Tag: robert duvall

They really lived. “Secondhand Lions” (2003)

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directed by Tim McCanlies
© 2003 New Line Cinema. All Rights Reserved.

Another legendary actor has left us here… Robert Duvall, known for his spectacular roles in top films, has definitely made a significant impact on cinema. However, today I won’t recommend any of the most common productions he starred in, and instead, I’m taking you to a farm in Texas. It’s 1962 and a teenager named Walter (Haley Joel Osment) is sent to live with his eccentric uncles, Hub and Garth (Robert Duvall & Michael Caine). The men are said to have a big fortune, but they are living a rather simple life. Their favourite activity is sitting on the porch and shooting at salesmen. I mean, I feel them. I’d add religious cult followers and postmen with bills… Anyway, the uncles aren’t really thrilled to welcome Walter, but soon, the boy shows them that he might be quite useful here. They begin to bond and the men tell him the stories of their travelling adventures. They sound ridiculous and hard to believe in, but at the same time it’s a quite entertaining activity. Generally, it’s an adorable and quite absurd comedy that might cheer your whole family up. I actually never heard of it before, but I decided to see it now and I’m sure I’d have loved it as a child as well. I guess I don’t need to mention that the acting here is of the best quality – in the end, we get three very talented gentlemen. But what I enjoyed the most was the message coming out of this story. Or actually, two messages. One – live your life to the fullest and say “yes” to whatever shows up on your way. Two – don’t stop living to the fullest even when you’re older. I often joke that I’m too old for doing something (and I’m not really old), but in fact – I wish to stay active and spontaneous until my last day on this planet. And I hope you will finish this film with a similar reflection. Thank you Mr Duvall for your work, rest in peace.

My rating: 7/10
S.

Life will go on, we will prevail. “Deep Impact” (1998)

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directed by Mimi Leder
© 1998 Paramount Pictures. All Rights Reserved.

If you’re a sensitive person who’s struggling with the current world situation, perhaps you can save this film for later. However, it’s a rather comforting story, so you can always give it a try. The film isn’t about a pandemic, yet people need to prepare for the worst here. A young boy named Leo (Elijah Wood), passionate about astronomy, notices something strange while observing the sky. His teacher informs an astronomer he knows about the discovery and soon it is certain that it’s not just a random object. It’s a huge comet that will most probably hit the Earth. Because of some reasons (you’ll see), people find out about it a year after the discovery. The USA and Russia decide to send a special spacecraft called the “Messiah” to change the comet’s path. As you might be guessing, that would be too easy. And you’re right, because after their intervention, the comet splits into two pieces, which are still heading for our planet. Doesn’t sound promising, right? You might be surprised I’m recommending you a disaster film now, but I have a good reason why. Indeed, it presents a horrible situation in which people have almost no chance of surviving. Still, for me this production is also encouraging. I mean, when it comes to a huge comet that’s about to hit us… well, yeah, I can’t so much about it, can I? But when it comes to our situation right now, I can do a lot. A lot, which is actually simpler than we think. Some people share on the Internet how difficult it is for them to stay at home and that they’re losing their minds. I’m sure it’s not easy, I’m in this as well. Still, the characters of this film could only say “goodbye” to their friends and wait. We can avoid meeting people, wash our hands, make sure we don’t go out without a reason, support our neighbours and friends by offering to do shopping for them, stay in touch with people who are lonely by calling them… I mean, guys, we can do a lot! The idea in “Deep Impact” is horrifying, but it also inspired me somehow. We’re in a bad situation, but we’re still in charge of it. So if you’re still looking for some motivation to sit on your butt, I highly recommend today’s film.

My rating: 6/10
S.

Is it because Fiennes is hotter than Duvall? “The Handmaid’s Tale” (1990)

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directed by Volker Schlöndorff
© 1990 Cinecom Pictures. All Rights Reserved.

I’m sure most of you have seen the series based on the book by Margaret Atwood. However, did you know that there’s also a film presenting the same story? It was made in 1990, so, obviously, it’s visually less attractive than the new series, but I think it’s slightly underrated. Personally, I watched this film after I’d seen the first season of the series and I already had a pumped version of the story in my mind. Of course, I was a bit discouraged seeing an older version of “The Handmaid’s Tale”. Especially Robert Duvall as the Commander… with all the respect, Mr Duvall, you’re a very good actor, but Joseph Fiennes absolutely wins this character battle. Okay, I’m joking, they are both very good in their own way. The fact that Fiennes is visually more attractive to us (or at least to me) is because he’s the modern version of Commander, if you know what I mean. It’s almost 30 years of difference between those two productions. Back then the way of presenting certain characters and behaviours was totally different. Having a handsome actor wasn’t the priority. And I think this film is underrated because most people got back to it after seeing the series and the modern version is much more appealing to young viewers. You may even notice a significant difference between Natasha Richardson and Elisabeth Moss. Both of them play the same person, but they are nothing alike. The first one, in the film, was obedient and rather a neutral observer. However, the second one, in the series, she’s a rebel, she wants to mess with someone. Plus, we can hear her sarcastic comments which would definitely not suit Kate from the film. I’m a fan of the series and I believe it’s very well-done, but it doesn’t mean the film should be left in the bottom of your to-watch list. Watching the film, you will move several years back, so get ready for a specific variation of the story, not a more exciting show with a bunch of hotties from the 21st century.

My rating: 6/10
S.