DVD Review #25 (With Honors, Ripe)

RIPE


When their abusive parents are killed in a car crash, twin sisters Rosie and Violet vow to run away to Kentucky in search of a better life. While on the road, the girls meet up with Pete, a drifter working as a grounds keeper on a derelict army base, who takes them in. While Violet falls for him, Rosie becomes increasingly angry and hostile, and the sisters' childhood bond is eventually destroyed forever.

This 1996 (Indie) release kept me in my seat. It's almost like a coming of age movie. Something of a survival movie and a little erotic also. It's an independent film so keep that in mind. What I liked the most about this film, which I discovered in 2002, is how it ends. I love films that leave you blindsided and numb, wondering to yourself, "what the freak?" - I have watched it a few times.

My rating - I give it a good six and a half stars. Check it out sometime.

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WITH HONORS


Convinced he'll graduate with honors because of his thesis paper, a stuffy Harvard student finds his paper being held hostage by a homeless man, who might be the guy to school the young man in life.

Wow! This 1994 release was the movie that introduced Brendan Fraser to the world. (His breakout movie) and also stars the great Joe Pesci and the very beautiful, Moira Kelly. I don't know if any of you younger people have ever heard of this movie, but I'm telling you right now, you should see it. It's about friendships, old and new, with many a life lesson. Extremely well written and the acting superb. The story is heart-warming and may very well make you cry.

My rating - I'm giving this a perfect 10. One of my favorites, hands down.