Reviews Written by jockeyboy
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Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone (2001)
by Chris Columbus | VideoPrice: $21.95 to $39.99 Compare PricesDecember 11, 2002
For the kid in you
Imagination is a great thing, especially for a kid. The Potter series is so popular for that basic fact. J.K. Rowling's series begins with the Sorceror's Stone, a very well done project by director Chris Columbus. The lead trio of young actors do a marvelous job and are backed up by some stellar giants of the biz, plus some great sets and action. I especially liked the olde English village where Potter goes to shop for his magig wand and other items. The Hogwarts Castle also is a neat place. Just imagine having an owl deliver your mail at the mess hall! For the kid in you this Xmas!!! ... -
December 8, 2002
Hoffman is mesmerizing
Dustin Hoffman gives perhaps his best classic performance as a savant. Any great acting performance is worth savoring and this one surely is. Hoffman really sinks his teeth into the role and the effort of Tom Cruise in a supporting role is worthy of high marks, too. Keeping the movie moving along is a snappy score, especially in the train ride out west to Las Vegas. ... -
December 8, 2002
Julie will have you singing in the showe
If musicals are your thing, then this one is required viewing. Julie Andrews is at her very best as the befuddled runaway nun turned governess who falls in love with her employer, played by the dashing Christopher Plummer. The score and the scenery and the wonderful children all mesh. The backdrop of the Alpine is enchanting as well, making it something of a travelog, too. This one is a timeless classic. ... -
The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (2001)
VideoPrice: $56.00 to $56.00 Compare PricesDecember 8, 2002
Where in the world is Middle Earth?
After I sat through this one, I tried and gave up reading the book - I guess it's an acquired taste but I didn't have it. The movie itself is quite an adventure, of course, and directed with extraordinary brilliance. Perhaps if the subject matter was of more personal interest to yours truly, I would've given it 5 stars, but nevertheless I do recommend it highly for its ability to take us on escapism on a scale that may have no equal. Stay tuned for the next installment at a theatre near you. ... -
December 8, 2002
Could've Been Great
0 of 1 Yahoo! Users found this review helpful A Robert Reford product and done with his usual care but something comes up missing in the end this time. Maybe Redford has been too long away from playing golf - I don't know, but, as a serious golfer, I found it hard to accept Matt Damon's swing, Will Smith as a caddie, and a few other nitpicky things. Different casting may have helped here. Even though I'm a Damon fan, I would have found someone else for this one and Morgan Freeman as the caddy would've been better. The actor playing Bobby Jones was more convincing than Damon in a supporting role and the late Jack Lemmon did his usual fine job jumpstarting the movie. This one is a little off the fairway. ... -
December 8, 2002
One of the best school genre movies
1 of 1 Yahoo! Users found this review helpful Who wouldn't want a teacher like Robin Williams? Entertaining as usual, Williams teaches at an all-boys school, dealing with the problems of youth that run the gamut from lack of confidence to things of a more serious nature. We learn that life is a struggle for some, as one of the lads takes his own life while another one, portrayed by Ethan Hawke in his breakout role, begins to flourish. The message we eventually learn....I won't say - see this one for yourself and enjoy. ... -
December 8, 2002
Required renting every December!
1 of 1 Yahoo! Users found this review helpful If you are down in the dumps with the winter and holiday doldrums, pop this classic in the old vcr for a jumpstart to renew your faith. The talented Jimmy Stewart takes us on a roller coaster ride and back again, in a Wizard of Oz sort of way - the dream, the return to reality, the realization of what is really important - the love of family and friends over material things. Using Christmas as a backdrop makes it special at this time of the year, too. ... -
December 8, 2002
A BEAUTIFUL MIND
2 of 2 Yahoo! Users found this review helpful The Academy's top pick for the year 2001, A Beautiful Mind was quite simply a beautiful picture, one in a long line of top-notch efforts by director Ron Howard of Happy Days fame. With the crack Aussie Russell Crowe playing John Forbes Nash, a genius with a drawl, not to mention assorted other problems, mostly of the mental variety, the movie follows the character from college to old age. The brilliant direction of Howard keeps us glued to the story. ...
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Clooney is brilliant
The Coen bros. have done it again, this time with a Bluegrass backdrop. Haven't you ever wanted to see life from a hillbilly perspective? Well, now you can, and the incomparable George Clooney can be your guide. Some clever dialog and an absolutely knockout soundtrack has made mainstream music fans converts of our native bluegrass sounds. Strum that banjo! ...