dragonwood-1

Thanks goodness I didn't go to the movies to see this shallow horror of a film. From the ridiculous arrival of the Martians (They buried these huge honking war machines underground and no one found them? Not bloody likely) to the casting of Tom "Gee, don't I look good in every scene" Cruise as the protagonist this movie has nothing to recommend it. In the extras one of the screenwriters tells us that it was Spielberg's idea to have the Martian war machines buried, to give it a new twist. Apparently Spielberg doesn't remember classic sci-fi like "5 Millions Years to Earth." The science in the film was laughable. An example is the EM pulse that knocks out everything except for one camera right next to where the first Martian machine comes out of the ground. Can you say "Plot Hole?" Character wise we found ourselves cheering for the Martians to come. There was nothing likable about Cruise's character. As much as I hate to pick on a kid who was probably following some very misguided direction, Dakota Fanning's impression of a 10 year old going on 5 was a scream - I mean her screaming every five minutes about the Martians, lightning, finding some lint on her sweater got old very quickly and made us want to scream.

You could also see the points in the film where Tom probably went to Spielberg and said "I'm not doing that, this is what I want." One example is how incredibly clean his face and hair are all through the film, despite the destruction of everything around him. Another was his destruction of the Martian war machine - thousands of soldiers all over the place and the only one who thinks of packing a grenade is a loser with a good hairdo. Right.

I have to say though that the same scene also was the movie's only redeeming point. I wonder if Tom and/or Spielberg realize just how much fun it was on many levels to see Tom struggling to get out of the rectum of the Martian war machine. Intended satire or incredible short sightedness? You make the call.

This film is right down there with another sci-fi gem - "Battlefield Earth" and threatens to push "Plan Nine From Outer Space" out of the worst sci-fi movie ever if you take budget into account.

I don't understand why the one unfavorable comment concerning "As Time Goes By" is posted up front.

The series is a sweet comedy, and never imagines itself to be otherwise. The plot is very simple - two lovers struggle as they reunite after 30 years. The episodes follow them as they learn to live with and love each other again, colored by bittersweet regrets of the years they missed. The series touches nicely on the wish we all have to either fall in love, or rediscover love, without burdening us with heavy symbolism. The cast are all excellent in their ability to hold character throughout the series. There is just the right balance of silliness brought on by English character and temperament, and the seriousness that accompanies the search for love.

The dialog is crisp and entertaining, underplayed and natural, never going for the cheap laugh available in some of the situations created. If you are looking for an uplifting and entertaining experience without having to wade through maudlin sentimentality, you will like this program.

This movie was a little gem, combining subtle humor with realistic drama that the audience could identify with, and character development at a pace that allowed an introspective viewer to project himself into the internal life of the character, and see how his struggles affect the external and internal lives of the other characters. The long walks along the track were brilliant in that each audience member could find his or her own symbolic meaning. The writer required the audience to think a bit, which probably killed it for younger audiences who have been groomed to the 2.4 second attention span Hollywood thinks they have, or for audience members not wanting movies that hit too close to home.

The ending did catch me off balance, which upon reflection (Which was the writer's intent) turned out to be great, as there was a sense of continuation - life goes on, there is no swell of music or dramatic climax to most of the incidents in our lifes.

The movie allowed me to engage with and care for these characters, to share and identify with their feeling of alienation, displacement, pain, joy and happiness in a quiet, reflective way that will last long after the movie. This is one I will watch again.