Philadelphia
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VHS Movie Reviews of Philadelphia
Movie Review: IN THE CITY OF BROTHERLY LOVE
Summary: 5 Stars
When watching a movie like PHILADELPHIA, one can't help but awed by the talent involved in this devastatingly excellent film. Director Jonathan Demme has assembled a cast to die for and with an intelligent, provocative, and thoughtful script, he has given us one of the best "message" films ever committed to celluloid. Whether or not you are heterosexual, homosexual, a gay rights activist or an out and out homophobe, you can't help but be impacted by the power of this movie.
Of course, Tom Hanks shines in a brave role, a risky role that Hanks elevates to heights of greatness. Hanks has given us so many outstanding performances through his career: Big; Saving Private Ryan; Cast Away; Forest Gump; Apollo 13; Road to Perdition; Green Mile; etc., etc. Tom has the ability to not only portray a character, but to inhabit him as well. Tom's soliloquy while listening to the beautiful piece by Maria Callas is devastating; his faltering moments in the courtroom are heartwrenchingly real. It is truly an Oscar worthy performance. Equally impressive is Oscar winner Denzel Washington, crimefully neglected at Oscar time for this one; I think it's Denzel's most powerful and controlled performance. Initially a diehard homophobe, he is able to arrest these reservations and work hard to help Hanks win his case. His reactions during the aforementioned Hanks soliloquy prove how good actors don't need to say a word to show what they're feeling. And what a marvelous supporting cast: Joanne Woodward is superb in her small but wonderful performance as Hanks' mother; Antonio Banderas, eschewing his pretty boy persona with a direct and honest portrayal of Hanks' lover; Jason Robards hiding behind his own homophobia and judgmental religious fervor; Kathryn Witt in her small role as the aids-infected lady who wasn't fired because it wasn't her fault she had AIDs. The entire cast down to the smallest of roles is mesmerizing. The actors playing Tom's family are marvelous. The musical score by Howard Shore, and the Oscar winning title song by Bruce Springsteen complement the movie tremendously.
PHILADELPHIA is one powerful movie; one that will make you examine your own prejudices; Hanks was really being tried for his lifestyle; his final scenes with his family and especially Banderas are beautifully done, and the movie proves what a remarkable actor we have in both Hanks and Washington. Truly a classic for our times.
Movie Review: A very powerful film with a message.
Summary: 5 Stars
This movie was very powerful, and very emotional. Tom Hanks deserved the Oscar that he got for this movie, because he had me believing that he was actually a man who has done nothing bad to people, but is dying a very painful death. Denzel really shined in this movie as he went from someone who didn't like Gay men to a man who is willing to fight for them. This movie took alot of the stigma off of Aids, and should be seen by everyone so that people can realize that AIDS cannot be caught by casual contact, and that we need to give our support and love to them.Movie Review: A Powerful and Moving Film
Summary: 5 Stars
Tom Hanks stars in this provocative drama about a lawyer who is dismissed from his high-profile law firm under suspicious circumstances. Hanks stars as Andrew Beckett, a highly successful lawyer in a prominent Philadelphia law firm headed by Charles Wheeler (Jason Robards). Andrew is given a very lucrative account to handle, but his paperwork for the case mysteriously disappears moments before the case is to begin, and to make matters worse, the Statute of Limitations is about to run out. Fortunately, the paperwork is found in time, but Andrew, as a result of this mishap, ends up falling out of favor with his senior partners, but is there more than meets the eye?
Andrew is dismissed by his firm for nearly fouling up the case, but Andrew beleives that there are other reasons for his firing, so he decides to fight his dismissal in court. He seeks the help of attorney Joe Miller, played magnificently by Denzel Washington. Unknown to the conservative Miller, Andrew is infected with the AIDS virus. Andrew believes that this is the real reason that he was fired, not the botched legal case. However, Miller is very reluctant to help Andrew. Miller fits the classic "homophobic" stereotype; all homosexuals are "bad", they should be locked up, etc. Undeterred, Andrew decides to fight his case on his own.
One night while studying at a local law library, Andrew and Joe meet up once again. The two begin to talk, and Joe begins to ask questions about Andrew's case. After much consideration, Joe decides to represent Andrew, and, as the movie goes along, a very strong friendship develops between the two. Despite their friendship, will Joe be able to help Andrew win his lawsuit, or will the large firm and their high profile and high-priced lawyers win in the end?
This is an excellent movie. I'm a big Tom Hanks fan, and I've seen many of his other films ("Saving Private Ryan, "Apollo 13", etc), but he gives his best dramatic performance in "Philadelphia". Watching the way that the AIDS virus progresses during the course of the movie is very dramatic and very effective. The scene where Andrew raises his shirt in the courtroom to expose the leisions on his chest is especially dramatic. The medical aspects of the disease are handled well throughout the film. Andrew's fall in the courtroom is extremely gripping to see.
Denzel Washington's character of Joe Miller deserves as much praise as Hanks' charater of Andrew. Washington does an excellent job of playing a homophobic person confronted with the responsibility of defending a homosexual. It's enlightening to watch Joe's transformation from homophobe in the beginning of the film to trusted friend and colleague at the end. His courtroom scenes and examination of witnesses are high points of the movie.
The supporting actors (Jason Robards as Charles Wheeler and Antonio Banderas as Miguel) give powerful performances as well. I especially liked Robards. He did a fantastic job of portraying the prototypical "tough and by the book" lawyer. In the end, however, it was his close-mindedness that was his downfall.
I give this movie my highest recommendation. The acting and story is first-rate and the message is very powerful; friendship and belief in what you are doing can overcome any obstacle.
Movie Review: No day in the park
Summary: 3 Stars
This is one of those topic movies that needs to be made to articulate an issue, but my God is it depressing. I don't even like to remember the sad scenes that make up the movie; Tom Hanks struggling to fit in while his coworkers first shun and then fire him is enough to bum anyone out. The powerful performances enhance this gloominess, and there is no heartstring left unplayed by the filmmakers. I feel guilty about giving this such a mediocre rating, but I just wouldn't recommend it to anyone who didn't need to be taught a lesson about discrimination against HIV positive people. Movie Review: On the streets of Philadelphia
Summary: 5 Stars
Back in 1993, AIDS had been in the forefront of the news and everyone's minds for quite a while. Still, a major Hollywood movie still hadn't dealt with the subject matter. Sure we had some incredible films like "Longtime Companion" and the stunning "Parting Glances" (both which I highly recommend as truly visionary cinema), but they were more independent and not likely seen by mainstream audiences. Finally, with the foresight of Jonathan Demme, and the star power of Tom Hanks and Denzel Washington, Philadephia roared onto the screens and into our hearts. And now, finally, we have a DVD treatment that this movie truly deserves.
Andrew Beckett, high priced lawyer of a top Pennsylvania law firm, suffers from AIDS quietly at the beginning of the film. A lesion betrays his secret quickly, leading to his dismissal. Firing back, Beckett attempts to secure the services of Joe Miller, a personal injury lawyer with an everyman reputation. At first rejecting his offer and even pouring salt in his wounds by mocking him, Miller is converted to the cause after witnessing subtle discrimination in a library. It is through Miller that everyone can approach this story, and it is through Beckett that we learn dignity and we learn pain.
Much as been said about Tom Hanks' Academy Award winning performance as Beckett, and Denzel Washington's wonderful portrayal as Miller. Together, the two are an acting powerhouse, both equally dynamic and compelling in their characters. One can only wish they would team up again sometime in the future. At any rate, they are supported by a fine ensemble, starting with the late Jason Robards to the rarely seen and much missed Joanne Woodward, whose performance will reduce you to tears in seconds.
Included in this DVD package are several documentaries detailing the development of the movie. The director's and writer's commentaries shed wonderful light into the process that went into making the movie. The few deleted scenes are wonderful to see, especially during a "settlement" negotiation between the parties. One very poignant thing mentioned in the documentary were the number of people suffering with AIDS that were employed in this movie, both in front of and behind the scenes. Very touching.
But this isn't just a movie about AIDS. This is a movie that soars above the simple "movie of the week" syndrome, and dares to address such things as tolerance, acceptance, getting over your fears, and welcoming people for who they are. It's amazing how relevant and meaningful those messages are today. In a climate of unacceptance and intolerance to others, hopefully Philadelphia's essential meanings will continue to ring as a bell of Liberty, and not just in the streets of the town of Brotherly Love.