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"Stacy" (2001) -

"I watch a lot of the less popular movies because you never know what you'll find". A direct quote from my co-hort, Sandy, at Hollywood Video. With those words of wisdom firmly planted in the back of my mind, as always, I didn't think twice about picking up "Stacy" from the pawn shop this afternoon. $3.99 being the main reason, I was sold on the zombified Japanese school girl, dangling eyeball appliance tactfully edited on the cover art with a "paper rip" effect. $4.20 to the clerk, dash through the door, and it's mine.

"Stacy" is a RomZomCom, manga style, where the country is dealing with an unprecidented epidemic. Girls aged 15 through 17 are overwhelmed by "NDH", or "Near Death Happiness". Serving as a bold social allegory, picked up on later, once this mysterious euphoric state expires, the girls become good old fashioned flesh eating zombies. Families are urged to put their daughters out of their misery before re-animation occurs, going as far as chopping them up and leaving them for the RMKS, or, the Romero Repeat Kill Squad. Meanwhile, in a laboratory cum girls art school, a mad scientist tries to unlock the secret behind the reanimation process. A love struck soldier, whos girlfriend became a "Stacy", a namesake carried over from the plagues 1st victim, unleashed the brood upon the city, and carnage ensues.

Upon first glance, this film looks like a pedestrian fan-film with zero credibility and a lofty storyline. Schoolgirl zombies that materialize from a phantom epidemic? It's not until the stories conclusion when we're able to acknowledge the directors true plot. Love, the lengths we go to maintain it, and learning when to let go. The girl, once smiling and giggling, now reduced to a rotting meatchopper. "If you love them, set them free", which is what's not so nonchalantly suggested by the "Repeat Kill" method of hacking the zombie cuties into 162 pieces. In the spirit of parody, Tomomatsu, throughout the film, hams up the whole "schoolgirl" fantasy to a whole new debauched level. Ask yourself; are they just as desirable with their spinal cords visibly being ripped from their bodies? Didn't think so.

While the bittersweet love story is lurking below, we're treated to a smorgasborg of gore drenched window dressing. Namely, horror film in-jokes and sight gags. As mentioned before, there's the Romero Repeat Kill Squad, who dispose of the 162 piece zombie jigsaw puzzles. Did I forget the "Bruce Campbell's Right Hand 2" chainsaw device, the preferred method of dismemberment. Not to mention a great disembowlment a la Rhodes in "Day of the Dead". Lest we forget the "Drew Illegal Kill Squad", headed up by a gun-toting Drew Barrymore in "Scream" look-alike. All female, glamorized to get across the infatuation with said characters, and call out the social ill in lusting over innocence.

"Stacy", thankfully, was a gamble that paid off in spades. A swift 80 minute film that kept me entertained the whole way through, coupled with a smart, stinging, and eye-opening social commentary, in grand Romero style. Toss in some absolutely incredible special effects, some gut-busting pokes at the Asian culture, the familiar classic American horror film nods, and you've got another unique J-Pop horror gem with all the obscure humor of "Suicide Club" and the punch of "Junk".

"Sleepaway Camp 2"

In keeping with the Horror theme, while more than satisfied in the grue department, I took in "Sleepaway Camp 2". The original, an instant cult classic with a conclusion that will live on in Horror lore for decades to come, the sequels showed signs of waivering. Kind of like the film "career" of one Pamela Springsteen. A once promising franchise, this is one camp that needed one hell of a councilor, and a barber, to keep the kids coming back.

"Sleepaway Camp 2" follows up on Angela Baker, now Angela Johnson, the genre's favorite (and only) transvestite mass murdering teenager. Angela becomes a senior concilor at Camp Rolling Hills. A few years removed from "Sleepaway Camp", her criminal record expunged, and baring a new last name, Angie, "The Angel of Death" plays tough love with a bunch of teens who've decided to go away for the summer.

The 2nd installment in the franchise was never expected to reclaim the glory or stylings of the original. Thankfully for them, there were NO expectations for this film. Basically, Angela firmly believes it's her duty to weed out the bad seeds. All the 80's Horror flick no-no's are her motivations for disposition. Drinking, smoking, fornicating, and sporting a mullet got you a one night stand with Angela's weapon of choice. Wether it be a fire pit, battery acid, or a knife, you were going to get yours.

What turned me off most was Angela's lack of enthusiasm. C'mon, you herm! These kids are breakin' the law, and all she can muster are some unenthused one liners and then play nice to the rest of the crew as she picks them off? Please. It wasn't much help that many of the kills were "suggestive", never showing the "final act". That's something this movie should have taken the liberty of doing, considering there was nothing else to keep the viewer engaged with the feature. As the cover art suggested, there were the obligatory Horror movie references, a black kid in a Jason mask complete with machete, and some mulleted assclown with a LIGHT TAN fedora and a work glove with some knives taped on it.

All in all, avoid this movie like..well..it was a "Sleepaway Camp" sequel, because in all honesty, I'm sure watching someone suffer from the plague would have been a better investment of time than this film.

"Sleepaway Camp 3"

As a disclaimer, I only watched this film because I have seen the other two, and I will be selling my "Sleepaway Camp" DVD boxed set this week. It's only for educational purposes that I know what happened. That said, how about a scathing review?

"Sleepaway Camp 3" opens with Angela behind the wheel of a GARBAGE TRUCK, mowing down a young girl in an alley, with strategically placed garbage bags. In an instance of SHEER COINCIDENCE, Angela's hairstyle matches that of this poor New York State crack fiend teenager. Imagine rapper Krayzie Bone with split ends and white streaks. Under the assumed identity of Maria Nacastro, Angela's back to kill more kids at Camp New Horizons, formerly Camp Rolling Hills, just with new management, new direction, and eclectic mix of preps and underpriviledged kids.

Camp New Horizons, this season, is playing host to a split camp of underprivileged city hoods, as well as some upper-class rich kids. Tempers flare early and often, pointless racism abounds, as does the "Sleepaway Camp" staples for Angela, I'm sorry.."MARIA" to kill by. Her tactics are even less credible and inspired this time. But, all but one person ends up getting killed, and that's how it ends.

That's it. She kills people again and gets away with it. Just like last time. Surprised? I'm not. Don't rent it. Ever. E-Mail Bruce Springsteen and tell him to have Max Weinberg beat Pamela to death with his drumsticks, just to ensure we don't get Pamela in another "Sleepaway Camp" sequel a la "Halloween: H20". I want that ***** DEAD! DEAD I TELL YOU!

"The Interpreter"

Silvia Broome, played by Nicole Kidman, has overheard an assassination plot involving an African Head of State at the upcoming UN assembly. Sean Penn, playing Agent Keller, who rightfully has his suspicions, is assigned to guard Broome as the plot unfolds. As evidence mounts in both directions, the tension builds as the summit lurks near, and the question remains unanswered. Is Kidman's character, given her past associations, in on the scheme, or a victim of circumstance?

"The Interpreter" makes for a good, intriguing, and engaging plot on paper, but when it's applied to the screen, it just doesn't pop. A conspiracy theory is set into motion, there's a solid see-saw plot that could pen this on Kidman as soon as she's cleared, which did indeed keep me guessing. That said, the actual delivery by the major players was just mediocre at best. The enthusiasm required to carry a movie with such attention to detail, and keep the otherwise heavy, interesting characters wasn't there. The pace was made even heavier by a 130 minute run time, which offered an explosion ever 30 minutes, which served as a "Still there..?" alarm to the bored.

Nicole Kidman had been lending herself to more adult, artsy films, and while not a thriller/adventure staple, she clearly didn't convince me, other than being an interpreter of foreign languages. Sean Penn, on the same token, disappointed me. He has the power to grab people through the screen, having done so most recently in "Assassination of Richard Nixon", but his character, too, seemed to be on auto-pilot. The excitement just wasn't there, nether was the necessary pacing, nor the engaging storyline necessary to carry the film at the runtime alloted. Maybe at 100 minutes, cut out some of the Broome backstory which seemed repetitive, as did the Cat and Mouse game, this film would have worked.

"My Summer of Love"

Based on the novel by Helen Cross, "My Summer of Love" chronicles two young women from two totally opposite sides of the spectrum. Mona, a tomboy born into a broken home, headed by her brother, who can't shake a violent past, meets Tasmin, the pampered, mysteriously engaging prep scholar. The two, having led similar lives in the respect of being sheltered or unable to explore their own worlds, spend the summer becoming closer than they ever expected, opening up doors they never knew existed.

In all fairness, an IMDB reviewer had claimed that "You don't have to be a lesbian to enjoy this film!". This film has universal appeal, and in its uniquity, there's something that appeals to EVERYONE. For everyone, there's one person who can change your entire existence. This was pulled off MASTERFULLY by two young actresses in Nathalie Press (Mona) and Emily Blunt (Tasmin). While Mona settled and reveled in the small world she knew, Tasmin created her own, becoming a self proclaimed fantasist. The two complimented one another flawlessly in their craft.

"My Summer of Love" ran the gambit of exploration in human companionship. The two shared a friendship, found what they had in common. That evolved into a special understanding, in that they were both alone, never having the opportunity or bravery to venture. From that, they found true love with one another, complimented by acknowledging one another's beauty. Not the aesthetic beauty, or the superficial, puppy love like so many would associate with a lesbian, or summer fling. Mona's life took a violent turn, as her brother, a born again Christian, had to face his demons after a confrontation, sending Mona back to Tasmin after her brothers imposed exodus, she, who's flaws were exposed, leading to an awakening for Mona.

The ending was surprising, and while hard to understand at first, it was ultimately poetic and made perfect sense. As a fan of independent cinema, this one comes highly recommended for those who want a very convincing drama, that you'll come away from enlightened and more understanding in regards to something that isn't as taboo as suggested, after viewing.

"The Lost World" (1925)

Long before "Jurassic Park" and its sequels, there existed the Harry Hoyt helmed "The Lost World", based on the book by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. This, a silent era Sci Fi film, set the standard for movie monsters to come such as "King Kong", "The Mighty Joe Young", and even Godzilla, in the way of stop motion special effects. Professor Challenger claims to know of a "Lost World", an island in Brazil that he swears hosts these prehistoric creatures, but alas can give no proof to the London critics. Funded by reporter Edward Malone's publishing company, he, the professor, as well as the daughter of now Lost World inhabitant, Paula White, and Sir John Roxton set sail for the dangerous plateau.

Silent era Sci Fi films are a rarity. Sadly, of the 9 existing prints of the film at the time, each was equally as haggard as the other, so much so, a complete, original version of Hoyt's film no longer exists, but was pieced together fluently by Image. There's a solid story of excitement and expedition, complimented by the old school physical acting of the silent players, and of course the tribulations brough forth by the (at the time) realistic looking dinosaurs. While the film isn't a masterpiece, it's still fun to watch, and serves as a cornerstone in special effects in cinema.

"The Gold Rush" (1925)

Charlie Chaplin had mentioned that this was the film by which he wish to be remembered, and for good reason. A literal genius in the arena of slapstick, in the film, the Tramp finds himself wandering about the Klondike in search of gold. Instead, he stumbles upon a wanted felon, a cabin with a hungry inhabitant, and the love of his life. Of course, madcap slapstick is soon to follow, and it all works out in the end.

This, surprisingly, is my first exposure to the work of Charlie Chaplin. "The Gold Rush" is the epitome of perfection in slapstick. The physicality he exuded, necessary to pull off such a demanding genre film, wouldn't be topped until America was introduced to the Marx Brothers, who also had witty banted to rely on. Charlie didn't. A silent film comedy icon, he used all his tools. From his shy cunning, his bushy eyebrows, to his exagerrated, eccentric attitudes, and genius in storywriting. He was the total package.

The film was sheer fun from beginning to end, and it showed on the face of Mr. Chaplin, and when you can literally see someone enjoying their craft, recognizing their own potential, and going above and beyond it, you know you're getting their all. The film seemed so fluid, as if he asked his co-stars to just play along with him, not having to dig deep for motivation, just acting naturally, as it seemed he did. That's love, and that's Chaplin.

"Kicking and Screaming"

Competition. It's all too familiar between fathers and sons in the arena of sports. Take for instance Phil Weston (Ferrell). His father Buck(Duvall) is accustomed to winning. He's a local legend, has his own sports emporium, and now, having traded his grandson to a winless team, forced to match wits with his own son, the new coach of the Tigers. Like his father, Phil subconsciously becomes his father, applying the same "win at all costs" attitude toward a deviant soccer team. At the same, his own son feels the sting of getting lost in the competition.

"Kicking and Screaming" would have worked with virtually anyone at the lead, because Will Ferrell's talents were wasted here. A role as interchangable as the plot, having been visited in "The Bad News Bears", "Ladybugs", and countless other rags to ritches kids sports team stories. It's a family movie, the characters are all relatable, there's a message at the end, there's identifiable hardships, and some adult humor to keep the elders in check. Otherwise, it's a very mediocre movie, with very little substance.

Mike Ditka was surprisingly entertaining, and dare I say ended up OUTSHINING WILL FERRELL!? Did I just say that? Indeed I did. So, unless you're under the age of 14, have kids that play sports, or will see even the worst of Will Ferrell's career moves, I'm not suggesting this one.

"Fever Pitch"

Introducing Ben. a local Boston high school math teacher, and absolute die hard Bo-Sox fan. Ben meets Lindsey, a corperate suit who at 30, has been waiting to settle down. Lindsey thinks she's found her perfect match, that is, until baseball season comes around, and Jimmy Fallon's Ben becomes a whole 'nother person all together, allowing baseball to consume every facet of he and Lindsey's (Barrymore) life.

Going into this one, I didn't expect much, if anything at all. It was a very fresh approach to what we consider the modern day date movie. I was appreciative of the unique approach, with the thematic chapters, like a baseball season, only relating to relationships. I found the situations were CREDIBLE, and not exagerrated for effect. There were differences, hard times, and the all too familiar scene of teaching your girlfriend about sports so that she can follow, lol. It's nice to see actual PASSION for things in movies like this, not just lust and puppy love. Jimmy Fallon was fun to watch, Drew Barrymore seems to have matured over the years, and Ben's "extended family" at Fenway were always entertaining, as was his not too far fetched devotion to the team.

All in all, yeah, it's a good date movie, and a solid 105 minutes well spent with a significant other. It'll hit home even harder for sports fans and Red Sox fantatics, especially.

"A History of Violence"

Tom Stall is an everyman. That's the impression you'd get from your first glance at the Viggo Mortensen helmed character. The Stall clan resides in the sleepy little town of Millbrook, Indiana, where they own and operate a anytown coffee shop. Before closing one evening, Tom is approached by a couple of would be robbers. With undue provocation, Tom leaps into action, seemingly unassumingly, given his demeanor, albeit, comfortably. That evening tugs at a thread, subsequently unraveling a spool of questions in an interrogation brought on by Ed Harris as Carl Fogarty.

David Cronenberg's films are usually best when he has full creative control, as he did with "The Brood", "Existenz", "Scanners", and "The Fly" to name a few. This time, he assumed "the chair", so naturally, the following tirade is not entirely his fault. Cronenberg, who is bluntly hit or miss, with the respective extremes. "Violence", on the whole, was a unimpressive film. The Atlas of the film, Mortensen's Stall was one dimensional. Unassuming, but nothing to lend to his credibility as a once troubled individual with ties and a disposition. Maria Bello's wife-figure inherited the range for most of the cast.

Having been touted as a suspense, there was virtually none to speak of. A one minute standoff with his son in holding was about as "guess what happens next" as the movie ever got. Naturally, almost like a poor man's "Bourne Identity", Stall flipped on the Hulk switch, and the scene deviated to violence you knew the outcome of from the beginning. Gore galore. The signature Cronenberg stylings were, at times, out of place, uncomfortable, contrived, and at times, totally uncredible. It took some guesswork to determine wether or not Tom's son, Jack, would act violently against provocation, testing Tom's morals, which, in the final act, we come to find are no better than they were before "the change" occured.

Style over substance seemed to be a reoccuring theme in this film. Sex and violence sell, obviously. Too bad movies can't have cohesive, engaging stories to keep themselves rolling. That's one Cronenberg styling that was missing from this one. Quality. Instead, we got a boring, predictible thriller with scenes of questionable "ooh" enducing violence and forced sex scenes to make us forget that the story was really over, and you could have drawn your own conclusion, and had been right, about 45 minutes into the movie.

"Unleashed"

The Luc Besson penned drama/actioner "Unleashed" is the story of Danny the Dog. Subserviant since his capture at the hands of Bart, one Bob Hoskins, Li's character had been held in a dank underground cage. Used as a literal human weapon, for anything from extortions to fight night payoffs, that was the only way of life Danny had known. When a supposed mob hit was taken out against his captor Bart, Danny escaped, and re-united with a friend in Morgan Freeman, a piano tuner who takes him in with his step-daughter. A craft that held some relevence we'd come to find. Danny, having started a new life, was enjoying his new found freedom, when Bart set out to look for his lost dog. Unwilling to abandon his "normal" life, Danny is determined to fight for his freedom and make Bart understand that he no longer serves any master.

In only their second film together, the combination of Director Louis Leterrier and Writer/Director Luc Besson, make sparks once again. A entriguing, unique story with some real drama, real struggle, credible characters, heartfelt emotion, signature Besson cinematography, and what was probably most surprising, a great pace for a mutt of a movie, considering its elements. This is probably Jet Li's best movie. His mannerisms were on point, and as an ACTOR, he's grown. Bob Hoskins, whom I admittedly haven't seen enough of, was brilliant as well, and of course Morgan Freeman's resurgence is unstoppable.

For such a rich story, it's very easy to follow, which I appreciated. Danny's taken captive, literally bred as a dog, he escapes and makes a new name for himself, is re-captured, but has become self-aware, and can distinguish right and wrong, and that violence and vengeance aren't the most fulfilling forms of retribution. The collar's significance, we'd find, was mental, and poetic in the end. A very nice conclusion.

There are scenes that will make you cringe, scenes that will make you laugh, and those that will take your breath away in the way of choreography, courtesy of Master Woo Ping. All in all, it was a very satisfying movie with a great soundtrack, a unique and enjoyable tale, characters with depth and pull, and a well polished effort from one of my favorite writers of all time.

"The Specials"

For a while, a dysfunction group of semi-super heroes called "The Specials" were the jobbers of the crime fighting industry. Called in when absolutely nobody else was available, The Strobe and crew leapt into action. When The Specials' big break comes in the way of a new action figure deal, it all pretty much goes to hell, and becomes the biggest test for this band of not so super heroes yet.

With "Mystery Men" having flopped a year earlier, "The Specials" fate was sealed before it was even released, settling for a video release from Pioneer Entertainment. Sadly, this film I found, was sorely underappreciated, and what "Mystery Men" SHOULD have been, given its roster. "The Specials" boasts a slew of names that ended up making it big. Oscar Nominee Thomas Hayden Church, "West Wing-er" Rob Lowe, funnyman Jamie Kennedy, and the lovely Jordan Ladd of "Cabin Fever". A SOLID cast, better than expected for a B movie.

The cast, as we've established, was great. Performances, especially. The story was HILARIOUS! This group has to deal with an egomaniacal leader, a misanthropic Nightcrawler wanna-be, a happy-go-lucky lesbian who babies a supposed alien shapeshifter, extramarital affairs, money crunches, infidelity, heroes leaving for other factions, aaaaaaand a new girl whos super-power is laying eggs. The toyline in itself is absolutely uproarious. It's a movie that says "superheroes go through shit too", albeit, it's much funnier than our everyday lives.

Fans of super-hero movies, cult cinema, and just wacky Saturday afternoon UPN material movies need not pass this one up any longer. It's smart, funny, riddled with parody, and totally, totally enjoyable if not for just "The Specials" toy commercial.

"Me and You and Everyone We Know"

Miranda July's loaded directorial debut film takes on many facets. An adults inability to connect in what seems to them as a cold and distant world. Children growing up too fast, and how innocence is becoming lost way too soon.

Frankly, I was disappointed, as the trailers for the film made it out to be a totally different piece. Instead, the interesting characters were relegated to the backstory, and what ended up being pushed was a dry, disturbing look at how children today are making themselves grow up too fast, robbing themselves of their own childhood. The sexual exploration in the film were supposedly "dark comedy" in essence, but came across very uncomfortably, unnecessarily, and clashed with the adult theme of the film, which kept the story interesting, but was spoiled being relegated to the subplot.

In short, "Me and You" had no direction, and it had no frame. While the films personal inspiration was evident, it was unfulfilling. Smart and independent in nature, but at the same very lost. Esoteric and sometimes existential, it just wasn't for me.

"Undead"

Chunks of Haley's Comet have broken off, resulting in massive meteor showers that befall a small fishing community in Australia. The result? People are mutated into flesh eating zombies. The remaining few survivors, including an ammo shop owner and the town beauty hole up to fight off the infestation. When members of the remaining crew are suddenly abducted, things get a whole lot more complicated.

"Undead" has been available only in Australia and possibly the UK until now. I've been in possession of a DVD-R, thanks to James/Tabby999, but never got a chance to view it in its entirety. Suffice to say, I thought it was a brilliant and refreshing take on the genre. The combination of extra-terrestrials and the zombie beings WORKED, and it's hard to believe what was pulled off in the film was possible with such a low budget. Fantastic special effects, a very original plot, regardless of the all too familiar opening, and it was credibly acted all the way through with some memorable characters.
This is Australia's first venture into said genre, and hopefully it won't be their last.

What makes the film stand out to me, from an otherwise totally diluted genre is the story development. It has to be seen to be understood, because it's just so unique, and flowed so seamlessly.
Again, considering the budget, it's a real treat to see first time filmmakers with such a great idea culminate with pleasing special effects, great make up applications, and ultimately present a film that you can see was a blast to make.

"Undead" is available on DVD in the US on 10/11

"11:14"

"11:14" is an independent movie from Writer/Director Greg Marcks. Originally released in 2003 on the indie film festival circuit, the movie is in the same vein as "21 Grams" and at times "Crash", relying on reverse chronology to make the story complete. Taking one characters involvement to its climax, introducing the next characters part, and so forth, until we realize everyone played a small but intrigal part in the outcome. Pre-dating "Million Dollar Baby", the film stars Hillary Swank, Patrick Swayze, Henry Lucas of "ET" fame, Rachel Lee Cook, and Colin Hanks.

From first glance, "11:14" looked to be a total "Crash" clone, only with a murderous twist. Boy, was I wrong. Marcks' film managed to be original and stylish, even in a genre that has had its fair share of copy cats. It had a sensory heavy plot which was laid out and followed through with with ease. Guesswork was minimal, and he managed to get you to be wholly interested in everyones role. The characters were as incredibly original as the situations in which they were thrown into. Said goings-on, coupled with the score, led me to believe that this was actually a very dark, sinister comedy of sorts, which had me relieved, as I first thought it was a serious suspense film of sorts.

Like so many independent features with little to no promotion, "11:14" is a little known gem that will remain such. There's very little else that I can actually critique without giving away plot points and spoilers, so I am recommending the film to everyone reading this review. It's just so different, refreshing, and paced so flawlessly, I don't know how you couldn't like it.

"Demons"

Lamberto Bava, son Italian Horror director Mario Bava (Planet of the Vampires), presents "Demons". A mysterious man invites people in West Berlin to a sneak preview of a new horror film. As the viewers curiously become overcome by a demonic spirit, the rest must fend for themselves.

Bava enlisted the help of Dario Argento with this one, and even he couldn't really save it. The film wasn't absolutely horrible, in fact, it was fun, but in typical 80's Italian horror fare, it was a cheese fest. The soundtrack boasted tunes from Rick Springfield and SAXON of all bands. How's that for a contrast. The storyline was fun, and the premise was "art imitating life", as if the viewers were watching the movie version of their own bizarre experiences. The dubs were bad, the acting worse, which leaves the make up and special effects as the only decent part of the feature, thanks to Mr. Argento. We can always count on Asia's daddy for more gore.

"Z Channel: A Magnificent Obsession"

California's Z Channel was the nations first pay cable channel. Their programming, headed up by Robert Altman was indie friendly. Playing some of the greatest films that nobody ahd ever heard of, as well as allowing his personal tastes influence programming, Z Channel thrived. In the late 80's, fearing the demise of the channel, Altman took his own life and that of his wifes. This is his story. His magnificent obsession with film.

"Z Channel", directed by Alex Casavetes was a FANTASTIC look into the history of the famed Z Channel and its programming. Altman's dedication and appreciation for cinema in all its facets was something I could relate to, but never fully mirror. His influential programming, and great taste in movies made him a cult figure in the movie and television industry. There were some rich interivews with Quentin Tarantino, Andrei Rublev, Ridley Scott, Penelope Spherris and more, all waxing nostalgic on how he directly made an impact in their lives.

It's a beautiful chronicling of a champion of cinema, including his sad and tragic underlying dark side. It's a very brisk 2 hours, packed with lots of fun for the cinema-addicted.

"Batman Forever"

In the 3rd installment of the "Batman" franchise, Director Joel Schumacher takes up the chair with Val Kilmer as the Dark Knight. Batman takes on dual responsibilities as he faces off against The Riddler, an ex-Wayne employee and Two Face, both who want to run Gotham City. The film also introduces Dick Grayson, better known as Robin, who Batman takes under his wing (no pun intended) and shapes his potential sidekick.

"Batman Forever" was just a boring movie. Schumacher left his bag o' explosions and granduer at home, apparently. The characters were equally as bland, The Riddler was unfunny, Two Face was just drab, his love interest was as wooden as the dialogue shared between the two, and there really was no plot, other than keep Gotham safe. No major threats, no nothing. Sure, the Robin backstory was interesting, but even that seemed a little rushed and hokey.

Kilmer was a great Batman, but a horrible Bruce Wayne, so do yourself a favor, and just rent "Batman Begins" next Tuesday.

Already a step ahead of you. Rented it today, I love my illegal rental chain that releases movies a week in advance.

"Natural Born Killers"

Penned by Quentin Tarantino and directed by Oliver Stone, "NBK" follows the murderous duo of Mickey and Mallory Knox on their murderous rampage, and subsequent onslaught against the media that forced them to live up to a fabricated legendary status. Careful to leave one person alive to tell their tale, on down Route 666 they headed.

"Natural Born Killers" is an exercise in complete cinematic freedom. Literally no director in their right mind would combine the elements of "NBK" and think they'd come out coherent, much less find actors to pull it off. That said, Woody Harrelson and Juliette Lewis are the ultimate acting compliment. Their chemistry was through the roof on this one. Another strongpoint was the dialogue, a fair amount written by Tarantino, the rest was Stone, given it was his cut of the film. Great supporting performance by Robery Downey Jr, as the overzealous "myth making" reporter, and the fuel for the Knox's media firestorm.

The glue that held together this incredibly visually stunning piece was the cinematography. Every single trick in the book was thrown into this one. Melds, psychadelic shading, freeze frames, color filters, warping, audio delays, gaphic ANIMATION. You name it, it was there, and made the film, frankly. It was a bizzarre trip of a film, one that seemed to change directions at the midway point, losing some steam, but thankfully picking up at the end.

If it's been a while since you've seen this manical masterpiece, treat (or subject) yourself once more and get a taste of avant garde cinema.

"Starwoids"

"Starwoids" is an original Film Threat documentary about the 1999 Star Wars, Episode 1, explosion. Chronicling fans 41 day wait for tickets to the film premiere, to a year laters retrospective, and everything in between, "Starwoids" is an exercise in patience, and the nature of the Star Wars fun.

Frankly, this was an unsatisfying and pedestrian documentary. A bunch of dorks wait in line, in shifts, to see the new Star Wars film. They eventually clash, they never fight of course, maybe knock their toy lightsabers around a bit, and get angry, but that's the extent. Boring doc about some losers which make me glad I got out of that whole scene.

"Day of the Dead 2: Contagium"

"Day of the Dead 2: Contagium" is a self proclaimed sequel/prequel to George Romero's 1985, "Day of the Dead". In the late 1960's, a viral outbreak occured in a small German hospital, causing some of the patients to become flesg-eating zombies. A vile of the infection, which was originally a military experiment, was stolen, stashed in a thermos, and lost in the mix. Fast forward to today, a group of mental patients stumble upon a thermos, containing the virus. As history would have it, curiosity killed the cat, and turned its handlers into the same meat craving creatures.

I'll just come right out and say it. This is the stupidest, worst ****ing horror movie I've ever seen. First strike is the literal sacrelige in using the "Day of the Dead" title, which happens to be MY favorite zombie films of all time behind SOTD. There's no relation whatsoever, as it was merely a cash-in by Anchor Bay. Secondly, the special effects were so incredibly low that the team used DRIED GLUE as PEELING SKIN! Yes..DRIED..****ING..GLUE. Oh, forgot the horrible acting, incredibly bad dialogue, even worse gore, because the STORYLINE took the cake here. THERE WASN'T ONE! They opened the thermos, dropped the vial, the infection spread, people acted like they were in a elementary school play, and then it was an exact re-enactment of the first scene of the movie!

Just crap..it was so bad, I get angry thinking about it.

"Batman & Robin"

In the 4th installment, and the final of the 1990's, George Clooney suits up as the Caped Crusader to take on Mr. Freeze and Poison Ivy, played respectively by Arnold Schwarzenegger and Uma Thurman. Alfred, the butler, sees his granddaughter come in from a school break, to dawn the Batgirl costume and fight alongside the crime fighting duo, partaking in some killer bat and cat fights.

As if you hadn't guessed, the franchise got progressively worse. Bright colors and cool looking new characters don't make up for horrible miscasting, and as cript mainly contrived of one liners. I don't think Mr. Freeze, when decipherable, had an actual sentence in the entire film. Clooney even sounded like he was reading off of cue cards. Totally uninspired efforts by the main characters, leaving Uma Thurman's sultry Poison Ivy to carry the weight of the 2 hour long crapfest. Well, props to Alfred. Even on his deathbed, he had more enthusiasm and energy. Like the other Schumacher "Batman" film, there was no real story. Just action, no character development, no history, just stretching a barrage of one liners and wire works for way too long.

Pass.

"The Stepford Wives" (1975)

Joanna Eberhart and her family have decided to leave the hustle and bustle of NYC and retreat to the little quiet town of Stepford. There, they immediately find bright shining faces, waiting to great them, and all the makings of domestic perfection. Almost too perfect, when Joanna and her friend Bobbie notice a pattern of undying male servitude in the Stepford women.

"The Stepford Wives" is a strong social statement, as well as smart thriller of sorts, especially for the 1970's. It seems like a stripped down David Cronenberg storyline, although, with little room for gore. The film, in short, puts the term "trophy wife" into perspective. Men desiring total perfection in their mate, as if they were robots, there for their every beck and call. The film was recently re-made with Nicole Kidman, and took a more savagely dark humor turn, whereas the original had a bitting social commentary for the supposed "archaic" males of the age.

A good movie, overall. While it ran a little long, and the imagery is dated, the message still rings true today, almost 30 years later, and comes across as quite inventive.

"Apollo 13"

One of Ron Howard's better directed films, "Apollo 13" chronicles the trust story of the seemingly ill-fated mission to the moon that could have very well never been shared, given the overwhelming circumstances. NASA, having just endured a mid-mission catastrophe prepared for the Apollo 13 flight. Their pilot falling ill, a back up team captain took the chair, thus creating a chain reaction of roadblocks in the journey. In the end, the men of Apollo 13 stared adversity in the face, and while they never made it to the moon, more importantly than anything, they made it back home.

"Apollo 13" is a genuinely American movie. It's cast almost flawlessly with "average joes" such as Tom Hanks, Gary Sinise, and Kevin Bacon, which had great chemistry, even of the negative persuasion which worked equally as well. Naturally, such a harrowing story has liberties taken with it, however, the authenticity was strikingly credible. Those of us that have had "one of those days" know that when it rains, it pours. Luckily, we're never had to comadeer a space shuttle during that time.

The film never sagged, which tends to be a problem in most long-running dramas, and was a plus. The suspense was genuine, and always kept me interested, and I was always left waiting to see what the boys at NASA would do to make things right again. "Apollo 13" was a beautifully shot film, a la "2001", with great landscapes, and breathtaking cinematography. All in all, it was a very well rounded space adventure movie. Nothing as showy or engaging as, say, "Armageddon", but the "All American" feel was still as strong.

A great piece of filmmaking, and the story is a testament to the will of the human spirit. Very uplifiting.

"The Fog" (2005)

In the updated version of "The Fog", Antonio Bay is victimized by a mysterious, almost supernatural fogbank that summons the ghosts of a ship that sank 100 years ago. Looking to avenge their deaths, that are traced back to the settling families doublecrossing, the fallen come back to the town.

Revisions in the structure make the 2005 edition of Carpenter's story more solid. There's a sufficient backstory, some historical aspects explaining the feud, as well as some complimentary imagery. While Wainwright's effort seemed to have had a high school friendly twist, it never escalated to the absurdity of other teen horrors, more so staying true to the original. The whole picture actually had a lot of potential, and given the thin premise and original workings it had to operate with, it wasn't so much a disappointment as it was a missed opportunity for a better overall film.

"The Fog" displayed some surprisingly solid acting on the parts of Tom Welling, Maggie Grace, and the always fun Selma Blair. Nobdies performances came off as contrived or forced, just very mellow, per the original. In the end, what it came down to was the films lack of a real punch. 105 minutes was just too long to stretch an invasion of a big, evil cloud. While I appreciated it being more thorough in the storytelling, it was too sporatic, and would have served better as an opening, instead of sporatic installments, chopping up the pacing.

IMO, it's a renter, but I saw it for free. Makes for a decent date movie.

"Domino"

Ms. Harvey was an infamous female bounty hunter. Her tale was equally as entriguing as her personality. While the world lost Domino on June of this year to an accident overdose on painkillers, Tony Scott has brought her tales to the big screen in a fashion only he knows how to do.

"Domino" was a cool-ass film. Not flawless, but cool nonetheless. The picture depicts the tale of Domino Harvey, who grew up fighting adversity all her life, namely in her own family. Born into money and popularity, Harvey was never one for the "90210 lifestyle" her mother was so fond of. She hooks up with Ed (Rourke) and Choco (Rodriquez) and becomes the 3rd piece of a bounty hunter outfit. The trio are asked to hunt down a $10 Million dollar prize that was heisted earlier from an armed security truck. Little did they know, they'd soon have the mob, and billionaire, and a TV crew on their tail.

The entire movie was well acted. Keira Knightley was very convincing as the lead, while Rourke took the whole shady bad guy to a new level. Christopher Walken was hilarious as the cable TV executive, and Lucy Lui's stonefaced FBI interrogating agent all complimented one another. There were two things that didn't set incredibly well with me, that may merit and second viewing. The plot was heavy, and incorperated A LOT of different characters, and with the time shifts, the chronology was thrown off balance, thus confusing me for the longest time. Thankfully, after sitting down and thinking, it all made sense. The other thing was Tony Scott's stylings. He's made the "seizure cam" a household name, thanks to "Man on Fire". The visuals were just overwhelming sometimes, and their charm wore off. Fuzzy filters, discolored frames, and honestly, not a lot of footage that was shot steadily, or cleanly.

All in all, it was a story, with liberties taken, made to entertain, namely with insane visuals and LOTS of violence, set to an awesome soundtrack. So, if you're in the mood for a cool story, with some contemporary camerawork, and a lot of people getting sprayed. check this one out.

OK, I'm starting My own review thread, Not because I'm lookg for E-points or anything like that, I'm just trying to cover things that cine' did not. I write reviews becasue I like writing. and one last thing, Please do not post in this thread, just look and go, PM me questions and such. should have two up today.

I'm not the fastest writer in the world, I do have a life, Highschool defianatley messes with it.

Enjoy these reviews.

One Flew over the cuckoos nest (1975)


I got the chance to veiw this movie earlier this week, And I must say, I loved it. Jack nicholson definatley deserved Best Actor for this movie, and It definatley deserved to win Best picture of 1975. It starts off with Jack nicholsons character "R. P. Mcmurphy" Coming to a mental institute. He isn't really crazy, he is acting crazy to get out of spending time in jail, and with lower security in the mental institute, he has a much better chance of escaping. I'd tell you more but I dont want to ruin this wonderful movie. The movie also gives birth to the actor Christopher Lloyd, who you may also know as "Dr. Brown" in "Back to the future" (another good flick).

Louise Fletcher Played a hard-ass nurse working in the institute, she is constantly on R.P's back, trying to decide on whether or not he is really a loon or not. She believes so, but the others think differently. Every actor who played a crazy did perfect, exactly how I think a person whould act in an institute. I could make a paragraph on each actor to be honest, But I will spare you the time, and let you watch the movie and Decide for yourself, I doubt very seriously you will be dissapointed. This movie comletley swept 5 oscars in 1976, and it very much deserved to.

All in all this is the directors (Milos Forman) best film, He is currently making 2 movies that are to open up next year. I very much look forward to those.


-Mando

Serenity (2005) -sci fi.



Serenity is like some people say "like being at a friends college party" unless you watched the "Firefly" series that was cancelled shortly after about 13 episodes. That however, was a HUGE mistake, claimed by many. So if someones crushes your idea's on TV, what are you going to do? Make a movie! And that is exactly what Joss Whedon did, and the results were great, I have the "Firefly" series in the mail right now. Now enough talk about this, here is the review.

Serenity is like a mix between Starwars, and the fifth element. The movie is about a ship of pirates on unknowingly carrying the woman-weapon "river tam", secretley holding the secrets of the Alliance's plans, and secrets, she is a fighting weapon, and a phsycic, which can be very useful when living a life of crime. This movie has tons of action, and blows ROTS out of the water IMO, the movie also had a good sense of humor, The comic relief is Adam Baldwin. You may know him from "Full metal jacket", as "animal mother" the marine with the faithful M60, He plays just the right role in this movie .

Chiwetel Ejiofor played the "no-name" operative out looking for River tam, he was a super bad-ass in this movie, he didn't use a gun hardly as much as he used his short sword, he is a master in kung-fu and other fighting. If you've seen "Four Brothers" he played Victor sweet.
Besides The no name operative being the bad guy, the real threat to the universe is the "reavers". they are galactic, man-eating beasts that eat and rape their victims...ALIVE. They are pretty scary, and I did not expect them to be so ruthless in this movie. they defianatley create some suspense for the movie IMO..

I was also very impressed with Nathan Fillion and Summer Glau's acting in this movie, they were great! I would suggest this movie very strongly to all Star wars fans, all fans of Sci-fi, and fans of the fifth element in particular. take my advice: the trailer is misleading, and Go see it now, while you still have the chance.


-mando

Originally posted by Mandorallen
One Flew over the cuckoos nest (1975)


I got the chance to veiw this movie earlier this week, And I must say, I loved it. Jack nicholson definatley deserved Best Actor for this movie, and It definatley deserved to win Best picture of 1975. It starts off with Jack nicholsons character "R. P. Mcmurphy" Coming to a mental institute. He isn't really crazy, he is acting crazy to get out of spending time in jail, and with lower security in the mental institute, he has a much better chance of escaping. I'd tell you more but I dont want to ruin this wonderful movie. The movie also gives birth to the actor Christopher Lloyd, who you may also know as "Dr. Brown" in "Back to the future" (another good flick).

Louise Fletcher Played a hard-ass nurse working in the institute, she is constantly on R.P's back, trying to decide on whether or not he is really a loon or not. She believes so, but the others think differently. Every actor who played a crazy did perfect, exactly how I think a person whould act in an institute. I could make a paragraph on each actor to be honest, But I will spare you the time, and let you watch the movie and Decide for yourself, I doubt very seriously you will be dissapointed. This movie comletley swept 5 oscars in 1976, and it very much deserved to.

All in all this is the directors (Milos Forman) best film, He is currently making 2 movies that are to open up next year. I very much look forward to those.


-Mando

Good review for what is, IMO, the best film ever made. Nice work

Originally posted by Mandorallen
One Flew over the cuckoos nest (1975)


I got the chance to veiw this movie earlier this week, And I must say, I loved it. Jack nicholson definatley deserved Best Actor for this movie, and It definatley deserved to win Best picture of 1975. It starts off with Jack nicholsons character "R. P. Mcmurphy" Coming to a mental institute. He isn't really crazy, he is acting crazy to get out of spending time in jail, and with lower security in the mental institute, he has a much better chance of escaping. I'd tell you more but I dont want to ruin this wonderful movie. The movie also gives birth to the actor Christopher Lloyd, who you may also know as "Dr. Brown" in "Back to the future" (another good flick).

Louise Fletcher Played a hard-ass nurse working in the institute, she is constantly on R.P's back, trying to decide on whether or not he is really a loon or not. She believes so, but the others think differently. Every actor who played a crazy did perfect, exactly how I think a person whould act in an institute. I could make a paragraph on each actor to be honest, But I will spare you the time, and let you watch the movie and Decide for yourself, I doubt very seriously you will be dissapointed. This movie comletley swept 5 oscars in 1976, and it very much deserved to.

All in all this is the directors (Milos Forman) best film, He is currently making 2 movies that are to open up next year. I very much look forward to those.


-Mando

Funny its not on your favourites list in your profile. But yeah good review and good thing you opened this thread ; It was like Cine was monopolising the review section that once was.

OK guys, try not to post in here too much.


The outsiders: complete Novel released (2005)

Here is a review on a DVD I bought the other day, The outsiders: full novel.
It pretty much covers S.E. Hinton's entire book, I cant think of a single event in the book that doesn't take place in the complete novel movie. What I love about it is it sows everything, which not all movies based on books do, because the filmmakers do what they think is best for the audience, who have both read the book, and those who haven't. Personally I loved the original movie, and I love this one too, let me tell you about the actual movie itself.

The movie is about 2 gangs, the soc's and the greasers. the greasers are from the north side, and they are all poor and look out for each other, they are the good guys in this movie. and the soc's are the south side snobby, and rich bad guys in this movie. what happens, is that a drunk soc, comes up to 2 greasers, (ponyboy, and Johnny) and attacks them, they are actually drowning one of the greasers, and could kill him. so johnny (played by Ralph maccio) whips out his knife and stabs the soc entirely out of self defense, they conflict is that they then hafto run away from town, so that they are not arrested. There is alot more to it, but I don't want to give it all away.

This movie is directed by critically loved Francis ford Coppola, the Godfather man himself. and does a good job with this movie. It really has a strange cast. Much of the cast went on to be even bigger stars, like Patrick swayzee, rob Lowe, Matt Dilan, Emilio estivez, and tom cruise. But as far as I'm concerned Coppola did a great job translating IMO.

And the actors did a great job filling in the rest, I would recommend this to everyone, but I recommend even more, the book itself. "the outsiders" by S.E. Hinton.

-Mando

Every which way but loose (19780 - action/comedy


Clint Eastwood has a way of making everyone of his lines a memorable quote for you and me. I cent exactly put my finger on it on what he does, but I like it. Everywhich way but loose is a great way to show off what Clint Eastwood can do. Cint eastwood plays Philo Beddoe, a bare fisted fitfighter searching for his lady love west of the rockies. And lives with his 165-pound Orangatang buddy "Clyde".

This movie Is great, It's not oscar material, but you will remember this movie forever. That's usually how most Clint Eastwood movies are. This is Jeremy Kronsberg's few and best writings, in fact he only wrote this, and then "Going Ape!". So you dont really have much to select from this guy. And the director James fargo, Has a movie coming out this year, or already has, and I have no idea on anything about it.

But do yourself a favor, if you are a fan of 70's movies, go check this one out, and if you like it, check out it's sequel, "any which way you can".

Anybody want a review of "Ice Princess" i'll be seeing it tonight.

















I didnt think so

Run it by Cine, and see if he gives you permission to post it up first.

I would but I just saw clips of it while I was on the computer and am not gonna re-watch it.It didnt look that good.Kinda cheesy.

This is a fascinating documentary, the likes of which I have never seen before. It records the events that happened in a smalltown in America named Black River Falls, between 1890 and 1900. It focuses on the bizarre and alarming amount of murder, death and bizarre goings on.

As though the very soil of this Midwest settlement was soaked in evil (there is little surprise in learning that serial killers Ed Gein and Jeffrey Dahmer hailed from the same state), its largely German and Norwegian occupants found themselves inexplicably plagued with disease, insanity, suicide and murder.

Distilled from period newspaper reports into a book by Michael Lesy, director James Marsh has taken the astonishing events that took place in Wisconsin's Black River Falls between 1890 and 1900, and made a haunting and moving documentary.

It consists of eloquent narration over artfully shot vignettes and real life photos and newspaper reports of the time.Even though it focuses on death and murder, it is not voyeuristic or tastless, rather it gives insight into the fragility of the human condition and the great hardships humans beings had to endure at the time and continue to endure.

"Jurassic Park III"
with it's great CGI Animation it makes a good Movie,Take that away it is terrible,not even good to start with come to think about,but persay it still was okay

Acting

CGI

Story

directions

i give it a D

( so what it is a bad grade..its a BAD Movie)

Originally posted by Cringe
Anybody want a review of "Ice Princess" i'll be seeing it tonight.

















I didnt think so
That movie looks so bad ( now on DVD )

"Modern Times"

Charlie Chaplin's period piece, "Modern Times" defines the stuggles of the working man during the depression. Taking anything from factory jobs to janitorial positions, Chaplin's struggle is art imitating life. Along the way he finds love and happiness, and despite all his mishaps, there's still a place for him.

This was the second Chaplin film I'd ever seen, and having come off of "Gold Rush", I expected great things. Sadly, I was disappointed. It was ha;f silent, with some spoken lines which somewhat ruined the feel of the movie, from the "silent" era. Secondly, the while Charlie Chaplin's easily the greatest physical comic of all time, and the first half was entertaining, it sort of spiraled into a drama, very melancholy, and not as upbeat as before. There was some situational irony that's signature Chaplin, but it never really regained it's comedic composure, and I gradually lost interest.

All in all, I suggest the movie to those who want to familiarize themselves with Chaplin's prowess, as I did, but save it towards the end of a focus viewing. "Gold Rush" was his crowning achievement, and "Modern Times" more or less signaled the end of an era.

"Saturday the 14th"

Before there was "Scary Movie", there was the original Horror spoof, "Saturday the 14th". Starring Paula Prentiss (The Stepford Wives) Saturday the 14th follows a suburban family that inherits a house that they already know is haunted. In the meantime, Dracula and his wife are also looking to obtain the home, and gain possession of a particular book of spells. As the new inhabitants encounter all the ghoulish squatters, the book is found by the youngest, who opens up a whole new can of worms..and beasts..ghosts..creatures, all of which Dr. Van Helsing must be called into to defeat, given he doesn't have plans of his own for the book!

"Saturday the 14th" was a fun movie. It wasn't an extreme spoof, and it wasn't even saturated with early 80's humor. It was very basic, with some cool special effects and a fun story that was easy to follow, and surprisingly entriguing at the same time. It's a cult classic for sure, and for good reason. I bought it blindly for a mere $8, and would suggest the same should you find it. The DVD is a rarity, and fairly sought after, so give it a look!

"From Dusk Til Dawn"

The Gecko Brothers are travelling through Texas, in the middle of what seems like an all too familiar crime spree. They stumble upon a family of 3 with their ticket to their next destination. Mexico. Kidnapping the trio and their precious RV, the would be kidnappers, including Quentin Tarantino as a violent foot fetisher, and the short tempered, take no shit George Clooney, trek across the border. There they stop at Titty Twisters, a bar in the middle of nowhere, to rendevouz with Cheech Merin. But, until he arrives, he's got some creatures of the night to deal with. Namely, stripper vampires and biker werewolves. Sound like fun?

With Tarantino's script and Robert Rodriguez's direction you know you're in for a pulpy, cult treat. It was a fun movie, surprisingly "tasteful" considering, and Nicotero's special effects put it over the top. George Clooney was BAD-ASS! I was impressed with his bravado, and Tarantino's mellow demeanor, as well as Harvey Kietel's "cool under pressure" approach to their dire situation. The action and dialogue complimented one another flawlessly, both contributors' signature stylings were present, and it was honestly a hell of ride. I'll be purchasing it soon. Makes for great Halloween viewing.

"Following"

Christopher Nolan's debut, "Following" is about a young writer who obessesively follows people to gain material for his stories. One instance, he encounters a burgular who takes him under his wing, and essentially gives him the key to obtaining all the material he'd ever need. Bill, under the spell of a woman he had met earlier at a bar, volunteers to do her a favor. Little does he know of the deadly situation, with imminent repercussions, involving those he already knows.

For a writing and directing debut, Nolan takes the film-noir genre from out of the vault and in the forefront. The chronology is a little confusing, and the DVD features a correctly timed version of the film, which was easier to follow. The characters are smooth and engaging, the plot was easy to follow, but takes hairpin turns, leaving you wondering who was screwing over whom? The ending was genius, very old school pulp noir, and a VERY nice surprise, given the rise to power Bill had enjoyed from his mentor, almost too easily.

Those looking for a solid independent feature, that's sleek and stylish, at a short but powerful 70 minutes, and enjoyed "Insomnia" and "Memento", "Following" is a brilliant introduction into the past of Chris Nolan, who is also the director of the newest Batman feature, "Batman Begins", which was another masterpiece.

Donnie Darko (2001)

Wow, what a great movie. one of Jake Gyllenhaals best performances yet in my opinion. Here's my review.

Donnie Darko is about a teenager who is going through some emotional problems, and is visited by this vision of a man in a rabbit suit. the rabbit suit is kind of creepy to be honest. some great acting by the bunny though, lol. The rabbit-man tells Donnie when the world is going to end, which is aroud 26 days. The film is sunspenseful, creepy, and absolutley amazing. Drew barrymore and patrick swayzee are both in this movie. Drew barrymore is Donnie's english teacher, while Patrick is kind of liek the school counselor. he helps teach the kids how to harness fear and learn how not to be afraid anymore. I loved patrick in "donnie darko" but Barrymores acting was kind of edgy.
I hope Jake Gyllenhaals acting in "Donnie Darko" is as good as it will be in "Jarhead". I've always liked Jake Gyllenhaal scince I first saw "October sky", Another great movie. "October sky" means alot to me because I grew up in West Virginia.

But overall the movie is very good, and you probably wont understand it the first time you watch the movie, and especially if you aren't used to watching that particular genre.

If you liked Donnie darko, I would reccomend: Fight club, the sixth sense, minority report, and Memento.

"Elektra" starring Jennifer Garner

Looks can kill.

Elektra Natchios has experienced death after being killed by the villain known as Bullseye. After being resurrected back to life, she has trained to be an assassin. Now, she's the best assassin in the world. When she is given an assignment to kill a father and his daughter who she has become acquainted with and refuses, Elektra finds herself protecting them from the assassin team known as the Hand. The war between good and evil has been raging on for centuries, will Elektra choose which side she's on and throw off the balance?

After Daredevil, comic book fans were angry about the portrayal of Elektra, for it wasn't true to the comics. This spinoff, Elektra, is much more true to the original character, leaving Daredevil in the past and having almost no references to it. Though the character development and inner conflict wasn't as strong as Daredevil, it still held the movie together.

Elektra is a bitter woman who has isolated herself from the outside world. She has her reasons. Her mother was killed by a mysterious assassin as a kid. Her father had been killed in Daredevil. Even she herself had been killed. Garner's anti-social acting was really believable and noticeable.

The villains in this film are just amazing. They're all unique from one another, each with a special ability. There is the leader, Kirigi, played by martial artist turned actor, Will Yun Lee, who is a great fighter with a superior speed. There's Typhoid Mary, who, similar to Batman & Robin's Poison Ivy, has a kiss of death and looks to kill. There's Stone, who is built like a rock. Bullets and blades do not affect his hard skin and superior strength. Finally, there's Tattoo, who is covered in tattoos which can animate into supernatural creatures such as birds, snakes, and wolves. This is quite a team.

Throughout the movie, Elektra finds the daughter, Abby, turning more and more into a younger version of herself. She doesn't like seeing this, wanting more for the thirteen year-old than a life as an assassin. This aspect of the movie was played very well.

Great martial arts action, great special effects, very creative, not a bad storyline. Being a superhero movie, don't expect an Oscar winner. There are certainly worse ways to spend an hour and thirty six minutes.

Originally posted by Mandorallen
Donnie Darko (2001)

Wow, what a great movie. one of Jake Gyllenhaals best performances yet in my opinion. Here's my review.

Donnie Darko is about a teenager who is going through some emotional problems, and is visited by this vision of a man in a rabbit suit. the rabbit suit is kind of creepy to be honest. some great acting by the bunny though, lol. The rabbit-man tells Donnie when the world is going to end, which is aroud 26 days. The film is sunspenseful, creepy, and absolutley amazing. Drew barrymore and patrick swayzee are both in this movie. Drew barrymore is Donnie's english teacher, while Patrick is kind of liek the school counselor. he helps teach the kids how to harness fear and learn how not to be afraid anymore. I loved patrick in "donnie darko" but Barrymores acting was kind of edgy.
I hope Jake Gyllenhaals acting in "Donnie Darko" is as good as it will be in "Jarhead". I've always liked Jake Gyllenhaal scince I first saw "October sky", Another great movie. "October sky" means alot to me because I grew up in West Virginia.

But overall the movie is very good, and you probably wont understand it the first time you watch the movie, and especially if you aren't used to watching that particular genre.

If you liked Donnie darko, I would reccomend: Fight club, the sixth sense, minority report, and Memento.

Is it tru that its one of those movies that requires a second viewing?When I first saw it I found it kind of boring and confusing but I think a second viewing would be appropiate for myself.

Originally posted by Cringe
Is it tru that its one of those movies that requires a second viewing?When I first saw it I found it kind of boring and confusing but I think a second viewing would be appropiate for myself.

most likely.

If you thought it was boring, than maybe you didn't follow the story. if you were following it correctly, I dont think you would have found it boring.

No,I followed the story but found it boring.Mostly because I didnt know where the story was trying to go.I had never heard anything about except the talk about it.I didnt know the summary or anything.

So... you found it boring because you didn't understand it?

I didnt know where it was trying to go or what it was try to do so I got kind of uninterested about halfway threw the movie.I kept watching to see how it all turned out.I thought it was dumb.

Originally posted by Cringe
I didnt know where it was trying to go or what it was try to do so I got kind of uninterested about halfway threw the movie.I kept watching to see how it all turned out.I thought it was dumb.


Different people, different opinions I guess.

But I would watch it again.

"Swamp Thing"

A research scientist named Dr. Alec Holland is tucked away in the swamp, engineering a plant and animal hybrid that can adapt and live in the worse of mother natures wrath. The evil Arcane is after Hollands experiment, and after a fluke accident in a near death encounter, Holland himself transforms into the beast that would be known as Swamp Thing!

I've said before, some movies I liked back in the Eighties were for good reason. I was a young, impressionable punk with no taste. Now a hardened, critical old man, this movie was crap. Everyone's roles were so hokey and over the top, better suited for a television show, and even Adrienne Barbeau bathing nude couldn't have saved this "thing". Stupid characters, silly premise which was stretched to far, and one of those typical horrible early comic book movie adaptations.

Please do yourself a favor, even you kids of the 80's, find another outlet with which to relive your childhood. This is a skidmark in Wes Craven's early career.

"The Corpse Bride"

During a routine wedding rehearsal, Victor, who was forced into an arranged marriage, who can't remember his vows, takes to the woods to practice. There, thinking he had placed the ring on a twig, he is unknowingly wed to Emily, the corpse of a bride who was left at the alter. Now, Emily takes Victor to her world, where things aren't as bright and shiny as his pampered life. He's given a choice, and must decide wether here hand in marriage is worth dying for.

As what would serve as a precursor to the rest of the film, I fell asleep almost immediately. It was old school Tim Burton, but mainstream. Gone was the stop motion animation, replaced by CGI. The actual movie was just too dark. The characters were all black and white, and what little color there was to be found wasn't enough to hold my interest. Their personalities were equally as drab and uninteresting. There also seemed to be plenty of recycled NMBC themes as well. Personal conflict between two worlds, a love interest that was both there then gone, 3 dead kids, a skeleton dog, etc.

Through my catnaps in the film, I never really found anything I liked about it, honestly. It's obvious he was trying to recapture the spirit of NMBC through Elfman's score, which failed to delight me as well, and that hardly ever happens given the man's track record. Just a bunch of rehashed Nightmare tracks, so it seemed. It's a dark, dark movie, with hardly any life, and a total 180 from "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory" which I found to be miserable as well.

"Herbie Fully Loaded"

A college grad, and part of a racing heritage, Maggie Peyton (Lohan) is the first in her family to have graduated from college, as a present, she's given her choice of any car from a junkyard lot. It just so happens she's conveniently paired with Herbie, after he having been dropped on her 350Z. Once again, Herbie has a mind of his own, taking on NASCAR legend Trip Murphy, defeating him in a street race. Determined to find out the secret to Herbie's vivacious racing spirit, Trip does his sluething while Lohan prepares Herbie for the ultimate test rematch; the Daytona 500!

Not much to say here, really. "Herbie", as always, is a safe little family film that I viewed for one reason, and one reason only. I hate when people ask me if movies are good, and I haven't seen them, because they're usually kiddie/family flicks, so, I watched this one reluctantly. Anywho, it was nice updated version of a Disney family classic, very squeaky clean, very safe, and kids would most definately enjoy it. Aside from the funny NASCAR driver cameos by Jimmy Johnson and Jeff Gordon, I think the best part of the entire film, for a Pontiac enthusiast such as myself, was seeing Murphy's 2005 Pontiac GTO. droolio

If you have kids, the film's available Tuesday, otherwise, unless you're a Lohan fan, even of the digitally altered version(the rumours look to be true), there's nothing to see here.

It was stop motion animation filmed on digital photography this time around. No gone about it.

It wasn't as raw as NMBC. It was too polished, and looked very CGI. What was so appealing about the process is that you could see a lot of the breaks in the film, and the intricacy of the voice work in sequence with the stop motion. This seemed too animated and looked like it was all computerized.

"I'm Not Scared"

Michele, a boy residing in a remote Italian village stumbles upon Filippo, who's been relegated to a hole in the ground, his origins unknown. The two befriend one another. Once Michele's father plays host to Sergio, a scruffy no nonsense shady businessmen, the younger ones begin to wonder. The tension found in the relationship is merited, and Michele comes to find that Filippo and he have more in common than their age and school grade.

Italian directors have a way with cinematography. It's a given, and this movie is no exception. With some beautiful sweeping shots of the wavy grainfelds in the seemingly desolate countryside of Italy, paired with the haunting blacks surrounding the inhabitants of the holes, it was a gorgeous movie. Right down to the pouring rain and first person POV's.

The storyline ended up throwing me for a loop. Expecting a more exploitative, dark, and gruesome film, I ended up seeing something intriguing, realistically tense, and human. The Michele character was infact the one to carry the film, which he did almost flawlessly, save the end, which seemed a little contrived and didn't exactly fit the title.
It was moderately paced, allowing a lot of the human emotion to flip-flop, considering the position the adults of the film were put in, gradually building up the tension, which I appreciated, not going over the top.

In closing, it was a enveloping and beautifully shot film, with some passionate directing and camera work. I'd certainly recommend it, especially given it's somewhat of a cellar dwellar.

Originally posted by Cinemaddiction
"Herbie Fully Loaded"

for a Pontiac enthusiast such as myself, was seeing Murphy's 2005 Pontiac GTO. droolio




I prefer 68.

Originally posted by Cinemaddiction
"Herbie Fully Loaded"

A college grad, and part of a racing heritage, Maggie Peyton (Lohan) is the first in her family to have graduated from college, as a present, she's given her choice of any car from a junkyard lot. It just so happens she's conveniently paired with Herbie, after he having been dropped on her 350Z. Once again, Herbie has a mind of his own, taking on NASCAR legend Trip Murphy, defeating him in a street race. Determined to find out the secret to Herbie's vivacious racing spirit, Trip does his sluething while Lohan prepares Herbie for the ultimate test rematch; the Daytona 500!

Not much to say here, really. "Herbie", as always, is a safe little family film that I viewed for one reason, and one reason only. I hate when people ask me if movies are good, and I haven't seen them, because they're usually kiddie/family flicks, so, I watched this one reluctantly. Anywho, it was nice updated version of a Disney family classic, very squeaky clean, very safe, and kids would most definately enjoy it. Aside from the funny NASCAR driver cameos by Jimmy Johnson and Jeff Gordon, I think the best part of the entire film, for a Pontiac enthusiast such as myself, was seeing Murphy's 2005 Pontiac GTO. droolio

If you have kids, the film's available Tuesday, otherwise, unless you're a Lohan fan, even of the digitally altered version(the rumours look to be true), there's nothing to see here.

It was not Bad

"Dare Devil"

Boring people with its horrid story line and bad acting Jennifer Garner was good in it though the only good thing about the movie was..nothing. It bored me to tears cry

"Wake Up, Ron Burgundy"

In the pieced together furthur adventures of local anchorman, Ron Burgundy, a crime wave at the hands of some vigilante bank robbers named "The Alarm Clock" strikes San Diego. Veronica Corningstone and Burgundy fight for the scoop, and chaos ensues.

This was obviously like an alternate version of "Anchorman". There are many similarities to the theatrical version, while this seemed comprised of alternate takes and cut scenes, sewed together to make a "sequel", which was actually going on at the same time as the original. That said, "Wake Up" still holds its own. It's still funny as hell, features even MORE comic greatness from Steve Carell, and the plot while silly, has a great ending.

"A Boy and His Dog"

Set in the not so distant future, America is coming off of World War 3, which lasted 5 days. Don Johnson plays a young survivor, who with his dog in tow, straggles across the barren wastelands in what was once his country. During his travels, he meets a beautiful young women, sniffed out by his talking genius of a dog. Under her spell, and he being the savior of mankind, she takes him to an underground society where he'll be stripped of his goods and used to procreate the human race 30 times over before he's killed.

This film was typical lmid 70's cult fluff. This, in a time where post apocalyptic films were all the rage, i.e. "The Omega Man", "Soylent Green", and the "Apes" movies. The acting was standard fare, the dialogue was fair, and the ladies were always attractive as can be. 70's mod type. The 3rd act of the movie was indeed VERY cult, and odd. A society of women, looking to procreate, along with the best of the best inhabitants.

Personally, I'd suggest skipping this one, just because it's a very empty movie overall, and the plot of each act is very thin, not to mention repetitive and boring. I've never been much on the films of the 70's, and this one didn't help matters.

This is one of my 1st written reviews, I normally don't right them, because I sometimes have a hard time expressing them on paper, I do better in speech, but here it goes.

The Fog is John Carpenter's 3rd installment since Halloween. The Fog is about town and it's 100th Birthday, in which was also the day a man was murdered. His ship and crew all died by the wrecking of their hull while following a campfire. They come back to take revenge.

The beauty of this movie is that it's minimalist in the way it scares you, mainly due to the fog which keeps you in suspense. The Fog was a great suspense tool, and definitely made the horror element in this movie work. The Fog was more of an enemy than the actual murderer, which I suppose is why they called it the fog over something like Murderer from the sea for example they knew how to keep the movie in perspective. Although personally I would have preferred more of the murderer, which I think the movie may have lacked.

Jamie Lee Curtis's role in the movie was a lot smaller than I thought it would have been, which isn't to say that's a bad thing, because I'm not a huge fan of hers anyway but thought I might point that out for you Jamie fans out there.

It was a nice flick to watch with a pretty decent storyline and nice ending. I recommend it.

"Spun"

Ross is a college kid who hasn't yet got a grip on life. He's seperated from a girlfriend of sorts, whom he happens to owe $450, and frequents stripclubs. One day, Ross, a speed freak meets The Cook by way of his dealer, Spider. From there, he's become the personal taxi service of The Cook and all Ross' own newfound drug fiend friends. This is his story.

First and foremost, this is a drug culture film. While not exactly in the upper tier with "Fear and Loathing", namely due to the perverse nature at times of "Spun", courtesy of Rourke's "The Cook" character, it's still a gem of the genre, IMO. It's funny, wild, intoxicating, always intriguing, and at times a total mind****. Personally, everyone else said that "Sin City" was Mickey's big "comeback". Personally, I don't know that he ever really went anywhere. Perhaps people weren't looking in the right place? With every sarcastic yet cool line he uttered, every ass he kicked, and every hazy, drug induced roll of his big, almost completely dialated eyes, I couldn't help but smile. It was his movie, especially the over the top, patriotic speech about the importance of the female netherregions.

"Spun" was a wild ride, to say the least. Some very hip camerawork was the initial draw, same can be said for the sound effects. Yes, speaker ripping, ear piercing sound effects that complimented the movie quite well. Tack on some genuinely thorough character performances from John Leguizamo, Mena Suvari, and Brittany Murphy, and you've got a great little underappreciated number. Awesome supposrting cast, great mix of comedy, drama, and action/suspense all make "Spun" an honestly underrated and overlooked indie that, with time, will eventually get the exposure it deserves in a tough to please drug culture film circuit.

Hmmm...since it's around Halloween, I'll go ahead and review my favorite horror film, Texas Chainsaw Massacre:

The 70's was a decade full of cinematic classics across all genres. This is especially true in the horror genre which enjoyed huge success during this decade, which is where the modern horror film was born.

No film is more important to the modern horror film industry then the 1974 psuedo-gore classic - "The Texas Chainsaw Massacre."

The first shot is of a sizzling, rotting corpse sitting under the hot texas sun. You'd think with a start like that you'd know what to expect from this film. And there in lies it's brilliance. You know it's a horror film, you know what it's about, yet as the film progresses you are still shocked and terrified by the raw and honest manner in which the story is carried out.

The film starts with a quiet tone and atmosphere which almost immediately gives off a foreboding silence that gives the impression of a calm before the storm. You know something bad is going to happen, you can tell...but the film is so unique, and so strikingly different from other horror films you can't predict how or what exactly is going to happen.

The story is of 5 young hippies on a road trip in Texas, they run out of gas and go to a secluded house to try and find help and gas. What they find is TERROR! and lots of it.

It's done in such a way that you never know what's going to happen next. There is no pounding music to build the suspense and let the viewer know to expect something, there is no coherent reason behind the gruesome acts of carnage we see, and as a result they come out of no where and completely blind side you.

The scene that best exemplifies this is the scene where we first get a glimpse of leatherface. When he pops out with that mallet and smacks Kurt right in the head it leaves the viewer shocked and confused. We had no way of expecting that, and that feelings stays during the entire film.

It's raw in every sense of the word, it's brilliance lies in it's anti cinematic feel...giving it a grainy plausible atmosphere that doesn't accept the idea of "it's only a movie". It's to real, it feels like what you're seeing is not just a movie but simply peering into the world of an absolute maniac who kills for no apparent reason other then not knowing any better.

This brings me to the star of the film, and my favorite horror villain of all time - Leatherface. His animalistic yet childlike behavior makes him so much creepier and interesting then other slashers. He wears a mask of human flesh, he eats his victims, he kills without remorse...yet he feels innocent, like a child who doesn't know he shouldn't pull the cat's tail. He's scolded by his older brother and whimpers and cowards, he IS a child, mentally at least, and that's what makes him so disturbing. The idea that he doesn't know what he's doing is wrong. He's doing all he's even known, what HE thinks he needs to do to survive. He's vicious, yet innocent.
This is insanity at it's best. Never once do you feel bored or let down by the film. You are never able to tell what is going to happen next. With each passing scene you think you've seen the worst the film has to offer. And yet the next scene you find yourself more shocked and confused then you were the scene prior. This is truly a testament to Tobe Hooper's brilliance that seems to have been lost immediately after making this film.

In my opinion this is the pinnacle of horror films. It's the one that got me into the genre in hopes of finding another film that left me feeling as exhausted and drained as this did. While I never did find a film that affected me in a comparable way, I still can watch this film, after over a hundred times, and still get those chills I got the first time I saw it.

If you're aching for some Halloween viewing, then do yourself a favor and go rediscover this gem.

"A Better Tomorrow"

In action movie directing staple, John Woo's debut film entitled "A Better Tomorrow", the estranged Sung brothers are pitted against one another. One a cop, the other a gangster. Growing up playing "cops and robbers", their playtime favorite has become a reality. While the gangster contingent of the pair is trying to clean up his act for both himself and his brother, the outside pressures mount, luring him back to a life of crime. From there, a barrage of back-stabbing, double crossing, and faith testing situations bare down on the Sungs.

I viewed this as an introduction into what made Woo a household name. Sadly, it supported my suspicions of him as an overrated director, not garnering the claims that he was ahead of his time. There was an unique and somewhat sophisticated story to be built upon, but the action and violence was very pedestrian. There were graphic shoot-outs, typical mid 80's style flailing about, but nothing ingenuitive or inventive, in my opinion. Chow Yun Fat's character was a hard-ass who could hold his own, and was relied on to carry the movie to its American style violent, yet totally predictable end.

In short, if you want a Woo retrospect, this is the place to start, as dissappointed with the film as you may be. Another mindless action flick with unrealized potential.

"National Treasure"

The Gates family legacy was plagued with the clans treasure hunters always finding nothing more than more clues and roadblocks. Determined to reverse the supposed curse, Ben Gates (Cage) treks out to find a ship lost at sea, which holds the clues to a virtual treasure trove of artifacts, buried deep somewhere in the United States. The only catch is, he'll need to borrow the Declaration of Independence for a little bit.

It's been a long time since I've seen such a well rounded, solid, and engaging film that was rated PG. Action, comedic relief, some tense moments, and an cast comprised of well fitting characters and actors. "National Treasure" i believe had it all. A modern day "Indiana Jones" of sorts, this movie had brains, and you could actually learn and be entertained at the same time. A great balance I appreciated even more having just seen it the first time since in the theatres.

Nick Cage heads up the expeditionary crew, and although he's double crossed, his character's resolve gets he and his second mate through. Sean Bean plays another psuedo-baddie, where he's still likeable, but he's still an greedy, hardheaded buffoon. Boromir, anyone? Again, the supporting cast in Justin Bartha and Dian Kruger were stellar. Quirky dialogue, great chemistry, both of which helped this film literally FLY along without missing a beat.

There are always the unfounded "DaVinci Code" comparisons and the premature, judgmental "It's a Bruckheimer" movie quips that would detract you from the feature, but please, judge for yourself. Safe, fun, clean movies like this are just so scarece nowadays, which is right when we need them. Do yourself a favor and give this a look-see.

"Invasion of the Body Snatchers"(1956)

A major epidemic has struck Smalltown, USA. A doctor, played by the late great Kevin McCarthy observes his patients, complaining about paranoid delusions that their relatavies are "not themselves", so to speak. The good doctor comes to learn of an odd cloning process taking place under their very noses. Having stumbled upon the imposters, as well as these alien pod cloning devices, Miles tries to escape his own fate, which is to become one of the mindless, emotionless clones.

Now, like every good 50's Sci-Fi or Horror, there's an underlying message for you to chew on. In this film, communism, maybe even McCarthy-ism. Society being replaced with mindless, emotionless, and cold clones who answer "the alarm", which springs them into action against the non-conformist. There's some solid tension that is derived from this sub-plot, which isn't all that secretive. It's a very smart and effect thriller, and the subtlty in the science fiction element, conservative until the very end, makes it all the more real.

Had it been anyone other than Kevin McCarthy at the helm, whos brave, determined, and boisterious like many of his other roles, I don't see it as effective. The narrative angle of the film keeps things chronological, as it opens with him in police custody, telling his tale, which threatens to become an eerie realization in the end. Fabulous acting, a complimentary duo of storylines, and a brisk 80 minutes of sci fi in its finest hour make this one a must see for all ages who appreciate the genre.

"Phantasm"

The younger of two brothers, Mike, has his older brother in town to visit. Afraid to lose him, given his parents had recently parished, Mike follows his brother around constantly. One day his snooping leads him to a funeral, where Mike views "The Tall Man", who suspiciously takes the casket from the scene after the ceremony. Introduced to the Tall Man's realm, there they encounter the Phantasm, and much more.

Tonight marks my 3rd, and final viewing of the film. I can't enjoy it, and I never have, and seemingly never will. The elements of both genres are just too low laying and sporatic to view it as anything other than a DRAMA of sorts. The first half of the film is incredibly dull, with little palpable "suspense", and the rest fleshes out as a dated little thriller, with a few elements of schlocky horror, i.e. the blood draining sphere. The last 15 minutes hold the only worth in the entire film, with the gateway to a odd "limbo" world. The ending of the movie, much like the pacing, seemed familiar, having seen it in Carpenter's "The Fog".

All in all, it's not necessarily overrated, but to hold this film in high regard, it must have had some major impact on your life, otherwise, I'd hope you'd agree it's not much more than a horror novelty with a memorable character and a scene or two.

"SAW II" (2005)

Oh yes, there will be blood!

Detective Eric Matthews, after a long time of searching, has finally caught the Jigsaw killer. When he and a SWAT team ambush Jigsaw's lair, they find many television screens, revealing a game taking place. Eight people are trapped in a house, breathing in a deadly nerve agent. They must play by Jigsaw's rules and several games to attain the antidotes they need in order to survive by the time the house opens up. One of these victims, is Detective Matthews's son, Daniel. Another, Amanda, who had survived the horrifying jawbrace trap before.

SAW II is a sequel. SAW II was released a year after the first one. How could it be that it actually met the greatness and possibly preceded the original (other than if you hated the original)? I can't tell you whether this was better or worse than the first SAW because I honestly can't decide. It stays true to the original without it being totally different or a mere copy.

As the movie began, I had my worries that this wasn't going to be nearly as good as the original. SAW began so quickly and got right to the point with Adam waking up in the bathtub. SAW II begins with a neat little game, but continues for a while with policework, making it seem more like a Se7en sequel than a SAW sequel. However, once they find Jigsaw, the fun begins and doesn't end until the last frame.

Here, the audience is treated with more air-time for Jigsaw. His appearances in the first one were short and far between in order to keep the audience wondering who this mysterious man in a black cloak is. Now that his identity is revealed, we get to see more of him and get a little backstory of how John became Jigsaw. It wasn't just the cancer that inspired him.

One thing that pleased me going in to see this is that there are so many possibilities for this one. Instead of two men chained in a dirty bathroom throughout the entire movie, we have eight people who are free to roam an entire house. This helped in more ways than one. It helped the main plot to be more pleasing to the fans that loved Jigsaw's sick games because it resulted in a lot more of them. It also helped because the games were more spread out. Three games weren't clumped together. There was one game, retaliation, and then a search for another clue.

No one saws his foot off in this movie but there are cringe-worthy scenes to make up for it.

With the first SAW, you either loved the ending or you hated it. The ending in SAW II is just as shocking, with shocks building on top of each other, and have little to no plotholes.

Fans of the first SAW will certainly not be disappointed by this and will be crossing their fingers for a SAW III.

Great review and Great movie. Thanks for doing this one justice Wolfie,could'nt have said it better myself

Why did they call it "SaW 2" though? There was no saw apparent in this film

No saw? The end... between Daniel and Xavier....

I'm trying not to spoil it for those that haven't seen it.

And thanks for your feedback, it's much appreciated.

great review wolfie.

*cracks fingers*

ok, I guess I'll start writing again.

Originally posted by Wolfie
No saw? The end... between Daniel and Xavier....

I'm trying not to spoil it for those that haven't seen it.

And thanks for your feedback, it's much appreciated.

Oh. I geuss I missed that part.

Your welcome

Great review, Wolfie, but Saw 2 was just as bad as the first, IMO.

Thanks. Yeah, if you didn't like the first SAW, you probably won't like the second.

you guys should check out 4th Matrix movie and say wut u think about it i want to know ppls oppinions

:'( I was looking forward to The Interpreter....

Originally posted by Wolfie
if you didn't like the first SAW, you probably won't like the second.
One week too late.

The Interpreter was alright, just not as good as it could have been.

Didn't like Interpreter 2 at all...

Originally posted by Solo
One week too late.
On the other hand, I talked to my friend a couple days ago, she hates the original with a passion but she thought the second wasn't too bad.

Chicken little 2005

More than I expected anyway.

So I go out on another random movie run looking for buried treasure, so after seeing the awful "Madagascar" I thought I
might check out another Animated movie of th sorts, so I looked at chicken little At about 12:25 or so. But I won't keep you waiting with the boring stuff, Here's the review.

Chicken little is actually the best we've had since the "incredibles" or "Finding nemo", It was a hundred times better than "Robots" and ran circles around "Madagascar". Not a minute goes by where something isn't funny to tell the hones truth. The thing I really liked about this movie is the fact that they went that extra mile to really colorize the characters. The Characters are so awesome, I just loved all of them. Not to mention the fact that the animation they use on "chicken little" is something we haven't seen before, It's a little more chalky, giving out the idea that they aren't trying to look real. They are trying to look unique in a cartoon kind of way. Plus they also try and use the shaky camera effect which animators don't usually use because of the difficulty. After the movie I couldn't help but ask my brother, "who was your favorite character?". There are lots of characters to like here.

It's almost impossible to hate this movie IMO, unless you are looking for the best picture type. I should also warn you, be prepared to see celebrity guest voices in this movie, such as Adam West, the Batman himself. All in all this movie was ALOT better than I expected it to be. It's a good little family movie, and a GREAT time killer. The only real disappointment I had was the fact that it was only 81 minutes long.

Nice review

"Man Bites Dog (It Happened In Your Neighborhood )"

Ben (Benoit Poelvoorde) is eccentric, witty, intelligent, charming...oh and a serial killer. Filmed by documentary filmmakers looking for a truly evil human being, they follow his every move: from his murders, rapes to his harmless talks about women or chats with his grandparents. As the filmmakers follow this killing specimen, they themselves get rapped up in his own games of sadistic killing, drawing the line in objectivity in film, journalism and the like.

The film shot in documentary style gives it unflinching realism to a sickening in-your-face level. Being shot in black and white reduces any diversions of sights and colors; consequently, this lets you focus on the killer and accomplices actions to the fullest extent. The killings are brutal, without any remorse or sense of pity. Yet with documentary style, it makes the murders so much more realistic than any other type of serial killer movie. To some, the film is considered an black comedy, although the funny parts were pretty thin with all the murder.

Never has a film had a character been so absurdly loony yet still so realistic. Ben has an almost James Bond persona but still has a every day quality that makes him all the more scary. Even as crazy Ben is, it's the documentary film makers that truly change the film. Just starting out filming a psychotic killer, their objectivity goes out the window as they soon become replica's of Ben. At one time, they themselves want to stop filming Ben. They have enough film to make a movie of it, yet they keep coming back to Ben for the interest, pleasure, and fascination. Kinda true about our society. We condone violence, yet we are fascinated by it at the same time.

Man Bites Dog is totally recommended if you loved A Clockwork Orange or Natural Born Killers. It's an terrifying look on violence and violence presented by the media. As Matt Zoller writes in his essay about the film "By the time Man Bites Dog ends, you may wish you'd stopped watching.

But you didn't"

Nice review, Strangelove. I love Man Bites Dog, truley gripping and disturbing cinema.

. good review, it's about time this thread got booted up.

I'll try some reviews today on:
Jarhead
Harry potter 4
Zathura


after I ir al cine

Last 28 Movies I Saw

City of God - (Meirelles, R, 2002): Original and disturbing. Portrays crime and corruption (in the 1960s'-1980s') in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil perfectly. - 10/10

The Blair Witch Project - (Myrick, R, 1999): Great start, horrible ending. - 5/10

Undead- (Spierig, R, 2003): Great stuff. - 7/10

High Tension - (Aja, NC-17, 2003): A gorey "wanna-be-thriller" with horrible dialogue, and a predictable twist. - 3/10

What's Up, Tiger Lily - (Allen, PG, 1966): Not the most entertaining comedy, but it's still funny. - 5/10

Race for Your Life, Charlie Brown! - (Melendez, G, 1977): A wonderful story with fantastic animation sets up for one of the best "Charlie Brown" adventures yet. Although, it was'nt as good as "Bon Voyage, Charlie Brown (and Don't Come Back!)". - 7/10

Gangs of New York - (Scorsese, R, 2002): A terrific, intense, and amazing revenge tale. - 8/10

Jarhead - (Mendes, R, 2005): Dragged out, sloppy, but none-the-less great. With Sarsgaard and Gyllenhaal's amazing performances it's almost ace, pure ace. But the film was dragged down by a sloppy script, and as a result they're sadly left a notch under beautiful. - 9/10

From Dusk Till Dawn - (Rodriguez, R, 1996): If you are looking for a little Halloween movie, with vampire strippers, loads of corney violence, George Clooney, and a Tarantino view of it all, this is your movie. - 6/10

Bon Voyage, Charlie Brown - (Mendez, G, 1980): Magnificent story, magnificent adventure, magnificent characters, magnificent animation. - 8/10

Fritz Lang's M - (Lang, NR, 1931): Peter Lorre made this movie. The beggining is very slow, but the middle starts to pick up it's pace, and in the end, it's two-hours well spent. Not the best two-hours spent though. - 8/10

Christmas with the Kranks - (Roth, PG, 2004): Not great, and definately not good, but I guess you could call it decent. - 4/10

The Matrix - (Wachowski, R, 1999): Great. - 7/10

Donnie Darko: Director's Cut - (Kelly, R, 2001): Donnie Darko is easily one of the best films of all time. It's very strange. But then again, tell me a movie that has a six-foot tall bunny rabbit named Frank who's from the future. Donnie Darko is a hidden gem, more people should really see it. A truely deserving pin-point in movie history. It has a very strong performance by Jake Gyllenhaal (Jarhead) and a memorable directorial debut from Richard Kelly. Amazing, it truely is. - 10/10

The Matrix Reloaded - (Wachowski, R, 2003): The Matrix Reloaded puts itself in a pickle. By viewing this, most people would think nothing of it, but what they can't see, is that it flows much better. It's much harder to understand, but once you do understand, it's a lot more entertaining than the first. It answers all of the questions from the original, and makes a few more too. It's much better than The Matrix, but not too much better. - 7/10

Harold and Kumar Go To White Castle - (Leiner, R, 2004): Harold and Kumar Go To White Castle is a teen movie, but it succeeds at being a hilarious adventure. - 8/10

Pulp Fiction - (Tarantino, R, 1994): Tarantino's second flick is a lot better than the first. Although, that isn't saying much considering they're both masterpieces. Easily one of the best and influencial films of all time. - 10/10

Reservoir Dogs - (Tarantino, R, 1992): Tarantino's directorial debut is one of the most emotional, powerful, and entertaining movies of all time. - 9/10

Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire - (Newell, PG-13, 2005): This addition the the Potter franchise outdoes the previous takes. Newell shines a new light on Harry Potter, and the film is more intense, entertaining, and emotionally provoked than ever. Will this be the best movie of the year? Depends, but right now the chances look pretty good. - 9/10

Dr. Strangelove or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb - (Kubrick, PG, 1964): Pretty overrated, but it does have it's moments. - 7/10

Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban - (Cuaron, PG, 2004): The Potter franchise started out roughly, but it looks like it's getting exactly where it should be. - 9/10

Madagascar - (Darnell, PG, 2005): The penguins were hilarious, too bad no one else was. - 3/10

Schindler's List - (Spielberg, R, 1993): Liam Neeson and Ralph Fiennes give strong and emotional performances in Spielberg's visual adaptation of Oskar Schindler's essential part in the Holocaust. - 10/10

Grosse Pointe Blank - (Armitage, R, 1997): George Armitage actually made a good movie. I might even add, John Cusack did a great job. - 7/10

Once Upon a Time in Mexico - (Rodriguez, R, 2003): This one wouldn't have been anything without Johnny Depp. A truely great action film, and it takes some unexpected turns. - 8/10

A Christmas Carol - (Marin, G, 1938): The adaptation of the classic Dickens' novel. The film has obvious potential, but it goes to fast and cuts many parts of the novel. It fails to rise to the novel's magnificence. - 7/10

The Family Man - (Ratner, PG-13, 2000): Sure, it teaches morals, but it's still too long, and I might even say, gay. - 3/10

Frank Miller's Sin City - (Miller/Rodriguez, R, 2005): A triumphantly disturbing masterpiece. Yep, it has it's flaws, but what doesn't? - 10/10

good thinking.

I might do something like that.

Those aren't reviews. They're more like short, and ultimately invalid opinions.

Ranking "Christmas With the Kranks" above "High Tension". That's a ****ing gas.

Originally posted by Cinemaddiction
Those aren't reviews. They're more like short, and ultimately invalid opinions.

Ranking "Christmas With the Kranks" above "High Tension". That's a ****ing gas.

They're quickies cine, for people who don't feel like reading a 2 page reviews. There is NO such thing as an invalid opinion, an opinion is an opinion, not a fact. And he ranked "High tension" above "Christmas with the cranks" based on an OPINION. also you need to remember you put "spice world" in your favorites list. Now maybe I think that movie is shit, but I'm not going to bother you about it becuase it's your opinion, and not my own.

Originally posted by Cinemaddiction
Ranking "Christmas With the Kranks" above "High Tension". That's a ****ing gas.

I'm sure "Joe Somebody" was a whole lot better?
How about "Spice World"?
And the masterpiece that is "It's Pat!"?

"High Tension" was an unpretentious piece of shit, that tried to pull off a twist, and was, IMO, horribly unoriginal. The only reason people would like "High Tension" is for the gore.

The only thing in High Tension that was bad was the twist and a few trivial plot holes. Everything else about the movie - The atmosphere, the suspense, and the gore - was excellent. It was definately one of the best horror films of the last couple of years, hands down.

"HIGH TENSION" (2003)

Love hurts!

Marie and Alex are off to Alex's parents house in the woods to study. The night they arrive, however, a psychotic killer comes knocking and kills Alex's family. With Alex being taken away, Marie needs to find a way to stop this killer before it's too late for her best friend.

An ode to 1970s horror/slasher films, as director Alexandre Aja describes it. It had a Texas Chainsaw Massacre feel to it in some parts and Halloween in others. I may have been looking too into it, but I noticed a hint of Children of the Corn in one scene. I even sensed Toolbox Murders. Anyway, I can't remember the last time a horror film was released that was this good.

This film is better watched in French with full subtitles. The dubbed version in the cinema featured some subtitles and some dubbing. Cécile De France does her own voiceover for her character of Marie and you can tell she is not fluent in the English language. It was a good idea to have an actor do their own voiceovers but it just didn't pan out here. But that isn't anything to blame the film about.

The deaths were plain and simple, but not in a bad way. The detail in them made it all worth it, such as the woman on the floor with her throat slit open. Of course, every slasher in history has done that but it looked all too real here. The gore was very good. It was graphic and realistic.

Another pleasant graphic moment I found hilarious was the killer getting head from a severed head. It showed the audience just how disgusting this killer was. Many times you say to yourself, "This guy is sick!" This fact was shown very well throughout the film, courtesy of the great actor, Philippe Nahon.

The movie is so good, even a bad ending couldn't ruin it. The film as a whole was scary and thrilling, then they decided to surprise the audience with a twist that came out of left field. I, personally, didn't see it coming because I gave the filmmakers more credit than that. When will the movie industry give the Fight Club ending a rest?

Though the plot twist was lame, unnecessary, and created many plotholes, what came after was it was quite good. It left us with what this "switchblade romance" (the working title of the film) is all about.

Overall, a great movie for any horror fan, easily one of the best of the decade.

I don't know if this is anything like what anyone is looking for, but I had to write it for English, so I though why not!


Magnificent Seven

Made in 1960, The Magnificent Seven stars Yul Brynner, and Eli Wallach among others. It was directed by John Sturges. As movies go, it was simply mediocre, while it held my attention; I wasn’t kept on the edge of my seat with excitement. And with such a movie, it had good and bad qualities. It was very stereotypical for one, it did not pull any punches, you could tell where it was going, it also has suitable music, overrated as it is, and finally it features a strange balance, of very good acting, and very poor acting, and it is obvious where the producers spent t