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MASMeg
Reviews
The Book of Stars (1999)
Poetic and sad and joyful
This is such a beautiful film. Both Mary Stuart Masterson and Jenna Malone deserve Oscars for this work. In fact, Miner deserves one too, as does Tasca Shaydix for her script. Come to think of it, this film has Oscar written all over it! Beautiful but not over-worked, uplifting but not unrealistic, sad but not depressing. It is great great great!
Abilene (1999)
Stunning, sad, uplifting and inspiring
"Abilene" is a stunningly beautiful film that is poignant and uplifting. Ernest Borgnine and Kim Hunter are achingly real (and Oscar worthy) as Hotis and Emmaline, two people who are coming to terms with their past. Supporting roles by Park Overall, and James Morrison parallel the lead parts and give the film depth and generational dimension.
Joe Camp III's screenplay is subtle, humorous, and true. It is a rare treat compared to the dull, exposition heavy, SFX reliant films that have become commonplace. Camp is also talented and promising as a new director. I am already anticipating his next film.
With the recent glut of soulless "evil teen" films, "Abilene" is a deeply gratifying and refreshing change. And one that will certainly be very well growing number of older people in the USA. However, distributors need not fear that the film is limited to the older market. I am 27 years old and I loved it, and I know that most of my friends will too. A great story like this has no age limit.