list http://www.spout.com/ Recent community activity around Joe Versus the Volcano on Spout Copyright 2005-9 Spout, LLC Spout RSS http://www.spout.com/images/SpoutLogoRSS.jpg http://www.spout.com/ 136 30 http://www.spout.com/films/Joe_Versus_the_Volcano/18108/default.aspx Title: Joe Versus the Volcano
Year: 1990
Director: John Patrick Shanley
Plot: Academy Award-winning screenwriter John Patrick Shanley's first foray into the director's chair is a quirky romantic fantasy, featuring Bo Welch's signature production design. Tom Hanks plays Joe Banks, a man who hates his job, thinks the overhead fluorescent lights are making him sick, and quakes at the presence of his boorish boss Frank Watori (Dan Hedaya). He is attracted to the office secretary DeDe (Meg Ryan) but is afraid to speak to her. Then his life changes when he visits Dr. Ellison (Robert Stack). Dr. Ellison tells Joe that he has something called "a brain cloud" that is rapidly spreading throughout his brain. He will feel great, but he'll be dead within five months. Instead of being depressed at this bleak prognosis, Joe suddenly feels free. He quits his job, asks DeDe out, and is contacted by a rich millionaire named Graynamore (Lloyd Bridges). Graynamore owns an island named Waponi Woo, whose natives need to be placated. The natives require a sacrifice to their island volcano, the Big Woo, so that the island won't sink beneath the Pacific. Graynamore offers unlimited wealth to Tom in exchange for Tom's becoming the object of human sacrifice. Joe has nothing to lose, so he accepts the offer. As he heads out to the island, Joe meets Graynamore's daughters -- Angelica, a Los Angeles socialite, and Patricia, Angelica's blonde half-sister (both roles played by Ryan). Joe arrives at the island, and as he stands at the lips of the Big Woo he has to decide whether he really wants to leap into the maw of the fiery volcano. ~ Paul Brenner, All Movie Guide
Times Tagged: 11
Number of Lists: 11
Number of blog posts: 4
Number of discussion threads: 5
SpoutRating: 2
]]>Wed, 15 Jul 2009 07:06:38 GMTJoe Versus the Volcano1990John Patrick ShanleyAcademy Award-winning screenwriter <a href="/players/P___110969/default.aspx" style='text-decoration:underline'>John Patrick Shanley</a>'s first foray into the director's chair is a quirky romantic fantasy, featuring Bo Welch's signature production design. <a href="/players/P____93341/default.aspx" style='text-decoration:underline'>Tom Hanks</a> plays Joe Banks, a man who hates his job, thinks the overhead fluorescent lights are making him sick, and quakes at the presence of his boorish boss Frank Watori (<a href="/players/P____31477/default.aspx" style='text-decoration:underline'>Dan Hedaya</a>). He is attracted to the office secretary DeDe (<a href="/players/P____62388/default.aspx" style='text-decoration:underline'>Meg Ryan</a>) but is afraid to speak to her. Then his life changes when he visits Dr. Ellison (<a href="/players/P____67453/default.aspx" style='text-decoration:underline'>Robert Stack</a>). Dr. Ellison tells Joe that he has something called "a brain cloud" that is rapidly spreading throughout his brain. He will feel great, but he'll be dead within five months. Instead of being depressed at this bleak prognosis, Joe suddenly feels free. He quits his job, asks DeDe out, and is contacted by a rich millionaire named Graynamore (<a href="/players/P_____3198/default.aspx" style='text-decoration:underline'>Lloyd Bridges</a>). Graynamore owns an island named Waponi Woo, whose natives need to be placated. The natives require a sacrifice to their island volcano, the Big Woo, so that the island won't sink beneath the Pacific. Graynamore offers unlimited wealth to Tom in exchange for Tom's becoming the object of human sacrifice. Joe has nothing to lose, so he accepts the offer. As he heads out to the island, Joe meets Graynamore's daughters -- Angelica, a Los Angeles socialite, and Patricia, Angelica's blonde half-sister (both roles played by Ryan). Joe arrives at the island, and as he stands at the lips of the Big Woo he has to decide whether he really wants to leap into the maw of the fiery volcano. ~ Paul Brenner, All Movie Guide11Tag Target (>10)11452http://www.spout.com/ProductImages/t161544f3zd.jpghttp://www.spout.com/films/Joe_Versus_the_Volcano/18108/default.aspxFilm http://www.spout.com/groups/Weekly_Theme/Re_Weekly_Theme_for_February_16_Tropical_Getaways/625/40538/1/ShowPost.aspx Post By: mercurial
Post To: Weekly Theme
Post Date: 2/18/2009 9:35:06 PM
Body: A number of my guilty pleasure films involve getting away to tropical destinations. Besides Joe vs the Volcano, there is the wacky Captain Ron which I've probably seen upwards of 30 times and somehow never gets old. "Have ya heard of Pomme de terre? We're going there." "Doesn't that mean potato?" Cabin Boy is too much crazy for some, but I can never get enough of it. Jealous giants, shark men, virginity stealing goddesses and flying cupcakes that spit tobacco are all encountered along the way to a Hawaiian resort. Fun times. Scooby-Doo had the gang heading to a haunted island theme park. And a blonde Isla Fischer! Jaws the Revenge has Ellen Brody finishing the job her husband started in the beautiful clear blue seas of the Bahamas. Who knew Great White Sharks could roar? Some not so favorites that fit the theme: The Blue Lagoon - Despite a nude Brooke Shields, this movie was always a little too creepy for me. First cousins getting their swerve on just isn't cool. The Island of Dr. Moreau - Freaky animal / human people and piano playing little people made this too bizarre even for me. Club Dread - Had its moments, but was a little too derivative of I Still Know What You Did Last Summer and Club Paradise. Exit to Eden - Rosie O'Donnell and skin tight bondage garb. :(
]]>Thu, 19 Feb 2009 02:35:06 GMTmercurialWeekly Theme2/18/2009 9:35:06 PM A number of my guilty pleasure films involve getting away to tropical destinations. Besides Joe vs the Volcano, there is the wacky Captain Ron which I've probably seen upwards of 30 times and somehow never gets old. "Have ya heard of Pomme de terre? We're going there." "Doesn't that mean potato?" Cabin Boy is too much crazy for some, but I can never get enough of it. Jealous giants, shark men, virginity stealing goddesses and flying cupcakes that spit tobacco are all encountered along the way to a Hawaiian resort. Fun times. Scooby-Doo had the gang heading to a haunted island theme park. And a blonde Isla Fischer! Jaws the Revenge has Ellen Brody finishing the job her husband started in the beautiful clear blue seas of the Bahamas. Who knew Great White Sharks could roar? Some not so favorites that fit the theme: The Blue Lagoon - Despite a nude Brooke Shields, this movie was always a little too creepy for me. First cousins getting their swerve on just isn't cool. The Island of Dr. Moreau - Freaky animal / human people and piano playing little people made this too bizarre even for me. Club Dread - Had its moments, but was a little too derivative of I Still Know What You Did Last Summer and Club Paradise. Exit to Eden - Rosie O'Donnell and skin tight bondage garb. :( http://www.spout.com/groups/Weekly_Theme/Weekly_Theme_for_February_16_Tropical_Getaways/625/40490/1/ShowPost.aspx Post By: mercurial
Post To: Weekly Theme
Post Date: 2/16/2009 8:36:36 PM
Body: The monotony of everyday activities drives most of us to covet those precious few days we get every year to spend our hard earned money on a much needed vacation. Whether it's the touristy hot spots like Hawaii and Cancun, the more exotic locales like Thailand and the Maldives, or the exclusive and unimaginably expensive like Dubai and your own private island; the idea of a tropical vacation is part of the American lexicon that many of us strive for and indulge in. The perpetual castaway, Tom Hanks loves getting away to Southeast Asia and Waponi Woo. Leonardo DiCaprio is a fan of South Africa and the beaches in Thailand. So grab a suitcase, some clean underwear and don't forget the sunscreen! What films come to mind when you think tropical / exotic getaways? Let us know!
]]>Tue, 17 Feb 2009 01:36:36 GMTmercurialWeekly Theme2/16/2009 8:36:36 PMThe monotony of everyday activities drives most of us to covet those precious few days we get every year to spend our hard earned money on a much needed vacation. Whether it's the touristy hot spots like Hawaii and Cancun, the more exotic locales like Thailand and the Maldives, or the exclusive and unimaginably expensive like Dubai and your own private island; the idea of a tropical vacation is part of the American lexicon that many of us strive for and indulge in. The perpetual castaway, Tom Hanks loves getting away to Southeast Asia and Waponi Woo. Leonardo DiCaprio is a fan of South Africa and the beaches in Thailand. So grab a suitcase, some clean underwear and don't forget the sunscreen! What films come to mind when you think tropical / exotic getaways? Let us know! http://www.spout.com/groups/Top_5/Re_Workin_for_the_Weekend_Top_5_Working_Films/190/39938/1/ShowPost.aspx Post By: mercurial
Post To: Top 5
Post Date: 1/26/2009 7:14:40 PM
Body: Secretary Type 80 wpm: Check. Knowledge of Excel: Check. BDSM: Check. American Psycho A number of great scenes about corporate businessmen ennui in the 80's. Clockwatchers Great indie flick about temp. secretaries. Even better cast. Fight Club Had to mention it. Joe Vs. The Volcano Tom Hanks on the verge of a seizure from the florescent lights. Love it.
]]>Tue, 27 Jan 2009 00:14:40 GMTmercurialTop 51/26/2009 7:14:40 PMSecretary Type 80 wpm: Check. Knowledge of Excel: Check. BDSM: Check. American Psycho A number of great scenes about corporate businessmen ennui in the 80's. Clockwatchers Great indie flick about temp. secretaries. Even better cast. Fight Club Had to mention it. Joe Vs. The Volcano Tom Hanks on the verge of a seizure from the florescent lights. Love it. http://www.spout.com/blogs/karina/archive/2008/11/7/37063.aspx Post By: Karina
Post To: Karina on SpoutBlog
Post Date: 11/7/2008 2:01:06 PM
Body: A number of our blogging friends have picked up the Alphabetical Favorites meme. The idea is that you list 26 favorite movies, one for each letter of the alphabet. Some people are adding comments, but I think it’s more interesting to just toss the titles out there, to see how they fit together within a single list and how they match up to other lists. Also, it’s been a hell of a week and I’m exhausted. I will say this: after not being able to think of a single movie beginning with the letter “J” that I enjoy more than Joe Versus the Volcano, I noticed that several commenters at the House Next Door had slotted the same film in the same face. So much for Todd McCarthy’s contention in his Doubt review that John Patrick Shanley’s first directorial effort was “misguided.” So! My list is after the jump. Ali: Fear Eats The Soul Barry Lyndon Charade Deconstructing Harry Eyes Wide Shut Forty Second Street Ghostbusters Happy Together I Walked With a Zombie Joe vs. the Volcano Killers, The (1946) Long Goodbye, The Morocco North By Northwest On The Town Purple Rain Querelle Rules of the Game, The Star is Born, A (1954) They All Laughed Une Femme est une Femme Vivre Sa Vie When A Woman Ascends the Stairs Xanadu Yolanda and the Thief Zabriskie Point Originally posted on:SpoutBlog » Karina Longworth
]]>Fri, 07 Nov 2008 19:01:06 GMTKarinaKarina on SpoutBlog11/7/2008 2:01:06 PMA number of our blogging friends have picked up the Alphabetical Favorites meme. The idea is that you list 26 favorite movies, one for each letter of the alphabet. Some people are adding comments, but I think it’s more interesting to just toss the titles out there, to see how they fit together within a single list and how they match up to other lists. Also, it’s been a hell of a week and I’m exhausted. I will say this: after not being able to think of a single movie beginning with the letter “J” that I enjoy more than Joe Versus the Volcano, I noticed that several commenters at the House Next Door had slotted the same film in the same face. So much for Todd McCarthy’s contention in his Doubt review that John Patrick Shanley’s first directorial effort was “misguided.” So! My list is after the jump. Ali: Fear Eats The Soul Barry Lyndon Charade Deconstructing Harry Eyes Wide Shut Forty Second Street Ghostbusters Happy Together I Walked With a Zombie Joe vs. the Volcano Killers, The (1946) Long Goodbye, The Morocco North By Northwest On The Town Purple Rain Querelle Rules of the Game, The Star is Born, A (1954) They All Laughed Une Femme est une Femme Vivre Sa Vie When A Woman Ascends the Stairs Xanadu Yolanda and the Thief Zabriskie Point Originally posted on:SpoutBlog » Karina Longworth http://www.spout.com/blogs/spoutblog/archive/2008/11/7/37062.aspx Post By: SpoutBlog
Post To: SpoutBlog on spout.com
Post Date: 11/7/2008 2:00:55 PM
Body: A number of our blogging friends have picked up the Alphabetical Favorites meme. The idea is that you list 26 favorite movies, one for each letter of the alphabet. Some people are adding comments, but I think it’s more interesting to just toss the titles out there, to see how they fit together within a single list and how they match up to other lists. Also, it’s been a hell of a week and I’m exhausted. I will say this: after not being able to think of a single movie beginning with the letter “J” that I enjoy more than Joe Versus the Volcano, I noticed that several commenters at the House Next Door had slotted the same film in the same face. So much for Todd McCarthy’s contention in his Doubt review that John Patrick Shanley’s first directorial effort was “misguided.” So! My list is after the jump. Ali: Fear Eats The Soul Barry Lyndon Charade Deconstructing Harry Eyes Wide Shut Forty Second Street Ghostbusters Happy Together I Walked With a Zombie Joe vs. the Volcano Killers, The (1946) Long Goodbye, The Morocco North By Northwest On The Town Purple Rain Querelle Rules of the Game, The Star is Born, A (1954) They All Laughed Une Femme est une Femme Vivre Sa Vie When A Woman Ascends the Stairs Xanadu Yolanda and the Thief Zabriskie Point Originally posted on:SpoutBlog
]]>Fri, 07 Nov 2008 19:00:55 GMTSpoutBlogSpoutBlog on spout.com11/7/2008 2:00:55 PMA number of our blogging friends have picked up the Alphabetical Favorites meme. The idea is that you list 26 favorite movies, one for each letter of the alphabet. Some people are adding comments, but I think it’s more interesting to just toss the titles out there, to see how they fit together within a single list and how they match up to other lists. Also, it’s been a hell of a week and I’m exhausted. I will say this: after not being able to think of a single movie beginning with the letter “J” that I enjoy more than Joe Versus the Volcano, I noticed that several commenters at the House Next Door had slotted the same film in the same face. So much for Todd McCarthy’s contention in his Doubt review that John Patrick Shanley’s first directorial effort was “misguided.” So! My list is after the jump. Ali: Fear Eats The Soul Barry Lyndon Charade Deconstructing Harry Eyes Wide Shut Forty Second Street Ghostbusters Happy Together I Walked With a Zombie Joe vs. the Volcano Killers, The (1946) Long Goodbye, The Morocco North By Northwest On The Town Purple Rain Querelle Rules of the Game, The Star is Born, A (1954) They All Laughed Une Femme est une Femme Vivre Sa Vie When A Woman Ascends the Stairs Xanadu Yolanda and the Thief Zabriskie Point Originally posted on:SpoutBlog http://www.spout.com/groups/Viewing_with_a_purpose/Re_Films_or_film_making/288/28286/1/ShowPost.aspx Post By: leeroy711
Post To: Viewing with a purpose
Post Date: 5/7/2008 2:45:31 AM
Body: [quote user="mercurial"] [quote user="leeroy711"] Having said all of this, I would clearly put myself in the catagory of the latter. These are not that easy to pin down because they are absolutely not mutually exclusive. That is to say, a fan of films is naturally going to be also a fan of the process and vice versa. But, I do think that if you look at it just right, there are two distinct catagories. Any thoughts??? [/quote] Yeah, you're right. I unfortunately find myself in the third distinction where I juggle both schools of thought and have to breakdown (usually) each film I watch. Most of my friends have given up listening to my advice about films because they have seen my movie collection and have said that they can't trust someone that has Requiem for a Dream (the fan of filmmaking side of me) next to Romy and Michelle's High School Reunion (the fan of stupid, fun films side of me) on the shelf. On the other hand, I consider myself along the lines of Ebert. He has said how he submits to the unconventional side of his film preference (by giving thumbs up to films like Joe vs. the Volcano which is panned by most as a bad film) and others like Silence of the Lambs which is Oscar winning and known for its exceptional story, cinematography, et. al. So yeah, I guess for me it's hard to put myself in a single group when I straddle the fence between both sides. [/quote] Well put, I think most of us are like that. I guess I could have more accurately described the differences in the two schools of thought, not neccessarily groups of people. All film buffs probably have a great deal of both intertwined into thier collection. For me it's Schindler's List vs Friday. Possible the most interesting observation would be that although there is no question which of these movies is the better film, I couldn't even begin to calculate how many more times I've actually sat down to watch Friday as opposed to Schindler's List. Part of what makes a film great to me is the effort demanded in watching it. This is why I will always put the most stock in the great pieces of art while simultaneously spend much more time watching the predictable college pot humor. It is interesting that you brought up Ebert as well. I've always loved the fact that his reviews come more from the viewpoint of the average audience. He has seen countless works of art but can still give good recomendations based on wether he thinks the normal Joe will feel like he got his $9.50 worth. I think this seperates him from the pack of some of his more pretentious collegues, including his partner Roeper.
]]>Wed, 07 May 2008 06:45:31 GMTleeroy711Viewing with a purpose5/7/2008 2:45:31 AM[quote user="mercurial"] [quote user="leeroy711"] Having said all of this, I would clearly put myself in the catagory of the latter. These are not that easy to pin down because they are absolutely not mutually exclusive. That is to say, a fan of films is naturally going to be also a fan of the process and vice versa. But, I do think that if you look at it just right, there are two distinct catagories. Any thoughts??? [/quote] Yeah, you're right. I unfortunately find myself in the third distinction where I juggle both schools of thought and have to breakdown (usually) each film I watch. Most of my friends have given up listening to my advice about films because they have seen my movie collection and have said that they can't trust someone that has Requiem for a Dream (the fan of filmmaking side of me) next to Romy and Michelle's High School Reunion (the fan of stupid, fun films side of me) on the shelf. On the other hand, I consider myself along the lines of Ebert. He has said how he submits to the unconventional side of his film preference (by giving thumbs up to films like Joe vs. the Volcano which is panned by most as a bad film) and others like Silence of the Lambs which is Oscar winning and known for its exceptional story, cinematography, et. al. So yeah, I guess for me it's hard to put myself in a single group when I straddle the fence between both sides. [/quote] Well put, I think most of us are like that. I guess I could have more accurately described the differences in the two schools of thought, not neccessarily groups of people. All film buffs probably have a great deal of both intertwined into thier collection. For me it's Schindler's List vs Friday. Possible the most interesting observation would be that although there is no question which of these movies is the better film, I couldn't even begin to calculate how many more times I've actually sat down to watch Friday as opposed to Schindler's List. Part of what makes a film great to me is the effort demanded in watching it. This is why I will always put the most stock in the great pieces of art while simultaneously spend much more time watching the predictable college pot humor. It is interesting that you brought up Ebert as well. I've always loved the fact that his reviews come more from the viewpoint of the average audience. He has seen countless works of art but can still give good recomendations based on wether he thinks the normal Joe will feel like he got his $9.50 worth. I think this seperates him from the pack of some of his more pretentious collegues, including his partner Roeper. http://www.spout.com/groups/Viewing_with_a_purpose/Re_Films_or_film_making/288/28283/1/ShowPost.aspx Post By: mercurial
Post To: Viewing with a purpose
Post Date: 5/7/2008 12:28:21 AM
Body: [quote user="leeroy711"] Having said all of this, I would clearly put myself in the catagory of the latter. These are not that easy to pin down because they are absolutely not mutually exclusive. That is to say, a fan of films is naturally going to be also a fan of the process and vice versa. But, I do think that if you look at it just right, there are two distinct catagories. Any thoughts??? [/quote] Yeah, you're right. I unfortunately find myself in the third distinction where I juggle both schools of thought and have to breakdown (usually) each film I watch. Most of my friends have given up listening to my advice about films because they have seen my movie collection and have said that they can't trust someone that has Requiem for a Dream (the fan of filmmaking side of me) next to Romy and Michelle's High School Reunion (the fan of stupid, fun films side of me) on the shelf. On the other hand, I consider myself along the lines of Ebert. He has said how he submits to the unconventional side of his film preference (by giving thumbs up to films like Joe vs. the Volcano which is panned by most as a bad film) and others like Silence of the Lambs which is Oscar winning and known for its exceptional story, cinematography, et. al. So yeah, I guess for me it's hard to put myself in a single group when I straddle the fence between both sides.
]]>Wed, 07 May 2008 04:28:21 GMTmercurialViewing with a purpose5/7/2008 12:28:21 AM[quote user="leeroy711"] Having said all of this, I would clearly put myself in the catagory of the latter. These are not that easy to pin down because they are absolutely not mutually exclusive. That is to say, a fan of films is naturally going to be also a fan of the process and vice versa. But, I do think that if you look at it just right, there are two distinct catagories. Any thoughts??? [/quote] Yeah, you're right. I unfortunately find myself in the third distinction where I juggle both schools of thought and have to breakdown (usually) each film I watch. Most of my friends have given up listening to my advice about films because they have seen my movie collection and have said that they can't trust someone that has Requiem for a Dream (the fan of filmmaking side of me) next to Romy and Michelle's High School Reunion (the fan of stupid, fun films side of me) on the shelf. On the other hand, I consider myself along the lines of Ebert. He has said how he submits to the unconventional side of his film preference (by giving thumbs up to films like Joe vs. the Volcano which is panned by most as a bad film) and others like Silence of the Lambs which is Oscar winning and known for its exceptional story, cinematography, et. al. So yeah, I guess for me it's hard to put myself in a single group when I straddle the fence between both sides. http://www.spout.com/blogs/spoutblog/archive/2007/12/20/22977.aspx Post By: SpoutBlog
Post To: SpoutBlog on spout.com
Post Date: 12/20/2007 1:01:06 PM
Body: For the last twenty years, Jodie Foster has had a lot in common with Tom Hanks. They both were nominated for Oscars in 1989, and again in 1995 (she won the first time; he won the second time), a year in which they each were recognized for playing kind of retarded. Each now has two Academy Awards and each is considered a dark, dark horse for this year’s Oscar race (neither will be nominated). Both actors continue to remain at the top of America’s favorites, even when or after they star in critically scorned blockbusters. And now, Foster is apparently trying to add one more thing she has in common with Hanks: she’s gone and made her own Joe vs. the Volcano. In the trailer for Nim’s Island, we see that Foster’s character, like Hanks’ “Joe”, is a closeted, unwell human being who ends up on a mission to a little island, of which she has been deemed the savior. And like Joe, Foster meets an annoying little blond — though this time it’s child actress Abigail Breslin instead of childish actress Meg Ryan. There are, however, a lot of differences, too. And ultimately, Nim’s Island look a hundred times worse than Joe versus the Volcano — which is saying a lot (Joe has its charms, but it is truly an awful movie). (more…) Originally posted on:SpoutBlog
]]>Thu, 20 Dec 2007 18:01:06 GMTSpoutBlogSpoutBlog on spout.com12/20/2007 1:01:06 PM For the last twenty years, Jodie Foster has had a lot in common with Tom Hanks. They both were nominated for Oscars in 1989, and again in 1995 (she won the first time; he won the second time), a year in which they each were recognized for playing kind of retarded. Each now has two Academy Awards and each is considered a dark, dark horse for this year’s Oscar race (neither will be nominated). Both actors continue to remain at the top of America’s favorites, even when or after they star in critically scorned blockbusters. And now, Foster is apparently trying to add one more thing she has in common with Hanks: she’s gone and made her own Joe vs. the Volcano. In the trailer for Nim’s Island, we see that Foster’s character, like Hanks’ “Joe”, is a closeted, unwell human being who ends up on a mission to a little island, of which she has been deemed the savior. And like Joe, Foster meets an annoying little blond — though this time it’s child actress Abigail Breslin instead of childish actress Meg Ryan. There are, however, a lot of differences, too. And ultimately, Nim’s Island look a hundred times worse than Joe versus the Volcano — which is saying a lot (Joe has its charms, but it is truly an awful movie). (more…) Originally posted on:SpoutBlog http://www.spout.com/blogs/johnc/archive/2007/6/17/11267.aspx Post By: JohnC
Post To: JohnC Blog
Post Date: 6/17/2007 12:01:05 PM
Body: This film is not about a guy who jumps into a volcano. It's about everyman (and everywoman - or at least three women, each played by Meg Ryan) and the "crooked road" to self realization and action from the crippling inaction of life's daily grind. Everything is a symbol from the haircuts to the sets to the land, air and sea journey... I'm not smart enough to point them out, but the film begs for repeated viewing to decipher the meaning of the images, like, "Why are there Great Danes outside the NYC store? Why are there three Meg Ryans? Why does Joe's boss have prosthetic testicles on his desk?" Maybe it suffered by the timing of its release, coming off of the flashy "me" 80's or maybe it suffered the high expectations of being Speilberg produced and a follow up to a screenwriting Oscar by writer/director John Patrick Shanley. It seems to be a small film in a big film's clothing. But it's ideas are big. Not the least is the idea that nothing is more tragic, even the chance of death in the burning cauldron of a volcano is worse than an unexamined and unremarkable life.
]]>Sun, 17 Jun 2007 16:01:05 GMTJohnCJohnC Blog6/17/2007 12:01:05 PMThis film is not about a guy who jumps into a volcano. It&#39;s about everyman (and everywoman - or at least three women, each played by Meg Ryan) and the &quot;crooked road&quot; to self realization and action from the crippling inaction of life&#39;s daily grind. Everything is a symbol from the haircuts to the sets to the land, air and sea journey... I&#39;m not smart enough to point them out, but the film begs for repeated viewing to decipher the meaning of the images, like, &quot;Why are there Great Danes outside the NYC store? Why are there three Meg Ryans? Why does Joe&#39;s boss have prosthetic testicles on his desk?&quot; Maybe it suffered by the timing of its release, coming off of the flashy &quot;me&quot; 80&#39;s or maybe it suffered the high expectations of being Speilberg produced and a follow up to a screenwriting Oscar by writer/director John Patrick Shanley. It seems to be a small film in a big film&#39;s clothing. But it&#39;s ideas are big. Not the least is the idea that nothing is more tragic, even the chance of death in the burning cauldron of a volcano is worse than an unexamined and unremarkable life. http://www.spout.com/members/0/tags/romance/MemberTagFilms.aspxromance
Number of films tagged: 7160

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]]>Fri, 04 Dec 2009 00:50:40 GMT71601691002Tag http://www.spout.com/members/0/tags/weird/MemberTagFilms.aspxweird
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]]>Tue, 15 Sep 2009 19:57:36 GMT9083131Tag http://www.spout.com/members/0/tags/suicide/MemberTagFilms.aspxsuicide
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]]>Tue, 14 Jul 2009 21:51:39 GMT594764Tag http://www.spout.com/members/0/tags/interesting/MemberTagFilms.aspxinteresting
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]]>Tue, 03 Nov 2009 17:56:35 GMT5142238Tag http://www.spout.com/members/0/tags/vacation/MemberTagFilms.aspxvacation
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]]>Tue, 04 Aug 2009 11:34:39 GMT10681652Tag http://www.spout.com/members/0/tags/terminalillness/MemberTagFilms.aspxterminalillness
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]]>Mon, 03 Aug 2009 13:23:54 GMT4821316Tag http://www.spout.com/members/0/tags/millionaire/MemberTagFilms.aspxmillionaire
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]]>Mon, 12 Oct 2009 04:48:06 GMT2931014Tag http://www.spout.com/members/0/tags/volcano/MemberTagFilms.aspxvolcano
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]]>Thu, 09 Jul 2009 13:13:22 GMT2181014Tag http://www.spout.com/members/0/tags/betterthanexpected/MemberTagFilms.aspxbetterthanexpected
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]]>Sat, 30 Jun 2007 18:52:42 GMT535Tag