Mona Lisa Smile

I rarely see Hollywood flicks these days. But this one is a bit different. It doesn't fall so easily in the mould. But at the same time, it's so predictable. It's not so much a bad movie than one who's not original. Of course, it's easy to compare it to the much better Dead Poets Society. In fact, online critic James Berardinelli calls this one: "Dead Poets Sorority". But one aspect of the movie I enjoyed: the acting. Julia Roberts is doing a decent job as the 1950's art professor, who fights conformity. She insists her students looks for beauty in life. Great talent also from Kirsten Dunst, Julia Stiles and the ravishing Maggie Gyllenhaal. Bottom line: this movie as great possibilities, but they're not all really well explored. Seen at home, in Toronto, on October 30th, 2004. 74/100 (**½).

Wherever women and men have battled,wherever the stakes were high...something happened.This is the story of one of those days..right after the second world war..when American culture was trying to come back to life.The movie itself has spots and dots about that era..and we could easily see & feel this trough music,art,and all the surroundings. Coming back to the story..it's obvious that it centers on Julia Roberts but we cannot oversee the other two (Julia Styles and Kirsten Dunst). Indeed a good and well directed movie.Makes you wonder about many things in life..about what you really want and what you actually get ! Enjoy this movie,explore it's characters and let the music sway you one more time !