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Back Shelf Beauties
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Secret Window Women think Johnny Depp is super hot and sexy, but, every time I see him in a movie, in a magazine photo, or at the Oscars, it looks like he has not showered or even washed his hair. What's that all about? Why is dirty attractive to women? That settles it. If this is what women want, I will no longer bathe or wash myself in any form. (AS IF this will make women crash down my door and rip off my clothes like I am a rock star). At the least, I will have more time for myself in the morning without all of those pesky showers getting in the way. That equals more quality time for Regis and me. Depp stars as Morton Rainey - an author whose life is all screwed up. His wife, Amy (Maria Bello) cheated on him and left him for the other guy, Ted (Timothy Hutton). He is suffering from depression and a crazy southern hick, John Shooter (John Turturro), has shown up on his doorstep claiming that Rainey has stolen his story. Shooter says he will leave Rainey alone if he can prove he didn't steal it, but the stalker seems to be running out of patience and starts going a bit loony. Is Morton safe? Did he steal the story? You are going to like this movie because Depp is fantastic, but the ending is a challenging one that you will either love or hate because of its daring. Writer/director David Koepp (with a story from Stephen King) has created a traditional, spooky, scary thriller in the Alfred Hitchcock style. He uses our own fears against us as the scary music starts and Morton Rainey carefully heads into those dark rooms towards certain disaster. Koepp always keeps the audience on the edge of our seats and never tips us to the ending until it's time, even though he throws in some sly, subtle clues along the way. He also throws in plenty of laughs to lighten the mood when needed, which gives Depp some of his best scenes. Frankly, Depp is awesome in Secret Window. He has a wonderful way of wrapping himself around the dialogue and showing the character's physical quirks and ticks. The way he drinks water, lights a cigarette, reacts to the other actors or rolls his eyes at just the right moment all contribute to our understanding and compassion for Rainey. Most of all, Depp comes alive with a sparkle in his eyes that no one in the cast can match. Stuff that would have been silly with a lesser actor is frightening and entertaining with him, and he's the only reason the ending is close to likable. While I found Turturro to be acting way over the top, I soon realized there was a reason, so I'll let it go. I hope you will give this one a chance this weekend. If you do, I think you'll have a great time. At the very least, you'll get to talk about the ending with all of your friends or drool over Depp's hunkiness. 3 Waffles (Out Of 4) Copyright 2004 - WaffleMovies.com
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