rsternesq Due to the manner in which premium cable works, I tried to watch this stinker over and over during the course of a weekend. It is without any doubt one of the worst films that I have ever subjected myself to watching. Calling it incoherent is a compliment. I like horses, I've ridden horses, this movie makes even the horse look bad. By the way, what are the odds of any modern woman going horseback riding in a slinky gown? What are the odds of staying awake while this stinker is on your bedroom TV? I'd say that both are one in whatever the current global population. I am in full agreement with the reviewer who compared it to a stick in the eye. I'd compare it to a stick in the eye and root canal without Novocaine.

quicksandyears I felt like this movie was more than meets the eye. On the surface, it is indeed a somewhat illogical and tedious, but underneath it all, it is a deep and meaningful journey of catharsis and rebirth of the human psyche.For all intents and purposes, this was more of a play than a movie. There were only a few characters and a lot of dialog; therefore we cannot expect the big bangs and simplified plot lines of cinema. Instead we must search for the underlying meaning played out through the characters' experiences.I am not quite sure about the exact meaning of it all, and I was hoping for some insight relayed in user comments, but it looks quite solitary in here. The best I can come up with by myself is that this was a story about humanity's struggle to get to the top, and dealing with the consequences of cheating your way there. The characters cannot be content with their lives because they haven't come to terms with the sacrifices they made. The horse, Simpatico, is representative of the house built from their sins. That is why the horse had to die, to end the cycle of pain. Each character was affected in some way by the crime they committed, and no one can move on. They are all frozen, dead, in time and keep reliving that event over and over again in their minds (a true sign of madness). Stone is drugged up on Zanex to deal with her pain, Nolte is a drunk that cannot stop obsessing over his box of evidence, Bridges is a cold-hearted business man who chooses to switch roles and live in squalor, rather than return to his life of wealth, and Finney is the only one who attempted to move on, changing his name and life, not ever wanting to relive it--even to be redeemed.I think the lesson in it all is that people (and fictional characters) must eventually confront their obsessions, kill that part of themselves that causes suffering, and move on with their lives. Any comments?

Silverzero When 5 past Oscar nominees headline a movie, naturally, one would have rather high expectations. Such is the case with `Simpatico' a high-profile drama which went by relatively un-noticed when it was released 3 or 4 years ago. But I am surprised that it only received a 4.4 rating on the IMDb. I'm not saying that the film was a classic or deserved enormous critical plaudits, but I definitely think that it deserved more than that. It is an adaptation of the stage play written by Sam Shepard. While it starts out promising, it is also surprisingly bland when it reaches the conclusion. But the main problem is the lack of simple definition. It's hard to tell if this is a simple story, or a more complex one. It's unclear whether this is a film about friends reconciling or friends being torn apart by guilt. The film tries going both ways, but the result is a puzzling one to say the least. One thing that it avoids doing is falling into plot-holes, becoming predictable or using average movie clichés. This is done by creating thoroughly flawed but also very compelling characters that certainly aren't your average stereotypes. And they are lifted off paper by exceptional performances from the three Oscar nominated lead players. Nick Nolte (Affliction, The Prince of Tides) gives yet another top-notch performance as the untrustworthy hobo. Jeff Bridges (The Last Picture Show, The Contender) is also very good as his polar opposite- the eccentric millionaire. About two-thirds the way through the movie, the two main character switch places for no apparent reason. It doesn't make logical sense why a millionaire would choose to live like a bum, just because someone stole his wallet. Both actors are better and more believable in their opening personas.Sharon Stone (Casino) makes her first appearance in the movie at about the halfway mark. It's a shame she didn't appear earlier, because it's surprising how convincing she is as the rich and wrecked housewife. She's so far away from the icy sex-goddess of `Basic Instinct' it's hard to believe that this is the same actress. Albert Finney (Tom Jones, Erin Brockovich) makes great support, but Catherine Keener (Being John Malkovich) gives the blandest and most over-rated performance. Not only is her part boring and un-necessary, but she even over-acts in certain scenes. Unfortunately, there are some evident flaws scattered around here and there. The `big twist' is uninteresting and it's ironic that Sharon Stone and Jeff Bridges are never on the screen at the same time- After all, their characters are supposed to be husband and wife! But the brilliant acting alone makes `Simpatico' qualify as a good if un-remarkable movie. The script is below average and sometimes the movie ventures into blandness, but most other aspects are good as expected. My IMDb rating: 6.1/10.

Bob Stern I like Jeff Bridges tremendously, so I'll watch anything with him in. But this film has so many loose ends, you could make a ragrug.Good acting by all, but a good dollop of suspension of disbelief is necessary with so many unlikely events or inconclusive nuances of the plot. Vinnie and his girlfriend checking into the same hotel and not knowing it. What was that all about? And what was Carter arranging with Simms anyway even before Vinnie turns up from the past?The central premise seemed to be Simms's reconciliation with the past - forgive and forget. Very good, but this wasn't developed enough. Okay Carter throws it all away through guilt and wants the simple life again. But it's not believable. They can't be nineteen again.It should have been filmed in the European style - slow and ponderous would have been so much better. But this version is too clipped and compromised with modern moviegoers tastes. Stone is very very good. Nice to see Nolte in rags again, it's his forte. Jeff is sleepwalking though. New girl terrific. Does she go back to Vinnie in the end or go with Simms? I think it's back to Vinnie. It almost works - I like movies that exercise the mind and leave loose ends to speculate on. But without the basic substance, loose ends is all Simpatico has.