Rating: 
Summary: The classic rant
Review: If you remember nothing else from this film, you'll remember Lou Jacobi's "you cut the turkey" scene. Even now, years later, other than a bottle of Slivovitz I found in a specialty market that sits in my bar, there's always a yearly reminder at Thanksgiving when at least one person brings up that scene.
Rating: 
Summary: An artistic Tour de Force!
Review: One of the most engaging movies showing the trials and tribulations of three generations coming to terms with the American Dream.
Rating:
Summary: I came to America in 1914..............
Review: Thanksgiving dinner plays a central role in this warm and heart rending look at one family and changing America in which they live. While waiting for dinner to be served or a slice of pumpkin pie to arrive the grandfather of the family, played by Armin Mueller Stahl, sits back and tells the stories of the family. We are not mired in the past however, an America that leaves the inner city behind and heads to the upper middle class suburbs is well portrayed as individual ambitions, changing priorities and new realities change the extended family from a unit that needed to stick together for their very survival to one with separate hopes and dreams partly marred by petty fueds and rivals, further divided by the wider world in which they now live. Outstanding performances at every level, lush cinemaphotography and a subtle yet firm score combine to make this one of the new American classics.
Rating:
Summary: "You cut the turkey without me?"
Review: That's Lou Jacobi's signature line in this film, and it's quite a statement that I can use it 13 years after "Avalon's" release and still draw a knowing response. Although 'Diner' will always remain Barry's Levinson's singular masterpiece, in Avalon he digs deeper to show us the roots of his family and how it slowly spun apart.Levinson returns to the Thanksgiving dinner scene year after year as touchstone to show how the family grows and evolves. Moreover, Avalon is a significant statement about America in general and the basic dissolution of the three-generation 'altogether' family unit. Levinson makes the very compelling case that the culprits are the television (the mood and tone of Avalon break dramatically once television is introduced) and the suburbs, or looked at alternatively, city flight. I love Lou Jacobi in this film. Armin Mueller-Stahl is equally as good. Also, look for an eight-year-old Elijah Wood in his first big role as Mueller-Stahl's grandson (and Aidan Quinn's son). Wood is playing Levinson's role here, so even at eight (foreshadowing of 'LOTR') he has a mighty big weight to carry.
Rating:
Summary: "You cut the turkey without me?"
Review: That's Lou Jacobi's signature line in this film, and it's quite a statement that I can use it 13 years after "Avalon's" release and still draw a knowing response. Although 'Diner' will always remain Barry's Levinson's singular masterpiece, in Avalon he digs deeper to show us the roots of his family and how it slowly spun apart. Levinson returns to the Thanksgiving dinner scene year after year as touchstone to show how the family grows and evolves. Moreover, Avalon is a significant statement about America in general and the basic dissolution of the three-generation 'altogether' family unit. Levinson makes the very compelling case that the culprits are the television (the mood and tone of Avalon break dramatically once television is introduced) and the suburbs, or looked at alternatively, city flight. I love Lou Jacobi in this film. Armin Mueller-Stahl is equally as good. Also, look for an eight-year-old Elijah Wood in his first big role as Mueller-Stahl's grandson (and Aidan Quinn's son). Wood is playing Levinson's role here, so even at eight (foreshadowing of 'LOTR') he has a mighty big weight to carry.
Rating:
Summary: Absolutely my favorite movie
Review: The reasons why I love this movie range from Randy Newman's exquisitely perfect score; the fine acting by all, especially Aidan Quinn, Elizabeth Perkins and Armin Mueller-Stahl; and the breathtaking cinematography. The movie is pure magic if you allow yourself to be swept into it. Although the movie concerns the assimilation of an immigrant family, it also deals with life and death themes as well as cultural and generational change. Watch it and muse over the frailty, wonder and awe of life and family.
Rating:
Summary: Paradise lost
Review: This film is a powerful depiction of the loss of innocence experienced by so many immigrants who came to this country, believing it was a veritable promised land. Slowly and subtly, Levinson shows how their once close families are pulled apart by the demands of the culture. From the flight of the middle class to the suburbs and the loss of traditional business values, the transformations our society underwent in the post-war period are captured here with masterful storytelling. Watch how television gradually becomes the center of the home, rather than the family table. The turkey scene, as funny as it is, is profound. The extended family is falling apart, as the geographical distance afforded by the automobile grows. The acting is tremendous. The performances of Quinn, Perkins, Muehler-Stahl and Plowright are worth the purchase alone. But don't miss young Elijah Wood in his first major film role. This movie is one to treasure and revisit year after year--how about at Thanksgiving... :)
Rating:
Summary: A Masterpiece!
Review: This film is one of the best I've ever seen in the history of movie-making. While others might scoff at the "boring reality" of it, I found Avalon insightful and involving. The movie revolves around the deterioration of the extended family and primarily the life of one man, Sam Kirkchinski, the patriarch of his family. There is everything good to say about this film: the script, the acting, the directing, the music...everything was absolutely wonderful! While watching this film you fall in love with some characters and grow to dislike others. The directing is probably the most beautiful thing about Avalon, interpreting beautifully Sam's memories of coming to the country, which grow more and more beautiful in his mind with time. The soundtrack comes in a close second, however: Randy Newman composed one of his most beautiful and most overlooked scores for this movie. Overlooked, I don't know why. This movie slipped right by many people when it came out and I hope that they are able to see it sometime. Be warned: if you see Avalon once, it won't be the last time!
Rating:
Summary: A Masterpiece!
Review: This film is one of the best I've ever seen in the history of movie-making. While others might scoff at the "boring reality" of it, I found Avalon insightful and involving. The movie revolves around the deterioration of the extended family and primarily the life of one man, Sam Kirkchinski, the patriarch of his family. There is everything good to say about this film: the script, the acting, the directing, the music...everything was absolutely wonderful! While watching this film you fall in love with some characters and grow to dislike others. The directing is probably the most beautiful thing about Avalon, interpreting beautifully Sam's memories of coming to the country, which grow more and more beautiful in his mind with time. The soundtrack comes in a close second, however: Randy Newman composed one of his most beautiful and most overlooked scores for this movie. Overlooked, I don't know why. This movie slipped right by many people when it came out and I hope that they are able to see it sometime. Be warned: if you see Avalon once, it won't be the last time!
Rating:
Summary: Solid movie
Review: This highly personal movie focuses on three generations of a family, the first generation which immigrated to America. The setting is in the 50's, and the film is pretty nostalgic. The shot of the immigrant arriving on the fourth of july is one of the most beautiful scenes ever filmed. The film does well with showing the problems of the time. From the pursuit of the american dream, to the disillusionment of a tight family unraveling. Fine perfomances by all, including Aidan Quinn, Kein Pollak and a young Elijah Wood. But the most moving of all is done by Armin Mueller-Stahl. A great film.
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