Shadows on the Wall: READER REVIEWS

Reader Reviews from 1999-2000

Reviews are listed alphabetically.
Additional reader reviews are included on the regular review pages.
See also the 1999 SHADOWS READER AWARDS

> >M O R E > >
Archive for 2000.

ALL MY LOVED ONES
dir Matej Minac; with Jiri Bartoska, Rupert Graves, Bohumil Klepl, Josef Abrham, Krzysztof Kolberger, Jiri Labus 99/Czech

"A wonderful, moving, lovely story of a Jewish family in Prague before the war broke out. How I wish I could write like that--such a beautiful story about little things, and such drama, and such wonderful actors, and music, and fabulous photography. Etc, etc. It will have a New York, L.A., Miami release, so if you hear about it playing, I do say Go See It!" --Bobbie L, St Louis.

THE BACHELOR
dir Gary Sinyor; with Chris O'Donnell, Brooke Shields, Renee Zellweger, James Cromwell 99/US

"* Starts off basically as an instructional video on how to get married and stumbles through 90 minutes of Chris O'Donnell chosing between love (Renee Zellwegger not at her best) and US $100m if he marries within 27 hours. A few laughs such as when O'Donnell is chased by thousands of aspiring brides (if in doubt do something to excess) but otherwise a very dull Runaway Bride clone. No doubt designed to assist Americans to fulfill their duty of creating nuclear families." --Gawain M, Filmnet, Melbourne.

MYSTERY ALASKA
dir Jay Roach; with Russell crowe, Burt Reynolds 00/US

"**1/2 Russell Crowe plays a cop and aging ice hockey player in an obscure Alaskan town which the New York Rangers will be visiting for a practice match. There are a few minor plot twists in this run-of-the-mill script, but overall most moviegoers will end up as bored as the inhabitants who have only sex and ice hockey to amuse themselves. Can the hacks beat the pros or will they be humiliated and does anyone care? It plays upon the usual American themes of everyone having a chance, you have to work hard and look after your mates and these messages are rammed at you like a puck. Let it thaw on video!" --Gawain Mclachlan, Filmnet, Melbourne.

VENUS BEAUTY
dir Tonie Marshall; with Nathalie Baye, Samuel Le Bihan, Jacques Bonnaffe, Mathilde Seigner, Audrey Tautou 99/France

"This is a French-language film that deals in the lives and loves of everyday people. All sounds a bit samey, but it is saved from dullness by its setting - and a strong cast. All the action takes place in the Venus Beauty Salon. Never before have I seen a film that has incorporated electrolysis and leg waxing. But despite such pain and suffering (!) it has some surreal touches of humour, and a realistic look at the human condition. Another surreal touch comes from the fact that the lead character looks like Jackie Corkhill from Brookside. (Just imagine - our Jackie, talking French....)" --Jo C, West Sussex.

> >M O R E > >