Movie Rental Recommendations -- H
Halloween H20
It's been 20 years since the original "Halloween" sent chills up our spine. That's because none of the half-dozen sequels were able to scare audiences quite like the original. Jamie Lee Curtis returns in her role as the sister of mass murderer Michael Myers, and the result is a very good horror flick. The formula isn't anything new: Curtis and a group of teens are stalked by the masked killer at a private school out in the middle of nowhere. What sets this movie apart is that the characters, for the most part, don't succumb to the stupidity of most characters in the horror genre. They make smart decisions in eluding and battling the seemingly can't-be-stopped killer, which makes for an entertaining movie and some very good scares.
IMDb | Other Reviews Erik Nelson
The Hanging Garden
What a great movie! Brilliantly believable. Truly a multi dimensional film that allows the viewer into the lives and thoughts of an east coast family that re-unites for a family wedding. This film examines the loneliness of a young obese boy uncertain of his sexuality. As an adult, he returns to face painful memories of his past and is able to put closure to them. It is tragic that a film of such caliber had a short life (I saw it on video). I truly believe that if this film had the "hollywood" dollars to promote it, it could be appreciated by the rest of the world. I would recommend this movie to all Canadians who have the privilege of renting such a great movie.
IMDb | Other Reviews Lisa A. Sharples
Harvey
You can tell immediately that this movie came from a stage play. It has that feel, using two, maybe three, rooms and the wonderful characters. They are what make the movie, in which Jimmy Stewart seems the least quirky and strange. A wonderful, light movie that deserves all the accolades it has received. A weekend night feature if you're looking for a light, physical comedy movie.
IMDb | Other Reviews
Parker Hodges
The Haunting
This elaborate remake of 1963's "The Haunting of Hill House" follows the story of a psychology professor investigating fear with three volunteers, all of whom think they are at the old mansion for a sleep disorder study. This effectively spooky film sets the stage beautifully for a great ghost story, but eventually falls victim to what the original movie managed to avoid -- showing you what the ghosts look like. The massive and detailed sets are nothing short of eye-popping, helping to create an eerie, ominous feeling for the first hour. There are some very good scares, but the over-produced finale tries to do and reveal too much -- especially considering they spent so much time early on carefully guarding the source of the haunting.
IMDb | Other Reviews Erik Nelson
Heidi Fleiss: Hollywood Madam
This documentary, surprisingly, has its maker speaking with all the principles in this famed "Hollywood Madam" case. And even more amazing is that they all seem to be talking freely. Fleiss is interviewed in wake of the verdict against her. That's this movie's main remarkable trait, but when all is said and done you know nobody -- I mean
nobody -- came clean. The truth has to be surmised between the lines. A solid Friday or Saturday night flick.
IMDb | Other Reviews Parker Hodges
Hello Dolly
Great costumes. Great songs. Grand dance numbers. Strong direction by Gene Kelly. And some genuinely funny performances from Barbra Streisand, Walter Matheau and Michael Crawford. Exactly what a musical should be.
IMDb | Other Reviews Denise Felder
High Fidelity
In the very first scene of "High Fidelity," Rob Gordon (John Cusack) looks straight into the camera and begins to recount his top five most memorable breakups. I found myself welcoming this humorous trip through clever monologues and top five lists. Whether he imagines beating up his ex-girlfriend's new partner (a pony-tailed Tim Robbins) or standing in the rain for too many scenes, Cusack makes Rob's selfish character appealing, even as he looks at us with a straight face and asks, "How does a regular guy like me become the No. 1 lover man?" Because he's a neurotic boaster without the whine, and you'll love him for it. (
Full Review)
Nancy Bresson
Your interest in John Cusack the actor and writer will determine whether you will want to turn up the volume on "High Fidelity." I enjoy Cusack's off-kilter attitude in "Grosse Pointe Blank," "Pushing Tin" and "Chicago Cab," so I was already on the hook for his latest. Rob's long-time girlfriend, Laura, has walked out on him and he starts to obsess how he managed to screw up every relationship he's had. Rob's employees at the record store are no help, except in generating delicious underground laughs. Both are vintage record aficionados like Rob, but that's where their similarities end. An eclectic soundtrack is almost another character in "High Fidelity." And John's real-life sister Joan is as terrific as ever. However there were two characters that seemed out of place in this film: Tim Robbins as Laura's rebound man, and Lisa Bonet as Rob's rebound songstress hit a very sour note. (Full Review)
IMDb | Other Reviews
Debra Scott
High Society
This 1956 musical version of "The Philadelphia Story" was the last movie Grace Kelly made before becoming a princess. It tells the nearly farcical story of a Rhode Island debutante on the eve of her second wedding. Bing Crosby plays her jazzman first husband and Frank Sinatra and Celeste Holm are two good-natured tabloid reporters sent to cover the affair. Tunes provided by Sinatra, Crosby and Louis Armstrong. A real hep musical, cat.
IMDb | Other Reviews Denise Felder
Hilary and Jackie
This movie has the feel of an "underground" flick in the best sense of the word. Set in the world of the English classical music scene in late '50s, early '60s, it's the tale of two sisters and how you can't always believe what is on the surface with people. It also provides a nice duality by abruptly spinning on a dime in the middle of the story. Just when you wonder, "Is this movie this short?" it retells the tale from the view of the other sister. And therein lies the meat of this movie: There are always two sides to a story, and love is stronger than hurt. A very smoothly written story, the characters pull you in and you stay wondering what will happen all the way until the end. That it's billed as a true story makes it even more engrossing. A solid weekend "date flick."
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Parker Hodges
Holy Man
Eddie Murphy and Jeff Goldblum star in this predictable, uninspired tale of a mysterious new-age guru who enters the life of a stressed-out cable shopping network exec. ... That's it. There's nothing more worth saying about this one.
IMDb | Other Reviews Denise Felder
House of Games
This 1987 movie keep you guessing ... until the end is in sight ... an ending you think is predictable ... but proves anything but. Solid characters and a solid story that moves along with just the right pace. Certainly a weekend-evening "feature presentation."
IMDb | Other Reviews Parker Hodges
House of Spirits
It was half way through my second viewing of this movie that I realized I had seen this movie once before months earlier. How I sat through this yawner twice, I'll never know. It must be because there's absolutely nothing memorable about this movie -- not the lackluster performances by the usually brilliant Jeremy Irons, Glen Close, Meryl Street and Winona Ryder, and certainly not the drawn-out plot loosely based around the political revolution of 1960s South America. Think of it this way: I saw this movie twice, so you don't even have to bother once. You're welcome.
IMDb Denise Felder
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