Movie Rental Recommendations -- R
The Red Violin
Samuel Jackson, tarot cards and the first 400 years in the life of a masterpiece violin. It might seem like an odd premise, but, other than a few plot creaks once we hit jolly old England and Communist China, it's an engaging and witty film. Samuel Jackson is a master in his role as a violin expert who understands the true meaning of an instrument that merges science and beauty. I could've done without the melodramatic representation of Chinese party meetings . . . OK, they could've hacked that whole segment. But Jackson -- and some magnificent music -- made the movie worth it.
IMDb | Other Reviews Marcia Lynx Qualey
The Remains of the Day
This is one of the most heart-wrenching films ever made: a tragic portrait of an inability to emotionally connect with humanity. Anthony Hopkins does an stunning job as Mr. Stevens, a painfully repressed butler, devoting his life to his occupation with such stubborn wholeheartedness that he refuses to allow anything but the most slight of emotional displays. Emma Thompson plays the much more vocal, demonstrative love interest, constantly running up against Stevens' recalcitrance. The surrounding plot, involving James Fox as a well-meaning noble duped into sympathizing with the Nazis, Christopher Reeve as a straight-talking U.S. senator, and Hugh Grant as an intrepid reporter and relative of Fox's character, all adds a nice context. But at its center, "Remains" is a perfect encapsulation of one of life's most harrowing fears: that it might be spent unloved.
IMDb | Other Reviews Edward Dykhuizen
Return To Me
In a sparkling filmmaking debut, actor Bonnie Hunt's "Return To Me" is without question the funniest romantic comedy to come along since the 1989 classic, "When Harry Met Sally." Although the foundation of this laugh-fest is caused by a morbid event (David Duchovny and Minnie Driver play a couple who don't know that she's the recipient of his dead wife's heart), "Return To Me" boasts an elegant mix of belly laughs (Driver hilariously dupes a yuppie hell bent on drinking bottled water and Jim Belushi is an absolute scream in impromptu kitchen dance scene) with poignant moments blended in between. Carroll O'Connor also gets into the action, making a triumphant return to the big screen after 25 years as Driver's over-protective grandfather. Recalling the innocence of romantic comedies of old, "Return To Me" is an instant classic.
Full Review | IMDb | Other Reviews Tim Lammers
A River Runs Through It
The most boring movie ever made. If Brad Pitt weren't so pretty, this movie would be a complete waste of film. There are other, more worthwhile sensitive male movies out there. Find One. Find any one. Just not this one.
IMDb | Other Reviews Denise Felder
This intriguing tale of family relations set against an imposing Montana mountain background is beautifully told. Robert Redford brought this rich story to the big screen with grand cinematography, an insightful script and colorful performances. Tom Skerritt plays a minister and father of two boys who choose very different directions in their careers and personal lives. But no matter how contrasted the brothers' lives are, flyfishing at a nearby river draws them together -- eventually providing the only stability in their relationships. The story grows into a complex parable, which the father does his best to interpret through his faith and family. Definitely worth a rental.
Erik Nelson
Rocketeer
Caught this one on TV over the weekend and couldn't help but add it to the list. This is just a plain ol', flat-out, fun movie, perfect for teenagers in junior high school. It has a romance, is softly bawdy, has obvious villains and an obvious hero, a line of love in the story as well as adventure and courage. Great, great campy fun, perfect for a rainy afternoon at the cabin. A must weekend daytime feature.
IMDb | Other Reviews Parker Hodges
Rounders
Unless you're a real card-shark, or have some great affinity for poker, you'll probably want to fold on this drawn-out, underground gambling drama. Matt Damon, Ed Norton and John Turturro all turn in fine performances, but the plot is a niche that just doesn't appeal to a wide audience.
IMDb | Other Reviews Erik Nelson
Ruby In Paradise
Another one of those that's just a story, not an obvious "good guy, bad guy" moral tale. This, I think, has to be among Ashley Judd's first movies and she is excellent. The movie opens with her behind the wheel, her shoeless boyfriend chasing the car as he disappears onto the horizon. She goes to Florida and has an up and down experience trying to find her way. Very good, life affirming story told in the "gray" area, not the "black and white" background. Solid weekend evening feature.
IMDb | Other Reviews Parker Hodges
Rush Hour
If Chris Tucker would stop doing his Eddie Murphy imitation, he might turn out to be an OK performer. Thankfully, Jackie Chan gets enough screen time to make up for it. At any rate, this is a good buddy movie that delivers exactly what it promises -- equal amounts of laughs and action. A Saturday night must.
IMDb | Other Reviews Denise Felder
It's great to see Jackie Chan make a big splash in the U.S. box office. Just wish the movie had more of his death-defying stunts that made him so famous abroad. Chris Tucker is the new Eddie Murphy, whipping off one-liners so fast you'll have a tough time keeping up. Chan and Tucker made a great comedic team. The kidnapping plot has been done before, but who cares when you're having this much fun? Can't wait for the inevitable sequel.
Erik Nelson
Rushmore
Jason Schwartzman plays Max Fischer, a student at Rushmore Academy whose poor record is shadowed by his leadership in every obscure extra-curricular club imaginable. Academic probation aside, he falls in love and tries to woo a teacher at the school. He does so with help from his cohort Mr. Blume, played by Bill Murray. But Murray, too, is smitten by the teacher, and a twisted battle over her quickly escalates. Unpredictably original and thoroughly quirky, Rushmore is a very effective comic battle of wits full of memorable performances.
IMDb | Other Reviews Erik Nelson
Copyright 2001 by Channel 4000. All rights reserved.
This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or
redistributed.
