|
|
Rating:  - A Timeless Storyline
Julia Ormond and Harrison Ford struggles to keep this sub-par remake alive. They--especially Julia--succeeds in bringing forth this great story. A great love story, the movie captures the evolution of savior: "Sabrina Fair" whose warmth and compassion changes the lives of everyone around her.
On the other hand, the romantic chemistry between Ormond and Ford leaves much to be desired, especially for a romantic film and the nouveau riche ambience is a tad over-done and detracts from the main plot.
However, this remains one of my favorite films and doesn't fail to be moving.
Rating:  - I Love This Remake!
I saw this remake of the old classic Sabrina movie before I watched that older version and I love both movies. I think this charming remake is just as good as the original and I actually liked it more! The movie has a superb director and a superb cast that includes, Julia Ormond as Sabrina Harison Ford as Linus,, Greg Kinnear as David and Lauren Holly as Elizabeth and I loved the updated twists from the original like making Sabrina go to Paris to learn photography instead of cooking and making Elizabeth a doctor, a surgeon instead of just a rich debutante heiress. This past Christmas of 2004 I got this movie on DVD and I love it! Next I have to get the original on DVD!
Rating: - A Rare Gem
The original Sabrina, starring Audrey Hepburn, is a film classic and one of my favorite romance comedies, so I was quite hesitant to see the modern remake, which I was convinced would in no way come close to the quality of the original movie. I was so wrong. I consider the 1995 version of Sabrina to possess the most perfectly written script in film history. After seeing the movie countless times over, I still catch subtleties that I had not appreciated during prior viewings. Although the direction is not as skilled as that of Billy Wilder, it is still excellent, as is also the casting. Following in the footsteps of other great works, it proved a disappointment at the box office When it was released in 1995. However, the film is destined to be a romance classic and will, in my opinion, ultimately shine above the original.
Rating:  - sometimes it should be left alone
Sydney Pollack says that he was reluctant to direct this movie, a remake of the version with Humphrey Bogart and Audrey Hepburn, but was finally coaxed into it by Harrison Ford. He had to be disappointed with the result for the comparisons were inevitable. The story stays with the essentials: two brothers- Ford, the older one, a serious and successful businessman, the other, the irresponsible, handsome playboy played by Greg Kinnear- vying for the affections of the chaffeur's daughter, Julia Ormand, in a variation of the Cinderella tale. It was updated for the modern era, including the politics and finance of corporate take-overs, but otherwise is faithful to the theme of its predecessor. One thing seems to be clear: why Ford wanted it made. It's a full-blown screen confirmation that our Indiana Jones Superstar still has that "thing," that ability to attract younger women, as his character does in the story (any real-life comparisons?). Unfortunately, with a stiff, cardboard performance, he demonstrates none of the irony and vulnerability that Humphrey Bogart gave this role, and as ravishing as Ormand can be, she, too, lacks the coquettish charm that Hepburn could provide. There is also little on-screen chemistry between the two stars; indeed, it's hard to accept that they could have been the least bit attracted to each other. Kinnear, who has developed a recent penchant for playing the cad, is more believable, but he has his own icon to overcome, William Holden. To make matters worse, the script doesn't lend too much aid to the cast, lacking the wit and zest of the original. Overall, this is simpy boring.
Pollack would be the first one to admit that they don't make movies they way they used to. So, when he hesitated on this one, he should have stayed with his initial instincts.
Rating: - Everything perfect that could be spoken was spoken perfectly
Please, please, please, whatever you do when deciding to view this film, try to forget everything you might know or feel about the earlier, 1954 production. Do so because in this 1995 remake you have one of the most perfectly written romantic movies of all time.
Here is one of those once in a lifetime films wherein everything that could be perfectly spoken is spoken....perfectly. Highest of kudos to the script writers; praise which would mean nothing without the very best levels of performance provided by these first-rate actors/actresses. If you do nothing else during this movie, look and listen with the utmost attention to the delivery of lines---they could not possibly be bettered. An added plus is the imaginative camera work which is nothing short of award worthy.
PS: While I grew up with the original "Sabrina," in this newer production I must have seen a completely different film than did a reviewer recently preceding me.
|
|