Absolute Power

 

Absolute Power-1997, starring Clint Eastwood, Ed Harris, Gene Hackman, Laura Linney, and Dennis Haysbert.

He says- Aging thief pulls off one valedictory jewel heist, but along the way accidentally witnesses a sexual assault and murder involving none other than the President of the United States.  Barely credible (and fatally diluted) adaptation of David Baldacci's best-seller by William Goldman.  Eastwood and Harris play a fun game of cat and mouse, but Hackman is over the top and the whole thing runs aground in the second half.  2 stars.

I say- Man, this took a lot longer than usual for Netflix to send this to me.  And then I realized I actually watched this movie about a year ago.  I really did not like this one,  Clint Eastwood is one of the best directors around, and he normally does better than this.  He looks bored and all of the supporting actors are amazing, but in roles other than this movie.  Everyone seems clownish and I really think this was a paycheck movie for everyone involved.  One half of a star.

Disney's A Christmas Carol

Once again, another one not in order!

 

Disney's A Christmas Carol-2009, starring Jim Carrey, Carey Elwes, and Colin Firth

Maltin says- Retelling of the Charles Dickens classic through performance-capture technology enable Carrey to play Ebenezer Scrooge and all three ghosts who visit him one fateful Christmas eve; other actors play multiple parts as well.  Other than that, this hybrid of animation and live action serves no apparent purpose except to go flying over and around the streets of Victorian London.  The story is still effective but it's been told much better before.  2 and a half stars.

I say-  I thought Jim did a great job playing all of the characters, however, I found the whole movie pointless.  There have been a million versions of this, from the Muppet version, the Scrooge McDuck version, the Bill Murray version, and the Patrick Stewart version.  We have a million copies of it, and I found the animation, while interesting, to be completely useless.  It looks creepy and I would have rather seen it in live action with the actors in different kinds of makeup.  1 and a half stars.

Antichrist

Here's another out of order one:

 

Antichrist-2009 Danish-German-French-Swedish-Italian-Polish, starring Willem Dafoe

He says-  In grief because their infant son fell to his death while they were making love, a couple retreats to a remote cabin in a forest in order to work through their feelings.  Intense, gorgeously designed drama becomes increasingly gruesome, with some scenes so brutally graphic they're almost impossible to watch.  This isn't saw-type torture porn, it's grimly serious, but also very difficult to decipher, with touches of fantasy thrown in.  To say it's not for all tastes is an understatement, but those interested in writer-director von Trier may well find something to their liking.  2 stars.

I say-  One of the worst movies I've seen.  Overly artsy, with extremely thick accents make this movie one to miss.  Relatively predictable with good gore, but a lot to take in.  BOMB

James and the Giant Peach

So here's another out of order one.  I'll watch whatever comes up on Netflix while I'm waiting for whatever the next alphabetical one to show up.

James and the Giant Peach-1996, starring Paul Terry, Pete Postlethwaite, Richard Dreyfuss, and Susan Sarandon

Malty says-  Wondrous adaptation of Roald Dahl's fantasy about a beleagured boy, tended by two harridan aunts, who discovers a magic pathway inside a giant peach.  Together with a grasshopper, a spider, a centipede, a worm, a glowworm, and a ladybug, he sets sail for the city of his dreams--New York.  Starts with live action, then segues to stop motion animation to bring Dahl's typically bizarre but delightful story to life.  Gets better and better as it goes along, with impeccable voice characterizations and charming songs by Randy Newman.  A rare movie that creates a world all its own, and an even rarer children's film that has real wit and imagination.  3 and a half stars.

I say-  I actually really liked this movie.  Thought it was very creative and true to the book.  One thing I learned though was that the actor who plays James got bit by a spider in a scene, and after that refused to act.  What a wimp!  But it really did feel like a Tim Burton movie, mainly because he coproduced.  3 stars.

Absolute Beginners

Absolute Beginners-1986 British, starring David Bowie, Patsy Kensit, and Eddie O'Connell

Lenny says- Energetic, original musical set in London, 1958, when teenagers first came into their own.  Highly stylized film suffers from two dimensional characters and a misguided attempt to add substance by dealing with the rise of racism in England....but its virtues almost outweigh its shortcomings.  Pulsating score supervised by jazz great Gil Evans; musical highlights from Sade and jazz veteran Slim Gaillard.  And don't miss that incredible opening shot!  Adapted from Colin MacInnes' 1959 novel.  2 and a half stars.

I say- God, where do I begin with this one????  I really HATED this movie.  I love David Bowie, but he's done much better work, such as Labyrinth.  They broke the biggest rule with musicals in this movie, which is the songs need to be catchy.  I just finished it and can't remember a single song.  BOMB.

The Absent-Minded Professor

 

The Absent-Minded Professor-1961, starring Fred MacMurray

He says-  MacMurray discovers flubber (flying rubber) in this Disney audience-pleaser, but no one will believe him except Kennan Wynn, who tries to steal the substance.  Broad comedy and bright special effects make this a lot of fun.  3 stars.

I say-  Perhaps it's because the Robin Williams version was so bad, but I couldn't get into this.  I know Hollywood likes to remake everything, but sometimes the new version ruins the old one.  I thought the special effects were creative, the story was predictable, and the main character was unlikable.  I mean, seriously, who misses their wedding day for a third time?  1 and a half stars.

Absence of Malice

 

Absence of Malice-1981, starring Sally Field, Paul Newman, and Wilford Brimley

He says-  A reporter is duped by a scheming government investigator into printing a story that discredits innocent Newman; while she hides behind the privilege of the press, he determines to get even.  Absorbing drama by former reporter Kurt Luedtke with two charismatic star performances.  Filmed in Miami.  3 stars.

I say--God this was a snoozer.  I really found this to be a movie with no real action and it was just 2 hours of talking.  Paul Newman was good, but I felt like he deserved better material.  And Wilford Brimley didn't even mention diabetes once!  He comes in at the very end to explain everything, which makes his character rather useless.  1 star.