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Footloose [1984]

starring: Kevin Bacon, Lori Singer, John Lithgow, Dianne Wiest, Chris Penn
directed by: Herbert Ross

October 07, 2002
An absolutely fantastic fun film. It has stood the test of time and remains near the top of the list along with Grease and Dirty Dancing for a good night in.
Highly recommend watching this film,if not to take it seriously, to have a good laugh.

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Edward Scissorhands [1991]

starring: Johnny Depp, Winona Ryder, Dianne Wiest, Anthony Michael Hall, Kathy Baker
directed by: Tim Burton

November 27, 2000
This film is odd. Think of Desperate Housewives. Think of Pinnochio. Think lame love triangle. Think tortured genious. Then mix in Johnny Depp and Tim Burton, and you've got yourself an incrediby moving film you just won't be able to get out of your head for days afterwards. I don't know enough about this film to give it full justice in a review, but I will say that I put off watching this film for many years, and probably would have for many years more had my friend not leant me the DVD, and that's a choice I highly regret. A must see film for everybody, yes it's odd, quirky + off-beat but it's humour and heart and also undeniable. Excellent.

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The Birdcage [1996]

starring: Robin Williams, Gene Hackman, Nathan Lane, Dianne Wiest, Dan Futterman
directed by: Mike Nichols

February 01, 2000
Where to start in reviewing this truly fabulous film? A clever plot, a script full of laughs (with the odd poignant moment thrown in), and a top notch cast, this movie has it all. Robin Williams is a revelation as the gay nightclub owner and Nathan Lane is at his outrageously camp best as his partner - and frighteningly convincing in drag too! Gene Hackman delivers a terrific performance as the ultra Conservative senator a wonderful double act with his wife played by the superb Dianne Wiest. Look out for a young Calista Flockhart as their daughter, in her pre Ali MacBeal days. Hank Azaria is hilarious as the over the top manservant - and later, disastrous butler. The embarrassment factor is high and you'll be watching through your hands as the story reaches ... Read More:

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Practical Magic [1999]

starring: Sandra Bullock, Nicole Kidman, Stockard Channing, Dianne Wiest, Goran Visnjic
directed by: Griffin Dunne

July 19, 1999
The story line is loosely based on a book by Alice Hoffman. It is more of the screen play by Robin Swicord who also did the screen play for "Matilda" (1996).

Sisters Sally Owens (Sandra Bullock) and Gillian Owens (Nicole Kidman) are brought up by their maiden aunts after their parents died. They learn of magic and its pluses and minuses by observing their aunts from a distance. They also have to overcome (if possible) the family curse that the gentlemen in their lives are distending to meat an early demise. One highlight of the movie is when we find that the other women in the village really did not distain the Owens's; is just that they have not been invited to help.

The story deviates from the book in the since that they do not even ... Read More:

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The Lost Boys [1987]

starring: Jason Patric, Corey Haim, Dianne Wiest, Barnard Hughes, Edward Herrmann
directed by: Joel Schumacher

December 14, 1998
After quite a few disappointing movie rentals, and being none too impressed by the more recent monster/action films to grace our screens, I decided to try out a classic.

My interest was initially perked up by the fact Kiefer Sutherland was in it. Being a bit of a fan, and liking the premise of the film, I decided to buy the double boxset of the film (it works out cheaper - even if the 2nd one is a bit naff in comparison) and I must say it's one of the best films I have seen in ages!

The story goes thus. Michael and Sam move with their mum to Santa Carla, California, after what seems like a slightly messy divorce. They settle in quickly, Sam befriending two (if not slightly odd) comic book store teens, and Michael befriending agang of bikers...or ... Read More:

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Falling In Love [1984]

starring: Robert De Niro, Meryl Streep, Harvey Keitel, Jane Kaczmarek, George Martin (II)
directed by: Ulu Grosbard

June 10, 2002
It might be a little slow in getting started which might but people off but it just adds to the magic of the story. I couldnt believe it when I read that this was a flop at the box office, I really enjoyed it.

It's a beautiful story about two people who think they have found love really find it. Meryl Streep & Robert De Nero was inspiring and truley believeable as Molly & Frank.

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Dan In Real Life [2007]

starring: Dianne Wiest, Steve Carell, Dane Cook, Emily Blunt, Juliette Binoche
directed by: Peter Hedges

June 09, 2008
I wanted to see this, mainly because I quite like Steve Carell. Not sure what to expect, I rented it rather than buy.

It is, quite simply, one of these easy-to-watch movies. No violence, nothing to worry younger viewers, just a great storyline with some great characters. The three kids are brilliant, in particular Lilly (Marlene Lawston).

Carell takes a break from form in his portrayal of the widower Dan Burns. He is funny without being silly. The family around him, whilst generally in the background, are a fine ensemble to complement the main actors.

The set - the family retreat in Rhode Island - is beautiful. It comes across as being very homely and welcoming.

There are some especially standout moments. For me these were ... Read More:

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Woody Allen Collection Vol. 3 - The Purple Rose Of Cairo/Hannah And Her Sisters/Radio Days/September/Another Woman

starring: Woody Allen, Tony Roberts, Denholm Elliott, Dianne Wiest, Jack Warden
directed by: Woody Allen

January 22, 2007
I wanted to see this, mainly because I quite like Steve Carell. Not sure what to expect, I rented it rather than buy.

It is, quite simply, one of these easy-to-watch movies. No violence, nothing to worry younger viewers, just a great storyline with some great characters. The three kids are brilliant, in particular Lilly (Marlene Lawston).

Carell takes a break from form in his portrayal of the widower Dan Burns. He is funny without being silly. The family around him, whilst generally in the background, are a fine ensemble to complement the main actors.

The set - the family retreat in Rhode Island - is beautiful. It comes across as being very homely and welcoming.

There are some especially standout moments. For me these were ... Read More:

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The 10th Kingdom - Complete series (extended)

starring: Kimberly Williams, Scott Cohen, John Larroquette, Dianne Wiest, Camryn Manheim
directed by: Herbert Wise, David Carson


This is a series I first watched aged 15 on Sky 1 and I fell in love with the characters, dialogue and scenery immediately. Since then I've bought this box set and watched it five different times with five different friends and it hasn't failed to enchant any of them (or their boyfriends, who grumble at first but then ASK for it to be put on as the story unfolds more).

It follows Virginia, a young but cynical and disillusioned early-twenties woman. Her dad is a waste of space and quite thick although he means well. And the Wolf. Oooh the wolf. He's a wild-hearted villain at the start but his attraction to Virginia leads him to try and control his nature. The way the characters strengthen each other and bond as they're pushed to their limits is heartbreakingly endearing ... Read More:

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Parenthood [1990]

starring: Steve Martin, Dianne Wiest, Mary Steenburgen, Dennis Dugan, Paul Linke
directed by: Ron Howard

April 10, 2003
I used to have this on video years ago and have finally bought this on DVD and it's a fresh today as it was 18 years ago.

This is a cast of all ages from the late Jason Robards to Steve Martin to Diane Wiest to Keanu Reeves to River Pheonix (credited as Leaf Pheonix).

This is probably the best all-round performance that I've seen by Steve Martin, the entire cast put in excellent performances with a good variety of humour and drama which is often funny, touching and moving.

Ron Howard directs this very well indeed giving a large cast a good amount of screen time.

This is essentially a life film with a good amount of humour thrown in for good measure showing a wide variety of characters from one family all of whom have their good and bad sides ... Read More: