Bryant Frazer: February 1998 Archives

February 13, 2024

Great Expectations image

Magical or hokey, depending on your point of view, Alfonso Cuarón's new version of Great Expectations is another reinvented classic for the age of MTV. Of course, this version bears little resemblance to the original Dickens. Even some of the names have been changed. God help me, I kind of enjoyed it despite its failings, although I certainly wouldn't recommend it.

Latest Reviews

Into the Wild
Into the Wild (Penn, 2007)
The Last Winter
The Last Winter (Fessenden, 2006)
The Kingdom
The Kingdom (Berg, 2007)


Deep Focus Letter Grades

Teacher image
A+: A personal favorite. Reveals new facets on repeat viewings.
A: An outrageously great film.
A-: Brilliant. Heartily recommended. I can’t wait to see this again.
B+: A nearly-great film, or merely an outstanding entertainment. Recommended.
B: A good film with some shortcomings or perhaps a lack of ambition. Recommended, with reservations.
B-: An entertaining film, perhaps hampered by a lack of polish, a few bad creative decisions, or a lack of originality. An unremarkable work of integrity. Mildly recommended in a pinch.
C+: An interesting but formally mediocre film, or a formally accomplished but fundamentally banal film. Mildest possible recommendation: fans of the genre or the filmmakers may find it worthwhile.
C: Unremarkable in concept or execution. Screenings are not cost-effective.
C-: Has one or two interesting scenes.
D: Has no redeeming qualities.
F: Ow! My balls!

About this Archive

This page is a archive of recent entries written by Bryant Frazer in February 1998.

Bryant Frazer: December 1997 is the previous archive.

Bryant Frazer: February 1999 is the next archive.

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