Avalon
|
List Price: Our Price: $4.36 You Save: $10.63 (71%) Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days Buy Used: from $3.60 (click here) Category: DVD See more DVD releases |
|---|
Canada
Movie Reviews of Avalon
Movie Review: "You cut the turkey without me?"
Summary: 5 Stars
That's Lou Jacobi's signature line in this film, and it's quite a statement that I can use it 13 years after "Avalon's" release and still draw a knowing response. Although 'Diner' will always remain Barry's Levinson's singular masterpiece, in Avalon he digs deeper to show us the roots of his family and how it slowly spun apart.Levinson returns to the Thanksgiving dinner scene year after year as touchstone to show how the family grows and evolves.
Moreover, Avalon is a significant statement about America in general and the basic dissolution of the three-generation 'altogether' family unit. Levinson makes the very compelling case that the culprits are the television (the mood and tone of Avalon break dramatically once television is introduced) and the suburbs, or looked at alternatively, city flight.
I love Lou Jacobi in this film. Armin Mueller-Stahl is equally as good. Also, look for an eight-year-old Elijah Wood in his first big role as Mueller-Stahl's grandson (and Aidan Quinn's son). Wood is playing Levinson's role here, so even at eight (foreshadowing of 'LOTR') he has a mighty big weight to carry.
Movie Review: Mr. Levinson at the top of his game!
Summary: 5 Stars
Great performances by Armin Mueller-Stah, Aidan Quinn, Kevin Pollak, Elizabeth Perkins, Joan Plowright, and a nine year old Elijah Wood anchor this beautiful love letter to the days of oral storytelling, the immigrant experience, and the Baltimore of director Barry Levinson's childhood. As in most of Mr. Levinson's work (including HOMICIDE), where this piece shines is in the dialogue. And the by play between Mr. Mueller-Stahl, Mr. Quinn, and Mr. Wood - portraying three generations of the same family - provides for some truly touching verbal interaction. And the film plays these themes in other ways as well, primarily by contrasting the oral storytelling technique preferred by Mr. Mueller-Stahl and the television, preferred by the slightly snake-oily dreamer played by Kevin Pollak.
While the overall "look" of the film, as created by Allen Daviau and Mr. Levinson, may be a little sugary I hope that this won't stop you from enjoying the great script, some truly wonderful images, and top notch acting that is AVALON.
Movie Review: Paradise lost
Summary: 5 Stars
This film is a powerful depiction of the loss of innocence experienced by so many immigrants who came to this country, believing it was a veritable promised land. Slowly and subtly, Levinson shows how their once close families are pulled apart by the demands of the culture. From the flight of the middle class to the suburbs and the loss of traditional business values, the transformations our society underwent in the post-war period are captured here with masterful storytelling. Watch how television gradually becomes the center of the home, rather than the family table. The turkey scene, as funny as it is, is profound. The extended family is falling apart, as the geographical distance afforded by the automobile grows.The acting is tremendous. The performances of Quinn, Perkins, Muehler-Stahl and Plowright are worth the purchase alone. But don't miss young Elijah Wood in his first major film role.
This movie is one to treasure and revisit year after year--how about at Thanksgiving... :)
Movie Review: Achingly authentic delight
Summary: 5 Stars
Truly, these pictures are each worth a thousand words.
While Barry traces just one family, in one city, in one lifespan, he actually snatches pictures from every album of those days. He garners specifics and generalities that weave through the fabric of any age, any nationality, giving the viewer a slice of history, home, and her/himself.
This family moves from Europe to America, specifically to Baltimore, and makes its mark in blue collar businesses and neighborhoods. The World Wars, the advent of television, the uprising of the suburbs, the homogenization of races and cultures, and even the ever-present fear of the English teacher, are interlocked, stitch by stitch, while the families grow and change and face all the miscommunication and loss that accompany progress. In the end, the family is mine, and will likely be yours. Elijah Wood will be your brother, and Aiden Quinn your favorite uncle.
It is a delight to own the DVD.
Movie Review: A fine cinematic experience...
Summary: 5 Stars
Avalon is a tragic drama with moments of warmth as a second generation immigrant family tries to create a better life in the United States while living under the same roof as their parents. The grandfather, Sam (Armin Mueller-Stahl), tells his grandson, Michael (Elijah Wood), his life stories as he teaches him valuable life lessons. However, the family attempts to break bonds with the past by changing their last name and breaking other traditions. In this endeavor they lose contact with themselves as they lose their connection with their family and television then becomes a substitute for family life. Avalon is a representation of the many who came to the US in search of the American Dream; however, in pursuit of this dream lost the connection with what is important in life. In the end, Avalon offers a fine cinematic experience that "may" and "can" produce tears and laughs.