video review : Pretty Woman

video review : Pretty Woman

I’d prefer a petite woman. Julia Roberts is too tall, especially in high heel shoes, but I guess her face is Pretty enough for the role. Besides, her character (Vivian) isn’t a beauty model. She’s a hooker and her place of business is California’s Hollywood Boulevard, where she walks up to the Lotus Esprit of a rich businessman named Edward.

A hotel proposition takes the unlikely pair from strangers to friends; sex partners to romantic lovers; in a matter of days. Careful editing keeps the plot going at a believable pace given the circumstances of their relationship, which, with the help of a beautiful piano theme and charming dialogue, stumbles upon genuine allure.

my rating : 4 of 5

1990

video review : Basket Case

video review : Basket Case

This horror flick, some scenes of which might even be nightmare-inducing, would be good if the characterization wasn’t so bad. That comes in the form of misplaced comedy, underacting; the protagonist is as wooden as that Basket he carries around; and overacting. People scream a lot in this movie.

The plot has Duane, a newcomer to New York City, helping his formerly conjoined twin brother; a little freakishly deformed “monster”; get revenge on (kill) the people responsible for separating them. It’s a quirky and campy concept that, while engrossing, would be better if it took itself a bit more seriously.

my rating : 3 of 5

1982

audio review : Basket Case [ Original Motion Picture Soundtrack ]
video review : Basket Case 2

video review : Aerial America : Florida

video review : Aerial America : Florida

This Smithsonian Channel documentary, an episode of Aerial America, is all about Florida; my favorite state. It overlooks some notable cities in favor of hot spots like Miami, but it’s an interesting watch all the while.

It’s also somewhat educational as narrator Jim Conrad gives a history lesson on everything from important events like the 1565 settlement of Saint Augustine to trivial newsbits like the killing of Gianni Versace.

my rating : 4 of 5

2012