Miranda-Richardson Movie Reviews

I have been in awe of Haley Joel Osment for a few years now. However, I think I have finally seen a child actor outperform him. Christian Bale was nothing short of flawless in "Empire Of The Sun". In a different actor's hands, this film wouldn't have been nearly as moving and special. However, Bale displays more talent than most seasoned Hollywood actors.

As you probably know, "Empire Of The Sun" is about a young British boy who becomes separated from his parents during WWII and ends up in an internment camp. Being a Spielberg film, the direction and cinematography are, of course, stunning. Great effort was put into making this film appear realistic and it works wonderfully. In fact, this was the first major American film shot in China.

Another strong point of this movie is that it is shown through the eyes of a child. Often, war movies are all too harsh, violent and depressing. "Empire Of The Sun" successfully shows us glimpses of the brutalness of war but it also allows us to keep a constant feeling of hope and determination. That is in no small part due to the talent of Bale. He makes the viewer feel what he feels. There is an amazing amount of passion in his performance.

It's a shame that this is one of Spielberg's least respected efforts. I put off seeing "Empire Of The Sun" for a long time because of the tepid reviews it received. Instead of mediocrity, however, I found a movie filled with inspiration. Please do yourself a favor and see it as well!

The first time I ever saw this film was just last year when I was 15 years old. I had never even heard about it until I watched the Making of Saving Private Ryan. This documentary played a clip of some of Steven Spielberg's movies set during World War 2.

When I heard the beautiful John Williams' score play on my TV and a boy watching a lone fighter plane soar across the runway, I was immediately captivated and sat in awe as this boy cheered on the fighter plane. I immediately rewound the tape and read the title of this clip: Empire of the Sun.

I quickly ran to my local Blockbuster and rented the movie not even knowing what the film was about and was witnessed to the most amazing film I had ever seen!

The performances were top notch and the performance from the young Christian Bale, who plays the young boy, Jim, forced in a Japanese Intern Camp, is the greatest performance by a child I have ever seen, exceeding that of such names as Henry Thomas (E.T.) and young oscar nominee Haley Joel Osment (The Sixth Sense).

The movie itself is a visual masterpiece with never a dull moment. This movie contains some of the most memorable and beuatiful scenes I have ever seen anywhere. The story itself is full of drama, action, and suspence that captures your heart and never lets go even after the end credits are rolling!

As usual, John Williams delivers with one of his greatest scores ever. The visual effects are astounding and perfectly executed to enhance the storytelling of the movie.

I disagree with some of the negative reviews that plague this underrated epic. Many people before its release expected it to be this huge blockbuster stemming off as an adaptation of a book by the same name. How can anyone expect a movie about a boy torn from his parents and forced to live in a Japanese Prison Camp, get cursed and beaten at and forced to eat bugs and potatoes for years to be a huge blockbuster. Many people attacked it for its lack of commercial success.

While this may not be the most historically accurate film in the case of how horrific the conditions of the prison camps really were, this would only destract the audiance from what the film should be and is, a film that begins tragically but ends up being a coming of age heartwarming epic drama about a boy forced to live and grow up fast under the harshest of conditions and yet triumphs against all obstacles.

"Empire of the Sun" is an inspiring, emotional, and action-packed epic of a small boy in a great war. Jim Grahm ( Christian Bale) is a young boy that is raised in a wealthy British communtiy in Japan during WWII. When a revolt breaks out in the streets, Jim is ripped away from his parents and forced off on his own. He heads back to his house to find it empty and looted by Japanese soldiers. Jim runs away from home hoping to find his parents only to run into Basey ( John Malkovich) and Frank Demarest ( Joe Pantoliano). They are soldiers that take an interest in Jim's hard luck story. Unfortunately the three are captured and put into a Japanese internment camp. Jim's love for planes and unconquerable spirit soars high and free above the harsh confines of the camp. Through his eyes we see both the fascination and horror of war. But as his struggle for survival grows, his hold on his childhood weakens.

Empire of the Sun in my eyes is one of Spielberg's best films ever. It is based on the real life experiences of J.G. Ballard and really illustrates what he had to go through. The script follows his book so closely, that Ballard himself complimented Spielberg on how accurate the film was. The set designs and shot locations are incredibly realistic to the time period that the film took place in. You feel like you are witnessing a P.O.W. camp first hand as well as WWII itself. "Empire of the Sun" was also the first major Hollywood studio production ever to shoot in the People's Republic of China.

The friendship that builds between Jim and the rest of the Americans is great. Christian Bale was just flat out amazing as Jim Grahm. It was the first role of his career and in my opinion it was his best performance. The most incredible thing about it, was the fact that he was just a boy. The role was very demanding, and he did a great job with it. Christian Bale also does a nice job singing along with the musical score in this film. John Malkovich turns in a solid performance as Basie. Basie is the leader of the American soldiers within the camp, and befriends Jim taking him under his wing. Other great performances are given by Joe Pantoliano as Frank Demarest, Miranda Richardson as Mrs Victor, and Nigel Havers as Dr. Rawlins.

The DVD is definately worth the money because it offers an incredible 47 minute documentary on the making of the film entitled "The China Odyssey : Empire of the Sun". You hear facts about the war, and comments on the making of the film from Spielberg, the different actors, and the man who the film was based on - J.G. Ballard.

I have been in awe of Haley Joel Osment for a few years now. However, I think I have finally seen a child actor outperform him. Christian Bale was nothing short of flawless in "Empire Of The Sun". In a different actor's hands, this film wouldn't have been nearly as moving and special. However, Bale displays more talent than most seasoned Hollywood actors.

As you probably know, "Empire Of The Sun" is about a young British boy who becomes separated from his parents during WWII and ends up in an internment camp. Being a Spielberg film, the direction and cinematography are, of course, stunning. Great effort was put into making this film appear realistic and it works wonderfully. In fact, this was the first major American film shot in China.

Another strong point of this movie is that it is shown through the eyes of a child. Often, war movies are all too harsh, violent and depressing. "Empire Of The Sun" successfully shows us glimpses of the brutalness of war but it also allows us to keep a constant feeling of hope and determination. That is in no small part due to the talent of Bale. He makes the viewer feel what he feels. There is an amazing amount of passion in his performance.

It's a shame that this is one of Spielberg's least respected efforts. I put off seeing "Empire Of The Sun" for a long time because of the tepid reviews it received. Instead of mediocrity, however, I found a movie filled with inspiration. Please do yourself a favor and see it as well!

The first time I ever saw this film was just last year when I was 15 years old. I had never even heard about it until I watched the Making of Saving Private Ryan. This documentary played a clip of some of Steven Spielberg's movies set during World War 2.

When I heard the beautiful John Williams' score play on my TV and a boy watching a lone fighter plane soar across the runway, I was immediately captivated and sat in awe as this boy cheered on the fighter plane. I immediately rewound the tape and read the title of this clip: Empire of the Sun.

I quickly ran to my local Blockbuster and rented the movie not even knowing what the film was about and was witnessed to the most amazing film I had ever seen!

The performances were top notch and the performance from the young Christian Bale, who plays the young boy, Jim, forced in a Japanese Intern Camp, is the greatest performance by a child I have ever seen, exceeding that of such names as Henry Thomas (E.T.) and young oscar nominee Haley Joel Osment (The Sixth Sense).

The movie itself is a visual masterpiece with never a dull moment. This movie contains some of the most memorable and beuatiful scenes I have ever seen anywhere. The story itself is full of drama, action, and suspence that captures your heart and never lets go even after the end credits are rolling!

As usual, John Williams delivers with one of his greatest scores ever. The visual effects are astounding and perfectly executed to enhance the storytelling of the movie.

I disagree with some of the negative reviews that plague this underrated epic. Many people before its release expected it to be this huge blockbuster stemming off as an adaptation of a book by the same name. How can anyone expect a movie about a boy torn from his parents and forced to live in a Japanese Prison Camp, get cursed and beaten at and forced to eat bugs and potatoes for years to be a huge blockbuster. Many people attacked it for its lack of commercial success.

While this may not be the most historically accurate film in the case of how horrific the conditions of the prison camps really were, this would only destract the audiance from what the film should be and is, a film that begins tragically but ends up being a coming of age heartwarming epic drama about a boy forced to live and grow up fast under the harshest of conditions and yet triumphs against all obstacles.

"Empire of the Sun" is an inspiring, emotional, and action-packed epic of a small boy in a great war. Jim Grahm ( Christian Bale) is a young boy that is raised in a wealthy British communtiy in Japan during WWII. When a revolt breaks out in the streets, Jim is ripped away from his parents and forced off on his own. He heads back to his house to find it empty and looted by Japanese soldiers. Jim runs away from home hoping to find his parents only to run into Basey ( John Malkovich) and Frank Demarest ( Joe Pantoliano). They are soldiers that take an interest in Jim's hard luck story. Unfortunately the three are captured and put into a Japanese internment camp. Jim's love for planes and unconquerable spirit soars high and free above the harsh confines of the camp. Through his eyes we see both the fascination and horror of war. But as his struggle for survival grows, his hold on his childhood weakens.

Empire of the Sun in my eyes is one of Spielberg's best films ever. It is based on the real life experiences of J.G. Ballard and really illustrates what he had to go through. The script follows his book so closely, that Ballard himself complimented Spielberg on how accurate the film was. The set designs and shot locations are incredibly realistic to the time period that the film took place in. You feel like you are witnessing a P.O.W. camp first hand as well as WWII itself. "Empire of the Sun" was also the first major Hollywood studio production ever to shoot in the People's Republic of China.

The friendship that builds between Jim and the rest of the Americans is great. Christian Bale was just flat out amazing as Jim Grahm. It was the first role of his career and in my opinion it was his best performance. The most incredible thing about it, was the fact that he was just a boy. The role was very demanding, and he did a great job with it. Christian Bale also does a nice job singing along with the musical score in this film. John Malkovich turns in a solid performance as Basie. Basie is the leader of the American soldiers within the camp, and befriends Jim taking him under his wing. Other great performances are given by Joe Pantoliano as Frank Demarest, Miranda Richardson as Mrs Victor, and Nigel Havers as Dr. Rawlins.

The DVD is definately worth the money because it offers an incredible 47 minute documentary on the making of the film entitled "The China Odyssey : Empire of the Sun". You hear facts about the war, and comments on the making of the film from Spielberg, the different actors, and the man who the film was based on - J.G. Ballard.

I bought this film on a whim and will watch it more than once. The DVD version has been digitally mastered and is very beautiful--the blues and reds of the English and French uniforms, the greens of the countryside, the stunning blue of the hot air baloon, the white sand of the coast.

Robert Louis Stevenson, a 19th Century English writer whose illustrious compatriots include Jane Austen, Charles Dickens, and Jane Eyre wrote ST IVES--the book the film is based upon. This tale is somewhat reminiscent of a Jane Austen story with its lover's angst, but it lacks Austen's irony and amazing plot twists. Also, Janie did not include the blood and guts and sex depicted on the screen in ST IVES--but did Robinson? In some ways, ST IVES is more akin to the French tales of the Ancien regime (VALMONT) than the English tales of the Regency period, but unlike the French stories, this tale is relatively upbeat (there are some deaths).

Perhaps one might liken ST IVES to the Scarlet Pimpernel but the hero is a real Frenchman, not an English Aristocrat posing as one. St Ives is also fighting for Napoleon when he isn't dueling "wanabees" or chasing pretty women. One day, St Ives finds himself an English prisoner-of-war after back-slapping pal (his second at his numerous duels) unwittingly causes him to slide down an embankment into the waiting arms of British soldiers.

St Ives captors transport him to Scotland, where he is placed under the watchful eye and lock and key of Major Chevening who is a bit resentful of having been kept out of the fracas on the continent. Chevening has been ineffectively courting the delicious Flora, niece of Miss Gilcrist. In an amazing turn of events, Miss Gilchrist (who is extemely worldly) and St. Ives are soon both coaching Major Chevening concerning his courting strategies.

ST IVES is a hero, not the place with kits, cats, sacks and wives as I thought all these years, and the gentleman's name is pronounced "Santeff". Miranda Richardson is wonderful as Miss Gilcrist (she is related to the Redgraves and Natasha). Richard Grant is oh so funny as Major Chevening, and he and Miss Gilcrist have some very amusing scenes together. I had not heard of the two younger actors who play St Ives and his love interest, but they are also very good. The plotline of ST IVES is not as well developed as Austen's story PRIDE AND PREJUDICE, if it were it would be as well known, but it is as well developed as NORTHANGER ABBY. The characters are two-dimensional, but real enough that one cares what happens to them. The film's strengths include moments of sadness, humor, and above all lots of love-making.

...Just a whim that it might be good because I love the combination of literature and film. I want to tell you what a rollocking, fun ride this movie is, I was definitely not disappointed. The portrayal were fun and first rate, the story was exciting and funny. Everyone interested in Lit/film should run out and rent this film.

The first time I viewed this delightful video was on a whim. What a wonderful time I had! This film stands up to multiple viewings thanks to the witty screenplay, rich cinematography and wonderful casting in all roles -- the heroes are flawed, the villains are delicious, and the women are intelligent and gutsy. Both men and women will enjoy this movie. It's a keeper.

"The Apostle", starring Robert Duvall, Farrah Fawcett, Miranda Richardson, and John Beasley, is an outstanding film, beautifully written and acted, breathtaking in its simplicity and yet imbued with complex and deeply etched characters, is a stunning and realistic portrayal of life inside a southern Pentecostal Christian community, and of one man's search for redemption.

"The Apostle" is Euliss "Sonny" Dewey, a Pentecostal preacher whose life is forever changed when he commits a horrific act of violence, a crime of passion committed in response to his wife's infidelity. The majority of this beautifully crafted film takes place in the small town of Bayou Boutte Louisiana. After fleeing from justice, Sonny, now self-baptized as "The Apostle E.F.," sets about resurrecting a small Pentecostal church near the town. This "church in the wildwood" had fallen into disuse after the retirement of its pastor, the Reverend C. Charles Blackwell (played by John Beasley). With his infectious smile, eternally effervescent personality, and obvious love for the Lord, the "Apostle E.F." soon sets this bayou community on its ear. In only a few weeks, the "One Way Road to Heaven," as the newly re-created church is called, has grown from only seven to over thirty members. Church members are involved in distributing food to the poor; the Apostle has begun a stirring "Holy Ghost Power" weekly radio broadcast.

Sonny's conscience constantly reminds him of the enormity of his crime, forcing him to deal with the issue of balancing God's love with God's justice. How he does this is perhaps the central theme of this marvelous film. How does Sonny react when the "long arm of the law" finally reaches out to bring him to justice? Watch this wonderful film to find out!

"The Apostle" was a labor of love for writer/executive producer/star Robert Duvall. It took Duvall fourteen years to see his pet project through to fruition; his commitment is readily evident throughout the film. His performance as "The Apostle" has tremendous depth and credibility. In this veteran actor's hands, the character of Sonny Dewey, with all its complexity, illuminates the screen. Other performances of note are those of John Beasley as the compassionate yet strong-willed Reverend Blackwell; and, in an excellent cameo appearance, June Carter-Cash as Sonny's mother. Only the performance of Farrah Fawcett suffers; her portrayal of Jessie Dewey lacks power. The character she portrays seems too unemotional and detached in every scene in which she appears.

"The Apostle" is a wonderfully sensitive, well crafted film which explores many issues confronting humanity: good versus evil; justice versus mercy; and virtue versus vice. This movie provides sensitive answers to pressing questions, and does so without ever becoming moralistic or "preachy." With a top-shelf screenplay and first-rate performances by an excellent cast, "The Apostle" is wonderful entertainment, as well as a movie with an important message.

"The Apostle," starring Robert Duvall, Farrah Fawcett, Miranda Richardson, and John Beasley, is an outstanding film... beautifully written and acted, breathtaking in its simplicity and yet imbued with complex and deeply etched characters, a stunning and realistic portrayal of life inside a southern Pentecostal Christian community, and an eloquent chronicle of one man's search for redemption.

The movie's premise is simple and effective. Euliss "Sonny" Dewey (played by Robert Duvall) is a Pentecostal preacher who has everything: a loving wife Jessie (Farrah Fawcett) and two adoring children; a doting mother (June Carter-Cash); and a thriving ministry. He is respected and loved by his church community.

But Sonny is also a womanizer, and a man who suspects his wife being involved in an adulterous relationship of her own. Jessie is indeed having an affair with Horace, the youth minister in their church. When Sonny discovers the truth about his wife, his life unravels. He is ousted as pastor of his church. One day, Sonny momentarily loses control, and in a drunken rage, smashes Horace's skull with a baseball bat.

Sonny flees from justice. Styling himself an itinerant preacher, he travels through rural southeastern Texas and into the bayou country of Louisiana. While he is traveling, he hears the voice of his conscience peck away at his vanity and worldly ways.

The majority of this beautiful film takes place in a small town in Louisiana's bayou country. Sonny, now self-baptized as "The Apostle E.F.," sets about resurrecting a small Pentecostal church which had fallen into disuse after the retirement of its pastor. With an infectious smile, eternally effervescent personality, and obvious love for the Lord, the "Apostle E.F." soon sets this bayou community on its ear. The Apostle, however, is constantly aware of his past, as his conscience reminds him of the enormity of his crime. How he deals with the issue of balancing God's love with God's justice is perhaps the central theme of this marvelous film.

It took Robert Duvall fourteen years to see this project through to fruition, and his commitment shows throughout the film. His performance as "The Apostle E.F." has tremendous depth and credibility. In this veteran actor's hands, the character of Sonny Dewey illuminates the screen. Other performances of note are those of John Beasley as the compassionate yet strong-willed Reverend Blackwell; and in an excellent cameo appearance, June Carter-Cash as Sonny's mother. Only the performance of Farrah Fawcett seems to suffer in this film. Her portrayal of Jessie Dewey seemed to lack power; the character she played seemed too unemotional and detached in every scene in which she appeared.

"The Apostle" is a well crafted film which explores many issues confronting humanity: good versus evil; justice versus mercy; and virtue versus vice. This movie provides sensitive answers to pressing questions, and does so without ever becoming moralistic or "preachy." With a top-shelf screenplay and first-rate performances by an excellent cast, The Apostle is wonderful entertainment, as well as a movie with an important message.

"The Apostle" staring Robert Duvall is a film that you will remember long after your viewing. The story of Preacher "Sonny" Dewey is one man's quest to live for the God he loves and his
fight with his own sinful nature and those he loves.
When Sonny's wife is caught in infidelity, Sonny commits a crime of passion and the story takes you with him as he battles for
his redemption. My heart broke for this man many times in this great movie as his pain and suffering were so greatly crafted
upon the screen that they etched their way into your heart.
This is a movie that will leave you deep in thought and will
have you searching your own soul concerning your own redemption.
Well worth your time!

"The Apostle", starring Robert Duvall, Farrah Fawcett, Miranda Richardson, and John Beasley, is an outstanding film, beautifully written and acted, breathtaking in its simplicity and yet imbued with complex and deeply etched characters, is a stunning and realistic portrayal of life inside a southern Pentecostal Christian community, and of one man's search for redemption.

"The Apostle" is Euliss "Sonny" Dewey, a Pentecostal preacher whose life is forever changed when he commits a horrific act of violence, a crime of passion committed in response to his wife's infidelity. The majority of this beautifully crafted film takes place in the small town of Bayou Boutte Louisiana. After fleeing from justice, Sonny, now self-baptized as "The Apostle E.F.," sets about resurrecting a small Pentecostal church near the town. This "church in the wildwood" had fallen into disuse after the retirement of its pastor, the Reverend C. Charles Blackwell (played by John Beasley). With his infectious smile, eternally effervescent personality, and obvious love for the Lord, the "Apostle E.F." soon sets this bayou community on its ear. In only a few weeks, the "One Way Road to Heaven," as the newly re-created church is called, has grown from only seven to over thirty members. Church members are involved in distributing food to the poor; the Apostle has begun a stirring "Holy Ghost Power" weekly radio broadcast.

Sonny's conscience constantly reminds him of the enormity of his crime, forcing him to deal with the issue of balancing God's love with God's justice. How he does this is perhaps the central theme of this marvelous film. How does Sonny react when the "long arm of the law" finally reaches out to bring him to justice? Watch this wonderful film to find out!

"The Apostle" was a labor of love for writer/executive producer/star Robert Duvall. It took Duvall fourteen years to see his pet project through to fruition; his commitment is readily evident throughout the film. His performance as "The Apostle" has tremendous depth and credibility. In this veteran actor's hands, the character of Sonny Dewey, with all its complexity, illuminates the screen. Other performances of note are those of John Beasley as the compassionate yet strong-willed Reverend Blackwell; and, in an excellent cameo appearance, June Carter-Cash as Sonny's mother. Only the performance of Farrah Fawcett suffers; her portrayal of Jessie Dewey lacks power. The character she portrays seems too unemotional and detached in every scene in which she appears.

"The Apostle" is a wonderfully sensitive, well crafted film which explores many issues confronting humanity: good versus evil; justice versus mercy; and virtue versus vice. This movie provides sensitive answers to pressing questions, and does so without ever becoming moralistic or "preachy." With a top-shelf screenplay and first-rate performances by an excellent cast, "The Apostle" is wonderful entertainment, as well as a movie with an important message.

"The Apostle," starring Robert Duvall, Farrah Fawcett, Miranda Richardson, and John Beasley, is an outstanding film... beautifully written and acted, breathtaking in its simplicity and yet imbued with complex and deeply etched characters, a stunning and realistic portrayal of life inside a southern Pentecostal Christian community, and an eloquent chronicle of one man's search for redemption.

The movie's premise is simple and effective. Euliss "Sonny" Dewey (played by Robert Duvall) is a Pentecostal preacher who has everything: a loving wife Jessie (Farrah Fawcett) and two adoring children; a doting mother (June Carter-Cash); and a thriving ministry. He is respected and loved by his church community.

But Sonny is also a womanizer, and a man who suspects his wife being involved in an adulterous relationship of her own. Jessie is indeed having an affair with Horace, the youth minister in their church. When Sonny discovers the truth about his wife, his life unravels. He is ousted as pastor of his church. One day, Sonny momentarily loses control, and in a drunken rage, smashes Horace's skull with a baseball bat.

Sonny flees from justice. Styling himself an itinerant preacher, he travels through rural southeastern Texas and into the bayou country of Louisiana. While he is traveling, he hears the voice of his conscience peck away at his vanity and worldly ways.

The majority of this beautiful film takes place in a small town in Louisiana's bayou country. Sonny, now self-baptized as "The Apostle E.F.," sets about resurrecting a small Pentecostal church which had fallen into disuse after the retirement of its pastor. With an infectious smile, eternally effervescent personality, and obvious love for the Lord, the "Apostle E.F." soon sets this bayou community on its ear. The Apostle, however, is constantly aware of his past, as his conscience reminds him of the enormity of his crime. How he deals with the issue of balancing God's love with God's justice is perhaps the central theme of this marvelous film.

It took Robert Duvall fourteen years to see this project through to fruition, and his commitment shows throughout the film. His performance as "The Apostle E.F." has tremendous depth and credibility. In this veteran actor's hands, the character of Sonny Dewey illuminates the screen. Other performances of note are those of John Beasley as the compassionate yet strong-willed Reverend Blackwell; and in an excellent cameo appearance, June Carter-Cash as Sonny's mother. Only the performance of Farrah Fawcett seems to suffer in this film. Her portrayal of Jessie Dewey seemed to lack power; the character she played seemed too unemotional and detached in every scene in which she appeared.

"The Apostle" is a well crafted film which explores many issues confronting humanity: good versus evil; justice versus mercy; and virtue versus vice. This movie provides sensitive answers to pressing questions, and does so without ever becoming moralistic or "preachy." With a top-shelf screenplay and first-rate performances by an excellent cast, The Apostle is wonderful entertainment, as well as a movie with an important message.

"The Apostle" staring Robert Duvall is a film that you will remember long after your viewing. The story of Preacher "Sonny" Dewey is one man's quest to live for the God he loves and his
fight with his own sinful nature and those he loves.
When Sonny's wife is caught in infidelity, Sonny commits a crime of passion and the story takes you with him as he battles for
his redemption. My heart broke for this man many times in this great movie as his pain and suffering were so greatly crafted
upon the screen that they etched their way into your heart.
This is a movie that will leave you deep in thought and will
have you searching your own soul concerning your own redemption.
Well worth your time!

"The Apostle", starring Robert Duvall, Farrah Fawcett, Miranda Richardson, and John Beasley, is an outstanding film, beautifully written and acted, breathtaking in its simplicity and yet imbued with complex and deeply etched characters, is a stunning and realistic portrayal of life inside a southern Pentecostal Christian community, and of one man's search for redemption.

"The Apostle" is Euliss "Sonny" Dewey, a Pentecostal preacher whose life is forever changed when he commits a horrific act of violence, a crime of passion committed in response to his wife's infidelity. The majority of this beautifully crafted film takes place in the small town of Bayou Boutte Louisiana. After fleeing from justice, Sonny, now self-baptized as "The Apostle E.F.," sets about resurrecting a small Pentecostal church near the town. This "church in the wildwood" had fallen into disuse after the retirement of its pastor, the Reverend C. Charles Blackwell (played by John Beasley). With his infectious smile, eternally effervescent personality, and obvious love for the Lord, the "Apostle E.F." soon sets this bayou community on its ear. In only a few weeks, the "One Way Road to Heaven," as the newly re-created church is called, has grown from only seven to over thirty members. Church members are involved in distributing food to the poor; the Apostle has begun a stirring "Holy Ghost Power" weekly radio broadcast.

Sonny's conscience constantly reminds him of the enormity of his crime, forcing him to deal with the issue of balancing God's love with God's justice. How he does this is perhaps the central theme of this marvelous film. How does Sonny react when the "long arm of the law" finally reaches out to bring him to justice? Watch this wonderful film to find out!

"The Apostle" was a labor of love for writer/executive producer/star Robert Duvall. It took Duvall fourteen years to see his pet project through to fruition; his commitment is readily evident throughout the film. His performance as "The Apostle" has tremendous depth and credibility. In this veteran actor's hands, the character of Sonny Dewey, with all its complexity, illuminates the screen. Other performances of note are those of John Beasley as the compassionate yet strong-willed Reverend Blackwell; and, in an excellent cameo appearance, June Carter-Cash as Sonny's mother. Only the performance of Farrah Fawcett suffers; her portrayal of Jessie Dewey lacks power. The character she portrays seems too unemotional and detached in every scene in which she appears.

"The Apostle" is a wonderfully sensitive, well crafted film which explores many issues confronting humanity: good versus evil; justice versus mercy; and virtue versus vice. This movie provides sensitive answers to pressing questions, and does so without ever becoming moralistic or "preachy." With a top-shelf screenplay and first-rate performances by an excellent cast, "The Apostle" is wonderful entertainment, as well as a movie with an important message.

"The Apostle," starring Robert Duvall, Farrah Fawcett, Miranda Richardson, and John Beasley, is an outstanding film... beautifully written and acted, breathtaking in its simplicity and yet imbued with complex and deeply etched characters, a stunning and realistic portrayal of life inside a southern Pentecostal Christian community, and an eloquent chronicle of one man's search for redemption.

The movie's premise is simple and effective. Euliss "Sonny" Dewey (played by Robert Duvall) is a Pentecostal preacher who has everything: a loving wife Jessie (Farrah Fawcett) and two adoring children; a doting mother (June Carter-Cash); and a thriving ministry. He is respected and loved by his church community.

But Sonny is also a womanizer, and a man who suspects his wife being involved in an adulterous relationship of her own. Jessie is indeed having an affair with Horace, the youth minister in their church. When Sonny discovers the truth about his wife, his life unravels. He is ousted as pastor of his church. One day, Sonny momentarily loses control, and in a drunken rage, smashes Horace's skull with a baseball bat.

Sonny flees from justice. Styling himself an itinerant preacher, he travels through rural southeastern Texas and into the bayou country of Louisiana. While he is traveling, he hears the voice of his conscience peck away at his vanity and worldly ways.

The majority of this beautiful film takes place in a small town in Louisiana's bayou country. Sonny, now self-baptized as "The Apostle E.F.," sets about resurrecting a small Pentecostal church which had fallen into disuse after the retirement of its pastor. With an infectious smile, eternally effervescent personality, and obvious love for the Lord, the "Apostle E.F." soon sets this bayou community on its ear. The Apostle, however, is constantly aware of his past, as his conscience reminds him of the enormity of his crime. How he deals with the issue of balancing God's love with God's justice is perhaps the central theme of this marvelous film.

It took Robert Duvall fourteen years to see this project through to fruition, and his commitment shows throughout the film. His performance as "The Apostle E.F." has tremendous depth and credibility. In this veteran actor's hands, the character of Sonny Dewey illuminates the screen. Other performances of note are those of John Beasley as the compassionate yet strong-willed Reverend Blackwell; and in an excellent cameo appearance, June Carter-Cash as Sonny's mother. Only the performance of Farrah Fawcett seems to suffer in this film. Her portrayal of Jessie Dewey seemed to lack power; the character she played seemed too unemotional and detached in every scene in which she appeared.

"The Apostle" is a well crafted film which explores many issues confronting humanity: good versus evil; justice versus mercy; and virtue versus vice. This movie provides sensitive answers to pressing questions, and does so without ever becoming moralistic or "preachy." With a top-shelf screenplay and first-rate performances by an excellent cast, The Apostle is wonderful entertainment, as well as a movie with an important message.

"The Apostle" staring Robert Duvall is a film that you will remember long after your viewing. The story of Preacher "Sonny" Dewey is one man's quest to live for the God he loves and his
fight with his own sinful nature and those he loves.
When Sonny's wife is caught in infidelity, Sonny commits a crime of passion and the story takes you with him as he battles for
his redemption. My heart broke for this man many times in this great movie as his pain and suffering were so greatly crafted
upon the screen that they etched their way into your heart.
This is a movie that will leave you deep in thought and will
have you searching your own soul concerning your own redemption.
Well worth your time!

"The Apostle", starring Robert Duvall, Farrah Fawcett, Miranda Richardson, and John Beasley, is an outstanding film, beautifully written and acted, breathtaking in its simplicity and yet imbued with complex and deeply etched characters, is a stunning and realistic portrayal of life inside a southern Pentecostal Christian community, and of one man's search for redemption.

"The Apostle" is Euliss "Sonny" Dewey, a Pentecostal preacher whose life is forever changed when he commits a horrific act of violence, a crime of passion committed in response to his wife's infidelity. The majority of this beautifully crafted film takes place in the small town of Bayou Boutte Louisiana. After fleeing from justice, Sonny, now self-baptized as "The Apostle E.F.," sets about resurrecting a small Pentecostal church near the town. This "church in the wildwood" had fallen into disuse after the retirement of its pastor, the Reverend C. Charles Blackwell (played by John Beasley). With his infectious smile, eternally effervescent personality, and obvious love for the Lord, the "Apostle E.F." soon sets this bayou community on its ear. In only a few weeks, the "One Way Road to Heaven," as the newly re-created church is called, has grown from only seven to over thirty members. Church members are involved in distributing food to the poor; the Apostle has begun a stirring "Holy Ghost Power" weekly radio broadcast.

Sonny's conscience constantly reminds him of the enormity of his crime, forcing him to deal with the issue of balancing God's love with God's justice. How he does this is perhaps the central theme of this marvelous film. How does Sonny react when the "long arm of the law" finally reaches out to bring him to justice? Watch this wonderful film to find out!

"The Apostle" was a labor of love for writer/executive producer/star Robert Duvall. It took Duvall fourteen years to see his pet project through to fruition; his commitment is readily evident throughout the film. His performance as "The Apostle" has tremendous depth and credibility. In this veteran actor's hands, the character of Sonny Dewey, with all its complexity, illuminates the screen. Other performances of note are those of John Beasley as the compassionate yet strong-willed Reverend Blackwell; and, in an excellent cameo appearance, June Carter-Cash as Sonny's mother. Only the performance of Farrah Fawcett suffers; her portrayal of Jessie Dewey lacks power. The character she portrays seems too unemotional and detached in every scene in which she appears.

"The Apostle" is a wonderfully sensitive, well crafted film which explores many issues confronting humanity: good versus evil; justice versus mercy; and virtue versus vice. This movie provides sensitive answers to pressing questions, and does so without ever becoming moralistic or "preachy." With a top-shelf screenplay and first-rate performances by an excellent cast, "The Apostle" is wonderful entertainment, as well as a movie with an important message.

"The Apostle," starring Robert Duvall, Farrah Fawcett, Miranda Richardson, and John Beasley, is an outstanding film... beautifully written and acted, breathtaking in its simplicity and yet imbued with complex and deeply etched characters, a stunning and realistic portrayal of life inside a southern Pentecostal Christian community, and an eloquent chronicle of one man's search for redemption.

The movie's premise is simple and effective. Euliss "Sonny" Dewey (played by Robert Duvall) is a Pentecostal preacher who has everything: a loving wife Jessie (Farrah Fawcett) and two adoring children; a doting mother (June Carter-Cash); and a thriving ministry. He is respected and loved by his church community.

But Sonny is also a womanizer, and a man who suspects his wife being involved in an adulterous relationship of her own. Jessie is indeed having an affair with Horace, the youth minister in their church. When Sonny discovers the truth about his wife, his life unravels. He is ousted as pastor of his church. One day, Sonny momentarily loses control, and in a drunken rage, smashes Horace's skull with a baseball bat.

Sonny flees from justice. Styling himself an itinerant preacher, he travels through rural southeastern Texas and into the bayou country of Louisiana. While he is traveling, he hears the voice of his conscience peck away at his vanity and worldly ways.

The majority of this beautiful film takes place in a small town in Louisiana's bayou country. Sonny, now self-baptized as "The Apostle E.F.," sets about resurrecting a small Pentecostal church which had fallen into disuse after the retirement of its pastor. With an infectious smile, eternally effervescent personality, and obvious love for the Lord, the "Apostle E.F." soon sets this bayou community on its ear. The Apostle, however, is constantly aware of his past, as his conscience reminds him of the enormity of his crime. How he deals with the issue of balancing God's love with God's justice is perhaps the central theme of this marvelous film.

It took Robert Duvall fourteen years to see this project through to fruition, and his commitment shows throughout the film. His performance as "The Apostle E.F." has tremendous depth and credibility. In this veteran actor's hands, the character of Sonny Dewey illuminates the screen. Other performances of note are those of John Beasley as the compassionate yet strong-willed Reverend Blackwell; and in an excellent cameo appearance, June Carter-Cash as Sonny's mother. Only the performance of Farrah Fawcett seems to suffer in this film. Her portrayal of Jessie Dewey seemed to lack power; the character she played seemed too unemotional and detached in every scene in which she appeared.

"The Apostle" is a well crafted film which explores many issues confronting humanity: good versus evil; justice versus mercy; and virtue versus vice. This movie provides sensitive answers to pressing questions, and does so without ever becoming moralistic or "preachy." With a top-shelf screenplay and first-rate performances by an excellent cast, The Apostle is wonderful entertainment, as well as a movie with an important message.

"The Apostle" staring Robert Duvall is a film that you will remember long after your viewing. The story of Preacher "Sonny" Dewey is one man's quest to live for the God he loves and his
fight with his own sinful nature and those he loves.
When Sonny's wife is caught in infidelity, Sonny commits a crime of passion and the story takes you with him as he battles for
his redemption. My heart broke for this man many times in this great movie as his pain and suffering were so greatly crafted
upon the screen that they etched their way into your heart.
This is a movie that will leave you deep in thought and will
have you searching your own soul concerning your own redemption.
Well worth your time!

"The Apostle" staring Robert Duvall is a film that you will remember long after your viewing. The story of Preacher "Sonny" Dewey is one man's quest to live for the God he loves and his
fight with his own sinful nature and those he loves.
When Sonny's wife is caught in infidelity, Sonny commits a crime of passion and the story takes you with him as he battles for
his redemption. My heart broke for this man many times in this great movie as his pain and suffering were so greatly crafted
upon the screen that they etched their way into your heart.
This is a movie that will leave you deep in thought and will
have you searching your own soul concerning your own redemption.
Well worth your time!

"The Apostle" proves not only what a wonderful actor Robert Duvall is (not that it was ever nessesary), but that he's a good writter (more like a good story teller), and he has as much faith as his charactor (he put up a lot of the money himself). This movie is a slow, methodical examination of the duality of man. Sonny is a good man, a preacher who's devotion to God is beyond reproach. But he is still a sinner; specificly an alcholic and a womanizer with a bad temper. When he finds his wife sleeping with a local stud, Sonny kills him in a fit of rage. He runs away to another state, becomes known simply as the Apostle, and begins a non-segregated church, and starts his redemption down a long, humble road. There is no way I can give this movie justice. The acting by Duvall, Farrah Fawcett (who I usually don't like) and a good apperence by Billy Bob Thornton (returning Duvall the favor of apperaring in "Sling Blade", another gem worth your time) is all beyond so great, I'm tempted to call it devine. Like I said, it is slow, but that is never a problem; it gives the charactors time to be real people instead of just charactors in a movie. The script is grat, and I just can't say enough about the movie.

This movie is very good. Robert Duvall did a great job directing and acting. This is a great depiction of how fragile a person's faith is in bad circumstances. A very good heart felt film!!

"The Apostle", starring Robert Duvall, Farrah Fawcett, Miranda Richardson, and John Beasley, is an outstanding film, beautifully written and acted, breathtaking in its simplicity and yet imbued with complex and deeply etched characters, is a stunning and realistic portrayal of life inside a southern Pentecostal Christian community, and of one man's search for redemption.

"The Apostle" is Euliss "Sonny" Dewey, a Pentecostal preacher whose life is forever changed when he commits a horrific act of violence, a crime of passion committed in response to his wife's infidelity. The majority of this beautifully crafted film takes place in the small town of Bayou Boutte Louisiana. After fleeing from justice, Sonny, now self-baptized as "The Apostle E.F.," sets about resurrecting a small Pentecostal church near the town. This "church in the wildwood" had fallen into disuse after the retirement of its pastor, the Reverend C. Charles Blackwell (played by John Beasley). With his infectious smile, eternally effervescent personality, and obvious love for the Lord, the "Apostle E.F." soon sets this bayou community on its ear. In only a few weeks, the "One Way Road to Heaven," as the newly re-created church is called, has grown from only seven to over thirty members. Church members are involved in distributing food to the poor; the Apostle has begun a stirring "Holy Ghost Power" weekly radio broadcast.

Sonny's conscience constantly reminds him of the enormity of his crime, forcing him to deal with the issue of balancing God's love with God's justice. How he does this is perhaps the central theme of this marvelous film. How does Sonny react when the "long arm of the law" finally reaches out to bring him to justice? Watch this wonderful film to find out!

"The Apostle" was a labor of love for writer/executive producer/star Robert Duvall. It took Duvall fourteen years to see his pet project through to fruition; his commitment is readily evident throughout the film. His performance as "The Apostle" has tremendous depth and credibility. In this veteran actor's hands, the character of Sonny Dewey, with all its complexity, illuminates the screen. Other performances of note are those of John Beasley as the compassionate yet strong-willed Reverend Blackwell; and, in an excellent cameo appearance, June Carter-Cash as Sonny's mother. Only the performance of Farrah Fawcett suffers; her portrayal of Jessie Dewey lacks power. The character she portrays seems too unemotional and detached in every scene in which she appears.

"The Apostle" is a wonderfully sensitive, well crafted film which explores many issues confronting humanity: good versus evil; justice versus mercy; and virtue versus vice. This movie provides sensitive answers to pressing questions, and does so without ever becoming moralistic or "preachy." With a top-shelf screenplay and first-rate performances by an excellent cast, "The Apostle" is wonderful entertainment, as well as a movie with an important message.

"The Apostle," starring Robert Duvall, Farrah Fawcett, Miranda Richardson, and John Beasley, is an outstanding film... beautifully written and acted, breathtaking in its simplicity and yet imbued with complex and deeply etched characters, a stunning and realistic portrayal of life inside a southern Pentecostal Christian community, and an eloquent chronicle of one man's search for redemption.

The movie's premise is simple and effective. Euliss "Sonny" Dewey (played by Robert Duvall) is a Pentecostal preacher who has everything: a loving wife Jessie (Farrah Fawcett) and two adoring children; a doting mother (June Carter-Cash); and a thriving ministry. He is respected and loved by his church community.

But Sonny is also a womanizer, and a man who suspects his wife being involved in an adulterous relationship of her own. Jessie is indeed having an affair with Horace, the youth minister in their church. When Sonny discovers the truth about his wife, his life unravels. He is ousted as pastor of his church. One day, Sonny momentarily loses control, and in a drunken rage, smashes Horace's skull with a baseball bat.

Sonny flees from justice. Styling himself an itinerant preacher, he travels through rural southeastern Texas and into the bayou country of Louisiana. While he is traveling, he hears the voice of his conscience peck away at his vanity and worldly ways.

The majority of this beautiful film takes place in a small town in Louisiana's bayou country. Sonny, now self-baptized as "The Apostle E.F.," sets about resurrecting a small Pentecostal church which had fallen into disuse after the retirement of its pastor. With an infectious smile, eternally effervescent personality, and obvious love for the Lord, the "Apostle E.F." soon sets this bayou community on its ear. The Apostle, however, is constantly aware of his past, as his conscience reminds him of the enormity of his crime. How he deals with the issue of balancing God's love with God's justice is perhaps the central theme of this marvelous film.

It took Robert Duvall fourteen years to see this project through to fruition, and his commitment shows throughout the film. His performance as "The Apostle E.F." has tremendous depth and credibility. In this veteran actor's hands, the character of Sonny Dewey illuminates the screen. Other performances of note are those of John Beasley as the compassionate yet strong-willed Reverend Blackwell; and in an excellent cameo appearance, June Carter-Cash as Sonny's mother. Only the performance of Farrah Fawcett seems to suffer in this film. Her portrayal of Jessie Dewey seemed to lack power; the character she played seemed too unemotional and detached in every scene in which she appeared.

"The Apostle" is a well crafted film which explores many issues confronting humanity: good versus evil; justice versus mercy; and virtue versus vice. This movie provides sensitive answers to pressing questions, and does so without ever becoming moralistic or "preachy." With a top-shelf screenplay and first-rate performances by an excellent cast, The Apostle is wonderful entertainment, as well as a movie with an important message.

"The Apostle" staring Robert Duvall is a film that you will remember long after your viewing. The story of Preacher "Sonny" Dewey is one man's quest to live for the God he loves and his
fight with his own sinful nature and those he loves.
When Sonny's wife is caught in infidelity, Sonny commits a crime of passion and the story takes you with him as he battles for
his redemption. My heart broke for this man many times in this great movie as his pain and suffering were so greatly crafted
upon the screen that they etched their way into your heart.
This is a movie that will leave you deep in thought and will
have you searching your own soul concerning your own redemption.
Well worth your time!

"Chicken Run" (the latest from Aardman Studios, the makers of the 'Wallace and Gromit' films) is simply the most delightful, visually amazing, and FUN animated movie since Disney's "The Lion King." Other studios (notably Warner Brothers) have tried to take a bite out of Disney's pie-share of the kid-movie market, but Aardman and Dreamworks have done it best in this charming, hilarious, and edge-of-your-seat thrilling animated fantasy about a group of hens trying to break out of a chicken farm. Running the farm with an evil eye and an iron ax are the villainous Mrs. Tweedie and her henpecked (literally) husband, who's sure those chickens are plotting escape. The voices are perfect, from Julia Sawalha and Joan Horrocks from "Absolutely Fabulous" as chickens to Mel Gibson as the "flying" rooster Rocky. I want to recommend that every parent take their kids to see this one: unlike many other recent cartoons, this one is completely suitable for all but the very youngest children (there's some tense moments in a chase at the end, and a little threatening to the chickens with an ax), but even better, this will delight and amuse the adults with its clever animation, perfect voice-casting, witty visual allusions to famous movies like "The Great Escape," "The Bridge over the River Kwai," and "Raiders of the Lost Ark," and Indiana Jones-type thrills that range from a chase inside an automatic chicken pie-making machine to a dramatic and climatic escape that is reminiscent of, but even improves on, the high-energy chase sequences of Aardman's "Wallace and Gromit" films. The moral lessons (you can succeed better with teamwork; stand by your friends) are pointed but gentle, without hitting kids over the head. I can't recommend this one highly enough, folks, whatever age you are. And if you head out of the theater and go eat a chicken pot pie, you have a much, much, harder heart than mine!

Chicken Run

Score: 97/100

Chicken Run is not only the film that assures that the claymation way of filmmaking will never go out of style, but it puts Nick Park and Peter Lord as one of the top directors of our times, and they've only made 4 films, all which have managed easily to fit into my top 50! That is a pretty remarkable achievement for animated filmmaking.

Having been hopelessly repressed and facing eventual certain death at the chicken farm where they are held, Rocky the rooster (Mel Gibson) and Ginger the chicken (Julia Sawahla) decide to rebel against the evil Mr. and Mrs. Tweedy (Tony Haygarth and Miranda Richardson), the farm's owners. Rocky and Ginger lead their fellow chickens in a great escape from the murderous farmers and their farm of doom.

Acting wise, the film is excellent, a bunch of voice talents alone make the film worth seeing, Julia Sawalha and Mel Gibson bring their claymation chickens alive, and Lynn Ferguson uses her voicing expression awesomely as geeky chicken Mac. But here it is actually Absolutely Fabulous' Jane Horrock's that steals the show as the hilarious knitty witty chicken Babs, not to mention Miranda Richardson's delightful voice-over performance as an evil character. But it comes as no surprise that the brilliant clay chickens and stunning set-decoration over-take everything else that is excellent about the film, and everything about it is excellent.

An animated masterpiece, Chicken Run is witty, eye-catching and hugely enjoyable. A must-see!

Claymation chickens with a plan, greedy chicken farmers, "can do" claymation rats, and viscious dogs all conspire to make this a truly enjoyable film. Can you really resist a movie that features chickens with English accents and an American rooster (hero?). I think NOT!

Wonderful DVD extras that you'll actually watch!

Highly recommended.