Review: Bastard Out of Carolina (1996)
By vrtualme | August 5, 2008
Last night I took the opportunity to watch a movie I’d heard about over the years. Bastard Out of Carolina (1996) is the story of the relationship between Ruth Anne ‘Bone’ Boatwright (Jena Malone - The United States of Leland 2003), her mother Anney Boatwright (Jennifer Jason Leigh - Georgia 1995) and her stepfather Glen Waddell (Ron Eldard in the role that launched his career). It’s a story of child abuse and molestation that’s often hard to watch, but almost worth it. I say “almost” because the end completely lost me. This film, based on the semi-autobiographic book by Dorothy Allison, is beautifully directed by Anjelica Huston (Oscar winning actress for Prizzi’s Honor 1985) and extremely well acted by a team of stars who put their everything into this production. But I just can’t believe on any level that a loving mother could witness her pre-teen daughter being beaten and raped, and still love the man who did it and go home with him. And on top of that the daughter forgives, and still loves, her mother after that unforgivable (in my mind) betrayal. There’s just no way for me to get my head around it. Watch it if you want, maybe you’ll understand it better than I did.
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Review: Motel Hell (1980)
By vrtualme | July 30, 2008
If you love cheese-ball horror you just might like Motel Hell (1980). Starring Rory Calhoun (“The Texan” 15 episodes, 1958-1960) and Nancy Parsons (Steel Magnolias 1989), it’s about siblings who manage to combine their two family businesses. A motel and a smoked meat factory. It’s a fun watch at 2 in the morning, but the only thing that makes it stand out are cameos by John Ratzenberger (Cliff Clavin from “Cheers”) as a young drummer in a punk rock band and Wolfman Jack as an over the top televangelist.
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Review: Blind Horizon (2003)
By vrtualme | July 30, 2008
Shot and left for dead how does a man stop a presidential assignation when he can’t even remember his own name? That’s the journey we take with Val Kilmer (Kiss Kiss Bang Bang 2005) in Blind Horizon (2003). A psychological thriller that had me asking “what the fuck?” the first time I saw it five years ago. This movie got little notice when it was first released; and admittedly I can see why… it’s a bit confusing. But if you pay close attention you’ll appreciate its twisted plot. It all comes down to who can you trust? And it applies to even yourself. Personally I really liked this movie.
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Review: Blonde (2001)
By vrtualme | July 30, 2008
Poppy Montgomery (“Without a Trace” 137 episodes, 2002-2008) is quite convincing as Marilyn Monroe in the made for TV miniseries Blonde (2001). Directed by Joyce Chopra (Murder in a Small Town 1999), scripted by Joyce Eliason (Elvis and Me 1988) and based on the book by Joyce Carol Oates (Frequent contributor to “Playboy” magazine) this movie is based on the premise “what if Marilyn could tell you her secrets” and tell you her secrets it does. 
I was amazed at all the things I didn’t know about this soft voiced legend. Also appearing were Patricia Richardson (“Home Improvement” 202 episodes, 1991-1999), Patrick Dempsey (“Grey’s Anatomy” 78 episodes, 2005-2008), Griffin Dunne (After Hours 1985), Eric Bogosian (Talk Radio 1988), Richard Roxburgh (Van Helsing 2004), Kirstie Alley (Look Who’s Talking 1989) and Ann-Margret (2 time Oscar nominee for Tommy 1975 and Carnal Knowledge 1971). Even if you’re not a huge fan it’s still an interesting watch; skipping the big moments that everyone knows about and focusing more on the moments that shaped her personality. (sorry, this is the best I could come up with for a trailer.)
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