Kelly-Preston Movie Reviews

Finally, the DVD! And right after I find a used VHS copy!
Although silly (well, preposterous, really) and full of unlikeable, broadly painted characters, "Citizen Ruth" does cause the viewer to examine their stance on the abortion issue, no matter which side you currently take. "Provocative" is the single most used adjective in reviews for this movie, but few others are as descriptive. Well, maybe "controversial".
Ruth Stoops is an irresponsible, clueless, paint-huffing tramp who, while in police custody, learns she's pregnant again (she's had children taken away from her by the state already). Hardly in the position to think for herself, Ruth is used as a pawn for the causes of both the pro-lifers and pro-choicers. The situations escalate to bizarre proportions, but what the script does is take the opportunity to skewer all viewpoints. The film is labeled as a comedy (a damn black one), which is hard to see on first viewing. Once you warm up to it, it gets funnier.

Laura Dern gives one of her all-time best performances here as Ruth. Dern's career is wildly uneven, for every "Citizen Ruth" or "Ramblin' Rose" there's a "Jurassic Park" or "Perfect World" (though the latter two were examples of miscasting or bad story or direction). Her portrayal as Ruth accomplishes the near-impossible: you recoil in your disgust of her irreparable irresponsibility, yet sympathize with her situation and almost want to cheer her on near the end. This was a bold role choice for Dern and hats off to her!
The rest of the cast (too numerous to mention here) is terrific and gives credence to the madness swirling about Ruth. Without this ensemble, the touchy script for "Citizen Ruth" would fall flat on its face.
So, if you're up for an ideological challenge, see this film. Even if you don't like it, it'll give you plenty to talk about later.

Having seen ELECTION previously and now, finally, catching up with CITIZEN RUTH, I can't help getting excited about the work of filmmaker Alexander Payne. In both cases, the initial buzz on the films seemed positive, but in neither case, did I feel the need to rush right out to see them. An abortion comedy? A high school student council election used as a pretext to make a larger statement about ethics in contemporary American political lifez/ Frankly, the chances of either film being pulled off successfully did not seem so good.

But Payne and co-sreenwriter Jim Taylor succeeded beyond expectation both times out. These are films that take no prisoners. It's not surprising that in the case of RUTH, many viewers focus on the equal-opportunity skewering that both sides of the abortion debate receive. All true, but the characters are not quite the stereotypical cut-out figures that some have suggested. While Mary Kay Place as a fundamentalist pro-lifer may seem an obvious choice, and Swoosie Kurtz's performance as a radical pro-choicer may seem standard-issue at first, both the script and the individual performances are so full of deft touches and subtle embellishments, that their characters' self-contradictory humanity finally does begin to emerge.

Caught up in the abortion rights maelstrom is the hapless Ruth Stoops, a homeless drug addict and four-time pronounced unfit mother, who finds herself facing felony charges of 'fetal abuse' after a routine physical examination after a drug bust finds her pregnant once again. At least one review I found poking around the Net, suggested that the theme was getting a little "old" by the time of this film's release in 1996. The "fetal abuse" charge, however, is precisely the element that made the film au courant. The 'fetal rights' argument has been used increasingly in recent years to advance the pro-life cause.

Satire has its own special demands on actors, but turning in a multi-layered performance is not usually one of them. As suggested above, actors like Kurtz and Place are given some opportunity to do just that and you'll catch those moments if you don't blink. But in the title role Laura Dern is given that privelege throughout. Ruth is certainly slow-witted and morally immature, but Payne and Taylor wisely give her just enough self-awareness to make her interesting. And Dern does not play her too broadly. The satire takes on life around this authentic seeming character, almost despite her. CITIZEN RUTH is richer than your average cinematic satire.

Payne and Taylor are also the creative team behind ABOUT SCHMIDT, another film I missed in its theatrical run. Let's face it, it IS hard to keep up if you have a life. But now THAT one is definitely on my list of must-sees. A new film, SIDEWAYS, is currently in production. OK, next time out, I'll see that one first-run.

I believe Citizen Ruth, which satirizes both sides of the abortion debate, is one of the best films of the 90s. Laura Dern is perfect as the angry, drug-addicted and pregnant Ruth, who becomes a pawn in the political war between professional pro-life and pro-choice activists. Declared an unfit mother by a court, Ruth is encouraged to have an abortion. She is "rescued" by a swarmy, too-nice couple who, of course, turn out to be fanatical pro-lifers. They embark upon a full-fledged campaign to change Ruth's mind, which includes making her watch a film of a fetus being destroyed. As her case gains publicity, she is soon appropriated by the other side. The pro-choicers turn out to be equally fanatical and ideology-driven. Soon Ruth is being offered money by both sides, to either have or abort her baby. What makes the film work so well is the way Ruth's deadpan street attitude sharply contrasts with everyone around her. She is utterly oblivious to the issues and movements which with they are obsessed. This perfectly illustrates the sharp separation that necessarily exists between causes and real life. Ruth is an actual, if not wholly sympathetic person; to the activists around her, she is only a symbol to be used in their campaigns. Citizen Ruth brings this point home in a way that is entertaining and very funny. It is one of those movies with an extremely unlikely plot that is so smoothly executed that it seems believable as you watch it. While the events portrayed may not be realistic, the emotions that drive them are.

Anyone who was living during the 50's or who may be a fan of the time period would be missing out if they failed to sit back and enjoy this movie as I have on numerous occasions. Not only is the movie funny, but the sets and the music are top notch. Mischief gives you a sense of being there or wishing you were there. Doug Mckeon is the star of the movie along with a young Kelly Preston. Many people may not have heard of Mr. Mckeon but he was perfect for his role as Johnathan. Other movies I would recommend include American Graffitti, Back To The Future which includes a trip back to the fifties, Peggy Sue Got Married, Grease, The Wanderers which takes a look at the early 60's, and from a televison series standpoint....Happy Days.

This a wonderful, yet rather unknown film. Mischief is set in 1956 in the small Ohio town of Nelsonville. Everything about the film has a great sense of nostalgia about it: the small town, the 1950s cars, the clothing, and the OUTSTANDING soundtrack.

Some quick plot summary: Jonathan (Doug McKeon's character) is an average high school kid, who meets his new rebel neighbor, Gene(Chris Nash), who promises to help him get the girl of his dreams(Kelly Preston). Along the way, Gene falls in love with a girl who already has a boyfriend, resulting in several confrontations.

Mischief combines romance (sex), action, and humor, to be throughly entertaining. (While this film does possess '50s charm, do not be misguided; it is NOT a family-oriented film, as the R-rating indicates.)

This is truly one of the most entertaining Romantic Comedies I have ever seen. Set in the 1950s, the film exudes this happy-go-lucky innocence that is absolutely charming.

The cast is great, featuring Doug McKeon as a "Fonzie" type guy who wears a leather jacket, and Chris Nash as a nerdy (let's make that VERY nerdy) teenager who is trying his best to lose his virginity. The friendship that develops between this unlikely pair is a treat to see. It makes the movie a feel-good kind of experience that you will savor for days after the credits roll.

The female side includes the lovely Catherine Marie Stewart, playing a wholesome 1950s girl. Kelly Preston plays a shallow & superficial babe who acts as a foil to Stewart's personage. As tender as this all sounds, I would not recommend this film for family viewing. Preston does a nude scene and I must concede.......she has one of the most incredible bodies I've ever seen.

The 1950s Rock & Roll songs in the movie are a wonderful complement to the story on-screen. In truth, I've never cared too much for 50's Rock. However, in this movie I found the songs very refreshing. They did a lot to re-inforce the 1950s feel. In fact, the songs comprise the whole soundtrack - there is no incidental music @ all in the entire film.

If you're looking for an RC movie that covers different territory than the present day movies, you may well like this one. Back to the 50s we go - HAPPY DAYS ARE HERE AGAIN!

This original and deliciously spontaneous film is a story of the intellectual development of a prodigious child who pieces together the complex emotional mosaic of the people around him. The acting of the kid in question is so real, so absorbed, that you'll hardly feel like an onlooker -- you become a part of the family. This is complemented wholesomely by Firth and Harris.

The setting is Scotland, and the splendid camera work that captures its idyllic natural beauty is something to behold. The shots of the huge Scottish castle and its beautiful lands are fascinating.

A word about the gentle narrative. Things unfold neatly, the story is seen in flashbacks through the eyes of the ten year old. Bearing this in mind, the plot's disconnected moments and the occasional odd characters suddenly make sense. Very clever.

The feeling of coming to terms with the emotions of people around you conveyed with such simple elegance, even a sporadic humorous moment or two, that I recommend you to watch it with just about anyone that you care about, including children.

A very special, light-hearted treat!

Sometimes all that I expect from a movie is to be entertained--- and this film fit the bill. "My Life So Far" was a charming movie and a delightful look inside a family living a somewhat odd life on an estate in Scotland in the 1920s. We see the action of the movie through the eyes of the 10 year-old Fraser and via someone who is observing what is occurring. The household consists of the family, including Fraser's grandmother who owns the estate, many servants, and frequent visitors.

The movie is more a series of vignettes/memories of the Pettigrew family and its more pronounced quirks. Fraser's father Edward, played brilliantly by Colin Firth, is an oddball inventor who runs the Pettigrew Sphagnum Moss Factory - the only one in the world. His two loves are the Bible and Beethoven. His brother, Uncle Morris, visits infrequently but when he does, it can be disruptive, especially when he appears with his very young fiancee, Heloise, with whom all the males become enamoured.

This was based on a true story - taken from the memoirs of the former director of the Royal Opera House. I wish I had known this in advance.

I cannot finish without commenting on the gorgeous scenery, on the ground and from the air, conveniently shown when one of the many visitors is a colorful and legendary pilot.

The final scene of Fraser, sitting in his father's office, listening to jazz, smoking a cigar and drinking milk from a wine glass while looking at forbidden photos was such a hoot! It will linger in my memory for a long time...priceless!

Playing the dad to a rather large brood of children in Scottish highlands and running a moss factory of sorts. Charming story told from the viewpoint of his son, Frasier.

TWO NEW YORKERS TRAVOLTA AND GROSS HAVE BEEN TRICKED TO OPEN A NIGHTCLUB IN NEBRASKA BUT IN REALITY THEY ARE TRANSPORTED TO THE USSR TO TEACH MANNERS TO RUSSIAN SPIES LIVING IN THE UNITED STATES. TOTALLY MORONIC SCRIPT WITH A SENSE OF STUPIDITY BUT YET IT'S FUN TO SEE TRAVOLTA MAKE A FOOL OF HIMSELF. IT'S SILLY BUT YET FUNNY BUT NOTHING YOU WANT TO SEE AGAIN AND AGAIN.

Whoever earlier compared this movie favorable to The Lady Eve, Sullivan's Travels, Jerry Maquire, As Good as it Gets and Bringing up Baby must (as James Earl Jones said in Field of Dreams) be seeing a whole team of psychiatrists. It's an awful piece of mediocrity from a period when Travolta seemed incapable of picking good material (sort of like this year). However --

that being said, you MUST see this movie if only for the fact that, believe it or not, Travolta's hottest dance sequence in any movie is here. How did it end up here? Who knows? But from the moment Kelly Preston slinks onto the dance floor and rivets his attention, and for about three all-too-short minutes afterwards, The Experts takes its place in the pantheon of Bad Movies with Unforgettable Scenes. I actually watched this on a local commercial station one night a few years ago, and the number was cut by almost half because it's so suggestive. And that's not to say it's just an oglefest of insinuation -- there are some great moves here.

So for however few bucks ..., pick it up and enjoy this unforgettable dance, as long as you understand that the rest of it is pure caca.

travolta's coolest really before getting fav. i feel... hes mainly the man... very awesome movie and i am just waiting till its on dvd... 1st time watching,,, quickly got me interested with travolta and his wife together... and really an awesome movie...

Like the other reviewers, I believe Pato Hoffman deserved top billing. His interaction with Kelly Preston created great chemistry. I believed they should have devoted more time in the movie toward the development of their relationship. Pato Hoffman's character development was great. He played a native american who displyed humor, kindness, great character as well as someone the viewer could relate to. I was disappointed that the people writing the script chose to take the "safe" way out & have Kelly Preston leave Hawk at the end. I think it should have ended with them staying together - unless they decide to do a sequel. In that case, they could have Hawk going to see her & renewing the relationship.

Cheyenne Warrior is a beautiful love story with humour and heart-stopping moments. Pato Hoffman is simply gorgeous and Kelly Preston, whilst struggling with some daft dialogue at times, can still manage to portray emotion in the right places most of the time. ( Note I put Mr Hoffman first - he deserves it!)
A feel-good film that I put on the TV on a grey, rainy day whilst snuggling down into a comfy sofa with a large glass of wine to alternately cry or sigh into! Knowing the ultimate, desperate fate that awaits the Cheyenne of this era there must surely be material there for a subsequent film on Hawk? Especially in this time of renewed interest in the injustices perpetrated against those people?
Buy this film and watch it when you're on your own and don't have to succumb to pressure to agree it's corny ... it's just an old-fashioned love story - enjoy!!

Just a quick note to say that I thought this was a wonderful movie. It was entertaining and believable at the same time. I admit I had to break out the tissues at the end.

I also really enjoyed the producers/directors' commentary on the DVD. Usually I find them boring, but this one held my attention and I found myself wanting to ask questions about some of their comments.

I have since either rented or purchased all of Pato Hoffmann's other works that I have been able to find.

This movie is basically an odd couple comedy. ONe man, Nick, is a successful white busines man and the other, T for Terrance, is a down on his luck black man. Not the most original set-up.

The plot starts of with Nick coming home only to spy his wife having sex with his boss (played by Michael McKean of Spinal Tap fame). He walks out of his house in a daze and just starts driving the streets of L.A. He come to a bad part of town, rap music now plays in the background, and is mugged in his car by T.

Well, the mugging doesn't go as planned. Nick maces T and keeps driving. They get all the way to the desert in remote Arizona.

From here on the rob together, fight, and meet up with another mixed crime spree couple. They get to know each each other and there are some fairly touching moments as they understand each other's background. You'll have to see the movie to see how it all ends.

I thought the movie plot was fair but a bit contrived as a vehicle for Martin's screwball antics. Fans of Martin should enjoy this flick. Also look for the clear-faced ex-Oxy spokes-girl Rebecca Gayheart.

In "Nothing To Lose" Nick Beam (Tim Robbins), a white executive from the suburbs of Los Angeles, is having a really bad day. To start with, he walks in on his wife in bed with another man. He's having a really rough time with his boss. And to top it all off, he gets carjacked by T.(Terrence) Paul (Martin Lawrence). Feeling he has "nothing to lose," Nick decides to turn the tables on this would be carjacker and take him for the action packed thrill ride of his life.

In this 1997 comedy, directed by Steve Oedekerk, you will get 98 minutes of gut busting laughs. If you like comedies with lots of action, hold-ups, high speed chases, and revenge, I would recommend this movie to you.

I give this film four stars because, while it is a very funny film, it does have a lot of foul language. Therefore, I wouldn't recommend this film for young people, or people who prefer to keep young sensitive ears.

IN THIS MOVIE, A MAN [TIM ROBBINS] DISCOVERS HIS WIFE CHEATING, THEN TO MAKE MATTERS WORSE, HE GETS CARJACKED BY A THIEF [MARTIN LAWRENCE] THEN HE JUST LOSES HIS MIND. SUPRISINGLY FUNNY, AND MARTIN LAWRENCE AND TIM ROBBINS MAKE A VERY GOOD TEAM FOR A BUDDY MOVIE. IT'S FUNNY AND IT'S VERY FUN TO WATCH. I WOULD RECCOMEND THIS TO ANY MOVIE FAN THAT LIKES COMEDIES. A VERY FUNNY AND ENTERTAINING MOVIE FOR ALL.

I remember when I first heard that Michael Keaton and Kelly Preston were going to be in a snowman movie and I was like...why? I was actually expecting this movie to be bad but I was surprised that I enjoyed it a lot! I really liked how they developed the story between father and son and then son losing father. A very touching story that your children will definitely enjoy!

First, the pictures don't do the snowman justice because they really did a good job in the movie making the snow man look good with the use of teaming up with George Lucas Industrial Light and Magic. Awesome!

The video transfer is beautiful and the audio is pretty good considering it's a dialogue movie. As for the DVD, the movie comes with production notes and the theatrical trailer. I wish there was a long featurette and perhaps deleted scenes or something but it's ok... I got more what I expected from this movie.

In a way, I'm kind of happy that Michael Keaton took this role because for a good actor, to make a film for the families/children out there, shows great character.

A cool movie for families to watch together with their children.

I became introduced to this movie when my son brought home a book from school that contained an elementary school-level synopsis of the story. He had me read it to him at bedtime. When I was reading the ending to him, I looked over and saw tears in his eyes. That created the same effect in me and I immediately decided that we WOULD see the movie. It must have been a slow night at the theatre complex because my son and I were the only two watching the movie that night. It certainly added to the special feelings we both had for the movie. Obviously, the VHS was under the Christmas tree next year.

With all that, why did I only rate it 4 stars? Well, as a movie, it doesn't quite earn its' place among the classics. The acting's OK, the storyline is good, the photography, sets and scenery are fine, but it doesn't near the level of a "Wizard of Oz" or "Toy Story". On the other hand, if you're a father with a young son and you're both looking for a good movie to rent on a cold winter's night, I've got a recommendation...

JACK FROST is a wonderful film. It's about an aspiring musician, Jack Frost (Michael Keaton) who is struggling relationships with his loving wife, Gaby (Kelly Preston), and 12-year-old son, Charlie (Joseph Cross) because his band is keeping him from spending quality time with them. Then, on Christmas, Jack finds out that his band just got a record deal but they have to leave to go to a party so the record label can hear them play. And he had already made plans to spend Christmas with his family. He goes off, but then decides to head home again because he doesn't want to miss Christmas with his family. On the way home, however, it starts snowing really hard and he gets into a car accident and dies.

Exactly a year later, Gaby and Charlie and still struggling from the loss of Jack. Charlie goes outside his house one night and tries to make a snowman the way he made one with his father the year before. Suddenly, a few hours later, the snowman comes to life after Charlie plays the hermonica his father had given to him. Jack is given a second chance (even though he comes back to life in the form of the snowman Charlie built) to prove to Charlie and his wife that he can be a dedicated loving father and husband.

JACK FROST is a really fun and delightful family film. It's for all ages (though really young children may find the death of Jack Frost a little tense). Through all the humor, there is a tender, touching message. It's a little sad at the end, too. The acting by the entire cast is absolutely superb. I was surprised that Michael Keaton could sing - he does it very well, even if he was trained for it during the filming. The supporting cast also includes Andy Lawerence, who plays Charlie's best friend. The actor who really shines in this film isn't actually Michael Keaton or Kelly Preston - but it's Joseph Cross (WIDE AWAKE), who plays the son.

This film may look a little cheesy, but it really isn't. JACK FROST is a film everyone should own and treasure - it's a real, underrated gem!

I remember when I first heard that Michael Keaton and Kelly Preston were going to be in a snowman movie and I was like...why? I was actually expecting this movie to be bad but I was surprised that I enjoyed it a lot! I really liked how they developed the story between father and son and then son losing father. A very touching story that your children will definitely enjoy!

First, the pictures don't do the snowman justice because they really did a good job in the movie making the snow man look good with the use of teaming up with George Lucas Industrial Light and Magic. Awesome!

The video transfer is beautiful and the audio is pretty good considering it's a dialogue movie. As for the DVD, the movie comes with production notes and the theatrical trailer. I wish there was a long featurette and perhaps deleted scenes or something but it's ok... I got more what I expected from this movie.

In a way, I'm kind of happy that Michael Keaton took this role because for a good actor, to make a film for the families/children out there, shows great character.

A cool movie for families to watch together with their children.

I became introduced to this movie when my son brought home a book from school that contained an elementary school-level synopsis of the story. He had me read it to him at bedtime. When I was reading the ending to him, I looked over and saw tears in his eyes. That created the same effect in me and I immediately decided that we WOULD see the movie. It must have been a slow night at the theatre complex because my son and I were the only two watching the movie that night. It certainly added to the special feelings we both had for the movie. Obviously, the VHS was under the Christmas tree next year.

With all that, why did I only rate it 4 stars? Well, as a movie, it doesn't quite earn its' place among the classics. The acting's OK, the storyline is good, the photography, sets and scenery are fine, but it doesn't near the level of a "Wizard of Oz" or "Toy Story". On the other hand, if you're a father with a young son and you're both looking for a good movie to rent on a cold winter's night, I've got a recommendation...

JACK FROST is a wonderful film. It's about an aspiring musician, Jack Frost (Michael Keaton) who is struggling relationships with his loving wife, Gaby (Kelly Preston), and 12-year-old son, Charlie (Joseph Cross) because his band is keeping him from spending quality time with them. Then, on Christmas, Jack finds out that his band just got a record deal but they have to leave to go to a party so the record label can hear them play. And he had already made plans to spend Christmas with his family. He goes off, but then decides to head home again because he doesn't want to miss Christmas with his family. On the way home, however, it starts snowing really hard and he gets into a car accident and dies.

Exactly a year later, Gaby and Charlie and still struggling from the loss of Jack. Charlie goes outside his house one night and tries to make a snowman the way he made one with his father the year before. Suddenly, a few hours later, the snowman comes to life after Charlie plays the hermonica his father had given to him. Jack is given a second chance (even though he comes back to life in the form of the snowman Charlie built) to prove to Charlie and his wife that he can be a dedicated loving father and husband.

JACK FROST is a really fun and delightful family film. It's for all ages (though really young children may find the death of Jack Frost a little tense). Through all the humor, there is a tender, touching message. It's a little sad at the end, too. The acting by the entire cast is absolutely superb. I was surprised that Michael Keaton could sing - he does it very well, even if he was trained for it during the filming. The supporting cast also includes Andy Lawerence, who plays Charlie's best friend. The actor who really shines in this film isn't actually Michael Keaton or Kelly Preston - but it's Joseph Cross (WIDE AWAKE), who plays the son.

This film may look a little cheesy, but it really isn't. JACK FROST is a film everyone should own and treasure - it's a real, underrated gem!

First of all, Meg Ryan is the ebodiment of every acknowledged id out there. Who wouldn't want the chance to get even with the man who scorned you? Matthew Broderick, obsessed with his lost love, happens to cross Meg's path in the process, and the two become unlikely allies.

Dark, funny and sweet all at the same time, Addicted to Love is a romantic, if strangely endearing film. Unfortunately, can't say the same for the DVD. Zero special features. Sure, you get scene selection and interactive menus, but what doesn't have that?

I bought mine used, but the point is I bought it. Don't overpay, but buy it cheap, and you'll be glad you got it.

This is one of my favorite ALL TIME movies! There are many movies I cant watch again, but Ive worn this video OUT! This movie is great for when youre in the mood for a comedy, a romance, if youve just broken up with someone or are just at that special someone. Its great when youre single to remind you WHY youre single. And pull that altogether with the fact that it has two of my very favorite people in it! Meg Ryan and Mathew Broderick! Enjoy! AGAIN AND AGAIN!!!

I love this movie. Reminds me of how refreshing and lovely older movies are.

Meg Ryan and Matthew Broderick, spurned by both their lovers has decided to take revenge. It was both hilarious and fun to watch. Methods of revenge are extreme and well thought!

Good Movie!

First of all, Meg Ryan is the ebodiment of every acknowledged id out there. Who wouldn't want the chance to get even with the man who scorned you? Matthew Broderick, obsessed with his lost love, happens to cross Meg's path in the process, and the two become unlikely allies.

Dark, funny and sweet all at the same time, Addicted to Love is a romantic, if strangely endearing film. Unfortunately, can't say the same for the DVD. Zero special features. Sure, you get scene selection and interactive menus, but what doesn't have that?

I bought mine used, but the point is I bought it. Don't overpay, but buy it cheap, and you'll be glad you got it.

This is one of my favorite ALL TIME movies! There are many movies I cant watch again, but Ive worn this video OUT! This movie is great for when youre in the mood for a comedy, a romance, if youve just broken up with someone or are just at that special someone. Its great when youre single to remind you WHY youre single. And pull that altogether with the fact that it has two of my very favorite people in it! Meg Ryan and Mathew Broderick! Enjoy! AGAIN AND AGAIN!!!

I love this movie. Reminds me of how refreshing and lovely older movies are.

Meg Ryan and Matthew Broderick, spurned by both their lovers has decided to take revenge. It was both hilarious and fun to watch. Methods of revenge are extreme and well thought!

Good Movie!