Rating:  Summary: Watch this Review: Angels in America is truly a wonderful piece of art. I was so deeply moved by every single episode that I actually had trouble focusing on anything else after I finished watching it. Mike Nichols manages to combine the finest poetry with the most atrocious actuality. The acting performances are also exceptional. I especially enjoyed Justin Kirk's portrayal of Prior Walter. He acts with such truthfulness and authenticity and truly manages to capture the thoughts of a desperate man who's not able to accept his own destiny. My thoughts are; if you'll only watch one thing this entire year, watch this.
Rating:  Summary: Stunningly Beautiful and Moving Review: This series took my breath away. Tony Kushner has truly created a work that will transcend time, living on for so long, and this movie a actually does the play justice. I read the play before I saw the HBO film, and I must admit that I didn't think that they would even compare, but the acting, the direction, and, of course, the writing were phenominal. All of the stars play their role with the utmost perfection. This is honestly one of the best movies of all time.
Rating:  Summary: Surprisingly good Review: I first saw this play about three years ago, and fell in love with it. I went back three times to see it before it closed at the end of the week. So, as you can imagine, I was both intrigued and afraid of what HBO might to do this wonderful play.As I began watching, I was impressed with the cinematography, although a few of the characters seemed a bit stiff, and hard to relate to as actual human beings. Perhaps this was do to the toned-down style of acting in film as opposed to theatre. By the end, however, I was almost in tears. This is the best film I've seen in a very long time.
Rating:  Summary: too bad it is not eligible for the oscar Review: This is simply the most amazing cinematic achievment in decades and one of the finest films ever. The Motion Picture Academy should award a special Oscar, even though it was made for TV.
Rating:  Summary: Best Movie I have Ever Seen! Review: This is the best movie I have ever seen! Nothing else is needed to be said
Rating:  Summary: BEST AMERICAN PLAY OF THE LAST HALF-CENTURY Review: Beautiful film adaptation of this astonishingly sad and funny play. The film gets better every time I see it. Do yourself a favor: buy this DVD and watch it over and over. All the actors are amazing, and Pacino and Streep have rarely been better.
Rating:  Summary: absolutly amazing piece of thought provoking art Review: i have never ever seen something so amazing! this film so elegantly combines so many genres and themes into one. the film has it all - meaning, emotion, love, death, sex, drugs, money, politics, religion and much more. sometimes it is mildly funny (there are also some hilarious scenes that make it look like a sketch show) at others it is amazingly profound and deep with beautiful language, and other times it is just blatently straightforward. fantastic camera work and lighting i really liked how everything looks. this has just become my favorite show. it is based around the lives of gay people, but don't let that get in your way of watching this amazing film because you are missing out on a treat of a lifetime! but be prepared - this is not your average blockbuster movie, it frequently evokes thinking and opportunity for discussion, perfect for watching with friends. often sad themes but ends with great hope and positivity.
Rating:  Summary: Simply the best movie I've seen in years.... Review: HBO should've released this movie in movie theaters. I saw it at the Castro Theatre in San Francisco and it was a fantastic experience. Seeing it on TV is great, but.... Oh well, just enjoy! The acting, story, and filmography are amazing.
Rating:  Summary: Trite in America Review: I just finished Angels in America and I must say it left a bad taste in my mouth.
I was initially excited because I thought it was going to be a humanitarian piece, but instead I got an extremist perspective on political propaganda. It was very one sided. It was like the Michael Moore's of the world dropping atomic bombs on Ann Coulter. I think an equal rebuttle would be:
"The reason any conservative's failing is always major news is that it allows liberals to engage in their very favorite taunt: Hypocrisy! Hypocrisy is the only sin that really inflames them. They can sit back and criticize other people for failing to meet the standards that liberals simply renounce. It's an intriguing strategy. By openly admitting to being philanderers, draft dodgers, liars, weasels and cowards, liberals avoid ever being hypocrites."
Point being: Both are extreme and both make interesting points....but when there is no balance nothing will heal....
Everybody in the world is affected by an element of pain, discouragement and death, but noone seems to take responsibility for their actions in this mini-series.
It's very `tongue in cheek' and almost a slap in the face to people who live lavishly and barricade themselves from the world around them.
This film wasn't offensive to me because of subject matter. It was offensive because the characters were all wanting sympathy and someone to blame for the terrible circumstances they were drowning in. The great cast cant save the fact that these characters were cliche' and were about as deep as a puddle.
The cast was incredible and it was "rentable" but the point made wasn't helpful. We are here on earth to help one another and must put aside our prideful differences in order to make a difference
If you want something more gratifying, with similar themes try Philadelphia with Tom Hanks or Leo with Elisabeth Shue.
Rating:  Summary: The jury's still out Review: The jury is still out. I admit, while watching the film, especially the second part, I said aloud - this is @#$%ing stupid. The plot was contrived, at times, and downright silly.
But I have to say, I was left with enough of an impression of the thing to be thinking about it quite a bit. Having watched it alone, I couldn't wait to talk with someone about the story - to check in and see what others thought. I read nearly every review here. I guess I remain on the fence between those who praised it outright, and those who lack imagination. Then there are the reviewers who simply lack any compassion or tolerance of diversity. I admit that the gay characters seem whiny, as some reviewers wrote - but isn't drama often about exaggerating characters? Has anyone read Dickens, for God's sake? Every one of them was bigger than life, more evil than the devil, or kinder than all the saints. Since when has entertainment been about realism? Get over it!
I think it's really a combination of "Philadelphia" meets "Dogma" in some ways. The religious depictions were disturbing - but I think in a good way. I'm sick of having religious "standards" crammed down my thoat. The concept here of God walking away from over-sexed angels throws a curve ball - inventive, refreshing and so naughty!
I agree with some reviewers about the packaging and rating. I was surprised, but not offended by the frontal nudity of both men and women, and by the graphic sexual scenes. Anyone who rents this thinking it's a spiritual/religious film - will be soon surprised! I think it should be labeled appropriately.
Finally, unlike some, I did find hope in the ending. So Prior didn't become a prophet - in other words, he didn't die, to end the suffering. Isn't human nature meant to struggle to survive? I think he did the noble thing and tried to keep living, even under the most harsh circumstances. The ending, I thought, wasn't forced and preachy. It was redemptive. I felt hope for humankind. So there.
The jury is out. Until I can either recommend the movie to friends, or denounce its value, I can't really take a stand. Rent it and see for yourself.
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