Scooter-8

I beg to differ with Julie who hated this adaptation of TOM JONES. I think the problem with it is that watching this is a lot more like reading an older book such as TOM JONES, more like it than most adaptations. You have to settle into the slower pace and appreciate the details that come with the pace. I find all of the seven featured leads outstanding, each having wonderful moments of their own. Max Beesley and Samantha Morton do SO much with their characters. I haven't seen him in anything else but if you want to really appreciate her, watch this TOM JONES and then right after it, watch the excellent film JESUS' SON. She's amazing. In conclusion - I say if you're inclined at all to watch this TOM JONES, do a little deep breathing or meditating first and you will, like me, LOVE it.

If you grew up in a healthy family - if there is any such thing as a healthy family - you may not like AFFLICTION. It had so many powerful connections to my own personal life that I found it nearly overwhelming. Great, just great. Although James Coburn did deserve the Oscar he won as supporting actor in this, it was Nick Nolte who just killed me, watching it. And the ineffable Sissy Spacek: great, just great.

I kept being reminded of submarine movies I saw (often unwillingly because of my older brother liking them) in the 1950's. All the plot and character cliches are intact here. Comparing the two era's version of this, I'd say the acting was better then, the special effects (the BUDGET!) much better now. The star was really the theatre's sound system. As the inevitable facts from history rolled on screen at the end, I leaned over to my companion and whispered, "And featuring Miss Drew Barrymore as 'the stowaway!'" Would that it had!