Sabrina (B or 3/4 stars)
A re-make of a 1954 film starring Audrey Hepburn & Humphrey Bogart, this year's 'Sabrina', directed by Sydney Pollock (Out of Africa), is a dignified, decently-acted, beautifully shot movie. I like this movie ... just not going gaga over it. The plot: Sabrina Fairchild (Julia Ormond) is the frumpy daughter of the Larrabee family's chauffeur (John Wood). Maude Larrabee (Nancy Marchand) is the matriarch of her family & their business (after her husband died). Linus (Harrison Ford) is her serious eldest son; responsible for expanding the successful Larrabee Corp. And David (Greg Kinnear) is her youngest son; a handsome, carefree playboy. Since she was a girl, Sabrina has had a major crush on David. But as is the case of most Cinderella stories, he doesn't really know she exists.
So, when she is shipped by Maude to Paris to work for 'Vogue', Sabrina takes advantage of this change by changing her looks. Still, she still harbors a crush for David in secret. And after returning to the Larrabee's Long Island estate - brimming with confidence & beauty - David finally takes notice. Her dream of being with him could become a reality. But, as in most romantic dramas, problems arise. By this point, David is actually engaged to a pediatrician (wealthy, to boot). And a marriage with her would seal a billion dollar deal btwn. the Larrabee Corporation & Tyson Electronics. All seems lost for Sabrina. Howwwever, Linus is not happy with his brother's arm-length involvement with Sabrina; fearing, along with mommy Maude, that the billion dollar deal will fall through. So, in the best interest of all, HE decides to woo Sabrina for himself. And of course, the cold, clinical Linus starts falling in love with Sabrina, himself. Romantic entanglements ensue.
The 1954 Sabrina is considered a classic. And this film, updated for the 1990's, seems to do a good job bridging the gaps. And since this is a Cinderella/rags-to-riches story (of sorts), there's a timeless quality to it, anyway. Furthermore, it's a decent romance, as well. Sometimes 'romances' don't resonate onscreen. But I actually believed the chemistry btwn. Julia Ormond & Harrison Ford, here. Ormond is a beautiful, graceful woman; and both the mental & physical transformation she undergoes is quite nice to see. And Ford emulates a little bit of 'ole Bogey from those 1950's black-&-white films. Here, Ford is stern, self-serious ... but he eases up. I liked the compassion that comes from him near the end.
The plot is kind of pedestrian; sometimes silly; & really, nothing groundbreaking (in fact, it nearly takes a step backwards for feminism). But director Pollock does a good job finding the balance of what he's working with. Also, I'd say one of the best aspects of the film, aside from its acting, writing, & musical score is it's polish. 'Sabrina' is a well-polished movie; with radiant colors, beautiful photography, elegant costumes, sprawling sets, etc. And there's something to be said about that. Now, as mentioned above, this film did not wow me. It starts to run out of gas towards the end. And it is fairly lengthy (given the straightforward plot). But overall, 'Sabrina' is enjoyable, & should be able to entertain you on several levels; as it did me.
So, when she is shipped by Maude to Paris to work for 'Vogue', Sabrina takes advantage of this change by changing her looks. Still, she still harbors a crush for David in secret. And after returning to the Larrabee's Long Island estate - brimming with confidence & beauty - David finally takes notice. Her dream of being with him could become a reality. But, as in most romantic dramas, problems arise. By this point, David is actually engaged to a pediatrician (wealthy, to boot). And a marriage with her would seal a billion dollar deal btwn. the Larrabee Corporation & Tyson Electronics. All seems lost for Sabrina. Howwwever, Linus is not happy with his brother's arm-length involvement with Sabrina; fearing, along with mommy Maude, that the billion dollar deal will fall through. So, in the best interest of all, HE decides to woo Sabrina for himself. And of course, the cold, clinical Linus starts falling in love with Sabrina, himself. Romantic entanglements ensue.
The 1954 Sabrina is considered a classic. And this film, updated for the 1990's, seems to do a good job bridging the gaps. And since this is a Cinderella/rags-to-riches story (of sorts), there's a timeless quality to it, anyway. Furthermore, it's a decent romance, as well. Sometimes 'romances' don't resonate onscreen. But I actually believed the chemistry btwn. Julia Ormond & Harrison Ford, here. Ormond is a beautiful, graceful woman; and both the mental & physical transformation she undergoes is quite nice to see. And Ford emulates a little bit of 'ole Bogey from those 1950's black-&-white films. Here, Ford is stern, self-serious ... but he eases up. I liked the compassion that comes from him near the end.
The plot is kind of pedestrian; sometimes silly; & really, nothing groundbreaking (in fact, it nearly takes a step backwards for feminism). But director Pollock does a good job finding the balance of what he's working with. Also, I'd say one of the best aspects of the film, aside from its acting, writing, & musical score is it's polish. 'Sabrina' is a well-polished movie; with radiant colors, beautiful photography, elegant costumes, sprawling sets, etc. And there's something to be said about that. Now, as mentioned above, this film did not wow me. It starts to run out of gas towards the end. And it is fairly lengthy (given the straightforward plot). But overall, 'Sabrina' is enjoyable, & should be able to entertain you on several levels; as it did me.