MovieChat Forums > Philadelphia (1994) Discussion > Just saw for 1st time in 25 years. Disap...

Just saw for 1st time in 25 years. Disappointing!

posted 5 years ago by [deleted]
5 replies | jump to latest

I saw this as a kid. Now as an adult, I was hoping to see why this was so critically acclaimed... But it's mediocre.

It doesn't really stand up as a compelling legal drama.

The scene where Denzel reacts to shaking Hanks hand was the only great cinematic moment.

The rest? Trying to move people with bad makeup and overacting by Hanks. No, I don't think his acting was that good, especially the final death moments. It seemed hammy.

Latin stud Antonio Banderas was a really bad choice, both in terms of casting and storyline (gay men have exotic Latino boyfriend's lol).

I didn't see how Hanks would have Antonio. And Antonio's acting wasn't that good either. He's much better in Assassin's playing a devilish gun for hire.

Then the end showing home video was really trying to exploit people's emotions.

Denzel was the standout actor for me. He's always entertaining.

Hanks overdid it.

[–] kellycallie (728) 5 years ago

I was not even alive at the time of the film's release. Saw the movie a few years ago and all considered I knew it was from the early 90's and would appear ''dated''... but Jesus, was not expecting the cheesiness for such a serious subject matter. I agree with all you mentioned- also the silly hats he wore and the hair color changes, the both terrible spoken and non verbal acting from hanks. So much cheese. Even when he collapsed in court at the end there was an unintentional hilarity about it.

[–] [deleted] 5 years ago

Yes! Denzel for me carried the movie, his charisma was great. Everything else was just weird.

[–] nyctc7 (41525) 5 years ago

I also had a different reaction watching years later, after originally liking the movie.

I thought the potentially missing the statute of limitations by hours thing was contrived and never would have happened at such a prestigious law firm. The Jason Robards character was made into a complete caricature.

[–] Stratego (29365) 5 years ago

Tv movie quality. Only an Oscar winner because of the subject.

[–] [deleted] 5 years ago

I know, back in the day it was "oh they're discussing gay men and AIDs, this is ground breaking, this is cinema!"