"Cine-picks of the Week"

Well, the only considerably predictible part, being the robot takeover, was already uncovered in the trailers anyway. I'm hoping to see the movie this week, still.

Anycrap.

I took in Brian DePalma's Vietnam war drama "Casualties of War". The movie is based on the true story of "Eriksson", who witnessed first-hand the savage and ruthless conduct of his platoon, when they kidnap, rape, and murder an innocent Vietnamese girl.

The movies purpose, aside from sharing a true story, is to remind people that not all violence in war is merited after all.

Michael J. Fox (Eriksson) was very convincing as a cherry war draftee, totally new to the concept of war, but at the same time, a guy who had morals even in war time. Sean Penn (Meserve) was evil personified. Easily one of the most ruthless war movie characters of late. Full of malice, hatred, disrespect, and totally devoid of any remorse or pity. Awesome, awesome performance.

I am just now getting into DePalma's films, personally, so I am not familiar with his camera techiques, but there were some incredible trick shots, that added alot to the most intense sequences. One in particular..

Spoiler:
While the platoon is on the bridge, firing at the Vietcong on the river below, the camera shows Michael J. Fox looking through binoculars on one side of the screen, while a platoon member is seen clearly in the background, on the other side of the screen, brutally stabbing the Vietcong captive. Normally, this is where the camera would focus on one character, while blurring the background, which is what made this shot in particular memorable.

War movie fans will really appreciate this flick, especially given that "true story" movies usually have alot more emotion that we as people can relate and latch on to. It's not exactly on the same page as "Platoon", but still very exploitive of the "Kill 'em all" attitude, and the end of the "Flower Power" era.

8/10. Rent it, soldier!

Just a programming note, it may be a few days before the next review, but they will include "Serpico", "Carlito's Way", "Apocalypse Now", and "Deep Rising".

why is it "..picks of the Week" when you're reviewing basicaly one a day? 😛

Eh, well "Cinemaddiction talks about all the movies he has seen this week" didn't quite fit in the title. That and I decided to share even the bad movies I saw, instead of just the good.

Damn, Cory, how much free time do you have??

Too much, apparently. 🤓

Originally posted by Cinemaddiction
Eh, well "Cinemaddiction talks about all the movies he has seen this week" didn't quite fit in the title. That and I decided to share even the bad movies I saw, instead of just the good.

eek2

For those of you keeping tabs, "Carlito's Way", "Apocalypse Now", and "Deep Rising" have all been set on the backburner due to unavailability, however, taking their place are "Serpico", "Amelie", "The Manchurian Candidate", and "I, Robot"._ 😎

Jumping right into things, this afternoon I saw "The Manchurian Candidate". The movie is about Manchurian Global, a world leader in biotechnology of sorts, who has sided with crooked political figures in an attempt to place a distinguished, decorated US soldier Raymond Shaw (Schreiber) in office, as Vice President.

Lt. Marco (Denzel Washington), is aware of a sinister brainwashing scheme that went down in Kuwait during the 1st Gulf War, involving U.S. Troops. Marco sets out to blow the whistle on Manchurian, and have their bid for literally owning the 2nd most prestigious spot in politics, blown, while uncovering one of the world's biggest political scandals.

There's only one word I can use to describe Liev Schreiber. Underrated. He was underrated in the "Scream" trilogy, went unnoticed in "Ransom," and he basically just doesn't get enough solid roles, in which he is totally capable of nailing! I've always liked him. Denzel is on a roll, especially after "Man on Fire." He was very convincing, determined, and an overall powerful actor.

The story left a little something to be desired, personally. It was intriguing, but I was expecting just a little bit more overall suspense, although what was covered was still shocking, and frighteningly realistic and plausible. Having never seen the original, it is quite possible that they felt as if tampering too much with the Sinatra version may break any correlation people may be looking for. The audience with which I viewed the movie were mostly mature aged adults.

But, in the end, it was a solid thriller without being too political and cliche. Very unique movie, and some stellar performances by people you just don't see that often (Schreiber and Streep).

Overall, 7.5/10. So, drive right past "The Village," and put your vote in for "The Manchurian Candidate."

Drive past the village?You must be joking 😑

"Serpico"

The 1973 police drama entitled "Serpico", starring Al Pacino, documents the true story of New York police officer Frank Serpico, his rise through the ranks, and how he found out first hand that even in law enforcement, honestly isn't always the best policy.

A champion of fighting corruption, Serpico is put to the test, bouncing from 3 different precincts, all of which harbored the same crooked personas as the last. Racial profiling, money under the table, and dirty payoffs from the town's most notorious criminals were all too common on Serpico's beats, and swept under the rug. Until now.

This being one of Al Pacino's earliest films, I can honestly say that he only gets better with age, which is hard to believe given his performance as Mr. Serpico himself. He had a very admirable and raw approach towards his character, and like Frank, never waivered in the face of adversity. I'm not a huge fan of early 70's films in particular, but this one honestly was rather enjoyable. It ran a little long at 130 minutes, and the "dirty money" gimmick that fueled the plot was somewhat tired by the end, but that wasn't enough to stop the movie, of course.

Taking into account it's age, and subject matter, I'd give it a 6.5/10. It was above average, but doesn't hold a candle to his other "true story" movie, "Donnie Brasco". I'd recommend renting it if you ever wish to catch a glimpse at the birth of one of today's most gifted actors career.

Alright, gang. It's been a while since a Foreign film has really tickled my fancy. Ever since Luc Besson's "Wasabi", starring Jean Reno, which I HIGHLY recommend, I've been looking for the next big thing.

I found it in "Amelie", starring Audrey Tautou. "Amelie" is about a 23 year old French girl who one day, on a whim, comes across a tin full of memories, once belonging to a boy in the mid 1950's who once lived in her flat. Eager to return it, and experiencing the adulation of the owner once he recieved it, she decides that one good turn deserves another! Amelie goes out of her way to help others in ways you couldn't imagine. But, when the opportunity presents itself where Amelie can indulge in a little pleasure, by way of a crush, will she help herself?

I'm so literally smitten with this movie, and Audrey herself. She's the epitome of cute! I've marked out on this movie, so if you have no clue who she is, take a look at my sig. She was also fairly decent in "Pretty Dirty Things".

Why should you rent this? The story is so much fun, it's literally pure magic. It's got a "Big Fish" kind of visual feel to it. A humerous story, equally humerous cast, quick with smart dialogue. Colorful, vibrant atmosphere, in addition to it's undeniable feel good vibe, very unique storylines, and the cinematography....words can't describe.

My only gripe about this movie is Amelie's cute little personal dilema regarding indulging in something for herself. It came off as a little too much of a romantic comedy cliche, and didn't feel as unique as the rest of the movie. It could have been shortened, and been the subsequent omission that would have made this a 10/10 in my book.

That said, I am highly, highly, HIGHLY recommending this movie to all of you, especially those who are looking to break into foreign cinema, or just a good, fun, non-artsy French film.

9/10 from Monsuier penchant de cinema.

Creepshow

"Creepshow" was written and directed by Stephen King and George Romero, with his pal Tom Savini taking on the special effects duties. Coming at the pinnacle of both writers careers in '82, this is a surefire hit, right?

Dead wrong. Pun intended.

"Creepshow" was just plain boring. It wasn't creepy, and it wasn't much of a show, either. The stories selected, which played out more like a bad "Tales from the Crypt" episode, were dull, drawn out, and devoid of suspense.

Knowing full well what these artists are capable of, this falls well short, regardless of any cult following the movie has. I found myself fast forwarding through the majority of this 80's "horror" cheese factory.

3/10, with the only true highlight of the movie, aside from Leslie Nielsen's involvement, being an end segment showcasing Savini's work where

Spoiler:
a scientist is overrun by a roach infestation problem, which subsequently kills him, and roaches are shown filing out in mass from his mouth, as well as bursting out of his neck.

Oh shit, I need to watch Creepshow again, I haven't seen it in years. I bought it on DVD a year ago for about 4 bucks, and still haven't watched it. I remember liking it last time I saw it. Although it is incredibly cheesy.

"The City of Lost Children"

Ahhh. After the disappointment that was Cra..I mean, "Creepshow", I had some more French goodness already lined up for my viewing pleasure.

"The City of Lost Children" was directed by Jean-Pierre Jeunnet, who in turn directed the fabulous "Amelie", as well as "Alien Ressurrection", and stars "Hellboy" himself, Ron Perlman, as the musclebound "One".

After his "little brother" is kidnapped by a futuristic crime syndicate, the aptly named "Cyclops", "One" befriends Miette, a little French girl, who helps him search for his lost brother. Once they stumble upon the dreary "la Cité des enfants perdus", they find that an aging scientist, Krank, has been harbouring these children's dreams, in hopes to slow down his aging process.

The movie, without a doubt, is bizarre, and could be best described as a 2 hour long Nine Inch Nails (The Downward Spiral) era video, yet alot more tasteful, equally as dark, and more of an experience than a typical viewing. Incredible special effects, dazzling set design, and characters equally as intriguing as the story itself, I believe this is the French's answer to "Dark City", only 100 times better.

It's a very, very unique and incredible foreign film, and that sums it up best. You just have to see it for yourself, and judge.

8/10

Originally posted by Cinemaddiction
For those of you keeping tabs, [b]"Carlito's Way", "Apocalypse Now", and "Deep Rising" have all been set on the backburner due to unavailability, however, taking their place are "Serpico", "Amelie", "The Manchurian Candidate", and "I, Robot"._ 😎

[/B]

Carlito's Way ✅ That is one of my favorite Pacino movies and Sean Penn does great as well. I want to see your take on this when you watch it.

Originally posted by Myth
Carlito's Way ✅ That is one of my favorite Pacino movies and Sean Penn does great as well. I want to see your take on this when you watch it.

You got it, man. I'll swipe it either Monday or Tuesday, since I found it at Hollywood Video.

Apocalypse Now REDUX

I really was hoping to enjoy this movie thoroughly. But 3 hours and 15 minutes later, I have to say I was far from impressed. 😠

"Apocalypse Now REDUX" is the "defintive version" of Francis Ford Coppola's Vietnam war epic "Apocalypse Now", starring Marlon Brando, Martin Sheen, Dennis Hopper, and Lawrence Fishburne. It opens with Martin Sheen waiting a new assignment, when he is brought in on a case to hunt down a rogue General who was off galavanting in the jungle of Vietnam, ordering troops to do his bidding. In the meantime, he had become somewhat of a sheltered ayatollah, horrified by the mere thought of engaging in war a second more.

It's honestly a very basic war time movie, which should really only be remembered for it's final hour, in which Brando is confronted in his uniquely decorated (see: lynched and decapitated soldiers) palace, surrounded by villagers. The extra 49 minutes crammed into this disc all seemed to lie in a humdrum encounter with an outfit of French mercenaries, and a handful of token Americans, on the river in the Vietcong. Very longwinded in dialogue, very boring, and drab. It did nothing for the movie honestly.

While it did manage to depict the savage and sometimes hysteria enducing conditions that were encountered by those serving in 'Nam in more "realistic" light, which is all war movies have to do to break correlations, by "outdoing" one another, it was still very run of the mill. The characters were boring, the showdowns were cliched, and the end result was just..average.

An average movie, IMO, gets an average rating of 5/10. There is also a 145 minute version available, which may be a little more enticing for those who think they may want to do like me, and see what the hype is all about, but don't have 3 1/2 hours to waste on a movie.

Originally posted by Cinemaddiction
[b] I believe this is the French's answer to "Dark City", only 100 times better.

Last week one of my friends said that his girlfriend's brother's favorite movie was Dark City and, not knowing anything about it, if he should rent it. I immediately asked if his girlfriend's brother was into Star Wars.

He said yep, he even goes to conventions dressed up as the characters.

I was turned off by "Dark City", just because of Kiefer Sutherland's speech impediment.

"Signs"

"Signs" is M. Night Shymalan's 3rd film, which deals with one families discovery of crop circles in their cornfields, their personal perseverance, and ultimate reaffirmation of faith. It's not your typical alien invasion movie, by any stretch of the imagination.

Mel Gibson plays a wayward Father, who lost his faith soon after losing his wife, along side his brother Frank (Phoenix) who's holed up with Gibson's two children. The story unfolds infront of our eyes, from fear and shock, down to taking things into their own hands. Light on alien cliches, and heavier on uncanny realism, Shymalan once again proves that reality is always more frightening than spooky music, costumes, and giant space ships.

Bucking the Hollywood system, M. Night takes the cliches out of the extraordinary, and presents an incredibly plausible situation. In "Signs," the threat is real, but there is no mass hysteria, no evacuations, and no Y2K-esque stockpiling. The family instead stands their ground, strengthening their tattered ties.

"Signs" is a package film. Comedic scenes, solidifying the normalcy of the characters. Situational drama coupled with riveting suspense, which again, is totally plausible, by way of Breaking News on TV, right down to trivial human weaknesses at a time of panic, such as an asthma attack. This in lieu of the all too familiar buildings being blown up or mass exodus, in addition to the obvious, and very intriguing extraterrestrial element.

Like most Shymalan movies, the almost effortless way in which viewers can relate to his work is what drew me into this one, aside from being a fan of the supernatural. In addition, there was some signature catchy cinematography, especially in his framing, and sweeps. The ending, while not a typical M. Night stylized twist, is still equally as suspenseful, as it beautifully integrates itself with Gibson's characters coming full circle, and his reaffirmation of faith.

Final raring? 7.5/10

Yeah that movie rocked 😎

What I like most about M.Night is his ability to have character development and story instead of just focusing on the suspense and the aliens.He keeps them well hidden where your imagination can help you until you actually see them.

"Touch of Evil"

After taking some suggestions from the fellow regs in the AOL "Movie Madness" chat room, I went for some film noir this afternoon. I should have stayed away, per my regular suspicion. 🙄

"Touch if Evil" is a supposed film nor classic "whodunit" by Orson Welles, in 1958. Starring Orson Welles, Janet Leigh, and Charlton Heston. Sorry to say, I don't think I have anything positive to say other than Janet Leigh was an attractive lady.

Let the onslaught begin! Firstly, Mr. Heston is a TOTALLY uncredible "Mexican". He's like a Latin "Rhett" from "Gone With the Wind", which I will never suffer through. Smooth talking, DEVOID of an accent, and too cultured to be believable. On a side note, I think Orson Welles jabberjawed character was the inspiration for Chief Quimbly on "The Simpsons".

The plot was so simple; to find who put a bomb in some politcal figure's car. In addition to the culprit confessing the crime over and over, Orson Welle's character frames him, for good measure I suppose, which was totally pointless, given his already extremely blatant prejudice. Heston's character was out to foil the dirty cops cover, which he did, by way of documenting conversations via tape recorder, which proved useless in the end. It was like an even older version of "Serpico".

Overall, it was a boring movie, with bad sound quality, bad dialogue which had a tendency to overlap in the characters interaction, wooden acting, and a horrible, horrible ending.

4/10, and that's being nice.