Rating: Summary: Hedwig: My oh my. Review: There are a very few films that I actually RESPECT and Hedwig and the Angry Inch is one of them. For my money, this film is as good a musical as Bob Fosse's "All that Jazz" and "Cabaret." It is a film that changes the viewers perception of the world and it delivers maximum entertainment without putting a step wrong. The DVD is nothing short of brilliant, containing a 1.5 hour doco on the making, deleted scenes (some of them very funny) and other features. This is one of the best films AND one of the best DVD releases I have ever seen. 10/10
Rating: Summary: Not Rocky Horror Review: My initial preconception upon hearing descriptions was, "oh, more gender bending pop camp. Thanks, but i saw Rocky Horror enough in my 20's" This said, upon seeing the movie and having an admittedly emotional reaction to it, I have to say that this is not the kind of frivolous camp you might presume. Its also goes a ways beyond the prima facie subject matter of gender roles. It's full of intelligent, dry wit, crisp satire and of course undeniable rock music that is, honestly, so good it transcends anachronism. Its true the ending was somewhat ad-hoc, but if you make it that far, you won't care. Long story short: If you are uncomfortable with gender-based subculture, see it anyway. If have a natural aversion to rock musicals (or just musicals) see it anyway. If you're an aging rocker and left that all behind for a reason, (leave the kids with your sister and ) see it anyway. If you just can't stand emotionally intense and honest rock music, then there's nothing I can help you with but to suggest (the charmingly sweet and pretty) Moulin Rouge.
Rating: Summary: This movie is not a Drag Review: Maybe this movie is not for every one, yet maybe it is. Although I'm not gay, I enjoyed this film any way. On the surface it may seem to have a gay theme but really could apply to any one. In essence it's about finding true love. The music is the real star of this movie. Some of the best music and art direction to be filmed in years. I saw this movie after reading about it here on Amazon, and was glad I gave it a chance. An East German transvestite that comes to America by way of batched sex change and false married to America GI starts a Rock-N-Roll band. Along the way he/she has her songs stolen by a young student of his and by strange luck she gets them back. Once again, the music is the driving force. A Rock opera for the 21-century. Like Spinal tap, and Tommy taken to the next level. Give this movie a look-see. I think you'll be very surprised.
Rating: Summary: A Literate, Beautiful Rock Opera?--An Oxymoron-defying film. Review: ... Hedwig is easily the best film in the history of its relatively limited genre. I have to admit first that I was skeptical upon hearing a description of the film--transsexual East German glam rock singer makes good in Midwestern buffet venues. In fact, the genre of transsexual/transvestites coming to grips with their identity has never held any appeal to me. The critically-acclaimed Boys Don't Cry stands out as one of the worst films I've ever seen. I felt that film took far too much for granted--that we should feel sympathy for an admittedly confused individual who nevertheless lives by writing bad checks, deception, and keeping bad company. Hedwig, however, avoids all these flaws and makes a meaningful statement that transcends specific questions of gender identity. It does so with a high degree of sophistication, wit, literacy, great acting, and a terriffic score... I should add that this film wouldn't have been half as successful if it were not for a truly inspired score. I've never heard of the composer before (Stephen Trask), but it's clear this individual has a gift for song-writing for stories not exceeded by anyone of his generation. I eagerly await his next venture.
Rating: Summary: Interesting Review: I found this movie to be as romantic as it is strange. i watched it with my GF. I loved it.
Rating: Summary: The Best Movie You Will Ever See!! Review: This movie is by far the best movie i have ever seen. Hedwig is funny, and the story is wild yet amazingly good, and so interseting. i would watch this move every day. Bacically if you don't see this movie don't see any movie. this will be the Best movie, you ever have or will ever see. Besides it being an amazing movie, the music is spectacullar. buy the soundtrack for some great rock music.
Rating: Summary: Exhilirating, Inspiring-Hedwig is Queen! Review: A fantastic film is transferred flawlessly to DVD. The story of Hedwig and his angry inch is just as moving on the small screen at home as it was in theatres. Special DVD features, including the excellent feature-length documentary on the making of the film, and the musical number table of contents for those who just want to view the songs again, are wonderful. Mitchell delivers a tour de fource performance as a transgendered diva of punk/rock song. Miriam Shor is equally convincing as his female to male counterpart, and the music and lyrics by Stephen Trask are an appropriately moving mixture of Bowie and musical theatre rock. Not to be missed. This should have been on everyone's top 10 film lists for 2001.
Rating: Summary: wig on the shelf... Review: hedwig and the angry inch was one of 2001's biggest surprises. not since rocky horror, tommy, or pink floyd has a rock musical been this addictive. every song here is catchy, some touching, and others downright beautiful. while hedwig is nowhere near as depressing as pink floyd or tommy, it also doesn't come across as campy as rocky horror. hedwig tells the story of a man originally from berlin and his misfortunate botched sex change who dreams of becoming a great rock star while in america. this magnificent musical gives us insight into destined love, hope, and the dreams which we all dream. i'm just so disappointed as the oscars have overlooked another great performance. john cameron mitchell deserves atleast one nomination !!!!
Rating: Summary: Impossible to Digest in a Single Viewing Review: This is a DVD to own, not to rent. I was more than a little irked when professional reviewers and friends alike repeatedly told me last summer than Hedwig was "better than Moulin Rouge." I enjoyed Moulin Rouge very much, thank you, and I was not interested in some artsy take on a similar theme. Alas, despite my best efforts, Hedwig won me over. If only I could get the appropriate hat-thingie, I would be a yet-another Hed-head. Hedwig is good for all the reasons Moulin Rouge was good: it is a fun, campy, musical pleasurefest for the eyes and ears. But Moulin Rouge was a story created around songs, while Hedwig's songs come from her story-- and we really believe her heart. I thought I understood Hedwig when I saw it in the theater the first time. When I went back, I caught many thoughts that I missed. Now-- after an embarassingly large number of views on DVD-- I look back in wonder at how I missed so much. Hedwig is bitter-- and has more reason to be than any of the bitter people I have ever come across (or have come across me). Life has dealt her some severe blows, but her wit and her music keep her afloat... barely. It takes Hedwig many years to realizes that despite all the changes she has been through, it is still her blind, unquestioned belief that she lacks what it takes to be whole-- a myth many believe in-- that drags her down. Hedwig is a story of transformation. Once a viewer gets over the male-female dichonomy she personifies, we see that the change she made physically from man to not-a-woman-or-a-man does not cut as deeply as the emotional changes from being betrayed by her father, mother, and lovers. John Cameron Mitchell is completely believable as Hedwig. Oddly, Miriam Shor's performance as Yitzak is so well executed it gives me the creeps. But it is Michael Pitt's Tommy Gnosis that looks most at home on the screen. I expect that Hedwig and "Bully" will be early mentions in a long career for this guy. This film is richer with multiple viewings, so let me put on some advertising spin: Hedwig is the movie that keeps on giving. It fills you up and never lets you down. It is the taste of a New Generation. Watch it. Even my 64-year-old mother liked it-- and learned from it, too!
Rating: Summary: Hedwig and the Angry Inch Review: This is a highly enjoyable movie. I was blown away by John Cameron Mitchell's performance as "Hedwig". "Hedwig" is based on the off-Broadway play of the same name. The DVD was loaded with information for those who didn't know the background of the story (like me). I also enjoyed the original songs. My favorite is, "Wicked Little Town". If you are a fan of musicals, I think you would definitely enjoy this.
|