have been an incredibly strong film. As it stands, Gaghan has little more to announce in <i>Syriana</i> than the destined victory of Machiavellian visions.
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| Sun Dec 11, 2005 2:39 pm |
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dolcevita
Extraordinary
Joined: Tue Oct 12, 2004 11:24 pm
Posts: 16061
Location: The Damage Control Table
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Memoirs of a Geisha
http://www.worldofkj.com/reviews/Galia/ ... Geisha.php
Quote: The sum effect of <i>Memoirs if a Geisha</i> is high gloss, flat characters and a remarkably dry narrative. Lavish production, color, and an ambitious cast cannot overcome the otherwise all too typical obstacle-ridden love story. Special recognition must be given to Gong and Kudoh, who play less flattering yet far more engaging figures. The former has tell-all facial expressions that transcend the simplicity her role is assigned, and the latter perfectly captures the post-war assimilation of American slang and habits in occupied Japan. Ohgo delivers a strong performance for a newcomer, and even Yeow, Zhang, and Wantanabe carry off their bland characters with a delivery that keeps one far more engaged than one should otherwise be.
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| Sat Dec 17, 2005 7:48 pm |
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dolcevita
Extraordinary
Joined: Tue Oct 12, 2004 11:24 pm
Posts: 16061
Location: The Damage Control Table
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Mrs. Henderson Presents
http://www.worldofkj.com/reviews/Galia/MrsHenderson.php
Quote: The story of an elderly widow who finds herself bored, lonely, and ambitious, Mrs. Henderson (Judi Dench) is a tart woman with acerbic insight, a talent for persuasion, and she has the deep lined pocket to support her endeavors. She’s not quite sure what those endeavors are, but she decides on impulse to purchase an old theatre with not a clue as what to do with the building upon its completed restoration. Widows can buy things they weren’t allowed to when married, Mrs. Henderson’s good friend reveals excitedly. But, when mentioning this, she had intended the purchase of jewelry, not a stage.
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| Sun Dec 18, 2005 12:44 pm |
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dolcevita
Extraordinary
Joined: Tue Oct 12, 2004 11:24 pm
Posts: 16061
Location: The Damage Control Table
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Brokeback Mountain
http://www.worldofkj.com/reviews/Galia/ ... untain.php
Quote: For this reason, it is hard to truly like either of the film’s protagonists. Lee denies us instant affinity with anyone, and one cannot help but think the entire situation is beyond any one person’s ability to pull in the reigns and settle the unease. Instead, Lee removes the viewer from the individuals and sets them into the rural expanse that controls the story and lives of all who occupy it. The sky, the clouds, the mountains and frame after frame filled with sheep flowing like water, collapse in on the struggling couples as the once hopeful West becomes the signifier of imminent hopelessness.
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| Mon Dec 19, 2005 1:50 am |
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Dr. Lecter
You must have big rats
Joined: Sat Oct 16, 2004 4:28 pm
Posts: 92093
Location: Bonn, Germany
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Another proof that I won't like it, heh.
_________________The greatest thing on earth is to love and to be loved in return!
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| Mon Dec 19, 2005 1:51 am |
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xiayun
Extraordinary
Joined: Tue Oct 12, 2004 3:41 pm
Posts: 25109
Location: San Mateo, CA
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Come on Arthur, your bias is way too deep. 
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| Mon Dec 19, 2005 1:57 am |
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Mr. Reynolds
Confessing on a Dance Floor
Joined: Tue Nov 23, 2004 12:46 am
Posts: 5578
Location: Celebratin' in Chitown
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Great review dolce. It brings an interesting take on why the story focuses on things like the landscape and nature.
I do disagree with the comment about his relationship with his daughter though. It's clear that he adores them throughout the movie regardless of his absence, both emotional and physical when away with Jack on "fishing trips."
The last scene was powerful because here is his daughter trying to reach her distant father in a final attempt to bring him out of the loneliness and despair that he fell into by inviting him to be part of her future life.
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| Mon Dec 19, 2005 2:02 am |
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Dr. Lecter
You must have big rats
Joined: Sat Oct 16, 2004 4:28 pm
Posts: 92093
Location: Bonn, Germany
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xiayun wrote: Come on Arthur, your bias is way too deep. Oh no, I think Dolce knows what I am refering to in this case. It's just the statistics that Dolce and I rarely ever share opinions when it comes to movies, especially to dramas. She doesn't like The Pianist at all, I love it. She liked Broken Flowers and Bad Education, I hated both.
An A- for BM suggests that I will dislike it quite a bit. I will still see it in theatres, so probably having my expectations at zilch can oly help. _________________The greatest thing on earth is to love and to be loved in return!
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| Mon Dec 19, 2005 2:04 am |
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dolcevita
Extraordinary
Joined: Tue Oct 12, 2004 11:24 pm
Posts: 16061
Location: The Damage Control Table
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Rumor Has It
http://www.worldofkj.com/reviews/Galia/RumorHasIt.php
Quote: <i>Rumor Has It</i> tries little to distinguish itself from the romantic comedy genre in substance or narrative style, and tries to overcome the lack of distinction through Sarah’s travel route. Like trying to cover up the same overly saccharine golden wedding cake with new and different frosting, only the frosting ends up tasting a bit from the super market. <i>Rumor Has It</i> is not unpalatable, its simply far from the freshness its initial whisper promised.
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| Thu Dec 22, 2005 1:50 am |
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dolcevita
Extraordinary
Joined: Tue Oct 12, 2004 11:24 pm
Posts: 16061
Location: The Damage Control Table
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Transamerica
http://www.worldofkj.com/reviews/Galia/Transamerica.php
Quote: There are some catch 22s to the experience. Bree’s parents are at odd with her, Toby thinks she is a church lady, and Bree has no idea how to navigate her desire to be free of the mess while at the same time slowly developing maternal affection for her son. She rides it out, both literally and figuratively as she makes her way to Texas along black asphalt and massive cornfields. Her past and future are about to collide, and Bree’s emotional development grows with each mile.
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| Fri Dec 23, 2005 9:39 am |
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Mister Ecks
New Server, Same X
Joined: Wed Oct 13, 2004 7:07 pm
Posts: 28301
Location: ... siiiigh...
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Dolce saw "Transamerica" too! And she liked it, as well!
_________________
Ecks Factor: Cancelled too soon
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| Fri Dec 23, 2005 9:47 am |
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zennier
htm
Joined: Sun Oct 23, 2005 2:38 pm
Posts: 10316
Location: berkeley
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Huffman's performance must have been very strong to warrant a B+ for what seems like an otherwise average production. Glad you enjoyed it... I'm really anticipating it.
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| Fri Dec 23, 2005 12:29 pm |
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Mister Ecks
New Server, Same X
Joined: Wed Oct 13, 2004 7:07 pm
Posts: 28301
Location: ... siiiigh...
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lennier wrote: Huffman's performance must have been very strong to warrant a B+ for what seems like an otherwise average production. Glad you enjoyed it... I'm really anticipating it. Huffman certainly makes the film. She just won the Satellite award for her performance. I'm guessing she's a lock for an Oscar nod, as the sole nomination for the film. Kind of like Annette Benning last year for the movie she was in that she got nominated for.
_________________
Ecks Factor: Cancelled too soon
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| Fri Dec 23, 2005 8:59 pm |
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dolcevita
Extraordinary
Joined: Tue Oct 12, 2004 11:24 pm
Posts: 16061
Location: The Damage Control Table
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Munich
http://www.worldofkj.com/reviews/Galia/Munich.php
Quote: Spielberg uses their straying mission to nurture the kind of psychological intensity rarely seen in films this year, and the drawn-out count-down of target and assassin names slowly eliminated via bullets and bombs has a raw visceral grit that speeds the beat of a viewer's heart. Spielberg and screenplay writer Tony Kushner aims to illuminate how detached from stable politics a lack of due process is, especially to countries with foundational value in civil liberty. The cycle of habits, philosophy of violence, and motives of homeland defense pass from tongues in many languages, and the line between homeland defense and demand grows thinner with each passing moment.
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| Tue Dec 27, 2005 11:32 pm |
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dolcevita
Extraordinary
Joined: Tue Oct 12, 2004 11:24 pm
Posts: 16061
Location: The Damage Control Table
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The New World
http://www.worldofkj.com/reviews/Galia/NewWorld.php
Quote: Terrence Malick’s meandering vision of religion and conquest, <i>The New World</i> marks an invigorating shift away from explicit storytelling and mundane research displaying surrounding the Powhatan/British early contact. <i>The New World</i> comes equipped with many of the previously existing stereotypes around earthly, naïve Natives and greedy, undisciplined Europeans, and the tale of Pocahontas’s transatlantic diplomacy continues to be coached in terms of simply love. Malick, however, relies on the previously existing Jamestown story in order to deviate from it and explore individual perception and societal projection onto the American landscape. <i>The New World</i> is not without many problematic moments, but it is also one of the most refreshing and groundbreaking cinematic experiences of the year.
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| Sat Dec 31, 2005 4:36 pm |
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dolcevita
Extraordinary
Joined: Tue Oct 12, 2004 11:24 pm
Posts: 16061
Location: The Damage Control Table
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Match Point
http://www.worldofkj.com/reviews/Galia/Matchpoint.php
Quote: That ribbon is attractive, however, and Allen lays down his tracks so subtly in <i>Match Point</i> that Chris’s (un)expected turns manipulate audience expectations. Allen is intelligent for invoking expectations of tennis match fortune through the constant homage to the back-and-forth flight of a ball over a net. That we gasp not once but twice at “twists†invoked by the ball is a testament to Allen’s finesse. Still, <i>Match Point</i> is as engaging as watching uninspired top players work through a high profile game. It still exhibits strength, skill, technique, and drama, but the film will not remain the talk of the town for weeks afterwards.
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| Sat Jan 07, 2006 6:13 pm |
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Goldie
Forum General
Joined: Wed Oct 20, 2004 12:38 pm
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dolcevita wrote: Match Pointhttp://www.worldofkj.com/reviews/Galia/Matchpoint.phpQuote: That ribbon is attractive, however, and Allen lays down his tracks so subtly in <i>Match Point</i> that Chris’s (un)expected turns manipulate audience expectations. Allen is intelligent for invoking expectations of tennis match fortune through the constant homage to the back-and-forth flight of a ball over a net. That we gasp not once but twice at “twists†invoked by the ball is a testament to Allen’s finesse. Still, <i>Match Point</i> is as engaging as watching uninspired top players work through a high profile game. It still exhibits strength, skill, technique, and drama, but the film will not remain the talk of the town for weeks afterwards. I agree and as I mentioned somewhere else I think Allen did a copy job, especially writing, after a weekend of watching / studying David Mamet's works.
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| Sat Jan 07, 2006 9:20 pm |
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Dr. Lecter
You must have big rats
Joined: Sat Oct 16, 2004 4:28 pm
Posts: 92093
Location: Bonn, Germany
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I pretty much agree with your review, Dolce.
_________________The greatest thing on earth is to love and to be loved in return!
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| Sat Jan 07, 2006 10:34 pm |
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