Home :: DVD :: Drama :: General  

African American Drama
Classics
Crime & Criminals
Cult Classics
Family Life
Gay & Lesbian
General

Love & Romance
Military & War
Murder & Mayhem
Period Piece
Religion
Sports
Television
Living Out Loud

Living Out Loud

List Price: $19.98
Your Price: $14.99
Product Info Reviews

<< 1 2 3 4 5 6 >>

Rating: 5 stars
Summary: One of my favorites
Review: I know this film didn't make it BIG. But, it really is a diamond in the rough. A woman (Holly Hunter) recreating her life after a failed marriage, finds life has so many unanswered questions and quandaries. When Holly's character starts to think about "crack babies", I was instantly hooked. I thought, this is a character I can truly relate to. Someone that finds herself in a place in life that is so unsure and a bit confusing. But in the end, (without a Hollywood ending) she realizes she is okay. Life is one big thing that may not automatically make sense. But it will work out. If you like films on the off note, go ahead and give this a try. The more I watch it, the better it gets. On a side note: In regards to the DVD, it has a few good extras. The deleted scenes were interesting. A great addition to your slice of life film collection.

Rating: 5 stars
Summary: Rating for content only
Review: This is a wonderful film. The DVD is, however, not the greatest in quality. Read what Widescreen Review said, located elsewhere with these reviews. They give you a good idea of what to expect. I was glad I read their rating info before purchasing, so I didn't cry buckets of tears when I saw the DVD. I was prepared. I still enjoy the movie, but it's a shame it wasn't given a better transfer.

Rating: 5 stars
Summary: a very good movie
Review: realistically portrayed the loneliness of a divorcee. a beautiful movie with wonderful songs. holly hunter is a great actor except her southern accent sometimes a bit off the track with other actors in the same movie. kind sad and moved by the whole story. nicely done, acting, directing, editing. they are all fine.

Rating: 5 stars
Summary: One of my Top Ten for 1998
Review: I really enjoy writing about movies that get overlooked at the boxoffice. Living Out Loud is one of them, and it's a total delight. Funny, sad, sophisticated, and original, it may have been doomed by a studio system which is currently obsessed with fare aimed at the teen market. Since 1998 [NOTE: This record was broken in 2001.] marked the best attendance in fifty years, they must be doing something right. Still, I think Hollywood could get an even larger crowd with making [and marketing!] a broader range of fare.

Living Out Loud probably may not make a lot of sense for viewers under thirty because the plot revolves around what a person does with themselves after a sixteen-year marriage fails. As the fortyish Judith, Holly Hunter must do exactly this. She must take a hard look at herself, at relationships and at the idea that you just might carve out a fulfilling life on your own.

As Pat, Danny DeVito, in his best performance in a few years, has gone through that crisis and is now dealing with the loss of his daughter. Fiftysomething, he has never found a career that he can stick with. He has a great business idea, but can find no backing. He has a menial job currently.

Pat and Judith make the unlikeliest pair you're ever likely to see. She is worldly, educated and used to the good life. He is the elevator operator in the posh Manhattan building that she lives in.

This is director Richard LaGraverese's first effort, but his pedigree is that of a top screenwriter. His credits include The Horse Whisperers and The Bridges of Madison County. For this film, he wrote a story more focused on the characters than on romance. He slyly set up situations where Judith fantasizes about all sorts of things - suicide, financial ruin, sex, true love, and things she would like to do to her pompous ex-husband.

Bringing more enjoyment is Queen Latifah as the torch singer, Liz. Back when she did Set It Off, I said she could be big in movies if she controlled her wildness. She has. Here she exhibits great poise and belts out some jazzy classics as if she'd never been a star in the hip-hop world.

This picture is full of surprises. Some are delightful, and those that aren't are appropriate. For me, it was a nice chaser to formula big screen fare like You've Got Mail and Six Days, Seven Nights. While entertaining, those kinds of movies take two opposite types who hate each other and force than to live happily ever by applying a thick coating of syrupy sweet cliches.

Even as a child, I never was comfortable with obligatory happy endings. I realize now that I wasn't looking for unhappy endings. I yearned for appropriate ones. Living Out Loud certainly ended just right for me.

Rating: 5 stars
Summary: A Movie that Defies its Own Plot
Review: A woman lost in her own life finds herself after a bitter divorce. Sound cliche? I thought so too. Somehow, this movie defies its own plot and points out truths in society without being cute, without being predictable, and without smothering anybody with a happy ending. This movie is based on reality, not a Hollywood script.

The beauty of this movie is its universality. Everyone can find someone to identify with; Hunter, DeVito, and Latifah all play vastly different characters in this movie and each lends a new dimension of reality and honesty to the film.

This movie is full of meaning and definetely worth owning.

Rating: 5 stars
Summary: A wonderful movie for everyone who belives in their dreams
Review: If you admire Holly Hunter's work, as I do, this is the perfect movie. It combines idealism, romance, self-realization, an awareness that life exists beyond 40 and a love of music in a story which even after countless viewings leaves me walking on air. I first saw this movie at the Boston Film Festival in 1998, where Holly Hunter justly received an award for contribution to cinema,and instantly knew it had achieved the unachievable of shifting" Always " from being my all time favourite movie.

The great chemistry between Holly and Danny de Vito is part of the reason. So is the mainly jazz score (even though I prefer progressive rock !) cleverly woven into the film, and the closing sequence - all of 30 seconds - when Holly disappears into a sunny New York summer evening to a Sly and the Family Stone song is a truly memorable scene. But the reasons why this movie transcends the ordinary go beyond these specifics. It defines how badly people can treat each other, the potential loneliness of urban life, the need to connect with like-minded people, the way 21st century society still treats women so shamefully : " He became a cardiologist. I became a nurse and a cardiologist's wife. " Enough said ?

Admittedly I'm biased as ever since " Broadcast News " I've thought Holly Hunter to be the best character actress (or actor) on the planet, but if you love movies which make you think about life, and the choices we make which shape how our lives unfold, then you are sure to enjoy " Living Out Loud. " After the dreadful events of September 11th, one of the first things I did was to watch this movie again to re-affirm all the things - faith, love, hope, dreams, humour - which make life everywhere something to cherish.

" Living out Loud " is not just a woman's movie as some people have suggested. It's for everyone who loves great acting, music and believes in their dreams.

Rating: 3 stars
Summary: Slow But Interesting To Watch
Review: This dramedy doesn't really have a plot that goes from A to B. It is the character study of a woman blindsided by a divorce and two people she becomes friendly with. Danny DeVito and Queen Latifah's characters serve to help Holly Hunter's character get through her crisis. The movie is a bit slow, but it has its good scenes. The ending doesn't solve everyone's problems in a definitive manner, but it is hopeful. I recommend it based on the acting, as well as Queen Latifah's singing talent (she does a good job).

Rating: 5 stars
Summary: gorgeous
Review: This is an absolute treasure of a movie, a little gem that I can't believe did not get the press it deserves. Holly Hunter is stunning as a 40-ish divorcee confronting absolute, complete and utter loneliness after her husband leaves her for another woman. Having given up all of her friends for him and changed to fit his world, she is bereft of even a close friend to talk to when her world is upended. Salvation comes in the form of a stranger who kisses her in a nightclub and restores hope and optimism to Hunter, who is desperate to find some way out of the darkness. This stranger never reappears, but the kiss leads to friendship in the unlikely form of Danny DeVito (in a serious role) as an elevator operator and the luminous Queen Latifah, who has such presence and an amazing voice, as a jazz singer in a club Hunter takes to frequenting to pass the nights. Strange as it sounds, yet not at all strange as its told, as a result of that kiss, circumstances unfold and what evolves is a beautiful story of friendship, picking up the pieces, and rediscovery after years of piling on layers. This movie is a gem, a "keeper" and touched me long after it was over. Beautifully filmed and haunting, yet hopeful, its become one of my favorites. Hunter's face is able to display every emotion and tells more than any lines she speaks. Treat yourself to a beautifully spun New York tale.

Rating: 5 stars
Summary: A small movie with a big heart
Review: Living Out Loud tells the story of two grown ups who try to deal with loneliness and it's impact on their emotional health . In contrast with most romantic dramas which come out these days , it has a very well-written script and two great leads . DeVitto's character is calm and open-minded while Hunter's is confused and unable to simplify her lovelife . Both of them deliver some wonderfull perfomances which should have been included in the Oscar nominations that year . The movie finally comes to the conclusion that maybe life is just a " moment's " issue . If you haven't had the chance to discover this great film take the risk to give 20 or 25 dollars to do so. You will be happy to discover this precious movie experience dezerves much more.

Rating: 5 stars
Summary: Living With A Divorce
Review: Judith Nelson quit her medical studies to marry. Years later, her husband, a physician, divorces her to be with another doctor. Deeply frustrated, she now lives alone in her luxury apartment in New York, looking for a new meaning for her life. Pat Francato, the janitor and lift-boy, has a troubled life himself: Gambling debts and the tragic death of his daughter took away all his spirit. One day, he and Judith meet in the right mood and a fragile friendship starts to grow. They can help each other to get on their feet again. But one false move could destroy everything they built so carefully.


<< 1 2 3 4 5 6 >>

© 2004, ReviewFocus or its affiliates