Movie Rental Recommendations -- E
EDtv
No, this isn't another "Truman Show." It's more of a "Real World" without the commercial interruptions. A simpleton's life is drastically changed when he's chosen to be on the first 16-hour-a-day live television show based on his life. It's all fun at first, but the show's popularity eventually begins to affect the lives of his friends and family in unforeseen ways. "EDtv" is full of big name stars and cameos, but at over two hours, it gets long and boring. It's entertaining enough for an evening rental, though.
IMDb | Other Reviews Erik Nelson
The Education of Little Tree
Here's a flick that is perfect to watch with children -- I'd say upper elementary school age children. It's the story of an orphaned Indian boy who goes to live with his white grandfather who has accepted the Cherokee life. It's about his experiences, it has no violence, and teaches patience and calm. I loved it. Perfect campy weekend afternoon flick here.
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Parker Hodges
8MM
In the video store this is cataloged as a drama/suspense movie. Drama, maybe yes. Suspense, not really. It has a predictable plot, which makes for a really bad movie under those categories. It also has some serious overacting problems. This movie, however, does a good job of reminding us of how sick our world is. The fact that an underground market for snuff films may actually exist is disturbing. It could also be a potential eye opener for any teen-ager that has dreams of becoming a movie star.
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Garmen Shiu
Election
Is it possible to make a successful film where every character is despicable? Apparently so, but I don't have to like it. There are a few funny moments, but mostly "Election" misses the mark. The film begins with a lecture on morals and ethics, then proceeds to feature statutory rape, adultery, lying and destruction of property. It's a how-to of what not to do in life. Reese Witherspoon is excellent in her role as the peppy, over-achiever, but this movie is a long way off from getting my vote.
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Erik Nelson
Enemy Of The State
Feeling a bit paranoid? Like Big Brother's watching your every move? You will after watching this Will Smith and Gene Hackman action flick. The movie is thoroughly fast-paced, keeping you on the edge of your seat from beginning to end. The plot centers around a lawyer, played by Smith, who unwittingly obtains evidence about a murder committed by a by top national security official. As he's tracked down, Smith's character slowly learns of the government's total ability to keep tabs on anyone, anywhere. It's an interesting story with fine performances, though it gets a bit far-fetched by the end. But if you buy into this sort of government-conspiracy popularized by "The X-Files," you'll probably enjoy it.
IMDb | Other Reviews Erik Nelson
The End of Violence
Don't bother.
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Parker Hodges
Eve's Bayou
I consider this an excellent movie for two main reasons. One, as you may have learned about my movie tastes already, this is simply a story. It would have been easy to begin moralizing in this tale of a family trying to stay together despite a philandering -- but loving -- father, but it doesn't. Which is great. Also nice is that it clearly shows that sometimes you never know what
really happened between two people alone. Second, it follows through on a great Hollywood trend of telling stories of black people in movies where the color of their skin never, ever, comes up. Very nice. While I would like to say this is a weekend night feature, it really would be better suited for a Saturday or Sunday afternoon. But don't get me wrong, this is one of the best movies of the year, easily.
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Parker Hodges
Eye Of God
This is another tightly-made "indie" film where the acting is so smooth, the production just a grade higher than "B-movie" standards that you really get into this story, believing you are glimpsing into the private lives of people. And, in this case, it isn't pretty. This is a story of a lonely, small-town woman who corresponds with a man in prison. The story opens when he shows up, meets her for the first time, a romance ensues and so does some other things ... This is a sad, but gripping, story. Not a good "date flick" unless you've been going out awhile, so, no, I wouldn't recommend it as a weekend feature. But, it's worth seeing ...
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Parker Hodges
Eyes Wide Shut
How could a movie live up to the expectations of it being the last work by legendary movie maker Stanley Kubrick, who died before its release? That clouded all the reviews I read before seeing it, which I purged before walking in. This is a movie that moves along with a stolid determination and steady pace, and actually was a very human tale of how a person can take a sliver of information and let their imagination run wild. As usual, Nicole Kidman gave a top-notch performance. Tom Cruise was a bit hollow in this one (no surprise to me) and Kubrick's attention to detail, close-in camera work and lush sets, pulled me in. If you see it in the video store, find yourself shying away from renting it, don't. It's worth seeing, if, for nothing else, the off-center scenes and storyline that left me thinking.
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Parker Hodges
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