Rating: 
Summary: As good as the book
Review: The line "Kings of New England" so dispised by BobThompson, was not a line created by the movie makers. John Irving had Dr. Larch use the line every night after reading to the orphans. The movie simply followed the book, and very well at that. This is not the best movie I've ever seen, but it's one that I'll add to my collection and see several times, just as I read the book several times.
Rating:
Summary: Michael Caine Rules, Hallstrom Does Too
Review: Director Lasse Hallstrom, who gave us the beautiful "What's Eating Gilbert Grape?", admirably presents the nuances of character, emotion, and relationships that make John Irving's bittersweet adaptation of his own novel so compelling. Michael Caine, his American accent aside, excels as the parternal Dr. Larch and Tobey Maguire is well-cast as Homer, the doe-eyed youth who ventures from the familial orphanage to experience life. The cinematography is exquisite and evocative. As Homer ultimately learns, the validity of the Cider House Rules (and, by extension, all rules) is subjective; but, by the time we reach this epiphany, it hardly seems revelatory considering Homer was raised by an abortionist, and one who taught him the trade, at that. There is a lot of love here, but also a moral ambivalence. In this film, as in life, there are no easy answers. It's for you to decide. Just be sure you see it.
Rating: 
Summary: The Cider House Rules: Not as great as one might think.
Review: The Cider House Rules is definitely NOT one of the best films of the year. Yes, it did have fine performances from all of its stars, the adaptation was good, and the score was pleasant, but the film became far too long at parts and I lost interest very early on in the film. I also think that the subject matter was a little too controversial and is sure to upset many viewers - myself included. I did not let the 'abortion' matter get in the way of my opinions, however, but the film did not satisfy my hunger for a good film anyhow. I was ultimately disappointed by this film and The Sixth Sense. The latter was cheesily acted beyond belief and the performances by all except Toni Collete were unbelievable. The 10 best films of 1999 go in this order. 1) Magnolia 2) American Beauty 3) Boys Don't Cry 4) Being John Malkovich 5) Election 6) The Straight Story 7) Fight Club 8) The Matrix 9) The Insider 10) Go OR eXistenZ OR Topsy-Turvy (I can't decide). Grade: C-
Rating:
Summary: Great Movie (Not worth the nominations)
Review: This was an excellent movie. I really enjoyed it. However, the Academy waisted many nominations on this movie. Last year was a great year for movies, and there were a ton of movies that were better then this, that deserved nominations, i.e. "The Talented Mr. Ripley", "Magnolia", "Toy Story 2", "Boys Don't Cry", "Cradle Will Rock", and so on. However, it was a really powerful movie, filled with beauty, emotion, and excellent performances by Michael Caine, Tobey Maguire, Erica Badu, and Cherlize Theron. I did think that Tom Cruise was far better in "Magnolia", then Michael Caine was here, but I really thought that Caine pulled off the guilt of abortion, very well. Also, everyone has a bias to cute, little orphans. Lasse Halstrom's handywork is amazing and is a director that deserves a lot more credit in Hollywood. The story was very good, as well, and deserved the best screenplay award. "Cider" is definately a movie worth watching, and will probably be a popular favorite in the years to come.
Rating: 
Summary: Patch Adams, only worse
Review: Manipulative, contrived, oversentimental, and predictable, this movie was redeemed only by its cinematography. Nice try, John Irving, but that "Princes of New England" thing gets old really fast, and the big "surprise" that the fieldhand is sleeping with his daughter is treated as subtly as a sledgehammer over the head. The biggest crime is that this was nominated for best picture, and not the film that probably could have taken the Oscar, Being John Malcovich.
Rating: 
Summary: Absolutely worthy of every star and kind word...
Review: This is without a doubt one of the best movies I have EVER seen. Beautifully filmed, acted, and just a poignant, strong story. It provokes thoughts and feelings that most movies never touch. Wonderful, wonderful film, I would recommend it to all and honestly can say that it deserved more Oscars than it recieved- I believe that it just came at the wrong time with "American Beauty" and society's desires today for movie content, but certainly rivals it in quality. A must-see!
Rating:
Summary: Michael Cane in his best role yet + a naked Charlize Theron
Review: Based on the novel by "John Irwing" this picture is one of the rare ones which are even better that the original book! With brilliant performances by Acadamy Award winner Micheal Cane "best supporting Actor" and the beautyfull Charlize Theron as "Candy"! "The Cider House Rules" is a must see for every warm heart! Rewared with 2Oscars including "best adapted screenplay" that picture deserved plenty more! "American Beauty" looks like a piece of garbage comered to this movie. Thats the years best!
Rating:
Summary: Outstanding, a must see.
Review: This movie was outstanding. I laugthed, I cried, I was amazed.Don't wait bye this film while you still can I bet you'll love it as much as I do.
Rating:
Summary: Well-made drama
Review: This was a charming and engaging film about a boy raised in an orphanage who sets out on his own for the first time. The music score is perfect, the acting is first-rate, and the cinematography is exquisite. This really was one of the best films of 1999. If you're looking for a break from all the loud, fast-paced action movies, The Cider House Rules won't leave you disappointed.
Rating:
Summary: Bittersweet film...
Review: Toby McGuire is a fine young actor and absolutely superb teamed with the great Michale Caine. The supporting cast of the film is composed of many familiar faces, and each adult and child did a fine job. The story is set in an orphanage in New England sometime early in the 20th Century. Unlike some "film" orphanages, this one is run by caring adults. One of the strengths of the film is that it accurately portrays the real sorrow of being an orphan, which sooner or later we all are, but which is particularly hard on children. The staff at the orphanage compose an extended family of sorts, but new children are coming, and old friends are leaving, and there is little continuity or security. And, there is always the hope that tommorrow some beautiful couple will choose you for their child. Michael Caine, the loving doctor and surrogate father who heads the orphanage staff is also a doctor who performs abortions. Every girl who comes to the orphanage pregnant has the option of having the child or having an abortion. This film has been described as "pro-choice" and that's too simplistic. It doesn't advocate abortion as much as it demonstrates that there are valid reasons why some women might need to undergo this proceedure. It is a complex film, not for the faint of heart. In a subplot that actually "explains" the final turn of the main character's life, a parent behaves irresponsibly toward his daughter. I found his behavior disgusting, and I found him repellent. This event was critical to the plotline, but I hate to be reminded of it. I don't know how it was handled in the book, but I think it might have worked better if we had known the father a little less well. This is a good film, but you might rent it before you buy it as some parts are difficult to watch.
|
