videorama-759-859391
I'm not really one for romantic films. In my collection of over 4000 movies, I have many few. This and Notting Hill, I'll make an exception. Sliding Door's story is cleverly devised with the "If only" scenario, where Londoner Helen (Gwyneth who's really good in this) who's been having a sh.t of a day, after she's fired. Gwyneth's English accent, was really impressive, almost to the point, I almost forgot, she was American. Two scenarios are formed where Fired Helen One, gets on the train, goes home, to find loverboy (Flynn- Angel Baby) in bed with another woman, a hotter one, a former Basic Instinct cast member. She goes ape sh.t at him, leaves, takes consolence and residence at her best friend's place. The other scenario has Fired Helen 2 just missing the train, an obstructive figure, blocking her stepway. She gets home (Miss Triplehorn's gone). In this scenario, Paltrow becomes very suspect, like any woman would, who found two empty brandy glasses, yet only one feller. So, she starts playing detective. These scenarios pave the way for such fun time viewing, fun in how these unpredictable scenarios will unfold, and it's a very smart and different idea, a first time from a writer actor who must be commended. Hannah as Fired Helen 1's new love interest is such a warm appreciated relief, as James. Besides liking Hannah himself, you really like this character. Flynn as the cheating arsehole, and ex boyfriend, Nick, is really good like his co-stars, playing a rather pathetic, yet funny great character. Even though I despised him, I did like the character, in the way it was formed. And that's the thing about this film, the characters are really well created, and relatable. You could say, I got off on his pity self. The actors really give what they got to the characters, where personally I really like Hannah's performance, like the charmer/actor himself. Paltrow's best friend was memorable, another character relief of warmth, where Flynn's mate at the pub, who he regularly confides in, is a hoot. Pity he's only in a couple of scenes, cause the scenes he is in, are gold. If a rather touch bland, Sliding Doors is a well written, acted, funny, and smartly crafted concept, and one of '98's, later surprises, with a bit of tragedy, and surprise, it's end, the only real criticism, that could of done with more attention. Killer song by Aqua, plus another. Ah, memories of the 90's.
Danii Disaster
This is one of my all-time favourite movies. It's a bit too soppy and cringe-worthy at times (particularly when Helen gets involved with James), but I can live with that.It's an excellent concept, though. Something everyone can relate to. Makes you think...Speaking of James... unlike most people, I did not find his character in the least endearing. If anything, he was annoying as hell most of the time.I don't suppose Gwyneth Paltrow is a very good actress in general, but I'd say she did an O.K. job for this particular role - kind of. She always appears emotionless and unnatural - in most of her roles - and this was no exception. This was the main downside for me, though... the lead character is characterless (one-dimensional, no depth, unlikeable). Then again... maybe it was meant that way.But the rest of the cast were excellent - especially Jerry and Lydia. Jeanne Tripplehorn is gorgeous and very talented! Jerry was very funny, I'll give him that. Supreme acting. He could be the next Woody Allen.But the whole Jerry-Helen-Lydia thing was less than convincing. I mean, Helen does not appear to be ugly/stupid/desperate, nor does she seem to be head-over-heals in love with Jerry to begin with, so why the hell a woman like her would sign up for this whole thing and keep busting her a*** to support him financially? And Lydia... a successful, beautiful businesswoman chasing (madly!) after that kind of loser, and going to such trouble to win him back? Not very realistic at all.But anyway... I think it's a very good movie. I have seen it countless times and never really get tired of it. It's actually quite deep and thought-provoking, but some might need to watch it several times before they "get" it. A must-see for those, who enjoy this genre.
Andy Steel
Very well made with a nice witty script and a decent pace so it doesn't get bogged down too much. It does look slightly dated though, but that's mostly to do with things like fashion and technology.I must admit I did find the premise of this film quite interesting; how just a couple of seconds at a crucial moment can make drastic changes to a life did intrigue me. I did enjoy the way it was done but ultimately it is about feelings and relationships which is fine as far as it goes. It did leave me with a few questions by the end and I see that as a good thing; there were certain things open to interpretation and any film that does that is always going to be worth a look, in my view. I will admit I did enjoy it up to a point; I found the characters quite engaging, there is some great dialogue and I even recognised one or two of the tunes! Over all, worth a look but I feel its one of those I'll only watch once (although I've been wrong about that before).SteelMonster's verdict: RECOMMENDEDMy score: 7.2/10You can find an expanded version of this review on my blog: Thoughts of a SteelMonster.
