GenXGirl’s Film Reviews

509 Films have been rated or reviewed by GenXGirl.

Lovely and Amazing (2001): A mother & her three adult daughters struggle with self–esteem & insecurities. Only the youngest daughter, and adopted African American 8–year–old, stands a chance of avoiding the family legacy of anxious self–absorption. Not amazing, but still lovely.
Vera Drake (2004): Set in 50's London, Vera Drake, an irrepressibly hopeful housecleaner and family woman, helps young women get rid of unwanted pregnancies, until the police appear and tear her world apart. Compelling, mesmerising, superbly acted and directed.
Iris (2001): Recounts the life of British novelist Iris Murdoch, from her courtship and marriage to literary critic John Bayley, to her devastating fight with Alzheimers. Made with great compassion.
Tea with Mussolini (1999): Set in 30's Italy during Mussolini's rise to power, it's the story of a young outcast boy who's adopted by a group of five eccentric aging Englishwomen living in Florence. Light frothy comedy about far more serious subject matter!
My House in Umbria (2003): When a terrorist bomb detonates on a countryside train–trip, killing a handful of passengers, the surviving strangers are invited to recuperate at the villa of an eccentric but kindly romance novelist. Heart–warming and beautifully shot.
Ladies in Lavender (2005): A pair of Cornish spinsters who discover a charismatic young Polish violin virtuoso castaway on the beach below their home. The tale leads inexorably to tender romantic conflicts and a warm concert house finale. A little disappointing, but sweet.
Dangerous Liaisons (1988): Beneath the elegant surface are the deviously twisted characters – the Marquise de Merteuil and the Vicomte de Valmont – a pair of schemers who take pleasure in coolly manipulating and seducing those around them. Delightful, whimsy & devilishly evil.
Elizabeth (1998): The naive & vibrant princess who becomes the stubborn & knowing queen, is both severe and sympathetic. Her rise ultimately entails rejecting love and marriage to redefine herself as the indisputable Virgin Queen. Lush costumes, dark sets. Magnificent!
Shakespeare in Love (1998): The beautiful Viola De Lesseps disguises herself as a young man to wangle herself an audition in the all–male cast, and wins both the part of Romeo and, after much misunderstanding, the playwright's heart. Beautiful set and costumes.
Much Ado About Nothing (1993): Largely the story of Benedick and Beatrice, adversaries who come to believe each is trying to woo the other. Shakespeare that's cheerful and accessible for everyone. Beautiful costumes.

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GenXGirl’s Film Reviews