Stehako added 1 item to Best Films of 2006 list
It's a popular sub-genre for a reason; the teacher improves the lives of down-and-out kids through an uncommon method. This movie chooses ballroom dancing. There are many tropes and cliches and some editing mistakes and plot holes... but it's still entertaining. Antonio Banderas is as likable as in any of his hits.
3 years, 11 months ago
Stehako added 1 item to Best Films of 1957 list
I finally got to seeing the original, thirteen years after seeing the remake. It's pretty solid, still I didn't find it as entertaining. The story is the same, which is a very good thing, but the two main actors aren't as captivating as the ones in the remake.
3 years, 11 months ago
Stehako commented on a list
Christmastime Viewings: 2020 (17 movies items)
""Santa Claus: The Movie" is one of those I had on VHS as a kid and because of that ended up watching it at least once a season for a number of years, wearing out the sleeve. I haven't seen it as an a"
3 years, 11 months ago
Stehako added 1 item to Best Films of 2002 list
Yes, three portraits, with each becoming less interesting than the last. I was hoping for a stronger connection by the end, but alas, it was weak. I still like the idea and there are enough bright points to give it a 6.
3 years, 11 months ago
Stehako added 1 item to Best Films of 2018 list
Dafoe is brilliant and Schnabel puts his unique thumbprint all over the filming. It's depressing, but that is to be expected, what wasn't expected is that it was still somehow life-affirming.
3 years, 11 months ago
Stehako added 1 item to Best Films of 2005 list
This was better than I anticipated - because I thought Hopkins was going to play an Indian; but it's referring to the vehicle.
Hopkins turns in one of this best performances. I'm not sure he's ever played such a likable role.
While his character is very likable I found it tough to accept all these people were so quickly willing to support him in such strong ways so quickly and the authoritarian characters were all so easily forgiving. Still, an entertaining, heartwarming story about achieving life-long goals.
3 years, 11 months ago
Stehako added 1 item to Best Films of 1981 list
3 years, 11 months ago
Stehako added 1 item to Best Films of 1993 list
Finally got to see this wonderfully weird early effort by Trey Parker and Matt Stone (Pre South Park). You can tell they have a gift for comedic musical lyrics but weren't yet finely tuned. The production is obviously quite poor but it adds character. Most importantly, it is legitimately funny.
3 years, 11 months ago
Stehako added 1 item to Best Films of 1988 list
A nicely-paced movie about a lifetime of an unusual friendship. The two leads are strong enough and the ending is effectively sad.
3 years, 11 months ago
Stehako commented on a list
3 years, 11 months ago