Sandy’s Film Reviews

656 Films have been rated or reviewed by Sandy.

This Film is Not Yet Rated (2006): Gripping look at the secret group of "ordinary parents" & clergy who classify US movies, ignoring gratuitous violence but cutting explicit sex scenes, esp. if homosexual or black. Favours industry ahead of independents. Ignores porn. Topical.
Laggies (2014): Initial reaction of watching a chick–flick about the privileged girls of Seattle changed as the subtlety of Keira's acting kicked in & I realized this was in fact a meditation on how people decide on directions in life, dressed up as social comedy.
Open Your Eyes (Abre Los Ojos) (1997): Shallow unlikeable characters & silly plot based on movies like Groundhog Day & Beauty and the Beast. Beautiful actresses & lots of sex do not necessarily guarantee a good movie. But I usually agree with GenXGirl, so maybe I wasn't in the mood!
Your Sister's Sister (2011): Outstandingly beautiful Seattle–based film with very crisp dialogue & a tight plot, exceptional acting by all, especially the great Emily Blunt. Nuanced and realistic. Delightful & memorable – recommended
Julieta (2016): Almadovar signature camerawork, design & colours. But the skills are not matched by the weak plot. Should we merely conclude that fishermen's wives must stay at home? Not showing Julieta's meeting with her adult daughter is unsatisfying.
Just a Sigh (2013): Intense, complex & nuanced account of strangers meeting by chance in Paris. Convincing, every second interesting & often unpredictable. Outstanding acting by all – doesn't flag for a second. Charm of the city omnipresent in every scene – delightful.
Rosetta (1999): Unforgettable portrait of the struggle to survive of unskilled youth in Europe; set in Liege, Belgium. Brilliant unsmiling performance by young Emilie Dequenne. Extra interview with Directors worthwhile. Extra film The Promise incl. even better.
Elles (2011): Shows how a curious reporter can identify with her subjects. Stunning acting, but it glamorizes the lives of student prostitutes. Reality is grimmer. Read Moravia's "The Women of Rome" for better insights or even "The World of Suzie Wong"; DVD $29.95
13 Tzameti (2005): A no thrills low–budget thriller with a really dumb plot and no more tension than a perished elastic band. Another French triumph of style over substance. Easy to remember – very little happens!
Brokenwood Mysteries, The (TV Series) (2014-2017): Creaky, but quite enjoyable. Pity we generally can't move away from cinema cliches. Perhaps the lead detective could have been a Trekka fan instead of of a Holden buff? Thus the series could have shifted towards a Rowan Atkinson approach...; DVD $24.95, $24.95, $24.95, $34.95

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Sandy’s Film Reviews