Murder by Numbers (Full-Screen Edition) (Snap Case) (2002) Review

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(More customer reviews)Finally, Sandra Bullock has acted in a good film! Ever since I saw her in 'Speed', I always thought that she was a talented actress. But then 'While you were sleeping' and 'Hope floats' were thoroughly cliched and made me wonder if she was just a one-film wonder. Well, she did prove me otherwise in 'Murder by numbers'.
If you thought from the title or the trailer that this film is about a serial killer, you are wrong (I did that same mistake too!). This film is about the perfect crime or what the killer(s) think will be a perfect crime. As is the case with all killers, they do one simple mistake and that is enough for Casey (the cop played by Sandra Bullock) and her partner Sam to solve the case.
Even though there is no actual suspense in the film, I will not spoil the plot by telling who the killers are. The director does not attempt to hide the identity of the killers, it is fairly clear who the killers are right from the first or second scene. In spite of this, the film continues to gather momentum, with Sandra Bullock and her partner doing their detective work meticulously. Where the film lacks in suspense, it more than makes up for it in the tight story-line and the excellent acting by all the actors.
Sandra Bullock is very convincing as the troubled cop who has a checkered history of her own and that comes to light as the film progresses. Ben Chaplin, who plays Bullock's partner Sam is good too, but the best acting in the film comes from the two young men played by Ryan Gosling (who plays Richard) and Michael Pitt (who plays Justin). Gosling is nothing less than brilliant in his portrayal and his future as an actor sure looks bright.
The film drags a bit towards the end, with the climax being a bit cliched. But this is surely a film that is worth seeing!

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The body of a young woman is found in a ditch in the woods of the small California coastal town of San Benito. SANDRA BULLOCK ("Divine Secrets of the Ya Ya Sisterhood," "Miss Congeniality"), stars as Cassie Mayweather, the seasoned homicide detective and crime scene specialist assigned to the case along with her new partner San Kennedy (BEN CHAPLIN - "Lost Souls," "The Thin Red Line"). The two dectectives make their way through microscopic hints of evidence, which seem to indicate a random act of violence, but Cassie has a gut feeling that there is more to this murder than meets the eye. Something about this case reminds her of her past exactly at a time when she is asked to appear at a parole hearing on an old police matter. These events force Cassie to revisit the past.

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The Thing Called Love (Director's Cut) (1993) Review

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(More customer reviews)If I had to choose ONE movie to show and teach students the secrets of great actors-directing, it would be this one. The destiny of Peter Bogdanovich is amazing: celebrated as one of the world's best directors in the early 70s, he fell into disgrace because of private problems in the 80s, and rarely got a chance to direct anymore except for TV. Somehow it reminds me of the destiny of Wim Wenders, also celebrated as the new big thing in the 70s, and much disregarded today.
Both judgements were excessive. They probably weren't the best directors in the world in the 70s - but surely aren't the worst today.
This movie is a little, much under-rated and overlooked, certainly humble and understated gem. Bogdanovich shows here what it means to direct actors in a way that enhances their performances and brings out deep emotions. This is not a superficial movie. Instead, it is one that bears repeated viewings. And it has much of what life has: truth, emotions, changes. I especially like the ending. It seems to get back to the beginning, but it's not. Somehow, everything is there, but everything has changed forever. It's a happy ending, but bittersweet too. And like real life, it goes on, on a road where you can't follow, just like those friends you had and never met again, or just like your past memories.
I've been waiting for a decade to get a dvd of this movie. And I bought it immediately as it came out, because it is really unsure that they may ever reprint this once the first bunch is gone. So get it, don't miss it, this is the best advice I can give. Don't miss the experience of this movie. This is no special fx movie. This is actors cinema at its best. Something rare.

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In Nashville, there are 10,000 singer-songwriters chasing success... with one chance in a million of getting it. For Miranda "no relation to Elvis" Presley (Samantha Mathis), that's one chance worth taking. Fresh from New York City, Miranda befriends three fellow hopefuls: shy Connecticut cowboy Kyle Davidson (Dermot Mulroney); Southern belle Linda Lue Linden (Sandra Bullock); and James Wright (River Phoenix), a cocky Texan with brooding good looks and a honeyed voice. Together they begin a rocky ride down Music City's well-worn highway, finding hope, heartbreak, happiness... and The Thing Called Love. Featuring songs and appearances by country music's hottest stars, The Thing Called Love will grab you like a great melody.

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