Everyone Says I Love You (1996)

If Charade was ridiculous, Everyone Says I Love You is downright wacky. The amount of suspension of disbelief required to accept this movie is more than could be asked of most movie-goers. And to top it off, it's a musical.

I didn't realize that last part going in, only to be greeted by Edward Norton singing to Drew Barrymore in the film's opening. That's right. Edward Norton. Singing. Happily. Director Woody Allen did round up an extensive well-known cast. The movie is narrated by Natasha McLyonne as DJ, the daughter of ex-couple Steffi (Goldie Hawn) and Joe (Woody Allen). She tells the story of her life with her mom, step-dad (Alan Alda), step-brother (Lukas Haas), step-sister Skylar (Barrymore), and half-sisters (Gabby Hoffman & Natalie Portman) as well as the time she spends with her Dad.

Oh, wait. Did I mention Julia Roberts is in this too? Yes, she is - as the woman Woody Allen's character is interested in, of course. And of course with it being a Woody Allen comedy and an ensemble like this hijinks ensue. There's even a man in trouble with the law and gasp! - it's not Edward Norton. It's Tim Roth.

I'm sure many people would find this whole thing charming and silly. I got hung up on the silly part and was too busy staring in disbelief at the screen. The singing is not perfect, but they say that's what Allen was going for. The dancing is sort of impressive.

It's just all so.... wacky.

Rating: 3/5

Recommended for: viewing on a day you're feeling giddy

Enchanted (2007)

Disney's 2007 animation/live action foray, Enchanted requires total suspension of disbelief. Yes, it's a film with an intended audience that includes children but since the plot pulls things into the "real world" the logic gets quite messy.

The beginning is very tongue-in-cheek as we're introduced to the cartoon maiden, Giselle, who is looking for her magical "true love's kiss". In fact, for a moment you may wonder if you're watching movie by Disney or by the ex-Disney employees over at DreamWorks. After conferring with woodland creatures, the prince arrives of course and in under 5 minutes it's their wedding day.

The prince's step-mother (Susan Sarandon) doesn't like the idea that this new girl could be replacing her in the monarchy. So she pulls a Snow White's old lady bit and then pushes the girl down a well. Next thing we know, Amy Adams is popping out of the sewer in real-world New York City wearing a 40-lb dress. She's reluctantly taken in by Patrick Dempsy's Robert, a boring lawyer, and his daughter, Morgan. Soon Giselle's Prince (James Marsden) follows her to the real world to rescue her and the Queen follows to make sure he doesn't succeed.

The concept was an interesting idea. The songs by veteran Disney composer Alan Menken and Broadway veteran Stephen Schwartz are catchy. Amy Adam's "animated" princess mannerisms are spot on down to the way she holds her fingers. Kids probably won't mind all of the film's faults. But overall, this Disney film mocks everything Disney's ever done before. Not everything Disney's done is laughable and the rest... well, mocking that is other people's job.

Rating: 2/5
Recommended for: Kids and only kids

Sweeney Todd (2007)

This film could also have been titled There Will Be Blood.

Sweeney Todd stars the irrevocable chameleon Johnny Depp as a barber seeking revenge for having his family stolen by the nefarious Judge Turpin (played with wicked glee as always by Alan Rickman). Based on the stage musical by Steven Sondheim, this gritty rendition directed by Tim Burton is not for the faint hearted, lacking most of the cheesiness that can come with a musical and possessing much more blood-loss.

Dark sets project the dank, old London with black, white, and shades of gray reigning so supreme, the red blood stands out even more. Helena Bonham Carter co-stars as Todd's accomplice, Mrs. Lovett, and while she doesn't have the strongest singing voice, the easy camaraderie between her and Depp makes up for it. Memorable appearances are made by Sascha Baron Cohen, as rival barber Pirelli, Ed Sanders, as workhouse orphan Toby, and Jamie Campbell Bower as a sailor named Anthoy Hope whose gentle performance of "Johanna" will be floating through your head for days. Even with great music and a compelling story, it is not appropriate for small children.

Rating: 4/5
Recommended for: Anyone who likes a gripping tale of revenge (or Johnny Depp) and doesn't mind the sight of blood.


Extended review: It becomes so easy to get used to the dismal grays of the atmosphere, that when Mrs. Lovett fantasizes during "By the Sea", the sudden shock of a blue sky actually made me gasp out loud. It contains the film's silliest moments, but audiences might find the sequence a bit of respite in the midst of Todd's bloodier and bloodier descent into revenge. It may only be Lovett's imaginary world, but even in her dreams, she sees there's only one thing on Todd's mind.