Movie Reviews for The River (Widescreen Edition)

The River (Widescreen Edition)

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Movie Reviews of The River (Widescreen Edition)

Movie Review: A WONDERFUL, MUST SEE MOVIE
Summary: 5 Stars

It's excellently played by Sissy Spacek, Mel Gibson, & Scott Glenn, they each played their parts so well you could almost feel the emotions run high, through the struggles & strife that each go through. You will thoughly enjoy it.

Movie Review: FINE FILM BUT GIBSON IS THE FLAW IN IT!
Summary: 4 Stars

This film is grand in scale with cinematography and special effects that could not be bettered. The river's rage is nothing compared to the characters undergoing their conflict. Sissy Spacek, as usual, turns in another stunning performance (when has she ever been less than excellent in any movie. Definitely, along with Meryl Streep, the finest actress of her generation...I call her my modern "Barbara Stanwyck"). Her portrayal of Mae, the wife, is unflinchingly loyal, yet strong and courageous and feisty. Her determination is what makes this film what it is. No less excellent is Scott Glenn as the antagonist/protaganist who believes in what he is doing totally. Also meriting praise are the two children. They are fantastic! The direction is colorful and nearly flawless. I agree with the previous reviewer though about Mel Gibson. His character, a mite too proud, is a little difficult to take sometimes. He definitely could have shown more bite in the scene where he is attacked by the strikers. The scene where he confronts Scott Glenn in the office is his best scene in this movie. But he definitely could have done a better job with the character. He seems miscast at times. Sissy Spacek makes him look good but his portrayal of the character lacks the nuances necessary to make us believe in what he is doing. It is Spacek that gives us the sympathy for her family. I wish they would have cast Gary Busey in Gibson's role. I think he could have done wonders with it! Other than that, this film is outstanding and I would definitely give it 5 stars if it hadn't been for Gibson's uneven portrayal. Spacek deserved her Oscar nomination for this movie. The DVD contains a theatrical trailer, scene selection and a two page commentary on the highlights of the film. ALso included are Bios of the stars. Other than that, nothing else is included. The sound and video are fine! This is a film worth adding to your collection! A true testament to the American fighting Spirit. It certainly is no "Grapes of Wrath" but then, nothing ever will be!

Movie Review: a populist statement
Summary: 4 Stars

The movie is very good, not excellent. Spacek and Gibson are both lovable, in different ways of course. Historically the movie is kind of flimsy. There are things in in it that could be the 1930s, other htings that are more like the 1980s and 1990s, and the blend is not convincing. We are sopposed to see a kind of merging of oppressed factory workers and oppresed rural folk, 'the people' against heartless forces that do not respect their dignity. Dramatically, the film works, especially the epic struggle against floodwaters.

Movie Review: a populist statement
Summary: 4 Stars

The movie is very good, not excellent. Spacek and Gibson are both lovable, in different ways of course. Historically the movie is kind of flimsy. There are things in it that could be the 1930s, other things that are more like the 1980s and 1990s, and the blend is not convincing. We are supposed to see a kind of merging of oppressed factory workers and oppresed rural folk, 'the people' against heartless forces that do not respect their dignity. Dramatically, the film works, especially the epic struggle against floodwaters.