I've been turned on by Altman since I was a child when my mother took me to see 'A Wedding'. I've always enjoyed his perspective. :) My cousin who posts here as well and I loved 'Three Women' when were teens.
I'm certain that Meryl and Lily will be the most perfect partners in crime Altman has had since S.Duvall and C. Burnett.
Broadway Legend Joined: 8/22/05
I'm with Kitzy and sweetestsiren. I love Garrison Keillor. Can't wait for this movie!
Broadway Legend Joined: 6/30/05
Is it just me or was Altman's Popeye not as bad as everyone said it was?
Broadway Legend Joined: 2/20/04
I loved Popeye. Brilliant set design, great cast. The only thing that didn't work for me was the the songs - even though I love Harry Nillson.
Tomorrow, tomorrow.....
I was just watching HBO First Look and noticed that Lily and Catherine O'Hara need to work together.
Catherine O'Hara needs to work period! She and Jennifer Coolidge and Lily and Carol Burnett must work in something. How about they take turns as Mame? :)
The review of the film is on the Times web site and it is surprisingly brief and sort of blase. Yes it is positive but not the kind of review that will make it play in the sticks.
Please post your reviews as soon as possible.
I'll see it tonight or tomorrow.
Well, reviews are in, and they're... very good.
Chicago Sun-Times: 4/4
Wall Street Journal: 9/10
Film Threat: 4.5/5
New York Times: 3.5/4
Hollywood Reporter: 9/10
Christian Science Monitor: B+
Premier: 3.5/4
Entertainment Weekly: B+
L.A. Weekly: 3/4
Rolling Stone: 3.5/4
Variety: 3.5/4
A.V. Club: B+
New York Magazine: 3.5/4
Yay!
Broadway Legend Joined: 8/16/05
My college choir was on the radio show last year. It was terribly exciting. Garrison's brother is actually in the community choir at my former college, the resemblance is a little startling.
There has been tons of buzz around this film in Minnesota, especially St. Paul, since that is where the show is based.
Broadway Legend Joined: 2/20/04
You know who really resembles a young Garrison Keillor? Rainn Wilson, who plays Dwight Schrute on "The Office" (American version).
Just got back from the movie. I really loved it. It's one of the best movies I've seen this year, and certainly the most entertaining Robert Altman in memory.
The whole cast is just amazing, and the chemistry between everyone works like a charm. John C. Reilly and Woody Harrelson are lovable as the cowboy duo. I really enjoyed Garrison Keillor's style and dry humor. Lindsay Lohan steals the film on a number of occasions, and she is stunning. Kevin Kline, once again, displays his incredible comedic timing.
As expected, the two actresses who walk away with the film are Meryl Streep (a superb vocalist) and Lily Tomlin. They play beautifully off each other, and the camaraderie between them is touching, and played just right. Their "Goodbye to My Mama" is transcendant and unforgettable.
The whole movie is akin to a great, warm hug. I wish I could put it in better terms, but that's what it felt like. It's not weighty, but it is meaningful. It is, simply put, about the end of an era. During a late moment in the movie, Virginia Madsen, whose role I can't really discuss, says that listening to this show was like visiting a bunch of good friends. Couldn't have said it better myself. Experiencing these heaven-sent musical numbers - such as Reilly and Harrelson's hilarious "Bad Jokes", and Streep and Tomlin's wistful "My Minnesota Home" - I ask myself: "Who needs television?"
Expect screenwriting, acting, costume design, and original song nominations from this one. It's a gem.
Updated On: 6/10/06 at 10:08 PM
Great review 86!
It's as good as Gold.
Yay!
Thanks, glebb. :)
Have you seen it yet?
Saw it last night and agree that if you like movies with great acting, singing and humor - you'll love it. I had a huge grin on for the entire film.
No special effects, no mind blowing twists of plot.
Just talent, talent, talent, talent, heart, heart and heart.
Yay Mr. Altman!
Go see it!
It's a gem.
Broadway Legend Joined: 2/20/04
I saw it today and loved it. Surprisingly, EVERY SEAT was filled at the 4 PM showing. I suppose it has a good chance of coming in a distant, distant second to "Cars" this weekend.
I think the movie, Altman, Keillor (screenplay) Tomlin and Kline (supporting) deserve Oscar noms.
EDIT: Let me add that at least 90% of the audience was over 50 years old.
Updated On: 6/10/06 at 10:17 PM
Just bought the soundtrack from iTunes.
I just saw it also. I'm not a big Altman fan and other than knowing OF him, I really know next to nothing about Garrison Keillor (I think I once had Into the Woods playing on my walkman while my dad listened to something from Lake Woebegone Days)...
But I REALLY enjoyed the movie! Most of the suburban NJ theater I saw it at was surprisingly full (mostly older people, admittedly - I'm 2
- but I was impressed with how many people were there.
I have to say, when my friend asked if I wanted to see the movie with her, I wasn't too sure until she told me Kevin Kline was in it. When the movie ended the first thing I said was "Kevin Kline should be in every movie ever made" - he's AWESOME in this, but sadly doesn't get to sing!
The Woody Harrelson/John C. Reilly and Meryl Streep/Lily Tomlin pairings were fantastic - any time either pair was on-screen the movie really came alive. The two funniest bits - the peacock sound effects scene (you know what I mean) and the "Bad Jokes" numbers had me laughing out loud, as did Kevin Kline in almost every one of his scenes. I also loved the made up lyrics to Frankie and Johnny - very funny stuff.
I admit, I came home and went right to amazon and ordered the soundtrack (itunes was more expensive - what's up with that?).
Haven't seen Cars yet, but I'm glad my friend decided to pick this one!
Loved Kevin and Lily at the very end. :)
Also a nod should go to Maya Rudolph who is the new master of Altman's favorite shtick.
I can't wait to see it-did it remind either of you of Nashville?
Not at all.
I've never seen Nashville.
Geez, I've got to get my hands on that.
I've never seen Nashville either so couldn't tell you.
Oh, ok. That was my favorite Altman film. I'm hoping Prairie is along the same lines.
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