edwinharbor

J.C. Chandor is a young man that took on the sea and won with a brilliant film and a brilliant actor. I am not surprised by the number of sailing aficionados that have given this work of art low ratings and critical reviews; simply because the character was a poor sailor played out in a great story. It's sort of like asking a doctor what they thought about the television series, ER. When this incredible film premiered at Telluride Film Festival's outdoor Elks park, it was standing room only, and pretty dang cold, too. There was a low hanging tree branch obscuring a bit of the screen for me. Yet, I stood there in the street, late at night, and found my self transfixed to a story with a few words of spoken dialogue and only one character. Anyone that appreciates the medium of film, must see this one.

Brilliantly acted by Mr. Day-Lewis, Lincoln comes to life, and Mr. Spielberg delivers many many moments that make the viewer a believer. I truly did not expect to like this film as much as I did. I am a fan of both of the above, but just wasn't sure how they could make it all entertaining, but they certainly did. Sally Field is amazing as Mary Todd Lincoln; but I have been in love with her since she was Gidget almost 50 years ago and when she was the Flying Nun, as well. The screening I was at, both Day-Lewis and Field were there for Q&A that followed, and she still looked awesome. Tommy Lee Jones is, well Tommy Lee Jones. He is stellar as Thaddeus Stephens. The few negative reviews I have read on here, appear to be history purists. People, it's a movie. For all of those that like to be moved, laugh a bit, tear up some, and just plain enjoy a good "movie" about one of our great presidents, go see LINCOLN.

QT's "first" film is a glimpse of what was to come from a very talented writer/director; rich banter with an entertaining and skewed look at life. Shot in black and white, on a very small budget, the film has many shortcomings compared to the director's other films. However, it is still part of Tarantino's body of work.

In the mid 80's there were not many ways a filmmaker could get a film made - short of getting a film camera and making one with their buddies - and a quick look at the production credits for "My Best Friend's Birthday" suggest this to be the case.

I heard this film was unwatchable, but it is actually quite instructional for all hard-core Tarantino fans. Many have stated that this film was QT's film school; so be it. Cream rises because it is less dense than the milk it is found within and eventually makes its way to the top.

However, until someone takes a spoon and scoops the cream off the milk, it's stuck there. The Reservoir Dogs producer (Lawrence Bender) skimmed QT from the vat and we are the happy recipients of some rich delicious ice cream due to such.