jlw33

I would like to begin by saying that "Something's Gotta Give" is one of the finest films I have seen this season. It is because of films like it that I enjoy writing reviews. I feel excitement when I can praise a film, because I want to work in the industry. And I believe that this film desreves alot of praise.

Mr. Jack Nicholson plays Harry, a 63 year old bachelor. Harry is handsome,

wealthy, and very horny. Harry's weakness is young, single, beautiful women.

When the film opens, Harry is spending the weekend at the home of such a

women, played by Amanda Peet. What surprises them is that they will not be

alone. Harry scares the woman's successful playwright Mother, Erika, played by Diane Keaton. Erika finds out that Harry is with her daughter, and the fun

begins. Harry is invited to spend the weekend at Erika's house. Harry gets the girl, and Erika spends the weekend writing her next play. That is the plot of the film.

During Harry's stay at Erika's house, he begins to feel a sharp pain in his chest. In one of the more histerically funny scenes of the film, Erika performs mouth to mouth for Harry. After a night stay at the hospital, Harry is told to get some relaxation. During Harry's relaxing weekend at their house, his girlfriends

Mother, Erika, is pushed to take care of him. In another very funny scene, while Erika gets ready to take a shower, she runs into Harry, who is somewhat lost

looking for the kitchen.

I could go on and on pointing out funny moments in this film. However, there is a lot of heart in the story. Both Nicholson and Keaton give very strong and sweet performances. As Harry, Nicholson has to go through a ton of emotion in a very short span of time. Harry is at once flirtatious and chovanistic. Then he suffers a mild heart attack, and becomes emotional, crying like a little boy. This is another defining role for Nicholson. He is incredible.

Josh Weinman

I could not find one flaw in this stylistic film. Mr. Hedges has done a fine job in depicting a family in need of a prayer. And, he has some very talented people helping him. The always entertaining Katey Holmes plays "April", a young,

middle class, bohemian woman living in Manhattan, New York. She spends all

of Thanksgiving day desparately trying to get her neighbors to let her use their ovens. This is the setting of "Pieces of April". Ms. Holmes shows off her acting talent in the role of "April". She has no trouble emoting. When she is happy, she shows it with ease. When she is sad or angry, she shows it with ease. When she is scared, she shows it with ease. Ms. Holmes is a versitle actress, and this is no acception.

What is the reason for April's rush in getting a Turkey perfectly prepared? Her family is coming for Thanksgiving. And they are traveling a far distance. They are, "Joy" her Mother, "Jim" her Father, "Beth" her Sister, "Timmy" her Brother, and "Grandma Dottie".

Perfectly cast as "Joy" is the amazing Patricia Clarkson. Ms. Clarkson gives a terrific performance as a bitter cancer survivor. Although "Joy" does not show any hint of fright on the surface, you can almost see horror on her face. But, you can be sure that "Joy" is always in control, not the cancer. She is determined to beat the cancer, and you can see it. The role of "Joy" demands a strong and

uninhibited actress. I can not think of anyone more fitting for "Joy" than Ms. Clarkson.

Cast as "Jim" is the always watchable Oliver Platt. Mr. Platt gives an enjoyable performance as a loving father and husband. You can tell by their performances that "Joy" and "Jim" are as much in love as when they were a new couple. "Jim" never worries about the future. He is happy and excited to see his family

together for Thanksgiving. You can see it in his smile. This is a huge step for them. And, a new beginning. The role of "Jim" demands a sweet and enduring

actor. I can not think of anyone more fitting for "Jim" than Mr. Platt.

Rounding out the cast is "Bobby", played by Derek Luke. "Bobby" is "April's"

boyfriend. I enjoyed Mr. Luke's performance. He is likeable in the role. But, the role of "Bobby" does not demand a versitle actor. "April" and "Bobby" are very much in love, and it shows.

I loved this colorful, romantic, artistic film. I was pleasently surprized by it. The family it depicts is alive and coping with the every day issues we all face. The images are real. The location is real. The people are real.

_Josh Weinman_

The problem with the film "Out of Time" is the fault of the screenplay. Although I thought the plot was easy and fun to follow along with. Denzel Washington, who is reason enough to catch a film, does a

fine job as Miami Beach Police Chief "Matt Whitlock", who finds himself at the center of a double homicide investigation. If it wasn't for Denzel in the lead role, I would have asked for my money back. The script, however plausible,

sometimes takes itself too seriously. I had trouble with the supporting cast, including Dean Cain and Sanaa Lathan. I think that they were overacting.

During a critical scene in the film, where Police Chief Whitlock is about to be identified by the neighbor of Lathan's character, he gets himself off the hook by acting like a victim of racism. This was comical. I feel this is a badly written scene. However, it is a isolated moment in the film. Overall, "Out of Time" is a believable thriller. In my opinion, the film works in large part due to

Washington's performance. But, the film falls short of being great because of a somewhat flawed script. Josh Weinman