Normy18

If Only.

Cusack is one of my favorite actors and he again struts his stuff in High Fidelity. His talent for developing a believable character is extraordinary; sometimes I think his characters reflect parts of him. Then again, parts of his character in High Fidelity could reflect on a lot of people.

Anyway, the character development in High Fidelity is fantastic, the dialogue is realistic and often funny, and the writing is unique and fresh.

But...the whole movie felt like some really bad sex. Foreplay for an hour and a half, and just when you think there might be a satisfying climax, it doesn't really come, and you leave smoking a bad cigarette.

I don't like being teased with a plot that doesn't really grow. Either make a movie with a plot or make a movie without one.

I know this movie and the characters are more or less realistic, but that doesn't mean I find the general public very interesting, and would want to continue viewing these anecdotes. Besides, one can only digest so many "Top 5" lists from someone who's terribly difficult to care about. Without a plot, I wouldn't have tried to care about him, and would've enjoyed his character more.

I think the director tried to hit every base in the world with this movie. For many, it does. For me, Frears tripped over second base gawking at his own talent.

One of Jodie Foster's first roles, but she succeeds brilliantly despite a script with some corny verbatim. Very tomboyish but still gorgeous and her demeanor and acting ability far surpass her years. Niven is great fun playing several roles, all while trying to keep a straight face. Fight scene near end perhaps a bit overlong and typical, but maintains some humour. Average script is made up for with strong, tender performances in a children's movie (which probably only appeals to adults, now)which surprisingly is not emotionally manipulative. 7/10

I thought this movie was going to mock Christmas materialism and be extremely funny, especially with the comical cast. But instead it ends up glorifying and justifying the whole idea!

For kids the movie might be entertaining, but the whole stalking bit with Hartman and Arnold's wife is stale and not entertaining for children one bit.

For adults, the movie has little to offer except a chuckle every now and then. Some earnesty, but mostly mean-spiritedness make this move insulting. If the plan is mocking a Christmas tradition, you don't do it by being mean to innocent people (and reindeer!); you do it through slapstick or through some other form. And besides, the ending contradicts the whole point of the movie, that people shouldn't be materialistic.

I saw this in a theater with my girlfriend, and both of us were so disturbed by the movie we couldn't even cuddle with each other!

Wretchedly horrible, but not the actors' faults (other than the fact they signed on to the script). This makes The Santa Clause (from a year before) seem like Miracle on 34th Street.

One of the worst movies I've ever seen.