Evita A Video/DVD Review	Rated - PG It's 2:14 Long A Review by Stu Gotz

Madonna plays Evita

Anyway, below is my original review of the movie as I saw it in the theater. I didn't get any new brilliant revelations for the review, but I will say that watching it on my small screen reminded me of how much I originally enjoyed seeing it on the big screen, and also how wonderful Madonna's voice and just how lousy Antonio's is (despite my crappy home video/audio system). Plus, I was still choked up during the "He Must Love Me" musical sequence (but I didn't cry). "Evita" is definitely worth renting if you can watch it in peace and and on a good TV with stereo sound. Otherwise I say your money is better spent elsewhere. Well, enough of that, here's my original review.

Evita - A Movie Review by Stu Gotz.

 

Antonio Banderas and Madonna

I just got done reading a "Big City" paper's review of the movie "Evita." In it the reviewer comments that the film lacked emotional and historical depth. Hmmm... I'd really have to disagree with this schmuck (I always do). I was lucky enough to have seen the play version of "Evita" twice by two different tour companies. I will admit that seeing "Evita" performed on-stage was more dramatically gratifying for me. None the less, the screen version of "Evita" had people crying in their seats. I guess common masses, and not the artsy critical fucks, were stirred up by it's drama. I really have to give Oliver Stone and Alan Parker credit for a fine job of translating the stage play to a screen play. They didn't re-work it in such a way as to take anything away and in fact added depth to the plight of Argentina's poor working class that the stage play could not do. As far as this movie lacking "historical depth," it was based upon a play that pretty much left out a lot of historical details, so I won't fault the movie for being shallow in it's history. The play/movie (what ever) "Evita" was a musical written to tell a rags to riches story with a slant. It was not intended to be a documentary (for that tune in cables A&E).

 

Jonathan Pryce and Madonna

For those of you who are not familiar with the musical "Evita" allow me to simply lay it out for you. Evita was born the illegitimate child of a middle class Argentinean man. Growing up she was never acknowledged by the man nor afforded any luxury from him. She basically scraped along by her wits and her back. At the age of 15 she escaped the poverty of her small home town and made it to the big city. By spreading her legs for those who could help her out, Evita got into modeling, acting, singing, hooked up into politics, and married the soon to be President of Argentina (now that's what I call sleeping your way to the top ...). Once on top she played the political game and played it well. She afforded herself every luxury she was ever denied while along the way she made herself a working class saint by claiming to be of the people and for the people (sound familiar?). By throwing out a few well published table scraps to the poor she was embraced and idolized by them. (It's amazing what a good publicist can do, isn't it?) I'm not saying Evita was a manipulating hypocrite, but the movie does pose that very question, allows Evita herself to justify her actions, and let's the audience draw it's own conclusions.

Prior to this movie being released there was a lot of speculation about how Madonna would do. With such gems as "Shanghai Surprise" and "Body of Evidence" to her credit I didn't expect her to fair very well. I guess director Alan Parker recalled a joke by Eddie Murphy where he questioned Elvis' acting ability and joked about him singing all his lines. That's pretty much what Madonna does in this movie. She simply raises her hands, sings (very well I must say), and dances a lot. Not a whole lot of method acting was required of her in this movie. None the less, Madonna carried herself well in the movie, but I wouldn't expect her to receive a nod from the Academy for her acting in "Evita" (Late breaking news Madonna wins a Golden Globe for Best Actress in a Comedy or Musical - Maybe Stu could be wrong!?!). I would, however, not find it surprising to see Antonio Banderas find his way to a nomination by the Academy for his acting in "Evita." Antonio is at his best with his movements and facial expressions. Now if he could only get his singing voice together. Arrgg! Hey Tony... Don't go pulling a John Travolta or a Bruce Willis by releasing a solo album. Stick with acting.

The movie "Evita" is a well made translation of the stage musical by the same name. The movie does lack quite a bit of historical fact, but still presents an interesting and emotional story which was supported by a great sound track and some above average to excellent acting. The sets, costumes, and cinematography (sorry to have to use such words) all come together to make movie "Evita" one worth seeing and I give it 4 our of 5 stars and I'm Stu Gotz. Hasta!