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At Play in the Fields of the Lord (2pc)

starring: Tom Berenger, John Lithgow, Daryl Hannah, Aidan Quinn, Tom Waits
directed by: Hector Babenco

January 01, 1998
Where is it? I echo previous reviewers asking why this classic has not been released on DVD. A burnt-out reviewer like Terrence Rafferty (The New Yorker) pans it, but real people who do not live on Manhattan's Upper West Side see virtue in the film. I'm among them and so, happily, is Roger Ebert. Among the many things I like about the film is its portrayal of the wise, patient Catholic priest, who has seen it all yet seems to have retained his faith in a very trying setting and has put his hope where it belongs--in the impenetrable workings of the Holy Spirit.

I also respect and admire the passionate relationship (there's no other word for it) between Moon and Wolfie. Both Berenger and Waits are terrific, but I'd argue Waits steals ... Read More:

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Reckless (1984)

starring: Aidan Quinn, Daryl Hannah, Kenneth McMillan, Cliff De Young, Lois Smith
directed by: James Foley

September 01, 1998
Reckless is truly a classic but it does not get the critic it deserves. While the is about the quintessential good girl meeting bad boy, but the chemistry that Hannah and Quinn have comes across the screen as very authentic. It's the ultimate tale of two opposite attracts. The movie draws you into each one of their lives. It's dramatic, it's mysterous, rebelluous, and romantic. I am surprised it is not on DVD yet because unlike the other movies of the 80's I don't think Reckless is dated. It's a true classic.

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The Mission

starring: Robert De Niro, Jeremy Irons, Ray McAnally, Aidan Quinn, Cherie Lunghi
directed by: Roland Joffé

December 04, 1992
This movie is probably my all time favorite. I have watched it over and over again. The music is thrilling, gentle, and sad. Most moving performances. I have the sound track also, it is most enjoyable. It is a lesson in life. BRAVO!

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Evelyn (Dol)

starring: Pierce Brosnan, Julianna Margulies, Aidan Quinn, Sophie Vavasseur, Niall Beagan
directed by: Bruce Beresford

September 02, 2003
This movie warmed my heart and I am wondering why it never made it into the theaters,at least in my part of the country. Pierce Brosnan did a fantastic job as Desmond Doyle. Sophie Vavasseur's portraial of Evelyn's simple and guileless faith was touching. The movie presented the very real feel of Europe in the 50s. I grew up in Germany. The little touches, like Desmond heating up milk, brought back memories (hot milk with dry congealed "skin" was a breakfast staple before pasteurization). The central point though was the battle of the little man against the sometimes insane, rigid rules of the day - which few people of that era had the guts to challenge. I was cheering for Desmond all the way and was glad that this true story had a happy end.

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All My Sons

starring: James Whitmore, Aidan Quinn, Michael Learned, Joan Allen, Zeljko Ivanek
directed by: Jack O'Brien

January 01, 1998
This is the performance of All My Sons to own since the play is done in its entirety, unlike the watered down 1948 film version where the role of Kate Keller is reduced to tatters. Here the play takes on full dimensions buoyed no doubt by the extraordinary performances of a cast consumed by their work. Special note must be given to Michael Learned who brings such power and intensity to the mother, she transcends her own mastery. And as the son of Steve Deever, the former partner of Joe Keller who is still serving prison time, Zselko Ivanek's George is a small gem. The vhs may be pricey but worth every penny. This is a production Arthur Miller would have cheered for.

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The Stars Fell on Henrietta

starring: Robert Duvall, Frances Fisher, Brian Dennehy, Aidan Quinn
directed by: James Keach


This review refers to "The Stars Fell On Henrietta"...

Fans of Robert Duvall, if you havn't seen this one yet, you've got a real treat in store for you. Duvall will steal your heart and soul in this drama about the early "wildcatting days" of the oil industry.

Duvall is simply, "Mr Cox". An aging wildcatter, who can feel and smell the oil that has yet to be discovered, during this time of the boom. But yet, with all this intuitive knowledge of where there's oil to be found, he remains, a down on his luck, drifter. Hitching a ride, he's headed for California, to try his luck. When the car stops in the little town of Henrietta for gas, Mr. Cox decides to stay behind. He KNOWS there's oil here. He can smell it, he can feel it and he's gonna find it! ... Read More:

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Crusoe

starring: Aidan Quinn, Ade Sapara, Elvis Payne, Richard D. Sharp, Colin Bruce
directed by: Caleb Deschanel

July 12, 1989
Bringing Daniel Defoe's literary classic THE ADVENTURES OF ROBINSON CRUSOE to the screen is a daunting task. Because the novel is essentially told in the mind and silent observations of Crusoe, the filmmaker must make some decisions about what to bring to the screen and how to communicate it effectively.This film though is DEFINITELY NOT Defoe's novel by any small stretch of the imagination.That said....

CRUSOE is a product of what was the Yugoslavian Film Commission and was released in 1988.Naturally, ALOT,and I repeat, ALOT of liberty has been taken with the original source material to come up with a screenplay that can be compelling enough to hold viewers attention.I cannot say that this was wholly successful, but it was an attempt.Though about 5% of the book ... Read More:

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Music of the Heart

starring: Meryl Streep, Cloris Leachman, Henry Dinhofer, Michael Angarano, Robert Ari
directed by: Wes Craven

October 17, 2000
This is a story of a determined young single mother who as she takes control of her own life, inspires others, including her own children to accomplish amazing things. I love music, and this movie is very inspirational in every way. It shows what a little determination and hard work can accomplish in this life, against all the odds and against a system that is about to crumble. Great family movie. Great acting.

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Assignment (1997)

starring: Aidan Quinn, Donald Sutherland, Ben Kingsley, Claudia Ferri, Céline Bonnier
directed by: Christian Duguay

March 30, 1999
How can a movie starring Donald Sutherland and Ben Kingsley be bad? I wish this was a rhetorical question. Portions of this movie have a professional feel, and some of the acting, typically the minor roles, is good. However, the preposterous plot, the clichéd script, the bad B movie caricatures that pass for characters, and the painfully unbelievable performances of those two actors, especially Sutherland, make for a dismal viewing experience. As another reviewer has noted, the movie reeks of low budget. Nowhere is this more evident than the training sequences which employ what look like white-clad storm troopers straight out of Star Wars.

If you're from Montreal, you'll enjoy seeing it stand in for both Vienna and itself. Look out for Notre-Dame Cathedral, the University ... Read More:

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Michael Collins

starring: Liam Neeson, Aidan Quinn, Julia Roberts, Ian Hart, Richard Ingram
directed by: Neil Jordan

September 23, 1997
This film has a real power to it, and presents a major historical figure in a way that is easy to appreciate. The acting and directing is superb and the film is very engrossing, and in some places extremely sad. I'd strongly recommend this.