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The RiverRating:
Release Date: 07 January, 2003 Retail Price: $9.99 OUR Price: $9.99 You SAVE: $0.00! Cast: Complete Cast (11 total) |
The River Reviews
FINE FILM BUT GIBSON IS THE FLAW IN IT!
This film is grand in scale with cinematography and special effects that could not be bettered. The river's rage is nothing compared to the characters undergoing their conflict. Sissy Spacek, as usual, turns in another stunning performance (when has she ever been less than excellent in any movie. Definitely, along with Meryl Streep, the finest actress of her generation...I call her my modern "Barbara Stanwyck"). Her portrayal of Mae, the wife, is unflinchingly loyal, yet strong and courageous and feisty. Her determination is what makes this film what it is. No less excellent is Scott Glenn as the antagonist/protaganist who believes in what he is doing totally. Also meriting praise are the two children. They are fantastic! The direction is colorful and nearly flawless. I agree with the previous reviewer though about Mel Gibson. His character, a mite too proud, is a little difficult to take sometimes. He definitely could have shown more bite in the scene where he is attacked by the strikers. The scene where he confronts Scott Glenn in the office is his best scene in this movie. But he definitely could have done a better job with the character. He seems miscast at times. Sissy Spacek makes him look good but his portrayal of the character lacks the nuances necessary to make us believe in what he is doing. It is Spacek that gives us the sympathy for her family. I wish they would have cast Gary Busey in Gibson's role. I think he could have done wonders with it! Other than that, this film is outstanding and I would definitely give it 5 stars if it hadn't been for Gibson's uneven portrayal. Spacek deserved her Oscar nomination for this movie. The DVD contains a theatrical trailer, scene selection and a two page commentary on the highlights of the film. ALso included are Bios of the stars. Other than that, nothing else is included. The sound and video are fine! This is a film worth adding to your collection! A true testament to the American fighting Spirit. It certainly is no "Grapes of Wrath" but then, nothing ever will be!
Except for Spacek and Glenn
As much as I enjoy Sissy Spacek, this movie proved disappointing. She and Glenn are excellent (so are the 2 kids) but there was nothing about Gibson's character that made me care and his acting is so dreadfully dull. The only chemistry in the entire movie existed whenever Spacek and Glenn were interacting. The scene where he tries to convince her that she could (and could have) done better was very well done.. is there a more "real" actress than Sissy Spacek? She is so believable in everything she does. Gibson's character is such a wimp. In the scene where the "scab" workers are leaving the mill and taking abuse (understandable) from the striking workers, I kept waiting for Gibson's character to take it for just so long before screaming out "I have a family too". He was pathetic. The happy ending with the family of four enjoying a wagon ride was too Hollywoodish. For a far truer look at farmers in difficulty, "Grapes of Wrath" has never been improved upon.
More Customer Reviews (11 total)
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