I didn't care much for CTHD. I don't quite remember why, I just remember thinking that it was over rated when I saw it. I remember I didn't like how they forgot to incorperate gravity into the film during the fight scenes.
It made more in the U.S. than it did overseas! $128 MILLION dollars for a movie that had a $17 M budget, grossing $213 MILLION worldwide.
Do your homework.
The same could be said for the majority of the super-hero movies, as well. It is just a movie afterall. I was never much for "reality" in movies, especially when I see them to ESCAPE said reality.
Last edited by Cory Chaos on Aug 16th, 2004 at 07:23 AM
"The same could be said for the majority of the super-hero movies, as well. It is just a movie afterall. I was never much for "reality" in movies, especially when I see them to ESCAPE said reality."
Well, at least the defiance of gravity is explained in most super hero movies, and they have a valid reason of "super powers". They never really explained this in CTHD as far as I can remember.
Of course, had the movie entertained me I would have had an easier time over looking my above complaint, but I was simply bored by most of the movie. The fight scenes were neat, everything else was mediocre.
Yeah its like where just suppose to believe these charactes can fly and fight on branches.They should've at least given us an explanation but like most old martial arts movies they can do anything which makes me not like em as much.
"Happenstance" is indie film from chez Paris, "starring" Audrey Tautou. This is what happens when 6 strangers are picked to live in a hou...whoops. The story depicts how the lives of 6 totally unrelated people and their actions subsequently conspire, bring two hopeless romantic metro riders full circle to a possible relationship hinted at by a riders horoscope reading.
So, knowing that once Audrey's character walks off of the train, you know these kids are going to hook up. The movie is just to show how it transpires. While I was expecting a little "Amelie" type magic, I got a bunch of confusing relationships, uninteresting characters, and probably 30 minutes of screen time from Ms. Tautou in the 100 minute film.
Coming off like a bad, romantic send off of "21 Grams", with 2 extra characters, whom I couldn't care less about, I feel as if "Happenstance" should have never happened in the first place.
A for effort, as it was a cutesy little French flick, but a B for boredom.
"Game of Death", was Martial Arts master Bruce Lee's final film, before his untimely death in 1973. Perhaps his passing was a clear sign to halt production. Or not.
The story follows Billy Lo, a young fu movie star, as well as his pop star girlfriend Ann. Dr. Land, the head of a syndicate notorious for the exploitation of the entertainment indutry has his beady little eyes set on the duo. Reluctant to circum to the evils of the (not so) good doctor, Land sends his cronies out in hopes to change Lo's mind.
The film was "partly re-shot" in 1979 before its release. Translation; it means that the real Bruce Lee had about 25 minutes of screen time in his own movie. Of course, we're lead to believe it's all Lee, thanks to guys in thick "Fat Elvis" era glasses, bad wigs, worse beards, "facial reconstruction" bandages, darkl lit alleys, far shots, shots of stock footage, overdub tracks of Lee's signature moans and groans, and more.
The only redeeming value in this movie was the final fight sequence between Lee and "Hakim" (Kareem-Abdul Jabbar). A solid 20 minute block of classic Bruce Lee, which, thankfully was shot before his death. The rest is all hokey stand in's, typical 70's cheese factory acting, and an all out desecration of what entertainment value the Lee namesake held.
Oh yeah, this movie contains Tarantino's "homage" to Bruce Lee, as seen in "Kill Bill Vol. 1". Look for it in the warehouse scene, should you wish to subject yourself to such a insipid piece of cinematic swill.
Quite possibly one of the worst movies I have ever seen..for which I have no clever pun.
"Labyrinth" is the tale of a young girl named Sarah (Connelly), who just so happens to be totally obsessed with one fantasy novel in particular, "Labyrinth". Stuck at home, babysitting, her whiny infant step-brother, she summons the books goblins to come take him away. After the goblins appear, Sarah learns that in her world, fairy tales do exist!
This movie was a staple in every 80's kids viewing history, and for good reason. It's absolutely magical. It's a fairy tale with a element of fantasy that is presented in such a plausible manner that you could almost imagine it happening to you! Jennifer Connelly, who was an incredible actress even at age 14, was a knockout in every sense of the word. David Bowie as the wicked, yet soft-hearted Goblin King was perfection in casting.
This, much like "The Dark Crystal", is one of Lucas' forgotten gems, and a high point in the career of the late great puppeteer, Jim Henson. His creature shop must have been working overtime, spitting out some of the most unique, labor intensive, and visually stunning puppets the silver screen has ever had the pleasure of hosting.
There honestly isn't anything that you can find fault in. It's fun to watch unfold, easy to follow, and has some GREAT musical numbers, two of which are vintage Bowie. All these things, coupled with the imaginative cinematic storytelling of Lucas and direction of Henson, make for one of the fantasy realms greatest achievements.
This is one labyrinth you surely won't mind getting lost in.
7.5/10, and a high mark of recommendation for fans of fun
Last edited by Cory Chaos on Aug 18th, 2004 at 05:42 AM
A battle is raging underground between the premiere Vampire and Lycan clans. In the middle of the crossfire is the a "death dealer" by the name of Selene (Beckinsale). While in the service of the vampires, Selene falls for Michael, a lycanthrope that longs for the end of the bloodfeud, who is also the key to Lucian's plan to develop the ultimate hybrid. With fits of betrayal, befriending, dissolution amongst the ranks, and a battle for power, can the sheer determination of Selene and Michael be enough to put a stop to the ages old battle for supremacy?
This has been one of my favorite movies ever since I saw it in theatres. What I like best about the film is that it's a very fresh look at both the vampires and werewolves pitted against one another. The characters, costumes, and surroundings are modernized, and devoid of cliched gothic nods, i.e. dialogue mainly, which help with the relation to todays audiences. There's a solid mix of action, suspense, romance, and the typical vampyric and lycan influences. A very very hip twist to this genre, much like "The Lost Boys".
This edition of the movie expanded on the character of Erika, Kraven's love interest slash plaything. It fleshes out the romantic relationship between the two, which was only hinted at in the original. Her backhanded befriending of Selene seemed a lot more surprising after having seen this version as well, given her devotion to Kraven. Also, Michael (Speedman) had a lot of revelations. Mainly, his origins, how he lost his parents, then set out to discover the world on his own, finally learning of his lycanthrope lineage.
Of course, there were some scenes that were added that were originally cut for pacing, but usually didn't add nor take anything away from the scenes. There were times in which scenes were elaborated on for a better understanding.
Just an FYI: According to Wiseman's commentary, David Bowie was considered for a speaking part in Kraven's parlor towards the beginning, but Bowie, who said he was available, recieved word too late into production!
That said, if you haven't already seen this movie, and are a fan of "Blade", "The Crow", or the gothic genre in general, look for this either the theatrical edition, or spend $20 on the absolutely loaded Unrated Extended version.
9.5/10
Last edited by Cory Chaos on Aug 19th, 2004 at 11:00 PM