Sliding Doors (1998)

Nice concept, shaky execution--that about sums up the mixed blessings of British actor Peter Howitt's intelligent but forgivably flawed debut as a writer-director. It's got more emotional depth than most frothy romantic comedies, and its central idea--the parallel tracking of two possible destinies for a young London professional played by Gwyneth Paltrow--is full of involving possibilities. It's essentially a what-if scenario with Helen (Paltrow) at the center of two slightly but significantly different romantic trajectories, one involving her two-timing boyfriend (John Lynch) and the other with an amiable chap (John Hannah) who represents a happier outcome. That's the film's basic problem, however: The two scenarios are so romantically imbalanced (one guy's a total cad, the other charmingly sincere) that Helen inadvertently comes off looking foolish and needlessly confused. Still, this remains a pleasant experiment, and Howitt's dialogue is witty enough to keep things entertaining. It's also a treat for Paltrow fans; not only does the svelte actress handle a British accent without embarrassing herself, but she gets to play two subtle variations of the same character, sporting different wardrobes and hairstyles in a role that plays into her glamorous off-screen persona. --Jeff Shannon Amazon.com

Just Simply Awesome

Just like my title, this is just simply an awesome movie of chances of taking different roads. Just sit watch and enjoy.






October 28, 2008

A Wonderful Little Film!

A friend suggested this movie. I'd never heard of it. What a wonderful little film! The story is upbeat and fast-moving and the premise fascinating. I'm a huge fan of Gwyneth Paltrow (Proof is fabulous) and she's charming in the two roles this story demands of her. You can't help but pull for her - in both realities. And you can't help but think of those times in your own life when a "sliding door" may have put you on a completely different path. A fun movie to watch with friends and family for that reason, too...

IMO - There are far too many badly done romantic comedies these days - some even cringe worthy. (I don't like to give bad reviews, but stay away at all costs from No Reservations and Because I Said So - ugh.) Compared to those, Sliding Doors should win a freakin' Oscar.

October 25, 2008

Great Fun - Yes, lads, for you too. ; )

For want of trying to avoid a little girl two stories emerge. Helen (Gwyneth Paltrow) either catches or misses a train. The two stories then interweave as both Helens interact with many of the same characters. She has a boyfriend who is unfaithful (and is something of a wretch to boot) and she meets and dates a man who is her soulmate. Other reviews have commented on the unfaithful boyfriend being such a schlemiel that it is an insult to her intelligence for her to stay with him. Folks: LOVE IS STUPID SOMETIMES. I found the awkwardness others complain about to be part of the charm. Love does work like that. But - the humor is snappy - very British and laugh out loud funny (I can sit stone faced through many so-called comedies, so take this as a complement of the highest order.) - and the movie is good fun. This is a chick flick, but trust me guys - you'll enjoy it too. Awkward in places (I would have had the divergence scene split on screen and maintain that split screen to parallel the scenes until the train leaves.) but a great first effort by writer-director Peter Howitt. And props for one of my favorite Warren Zevon written songs being included. I'll let you find it. Enjoy!!! September 14, 2008

Seriously?

Did anyone seriously not see the end of the movie from the beginning? Super predictible. Paltrow seems to rarely impress. I generally am not - watching films in the romantic comedy genre - however I recognize when a movie is romantic or comedic. This film was neither. August 13, 2008

Subtitle please!

This movie is so original, and for $7 bucks it's worth every penny! I remember seeing this movie preview long ago, but it didn't appeal to me then. One of my co-worker brought it up and explain the movie what if scenario to me, and I took a chance and bought it. I'm so glad I did, because it's such a great movie. You have to see the ending to see why! I promise you will not regret it. Oh~ I gave it 4 stars, because I didn't understand what the bloody hell they were talking about at first, because of the British accent. However, subtitle helps! July 25, 2008

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