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| Tuesday, December 30, 2003 | (No comments posted.)
"Wow, that was horrible." "Why did you make me see this movie?" "I want my money back!"
Unexpectedly, this was the chatter I heard as I was leaving, "Mona Lisa Smile." From the previews I thought it would be an amazing movie. In fact, I was counting down the days until its release, and then, the day finally came when I had the chance to see it.
I had my popcorn ready and I had finally found a comfortable position in my chair. The lights went off and then -- nothing happened. The movie was playing, but nothing really happened.
I just kept watching, waiting for it to get better, but it never did. I was shocked. Before it came out I had thought it would be my favorite movie. But let me tell you this, it most definitely is not.
The acting was good, but I wouldn't expect anything less from the great cast, which included Julia Roberts, Julia Stiles and Kirsten Dunst. So, I have to give some credit for that.
To be honest, it was difficult for me to pay attention; I just kept spacing out because it was so boring. But, I forced myself to watch in the hope something unexpected would happen.
Julia Roberts plays Katherine Watson, an art-history teacher who came from California to teach at a very proper school for girls. The movie is set in the past, so some things were kind of hard to understand. Before the class even begins, the students had read the entire book, so she has nothing to teach them. So, instead of just reviewing art-history, she tells them about modern art, which doesn't set too well with the other professors and school board.
Even though people aren't happy with her, they allow her to stay because of her great connection with the students, but they say she can only come back if she follows some ridiculous rules.
In my opinion, this movie has too much drama and not enough excitement. If they could just tone it down a little, it probably would be a fairly good movie. But, when there's too much going on, you get confused, and who wants to watch a movie they don't understand?
Not to mention that a lot of the problems are left unresolved. Which makes me wonder -- are they planning a sequel? I sure hope not.
Synopsis: "Mona Lisa Smile" doesn't cause grins -- there's too much drama and not enough excitement.
Starring: Julia Roberts, Kirsten Dunst, Maggie Gyllenhaal, and Julia Stiles
Grade: D
The opinions expressed solely are those of the writer. Melissa Kirincic is a freshman at Munster High School.
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