A few reviews . . (film or TV) — Page 178

Wings Of The Dove - 1997 - 7/10

Kate’s wealthy aunt orders her to break her relationship with a cheap journalist.
As Kate’s mother had died penniless, the plan is for her to marry wealth.
Easier said than done, since the rich are well aware of the target on their back.
Enter the American heiress, whom Kate pushes her newspaper boyfriend toward.
Sumptuous adaptation of Henry James’ novel of morals, money, and calculating schemes.
Bonham Carter well cast as the adventuress Kate.
Dark theme and melancholic tone bear down as the film progresses.

The Talented Mr. Ripley - 1999 - 7/10

The leechlike wannabe, hooking up with class and affluence.
Ripley is innocent, inexperienced, but wealthy Dickie takes shine to him.
For awhile, theirs is a nonstop party.
Jude Law almost steals the movie as the rich, jaded, hedonistic Ritchie.
As Ripley, however, Matt Damon navigates a sordid journey.
Impressive cast includes Cate Blanchett, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Gwyneth Paltrow.
Excellent thinking man’s thriller.

Hello, Dolly! - 1969 - 5/10

The widowed matchmaker attempts to find a match for an “almost millionaire”.
Then there’s the rich man’s niece and her impoverished boyfriend.
Which the rich man properly says “No’ to. (Except in films, artists rarely make money.)
All sorts of stratagems and subterfuges follow.
With way too many characters and an over-complicated plot
Add a batch of songs, most highly unmemorable, and you have a musical turkey.
This is one of those films that killed musicals back when.
I was, and remain a Streisand fan which is why I watched this back in the day.
Recent rewatch – just as bad. And the vinyl ST, it ain’t “Funny Girl”.

Hannah And Her Sisters - 1986 - 7/10

Hannah is the family anchor, with one straying sister, the other struggling.
Sister Lee begins an affair with Hannah’s husband, while Holly slides from one attempt to another.
Three, four stories intertwine over roughly two years.
Part drama, more comedy, much of the comedy is emotionally dark.
Allen’s character, Mickey, searching for “meaning” in Life bounces from fad to fad.
Still, one of the Woody’s best films, winner of deserved acclaim.
Large cast of major names, excellent cinematography.