kalisa2001

Went into the movie with a bit of trepidation. Because, while I was a fan of Spade's performances on Just Shoot Me and Emperor's New Groove, I'm not overly fond of low brow humor, for the most part.

Ended up leaving the theater in an euphoric state, and decided to see it again (since I had missed the beginning). The movie was just as enjoyable the second viewing.

Some of the low brow humor did bother me slightly, but for the most part I loved it. At times wickedly funny, and at other times sweet and adorable. This is a movie that might make a fun family night out. Indeed, I saw many kids in the audience (Including some apparently under the age of 10). Though parents might want to watch it first, to decide whether or not its appropriate for their kids to see. One joke was particularly low brow (though some in the audience loved it so much, that they clapped), it involved a guy asking Dickie for his photograph, and Dickie's subsequent response to that request. Overall, I'd recommend it for kids age 12+.

Anyhow, it was enjoyable seeing so many people playing themselves in tongue-in-cheek fashion. I particularly loved the end sequence at the credits, as well as the scenes involving: a rabbit, Sally's pep squad tryout, E True Hollywood bits, and Dickie's "creative" way of locating an address. Among other things. :)

Spade co-wrote this movie, and he did a good job. He imbued it with heart, something he is fond of doing with his comedies. But then again, what else can you expect, when the proceeds from the Hollywood Premiere went to the Chris Farley foundation?

One of these days, I would really like to see him in a Coen brothers' movie.

Anyhow, I'll be buying this on dvd when it's released, and might even see it again in the theater.

I definitely recommend this movie to fans of Just Shoot Me and The Emperor's New Groove.

9 out of 10

While this little gem may not be for everybody's taste, I find it wonderfully funny, intelligent, and well acted, with the actresses delivering their lines with such aplomb, it's amazing. At times it's even heartwarming. I especially love the dynamics between the four main characters. It's my favorite show, currently on the air.

You know, one of the most stereotypical aspects of horror movies is a creepy local, and a creepy looking villain. The Kubrick version had that with it's Overlook, and Jack Nicholson's Jack.

Well, much to my delight, this mini-series takes those two stereotypical aspects and turns them on their ear. Weber's handsome Jack is a multi-dimensional, complex character. A good man torn asunder by his inner demons. While the outer demons take advantage of his human frailty. The Overlook in the mini is a breathtakingly beautiful hotel. Which makes it even the more frightening as a haunted house. After all, if it can happen in such a gorgeous setting, it can happen anywhere.

Sort of like with Jaws, by Steven Spielberg. Some of the shark attacks took place during a sunny, gorgeous day at the beach.

Kubrick's work tends to be more formalistic fare, while King's is more towards the realistic end of the spectrum. Well, as realistic as such a movie can be, I guess. In other words, Kubrick focuses more on style than on plot. I never became attached to the characters in Kubrick's version of the Shining. Kubrick only represented one side to the characters. That of a dysfunctional family unit. In King's version they are much more developed. You really get to know them. Who they are. How they got to this point. Like I said earlier, a lot more focus on the plot and characterization.

This is one of the best adaptations of King's work. Along with The Stand, Shawshank Redemption, and the Green Mile. Why? Because of the aforementioned rich, in-depth characterizations. I can identify with and sympathize with at least some of the characters in those movies. Sometimes, even with most or all. Which is partly why Storm of the Century and Rose Red disappointed me so much. Both featured an overabundance of characters, walking hand in hand with a minute amount of character development. A somewhat fatal mix for a mini-series, in my opinion at least.

So, my rating for the Shining mini-series would be a 9, and for Kubrick's version a 6.5.