The Gingerbread Man
Average customer rating: 3 out of 5 stars
  • Branagh in Savannah
  • A Savannahian's Review of "The Gingerbread Man"
  • Disappointing and predictable
  • ok thriller
  • HALF BAKED COOKIE
 The Gingerbread Man
Starring: Kenneth Branagh , Embeth Davidtz , Robert Downey Jr. , Daryl Hannah , and Tom Berenger
Director: Robert Altman
Manufacturer: Universal Studios
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

GeneralGeneral | Drama | Genres | DVD | Video
SuspenseSuspense | Mystery & Suspense | Genres | DVD | Video
MysteryMystery | Mystery & Suspense | Genres | DVD | Video
Neo-NoirNeo-Noir | Mystery & Suspense | Genres | DVD | Video
GeneralGeneral | Mystery & Suspense | Genres | DVD | Video
Berenger, TomBerenger, Tom | ( B ) | Actors & Actresses | Stores | DVD | Video
Beyer, TroyBeyer, Troy | ( B ) | Actors & Actresses | Stores | DVD | Video
Branagh, KennethBranagh, Kenneth | ( B ) | Actors & Actresses | Stores | DVD | Video
Darst, DannyDarst, Danny | ( D ) | Actors & Actresses | Stores | DVD | Video
Davidtz, EmbethDavidtz, Embeth | ( D ) | Actors & Actresses | Stores | DVD | Video
Duvall, RobertDuvall, Robert | ( D ) | Actors & Actresses | Stores | DVD | Video
Fitzgerald, WilburFitzgerald, Wilbur | ( F ) | Actors & Actresses | Stores | DVD | Video
Hannah, DarylHannah, Daryl | ( H ) | Actors & Actresses | Stores | DVD | Video
Hartridge, WalterHartridge, Walter | ( H ) | Actors & Actresses | Stores | DVD | Video
Hirsberg, DavidHirsberg, David | ( H ) | Actors & Actresses | Stores | DVD | Video
James, JesseJames, Jesse | ( J ) | Actors & Actresses | Stores | DVD | Video
Janssen, FamkeJanssen, Famke | ( J ) | Actors & Actresses | Stores | DVD | Video
Newcott, RosemaryNewcott, Rosemary | ( N ) | Actors & Actresses | Stores | DVD | Video
Perce, Julia RyderPerce, Julia Ryder | ( P ) | Actors & Actresses | Stores | DVD | Video
Seiler, SonnySeiler, Sonny | ( S ) | Actors & Actresses | Stores | DVD | Video
Whitman, MaeWhitman, Mae | ( W ) | Actors & Actresses | Stores | DVD | Video
Altman, RobertAltman, Robert | ( A ) | Directors | Stores | DVD | Video
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Similar Items:
  1. The Chamber The Chamber
  2. The Rainmaker The Rainmaker
  3. A Painted House A Painted House
  4. Nashville Nashville
  5. The Long Goodbye The Long Goodbye

ASIN: B0000694XY
Release Date: 2002-08-13

Amazon.com

When released in 1997, The Gingerbread Man was the only John Grisham movie that did not use one of the popular novelist's bestsellers as its inspiration. Rather, it's based on an original screenplay by Grisham that displays the author's familiar flair for Southern characters and settings within a labyrinthine plot propelled by his trademark narrative twists and turns. Sporting a spot-on Georgian accent, Kenneth Branagh plays a Savannah attorney who comes to the assistance of a troubled woman (Embeth Davidtz) and finds himself enmeshed in a scenario involving the woman's father (Robert Duvall) that grows increasingly complex and dangerous, where nothing, of course, is really as it seems. It's a totally absorbing movie made in the modern film-noir tradition; what's most interesting here (and most underrated by critics at the time) is the combination of Grisham's mainstream mystery and the offbeat style of maverick director Robert Altman. Despite a battle with executives that nearly caused Altman to disown the film, The Gingerbread Man demonstrates the director's skill in bringing a fresh, characteristically offbeat approach to conventional material, especially in the use of a threatening hurricane to hold the plot in a state of dangerous urgency. Unfortunately overlooked during its theatrical release, this intelligent thriller provides a fine double bill with Francis Coppola's film of Grisham's The Rainmaker. --Jeff Shannon

Customer Reviews:

3 out of 5 stars Branagh in Savannah.......2006-03-28

I haven't anything to say on the movie as a whole - it's a grade-B thriller, creaky and contrived - but I wanted to add my 2 cents' worth on the phenomenon of Branagh the impersonator. I live in central east Georgia, and it has been my misfortune to spend quite a lot of time in the company of Savannah lawyers; Kenneth Branagh's character in this movie could have slipped into one of those practices like hair into hair oil. The look, the walk, the gestures, the speech - all of it seemed to me perfect. I am not native to Georgia, it's true, but I've lived here for 6 years, and usually accents bother me. Branagh's art - his ear, his technique - is something special.
So, if you're interested in him, or in mimicry in general, you will get something out of this over-all low-grade film.

5 out of 5 stars A Savannahian's Review of "The Gingerbread Man".......2006-01-30

The "film noir" lives in the '90s! GREAT characterizations and suspense right up until the final, crashing denouement!

The cinematography is outstanding, and the skilful use of the impending "descent" of a hurricane only adds to the urgency with which the script effectively and satisfyingly "bustles" you along.
'
Robert Duvall's performance brings to mind an older, but basically unchanged "Boo Radley."

Branagh, Duvall, Downey, Hannah, Jansen.........great cast!

Four and 1/2 stars from me!

2 out of 5 stars Disappointing and predictable.......2006-01-23

This is not a good film. And I'm surprised by the relatively positive responses here and on critics' websites. I found the story flimsy and obvious, the acting over done or boring, the characters uninteresting, the lighting frequently too dark and overall aggrivating.
I do love Altman, and appreciate his stamp here. The intensity of activity and conversation is here, but limited by glaring accents and dialogue. As great as some of his films are, he has equal the number of films that don't work, and loyal I remain, but this is one of the latter.

3 out of 5 stars ok thriller.......2006-01-13

let me first say that i'm not a big fan of robert altman.i don't know what it is but his films seem to be all predictable and drawn out.and that's exactly how this film plays out.about 15 minutes into the film i knew what was going to happen.that's not giving myself all that much credit because if you've seen as many films as i have you'll get the movie cliche business as well.2 of the stars in the film are only in it for 5 minutes which is a big disappointment.otherwise the rest of the cast does pretty well.robert downey jr. just makes me laugh doing ordinary things so that was a big plus and kenneth brannagh puts on a good georgia accent.another complaint i have about the film is the music.it seems out of place.a perfect example how music is so important in that it sets the mood, but here it doesn't.it trys to make the film more thrilling than it really is.a one time only view.

3 out of 5 stars HALF BAKED COOKIE.......2005-01-06

THE GINGERBREAD MAN is based on an original screenplay by legal novelist John Grisham and directed by Oscar nominated Robert Altman, featuring a cast of reputable actors. The main problem is that the plot's so-called twist is obvious from the moment Mallory steals an ashtray from Rick Magruder's office and her car is "conveniently stolen." From thereon, the plot moves a little too slowly towards a not wholly satisfying denouement. Along the way, we're treated to some interesting, althought not spectacular, acting. Kenneth Branagh does his Southern accent dutifully well for a Brit, but his performance is too hammy at times to be convincing; Embeth Davidtz as Mallory invokes little sympathy because the discerning viewer knows there's more than meets the eye; Darryl Hannah is hardly recognizable as Lois, an associate of Branagh, whose main function seems more clerical than legal; Tom Berenger shows up as Davidtz's ex-husband, whose mere presence in a seemingly incidental role is in itself a plot give-away; Robert Downey Jr. appears as Clyde, Branagh's private investigator who is a hopeless alcoholic; and Robert Duvall, looking foolish in a baldpate and long hair, has an enigmatic but pivotal role as Davidtz's eccentric if not looney father.
Never being one of Altman's greatest fans, I can commend him on trying to add a different touch to a rather familiar formula, including the relentless rain during Hurricane Geraldo. But ultimately, THE GINGERBREAD MAN comes out half-baked and unfulfilling, wasting a lot of Oscar caliber talent.
The Gingerbread Man
Average customer rating: 3 out of 5 stars
  • Branagh in Savannah
  • A Savannahian's Review of "The Gingerbread Man"
  • Disappointing and predictable
  • ok thriller
  • HALF BAKED COOKIE
 The Gingerbread Man
Starring: Kenneth Branagh , Embeth Davidtz , Robert Downey Jr. , Daryl Hannah , and Tom Berenger
Director: Robert Altman
Manufacturer: Polygram USA Video
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

GeneralGeneral | Drama | Genres | DVD | Video
SuspenseSuspense | Mystery & Suspense | Genres | DVD | Video
John GrishamJohn Grisham | Mystery & Suspense Masters | Mystery & Suspense | Genres | DVD | Video
Courtroom DramaCourtroom Drama | Crime | Mystery & Suspense | Genres | DVD | Video
Neo-NoirNeo-Noir | Mystery & Suspense | Genres | DVD | Video
Cons & ScamsCons & Scams | By Theme | Mystery & Suspense | Genres | DVD | Video
Fatal AttractionFatal Attraction | By Theme | Mystery & Suspense | Genres | DVD | Video
Femme FatalesFemme Fatales | By Theme | Mystery & Suspense | Genres | DVD | Video
GeneralGeneral | Mystery & Suspense | Genres | DVD | Video
Berenger, TomBerenger, Tom | ( B ) | Actors & Actresses | Stores | DVD | Video
Beyer, TroyBeyer, Troy | ( B ) | Actors & Actresses | Stores | DVD | Video
Branagh, KennethBranagh, Kenneth | ( B ) | Actors & Actresses | Stores | DVD | Video
Darst, DannyDarst, Danny | ( D ) | Actors & Actresses | Stores | DVD | Video
Davidtz, EmbethDavidtz, Embeth | ( D ) | Actors & Actresses | Stores | DVD | Video
Duvall, RobertDuvall, Robert | ( D ) | Actors & Actresses | Stores | DVD | Video
Fitzgerald, WilburFitzgerald, Wilbur | ( F ) | Actors & Actresses | Stores | DVD | Video
Hannah, DarylHannah, Daryl | ( H ) | Actors & Actresses | Stores | DVD | Video
Hartridge, WalterHartridge, Walter | ( H ) | Actors & Actresses | Stores | DVD | Video
Hirsberg, DavidHirsberg, David | ( H ) | Actors & Actresses | Stores | DVD | Video
James, JesseJames, Jesse | ( J ) | Actors & Actresses | Stores | DVD | Video
Janssen, FamkeJanssen, Famke | ( J ) | Actors & Actresses | Stores | DVD | Video
Newcott, RosemaryNewcott, Rosemary | ( N ) | Actors & Actresses | Stores | DVD | Video
Perce, Julia RyderPerce, Julia Ryder | ( P ) | Actors & Actresses | Stores | DVD | Video
Seiler, SonnySeiler, Sonny | ( S ) | Actors & Actresses | Stores | DVD | Video
Whitman, MaeWhitman, Mae | ( W ) | Actors & Actresses | Stores | DVD | Video
Altman, RobertAltman, Robert | ( A ) | Directors | Stores | DVD | Video
DVDs Under $7.49DVDs Under $7.49 | Today's Deals in DVD | Special Features | DVD | Video
GeneralGeneral | Drama | Today's Deals in DVD | Special Features | DVD | Video
( G )( G ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video
Similar Items:
  1. The Chamber The Chamber
  2. The Rainmaker The Rainmaker
  3. A Painted House A Painted House
  4. Nashville Nashville
  5. The Long Goodbye The Long Goodbye

ASIN: 630511286X
Release Date: 1998-09-29

Amazon.com

When released in 1997, The Gingerbread Man was the only John Grisham movie that did not use one of the popular novelist's bestsellers as its inspiration. Rather, it's based on an original screenplay by Grisham that displays the author's familiar flair for Southern characters and settings within a labyrinthine plot propelled by his trademark narrative twists and turns. Sporting a spot-on Georgian accent, Kenneth Branagh plays a Savannah attorney who comes to the assistance of a troubled woman (Embeth Davidtz) and finds himself enmeshed in a scenario involving the woman's father (Robert Duvall) that grows increasingly complex and dangerous, where nothing, of course, is really as it seems. It's a totally absorbing movie made in the modern film-noir tradition; what's most interesting here (and most underrated by critics at the time) is the combination of Grisham's mainstream mystery and the offbeat style of maverick director Robert Altman. Despite a battle with executives that nearly caused Altman to disown the film, The Gingerbread Man demonstrates the director's skill in bringing a fresh, characteristically offbeat approach to conventional material, especially in the use of a threatening hurricane to hold the plot in a state of dangerous urgency. Unfortunately overlooked during its theatrical release, this intelligent thriller provides a fine double bill with Francis Coppola's film of Grisham's The Rainmaker. --Jeff Shannon

Customer Reviews:

3 out of 5 stars Branagh in Savannah.......2006-03-28

I haven't anything to say on the movie as a whole - it's a grade-B thriller, creaky and contrived - but I wanted to add my 2 cents' worth on the phenomenon of Branagh the impersonator. I live in central east Georgia, and it has been my misfortune to spend quite a lot of time in the company of Savannah lawyers; Kenneth Branagh's character in this movie could have slipped into one of those practices like hair into hair oil. The look, the walk, the gestures, the speech - all of it seemed to me perfect. I am not native to Georgia, it's true, but I've lived here for 6 years, and usually accents bother me. Branagh's art - his ear, his technique - is something special.
So, if you're interested in him, or in mimicry in general, you will get something out of this over-all low-grade film.

5 out of 5 stars A Savannahian's Review of "The Gingerbread Man".......2006-01-30

The "film noir" lives in the '90s! GREAT characterizations and suspense right up until the final, crashing denouement!

The cinematography is outstanding, and the skilful use of the impending "descent" of a hurricane only adds to the urgency with which the script effectively and satisfyingly "bustles" you along.
'
Robert Duvall's performance brings to mind an older, but basically unchanged "Boo Radley."

Branagh, Duvall, Downey, Hannah, Jansen.........great cast!

Four and 1/2 stars from me!

2 out of 5 stars Disappointing and predictable.......2006-01-23

This is not a good film. And I'm surprised by the relatively positive responses here and on critics' websites. I found the story flimsy and obvious, the acting over done or boring, the characters uninteresting, the lighting frequently too dark and overall aggrivating.
I do love Altman, and appreciate his stamp here. The intensity of activity and conversation is here, but limited by glaring accents and dialogue. As great as some of his films are, he has equal the number of films that don't work, and loyal I remain, but this is one of the latter.

3 out of 5 stars ok thriller.......2006-01-13

let me first say that i'm not a big fan of robert altman.i don't know what it is but his films seem to be all predictable and drawn out.and that's exactly how this film plays out.about 15 minutes into the film i knew what was going to happen.that's not giving myself all that much credit because if you've seen as many films as i have you'll get the movie cliche business as well.2 of the stars in the film are only in it for 5 minutes which is a big disappointment.otherwise the rest of the cast does pretty well.robert downey jr. just makes me laugh doing ordinary things so that was a big plus and kenneth brannagh puts on a good georgia accent.another complaint i have about the film is the music.it seems out of place.a perfect example how music is so important in that it sets the mood, but here it doesn't.it trys to make the film more thrilling than it really is.a one time only view.

3 out of 5 stars HALF BAKED COOKIE.......2005-01-06

THE GINGERBREAD MAN is based on an original screenplay by legal novelist John Grisham and directed by Oscar nominated Robert Altman, featuring a cast of reputable actors. The main problem is that the plot's so-called twist is obvious from the moment Mallory steals an ashtray from Rick Magruder's office and her car is "conveniently stolen." From thereon, the plot moves a little too slowly towards a not wholly satisfying denouement. Along the way, we're treated to some interesting, althought not spectacular, acting. Kenneth Branagh does his Southern accent dutifully well for a Brit, but his performance is too hammy at times to be convincing; Embeth Davidtz as Mallory invokes little sympathy because the discerning viewer knows there's more than meets the eye; Darryl Hannah is hardly recognizable as Lois, an associate of Branagh, whose main function seems more clerical than legal; Tom Berenger shows up as Davidtz's ex-husband, whose mere presence in a seemingly incidental role is in itself a plot give-away; Robert Downey Jr. appears as Clyde, Branagh's private investigator who is a hopeless alcoholic; and Robert Duvall, looking foolish in a baldpate and long hair, has an enigmatic but pivotal role as Davidtz's eccentric if not looney father.
Never being one of Altman's greatest fans, I can commend him on trying to add a different touch to a rather familiar formula, including the relentless rain during Hurricane Geraldo. But ultimately, THE GINGERBREAD MAN comes out half-baked and unfulfilling, wasting a lot of Oscar caliber talent.
Charlie Rose with Robert Duvall (March 11, 1998)
Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
  • A good accompaniment to movie The Apostle (1997)
 Charlie Rose with Robert Duvall (March 11, 1998)

Manufacturer: Charlie Rose Inc.
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

( C )( C ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video
All TitlesAll Titles | Charlie Rose Store | Television | Genres | DVD | Video
ASIN: B000KC8MO4
Release Date: 2006-12-21

Description

A rebroadcast of a discussion with actor Robert Duvall about his films, "The Apostle" and "The Gingerbread Man" (from January 29, 1998)

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars A good accompaniment to movie The Apostle (1997).......2007-05-24

For fans of The Apostle (1997) with Robert Duvall, this is a great accompaniment. A thoughtful interview, as always, by Charlie Rose. The Apostle - Collector's Edition
The Gingerbread Man [Region 2]
Average customer rating: Not rated
    		The Gingerbread Man [Region 2]
    Starring: Kenneth Branagh , Embeth Davidtz , Robert Downey Jr. , Daryl Hannah , and Tom Berenger
    Director: Robert Altman
    ProductGroup: DVD
    Binding: DVD

    ThrillersThrillers | Mystery & Suspense | Genres | DVD | Video
    Berenger, TomBerenger, Tom | ( B ) | Actors & Actresses | Stores | DVD | Video
    Beyer, TroyBeyer, Troy | ( B ) | Actors & Actresses | Stores | DVD | Video
    Branagh, KennethBranagh, Kenneth | ( B ) | Actors & Actresses | Stores | DVD | Video
    Darst, DannyDarst, Danny | ( D ) | Actors & Actresses | Stores | DVD | Video
    Davidtz, EmbethDavidtz, Embeth | ( D ) | Actors & Actresses | Stores | DVD | Video
    Duvall, RobertDuvall, Robert | ( D ) | Actors & Actresses | Stores | DVD | Video
    Fitzgerald, WilburFitzgerald, Wilbur | ( F ) | Actors & Actresses | Stores | DVD | Video
    Hannah, DarylHannah, Daryl | ( H ) | Actors & Actresses | Stores | DVD | Video
    Hartridge, WalterHartridge, Walter | ( H ) | Actors & Actresses | Stores | DVD | Video
    Hirsberg, DavidHirsberg, David | ( H ) | Actors & Actresses | Stores | DVD | Video
    James, JesseJames, Jesse | ( J ) | Actors & Actresses | Stores | DVD | Video
    Janssen, FamkeJanssen, Famke | ( J ) | Actors & Actresses | Stores | DVD | Video
    Newcott, RosemaryNewcott, Rosemary | ( N ) | Actors & Actresses | Stores | DVD | Video
    Perce, Julia RyderPerce, Julia Ryder | ( P ) | Actors & Actresses | Stores | DVD | Video
    Seiler, SonnySeiler, Sonny | ( S ) | Actors & Actresses | Stores | DVD | Video
    Whitman, MaeWhitman, Mae | ( W ) | Actors & Actresses | Stores | DVD | Video
    Altman, RobertAltman, Robert | ( A ) | Directors | Stores | DVD | Video
    ( G )( G ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video
    ASIN: B0001MIR3O
    The Gingerbread Man [Region 2]
    Average customer rating: 3 out of 5 stars
    • Branagh in Savannah
    • A Savannahian's Review of "The Gingerbread Man"
    • Disappointing and predictable
    • ok thriller
    • HALF BAKED COOKIE
    		 The Gingerbread Man [Region 2]
    Starring: Kenneth Branagh , Embeth Davidtz , Robert Downey Jr. , Daryl Hannah , and Tom Berenger
    Director: Robert Altman
    ProductGroup: DVD
    Binding: DVD

    ThrillersThrillers | Mystery & Suspense | Genres | DVD | Video
    Berenger, TomBerenger, Tom | ( B ) | Actors & Actresses | Stores | DVD | Video
    Beyer, TroyBeyer, Troy | ( B ) | Actors & Actresses | Stores | DVD | Video
    Branagh, KennethBranagh, Kenneth | ( B ) | Actors & Actresses | Stores | DVD | Video
    Darst, DannyDarst, Danny | ( D ) | Actors & Actresses | Stores | DVD | Video
    Davidtz, EmbethDavidtz, Embeth | ( D ) | Actors & Actresses | Stores | DVD | Video
    Duvall, RobertDuvall, Robert | ( D ) | Actors & Actresses | Stores | DVD | Video
    Fitzgerald, WilburFitzgerald, Wilbur | ( F ) | Actors & Actresses | Stores | DVD | Video
    Hannah, DarylHannah, Daryl | ( H ) | Actors & Actresses | Stores | DVD | Video
    Hartridge, WalterHartridge, Walter | ( H ) | Actors & Actresses | Stores | DVD | Video
    Hirsberg, DavidHirsberg, David | ( H ) | Actors & Actresses | Stores | DVD | Video
    James, JesseJames, Jesse | ( J ) | Actors & Actresses | Stores | DVD | Video
    Janssen, FamkeJanssen, Famke | ( J ) | Actors & Actresses | Stores | DVD | Video
    Newcott, RosemaryNewcott, Rosemary | ( N ) | Actors & Actresses | Stores | DVD | Video
    Perce, Julia RyderPerce, Julia Ryder | ( P ) | Actors & Actresses | Stores | DVD | Video
    Seiler, SonnySeiler, Sonny | ( S ) | Actors & Actresses | Stores | DVD | Video
    Whitman, MaeWhitman, Mae | ( W ) | Actors & Actresses | Stores | DVD | Video
    Altman, RobertAltman, Robert | ( A ) | Directors | Stores | DVD | Video
    ( G )( G ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video
    Similar Items:
    1. The Chamber The Chamber
    2. The Rainmaker The Rainmaker
    3. A Painted House A Painted House
    4. Nashville Nashville
    5. The Long Goodbye The Long Goodbye

    ASIN: B00004RYKF

    Amazon.com

    When released in 1997, The Gingerbread Man was the only John Grisham movie that did not use one of the popular novelist's bestsellers as its inspiration. Rather, it's based on an original screenplay by Grisham that displays the author's familiar flair for Southern characters and settings within a labyrinthine plot propelled by his trademark narrative twists and turns. Sporting a spot-on Georgian accent, Kenneth Branagh plays a Savannah attorney who comes to the assistance of a troubled woman (Embeth Davidtz) and finds himself enmeshed in a scenario involving the woman's father (Robert Duvall) that grows increasingly complex and dangerous, where nothing, of course, is really as it seems. It's a totally absorbing movie made in the modern film-noir tradition; what's most interesting here (and most underrated by critics at the time) is the combination of Grisham's mainstream mystery and the offbeat style of maverick director Robert Altman. Despite a battle with executives that nearly caused Altman to disown the film, The Gingerbread Man demonstrates the director's skill in bringing a fresh, characteristically offbeat approach to conventional material, especially in the use of a threatening hurricane to hold the plot in a state of dangerous urgency. Unfortunately overlooked during its theatrical release, this intelligent thriller provides a fine double bill with Francis Coppola's film of Grisham's The Rainmaker. --Jeff Shannon

    Customer Reviews:

    3 out of 5 stars Branagh in Savannah.......2006-03-28

    I haven't anything to say on the movie as a whole - it's a grade-B thriller, creaky and contrived - but I wanted to add my 2 cents' worth on the phenomenon of Branagh the impersonator. I live in central east Georgia, and it has been my misfortune to spend quite a lot of time in the company of Savannah lawyers; Kenneth Branagh's character in this movie could have slipped into one of those practices like hair into hair oil. The look, the walk, the gestures, the speech - all of it seemed to me perfect. I am not native to Georgia, it's true, but I've lived here for 6 years, and usually accents bother me. Branagh's art - his ear, his technique - is something special.
    So, if you're interested in him, or in mimicry in general, you will get something out of this over-all low-grade film.

    5 out of 5 stars A Savannahian's Review of "The Gingerbread Man".......2006-01-30

    The "film noir" lives in the '90s! GREAT characterizations and suspense right up until the final, crashing denouement!

    The cinematography is outstanding, and the skilful use of the impending "descent" of a hurricane only adds to the urgency with which the script effectively and satisfyingly "bustles" you along.
    '
    Robert Duvall's performance brings to mind an older, but basically unchanged "Boo Radley."

    Branagh, Duvall, Downey, Hannah, Jansen.........great cast!

    Four and 1/2 stars from me!

    2 out of 5 stars Disappointing and predictable.......2006-01-23

    This is not a good film. And I'm surprised by the relatively positive responses here and on critics' websites. I found the story flimsy and obvious, the acting over done or boring, the characters uninteresting, the lighting frequently too dark and overall aggrivating.
    I do love Altman, and appreciate his stamp here. The intensity of activity and conversation is here, but limited by glaring accents and dialogue. As great as some of his films are, he has equal the number of films that don't work, and loyal I remain, but this is one of the latter.

    3 out of 5 stars ok thriller.......2006-01-13

    let me first say that i'm not a big fan of robert altman.i don't know what it is but his films seem to be all predictable and drawn out.and that's exactly how this film plays out.about 15 minutes into the film i knew what was going to happen.that's not giving myself all that much credit because if you've seen as many films as i have you'll get the movie cliche business as well.2 of the stars in the film are only in it for 5 minutes which is a big disappointment.otherwise the rest of the cast does pretty well.robert downey jr. just makes me laugh doing ordinary things so that was a big plus and kenneth brannagh puts on a good georgia accent.another complaint i have about the film is the music.it seems out of place.a perfect example how music is so important in that it sets the mood, but here it doesn't.it trys to make the film more thrilling than it really is.a one time only view.

    3 out of 5 stars HALF BAKED COOKIE.......2005-01-06

    THE GINGERBREAD MAN is based on an original screenplay by legal novelist John Grisham and directed by Oscar nominated Robert Altman, featuring a cast of reputable actors. The main problem is that the plot's so-called twist is obvious from the moment Mallory steals an ashtray from Rick Magruder's office and her car is "conveniently stolen." From thereon, the plot moves a little too slowly towards a not wholly satisfying denouement. Along the way, we're treated to some interesting, althought not spectacular, acting. Kenneth Branagh does his Southern accent dutifully well for a Brit, but his performance is too hammy at times to be convincing; Embeth Davidtz as Mallory invokes little sympathy because the discerning viewer knows there's more than meets the eye; Darryl Hannah is hardly recognizable as Lois, an associate of Branagh, whose main function seems more clerical than legal; Tom Berenger shows up as Davidtz's ex-husband, whose mere presence in a seemingly incidental role is in itself a plot give-away; Robert Downey Jr. appears as Clyde, Branagh's private investigator who is a hopeless alcoholic; and Robert Duvall, looking foolish in a baldpate and long hair, has an enigmatic but pivotal role as Davidtz's eccentric if not looney father.
    Never being one of Altman's greatest fans, I can commend him on trying to add a different touch to a rather familiar formula, including the relentless rain during Hurricane Geraldo. But ultimately, THE GINGERBREAD MAN comes out half-baked and unfulfilling, wasting a lot of Oscar caliber talent.
    The Gingerbread Man [Region 2]
    Average customer rating: 3 out of 5 stars
    • Branagh in Savannah
    • A Savannahian's Review of "The Gingerbread Man"
    • Disappointing and predictable
    • ok thriller
    • HALF BAKED COOKIE
    		 The Gingerbread Man [Region 2]
    Starring: Kenneth Branagh , Embeth Davidtz , Robert Downey Jr. , Daryl Hannah , and Tom Berenger
    Director: Robert Altman
    ProductGroup: DVD
    Binding: DVD

    ThrillersThrillers | Mystery & Suspense | Genres | DVD | Video
    Berenger, TomBerenger, Tom | ( B ) | Actors & Actresses | Stores | DVD | Video
    Beyer, TroyBeyer, Troy | ( B ) | Actors & Actresses | Stores | DVD | Video
    Branagh, KennethBranagh, Kenneth | ( B ) | Actors & Actresses | Stores | DVD | Video
    Darst, DannyDarst, Danny | ( D ) | Actors & Actresses | Stores | DVD | Video
    Davidtz, EmbethDavidtz, Embeth | ( D ) | Actors & Actresses | Stores | DVD | Video
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    ASIN: B00004R79F

    Amazon.com

    When released in 1997, The Gingerbread Man was the only John Grisham movie that did not use one of the popular novelist's bestsellers as its inspiration. Rather, it's based on an original screenplay by Grisham that displays the author's familiar flair for Southern characters and settings within a labyrinthine plot propelled by his trademark narrative twists and turns. Sporting a spot-on Georgian accent, Kenneth Branagh plays a Savannah attorney who comes to the assistance of a troubled woman (Embeth Davidtz) and finds himself enmeshed in a scenario involving the woman's father (Robert Duvall) that grows increasingly complex and dangerous, where nothing, of course, is really as it seems. It's a totally absorbing movie made in the modern film-noir tradition; what's most interesting here (and most underrated by critics at the time) is the combination of Grisham's mainstream mystery and the offbeat style of maverick director Robert Altman. Despite a battle with executives that nearly caused Altman to disown the film, The Gingerbread Man demonstrates the director's skill in bringing a fresh, characteristically offbeat approach to conventional material, especially in the use of a threatening hurricane to hold the plot in a state of dangerous urgency. Unfortunately overlooked during its theatrical release, this intelligent thriller provides a fine double bill with Francis Coppola's film of Grisham's The Rainmaker. --Jeff Shannon

    Customer Reviews:

    3 out of 5 stars Branagh in Savannah.......2006-03-28

    I haven't anything to say on the movie as a whole - it's a grade-B thriller, creaky and contrived - but I wanted to add my 2 cents' worth on the phenomenon of Branagh the impersonator. I live in central east Georgia, and it has been my misfortune to spend quite a lot of time in the company of Savannah lawyers; Kenneth Branagh's character in this movie could have slipped into one of those practices like hair into hair oil. The look, the walk, the gestures, the speech - all of it seemed to me perfect. I am not native to Georgia, it's true, but I've lived here for 6 years, and usually accents bother me. Branagh's art - his ear, his technique - is something special.
    So, if you're interested in him, or in mimicry in general, you will get something out of this over-all low-grade film.

    5 out of 5 stars A Savannahian's Review of "The Gingerbread Man".......2006-01-30

    The "film noir" lives in the '90s! GREAT characterizations and suspense right up until the final, crashing denouement!

    The cinematography is outstanding, and the skilful use of the impending "descent" of a hurricane only adds to the urgency with which the script effectively and satisfyingly "bustles" you along.
    '
    Robert Duvall's performance brings to mind an older, but basically unchanged "Boo Radley."

    Branagh, Duvall, Downey, Hannah, Jansen.........great cast!

    Four and 1/2 stars from me!

    2 out of 5 stars Disappointing and predictable.......2006-01-23

    This is not a good film. And I'm surprised by the relatively positive responses here and on critics' websites. I found the story flimsy and obvious, the acting over done or boring, the characters uninteresting, the lighting frequently too dark and overall aggrivating.
    I do love Altman, and appreciate his stamp here. The intensity of activity and conversation is here, but limited by glaring accents and dialogue. As great as some of his films are, he has equal the number of films that don't work, and loyal I remain, but this is one of the latter.

    3 out of 5 stars ok thriller.......2006-01-13

    let me first say that i'm not a big fan of robert altman.i don't know what it is but his films seem to be all predictable and drawn out.and that's exactly how this film plays out.about 15 minutes into the film i knew what was going to happen.that's not giving myself all that much credit because if you've seen as many films as i have you'll get the movie cliche business as well.2 of the stars in the film are only in it for 5 minutes which is a big disappointment.otherwise the rest of the cast does pretty well.robert downey jr. just makes me laugh doing ordinary things so that was a big plus and kenneth brannagh puts on a good georgia accent.another complaint i have about the film is the music.it seems out of place.a perfect example how music is so important in that it sets the mood, but here it doesn't.it trys to make the film more thrilling than it really is.a one time only view.

    3 out of 5 stars HALF BAKED COOKIE.......2005-01-06

    THE GINGERBREAD MAN is based on an original screenplay by legal novelist John Grisham and directed by Oscar nominated Robert Altman, featuring a cast of reputable actors. The main problem is that the plot's so-called twist is obvious from the moment Mallory steals an ashtray from Rick Magruder's office and her car is "conveniently stolen." From thereon, the plot moves a little too slowly towards a not wholly satisfying denouement. Along the way, we're treated to some interesting, althought not spectacular, acting. Kenneth Branagh does his Southern accent dutifully well for a Brit, but his performance is too hammy at times to be convincing; Embeth Davidtz as Mallory invokes little sympathy because the discerning viewer knows there's more than meets the eye; Darryl Hannah is hardly recognizable as Lois, an associate of Branagh, whose main function seems more clerical than legal; Tom Berenger shows up as Davidtz's ex-husband, whose mere presence in a seemingly incidental role is in itself a plot give-away; Robert Downey Jr. appears as Clyde, Branagh's private investigator who is a hopeless alcoholic; and Robert Duvall, looking foolish in a baldpate and long hair, has an enigmatic but pivotal role as Davidtz's eccentric if not looney father.
    Never being one of Altman's greatest fans, I can commend him on trying to add a different touch to a rather familiar formula, including the relentless rain during Hurricane Geraldo. But ultimately, THE GINGERBREAD MAN comes out half-baked and unfulfilling, wasting a lot of Oscar caliber talent.

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