REVIEWS

"GREAT EXPECTATIONS"

When I was in the seventh grade (perhaps one of the most horrific and humiliating years of my life), my English teacher (Mrs. Capillo) forced us to read "Great Expectations," the novel by Charles Dickens. I absolutely hated it. It was boring, lame, and seemed as though it was written in another language. Years have gone by, and I've learned to appreciate many of the writers in classic literature (especially Shakespeare), but I've always had a problem with Dickens. Because of him, I almost failed English that year. I dunno, maybe it was just that one novel. Around that time, I read "A Christmas Carol," and I loved it.

Then there's Ethan Hawke. Ever since "Reality Bites," I've always had a problem with him. I hated that movie. It's glorification of "The Cool People" and contempt for geeks like me was a bitter reminder of my life during the school years. Anyway, in "Reality Bites," Ethan Hawke played one of "The Cool People." The guy who treated the girl like shit, but always got her in the end because he was better looking and more popular. That wouldn't have been such a big deal except for the fact that the movie made him out to be the good guy.

After "Reality Bites," he was in "Before Sunrise," which was a great movie, and I liked his character in it. That movie redeemed him a bit, but not entirely. To me, he'd always be one of "The Cool People." Still, "Great Expectations" looked pretty interesting. I liked the visuals in the movie trailer I saw, and the music was great. So I saw it.

I think there was a little TOO much updating. Among other things, "Pip" was called "Finn" and "Ms. Havisham" was called "Ms. Dinsmoor." Also, there were things about it that were pretty ridiculous. Other than that, "Great Expectations" was a very entertaining movie.

The acting was great... by everyone. Ethan Hawke and Gwyneth Paltrow had a really good chemistry, Anne Bancroft was wonderful as the eccentric "Ms. Dinsmoor," and Robert De Niro was awesome (DUH!) as "Lustig," the escaped murderer. The most surprising performance was by Chris Cooper as "Joe," Finn's foster father. He was sympathetic without being pathetic, and his performance was outstanding.

The script was written by Mitch Glazer who had previously written ANOTHER Charles Dickens update called "Scrooged" (from "A Christmas Carol"). I think that THIS updated Dickens story is a lot better. As for the director, Alfonso Cuaron is known for directing the family favorite, "A Little Princess." Here he proves that he can direct with a unique style utilizing music. Watch for the scene in which "Finn" paints nude portraits of "Estella." It's a marvelous sequence, and the song that was selected for it was perfect ("Like a Friend," by "Pulp") I'd go so far as to say it's one of the best uses of a song for a sequence that I'd ever seen. The music THROUGHOUT the movie is great, actually.

"Great Expectations" is a very entertaining movie, though it has its flaws. It was a well-realized story (though not as clever as the recent "Romeo & Juliet" update) with a stylish director, and it worked. And ya know what? Ethan Hawke isn't THAT bad.

Scale of 1-10: 8