I have nothing but praise for this movie. Life isnt always too "goody-goody" like the way Hollywood likes to make movies, you have to be brave to enjoy a film like this but it is highly rewarding in its result. If you love this film and especially Theron's stunning portrayal, you'll fall in love with a film called BOYS DONT CRY (1999) which has similar themes. MONSTER is a film that rides on the strength of its acting, and thats precisely what makes great films in my opinion. My dad on the other hand prefers stunning vistas, simple to digest storys that arent in any way challenging. Oh well. I highly recommend you go to the theatres and see MONSTER and also rent BOYS DONT CRY. You'll be glad you did.
Reviews
21 Reviews
Spider
(2002)
Even the people who liked it "alot" didn't like it that much
27 August 2003
Read carefully over the people who praise the film. There's tons of warnings and qualifications such as "not for everyone", "maybe too slow for many people", and there is certainly a lack of "THE BEST THING I EVER SAW"..
After seeing this, I find myself in the camp of, yes this was a good movie. Is this the finest piece of cinema, certainly not. It was a good effort and the result was good, but its simply not that compelling in the end.
If you are really intersted, go see it, dont let people stop you, but just accept the entire movie will be slow and you may have to watch it while lying down and resting , because it is somewhat yawn-inducing.
After seeing this, I find myself in the camp of, yes this was a good movie. Is this the finest piece of cinema, certainly not. It was a good effort and the result was good, but its simply not that compelling in the end.
If you are really intersted, go see it, dont let people stop you, but just accept the entire movie will be slow and you may have to watch it while lying down and resting , because it is somewhat yawn-inducing.
A Walk to Remember
(2002)
Get the DVD now!
29 June 2003
I was moved to tears when i first saw this film, i have seen this film about 5 times strangely enough, not because i totally wanted to see this film just for myself, but to show friends. I think each time I watch the film i notice little things that could be cut, and I think ultimately this movie leaves you feeling wonderful, but at the same time you get the feeling if they had took a some scissors and glue to the script and re-shaped it just one more time to make it a little bit more compact around the time Jamie(Mandy Moore) got sick the movie's pace would have felt a bit more even.
I thought the movie was coherent nonetheless, although after hearing alot of other peoples opinions, it seemed like it definitely could have had one more makeover, script-wise. Fortunately, the finished product is something that is worth having in your DVD collection for anyone into a moving story. The gentle pacing of the movie might put some people to sleep Ive noticed, but, as far as movie making goes, you can watch this one a couple of times if you want to appreciate a fairly even rhythm of direction and script goes about. Like the movie's title, the film "walks", and sometimes runs (to the heavens). Seeing Mandy wooed by Shane West reminds me of all the great things about relationships and this film is just a great thing to be reminded of the beauty of human life. Thats quite a nice thing for a movie to do this. Also on the DVD you will get to hear Mandy, Shane, and Adam Shankman do the commentary (there is another with Sparks and Janszen that I didnt have time for). The commentary was fun to hear, of course at this point if you're listening to the commentary on this DVD it means you are one of the few big fans (my guess at least). I would love to see another production with Shankman at the helm, and I hope we see more of West and Moore in future films.
I thought the movie was coherent nonetheless, although after hearing alot of other peoples opinions, it seemed like it definitely could have had one more makeover, script-wise. Fortunately, the finished product is something that is worth having in your DVD collection for anyone into a moving story. The gentle pacing of the movie might put some people to sleep Ive noticed, but, as far as movie making goes, you can watch this one a couple of times if you want to appreciate a fairly even rhythm of direction and script goes about. Like the movie's title, the film "walks", and sometimes runs (to the heavens). Seeing Mandy wooed by Shane West reminds me of all the great things about relationships and this film is just a great thing to be reminded of the beauty of human life. Thats quite a nice thing for a movie to do this. Also on the DVD you will get to hear Mandy, Shane, and Adam Shankman do the commentary (there is another with Sparks and Janszen that I didnt have time for). The commentary was fun to hear, of course at this point if you're listening to the commentary on this DVD it means you are one of the few big fans (my guess at least). I would love to see another production with Shankman at the helm, and I hope we see more of West and Moore in future films.
Dancing at the Blue Iguana
(2000)
Amazing and put me into tears at times
21 June 2003
Warning: Spoilers
Im not so sure if we can all just label the method of the film as based soley on any "American" workshop improvisational technique. After all, Wong-Kar Wei's "Chunking Express" was done entirely on improv, but I feel it had better editing and felt more coherent even though it was just a bunch of set pieces, Lone Scherfig's "Italian For Beginners" follows the Dogma 95 Standard for filmmaking which seems highly similar as well, so I would say Dancing at the Blue Iguana just follows similar ground as the many films before it. Lets not attribute it to just one thing, its the artsy/indie movie industry thats evolving and everyone needs to be credited.
I think this movie is on the brink of being something great but cannot get there because the editing is horrible. I think everyone agrees there were some really standout scenes with superb, oscar winning acting, but that they were mixed in with a bunch of garbage as well. What they should have done is get the entire film back on the cutting room floor and re-edit the film so that the films 4-6 great scenes become the *central focus* of the film, instead of being 4-6 great scenes randomly thrown in with alot of so-so scenes.
*spoilers* The intro scene with Jessie calling up her uncle was the key to this movie, and the spirit of the movie in my opinion. Imagine if the beginning was the dominatrix scene with Stormy (Jennifer Tilly) and Jessie pleading with her to stay at her apartment, and then set the rest of the movie as a flashback (starting with Jessie calling her uncle). This movie has LOADS of potential but it just missed the bar because of the editing in my opinion. How tragic. Jennifer Tilly stole the show in the movies best scene, where Stormy is in the doctors office waiting to get an abortion and winds up in an argument about lighting up a cigarette next to a pregnant lady. My god, after the realism in that scene sunk in, I cried really hard just because I know that is exactly what goes on in the minds of millions of women and Jennifer Tilly captured that essence *perfectly*. I would get the DVD just to watch that scene over and over. It is tragic, beautiful for its humanity, and sadly a reality for many. True, there is alot of garbage in between scenes, and many things are just not done quite so succintly, such as the scene where the strip club owner plays back a message on his answering machine of a girl who just crys and crys. We get the point that there is someone in utter sadness on the other side after the first 30 seconds or so and we dont need the fact to be beat into our head (insults the audience intelligence) Brevity, preciseness, and more demanding editing are all this film needed to take it over the top. Still, I cant wait to get this film on DVD.
I think this movie is on the brink of being something great but cannot get there because the editing is horrible. I think everyone agrees there were some really standout scenes with superb, oscar winning acting, but that they were mixed in with a bunch of garbage as well. What they should have done is get the entire film back on the cutting room floor and re-edit the film so that the films 4-6 great scenes become the *central focus* of the film, instead of being 4-6 great scenes randomly thrown in with alot of so-so scenes.
*spoilers* The intro scene with Jessie calling up her uncle was the key to this movie, and the spirit of the movie in my opinion. Imagine if the beginning was the dominatrix scene with Stormy (Jennifer Tilly) and Jessie pleading with her to stay at her apartment, and then set the rest of the movie as a flashback (starting with Jessie calling her uncle). This movie has LOADS of potential but it just missed the bar because of the editing in my opinion. How tragic. Jennifer Tilly stole the show in the movies best scene, where Stormy is in the doctors office waiting to get an abortion and winds up in an argument about lighting up a cigarette next to a pregnant lady. My god, after the realism in that scene sunk in, I cried really hard just because I know that is exactly what goes on in the minds of millions of women and Jennifer Tilly captured that essence *perfectly*. I would get the DVD just to watch that scene over and over. It is tragic, beautiful for its humanity, and sadly a reality for many. True, there is alot of garbage in between scenes, and many things are just not done quite so succintly, such as the scene where the strip club owner plays back a message on his answering machine of a girl who just crys and crys. We get the point that there is someone in utter sadness on the other side after the first 30 seconds or so and we dont need the fact to be beat into our head (insults the audience intelligence) Brevity, preciseness, and more demanding editing are all this film needed to take it over the top. Still, I cant wait to get this film on DVD.
Take Care of My Cat
(2001)
Good story, quite subtle remarks on women in korea
21 February 2003
This movie works on two levels, basically the story that happens and also as a subtle progressive social commentary about the state of korea and how women are somewhat confined and the "minor" injustices they face all the time. I wouldn't go so far as to call it feminist because what alot of the movie is dealing with is just the basic struggle for existence, and how each of the girls can fit into the world somehow.
The story at first begins somewhat boring as its unclear what the purposes of the movie are, but around 20 minutes into the movie when Hye-ju rejects JiYoung's gift of the cat, and then later fails to meet her on time at a restaurant, it is clear that the movie is finally starting to move with its plot in some noticeable direction. And the way it does so is very smooth and well directed you slowly become immersed in the intricate details of thier world, which is a fundamental quality of a of a good movie. As a drama, it does its job of immersing the viewer in the emotions of its characters. I think it is a definitely progressive style drama as many other coming of age styled dramas are, and is enjoyable to watch throughout because you are always getting a realistic look at modern korean life as the story moves.
Worth watching!
The story at first begins somewhat boring as its unclear what the purposes of the movie are, but around 20 minutes into the movie when Hye-ju rejects JiYoung's gift of the cat, and then later fails to meet her on time at a restaurant, it is clear that the movie is finally starting to move with its plot in some noticeable direction. And the way it does so is very smooth and well directed you slowly become immersed in the intricate details of thier world, which is a fundamental quality of a of a good movie. As a drama, it does its job of immersing the viewer in the emotions of its characters. I think it is a definitely progressive style drama as many other coming of age styled dramas are, and is enjoyable to watch throughout because you are always getting a realistic look at modern korean life as the story moves.
Worth watching!
Ring 2
(1999)
Much more chilling than the first
4 December 2002
If someone were to ask me what was the most disturbing, deranged, scariest moment in a movie, I would have to say the scene where the reporter tries to erase some segment from his interview with the trusting girl Kyoko Fukada (Kanae). When I saw this, I thought that I have seen something from the other world in the most striking of ways. Her head and hair frizzing and shaking, looping back repeatedly in a fast rising cadence on the tv screen, I knew I was watching the most frightening thing one could ever see. There are no words to describe this, except that this idea must have come from hell itself.
The ending of the movie was somewhat of a letdown, all movies that end with a pool seem to be a bit cheesy (Ala SwimFan, Gremlins), but Ringu 2 is a definite must see if you've seen Ringu. The movie is great.
The ending of the movie was somewhat of a letdown, all movies that end with a pool seem to be a bit cheesy (Ala SwimFan, Gremlins), but Ringu 2 is a definite must see if you've seen Ringu. The movie is great.
Ringu
(1998)
Too scary to even think about
4 December 2002
The japanese movie "Ringu" was so scary I couldn't quite think straight after watching it. It makes you feel so tense and alters your perception somewhat. The american "The Ring" is not as purely horrifying as Ringu and Ringu 2, as the pace in the japanese versions are methodical and steady as it gets scarier and scarier. You have to really see both Ringu and Ringu 2 BACK TO BACK to get the full effect. Ringu is essentially an exercise in fantasy-horror, an indulgent push into the strange human interest in the macabre. It is obsessed with two notions: suffering and rage, but highly muted. It is the on-screen equivalent of someone shouting at the top of their lungs in horror as the mute button is pushed. It's just very disturbing to sit through this thing, and I don't think many horror films can even come close to this one.
There are several recurring elements that are of interest, most notably how news reporters are centrally involved with the downfall of the odd and strange, or interfere with others without concern, and the use of television to "babysit" our kids these days. These two elements reinforce the reality of the movie as they correspond with our own ideas of "meddling journalists" and "the danger of TV for our youth", adding a dimension that gives the movie more weight and pull for the viewer. A marvel, go see the original japanese "Ringu" now!
There are several recurring elements that are of interest, most notably how news reporters are centrally involved with the downfall of the odd and strange, or interfere with others without concern, and the use of television to "babysit" our kids these days. These two elements reinforce the reality of the movie as they correspond with our own ideas of "meddling journalists" and "the danger of TV for our youth", adding a dimension that gives the movie more weight and pull for the viewer. A marvel, go see the original japanese "Ringu" now!
American Beauty
(1999)
The Ultimate Art House movie
4 December 2002
Watch American Beauty again and look closer. It is less of a "film" and more of one of the most brilliant art "projects". It is essentially a montage of scenes that are self contained mini-essays on reflections about the American suburban experience and the collection creates a staggering whole. The pot-smoking scene outside the gym and the angry wife calling for Lester to go home; The video of the shopping bag floating in the air and how it opens up and creates a strong emotional connection between Ricky Fitts and Jane Burnham; Lester working out and checking himself in the reflection of the window is its own little montage about our obsession with "looking good", then the movie takes a wonderful twist and seamlessly moves to Ricky filming Lester and we have yet another montage about Ricky and his endless video taping.
This movie is definitely required viewing for any film or art student that wants to see modern movie techniques put to perfect use. All the characters in this movie will never be in a movie as great as this one, it is one of the master strokes of modern cinema.
One of the most ironic things about American Beauty is that it is viewed as a "mainstream" comedy-drama movie but it is far from that. If you watch the movie and pay attention to what the director is trying to accomplish in each scene you'll see it is far from "mainstream". I'm amazed Hollywood could produce such a radical movie and still gain nationwide acceptence. Definitely a breakthrough for modern cinema.
This movie is definitely required viewing for any film or art student that wants to see modern movie techniques put to perfect use. All the characters in this movie will never be in a movie as great as this one, it is one of the master strokes of modern cinema.
One of the most ironic things about American Beauty is that it is viewed as a "mainstream" comedy-drama movie but it is far from that. If you watch the movie and pay attention to what the director is trying to accomplish in each scene you'll see it is far from "mainstream". I'm amazed Hollywood could produce such a radical movie and still gain nationwide acceptence. Definitely a breakthrough for modern cinema.
Terminator 2: Judgment Day
(1991)
A hundred times smarter than its closest competitors
4 December 2002
This film has brains, an unusal occurance in action movies. Many of our greatest "genre" films often look like they are following that genre style, but incorporate a twist to give extra meaning. The "extra meaning" behind this movie is that those who have the power to kill others, should exericse restraint and choose not to.
In Terminator 2, you'll notice the T-800 (Arnold Schwarzenneger) doesn't kill a single person (he uses scaring/maiming tactics), yet the only people who kill humans are ironically, other humans. This idea is summed up at the end when Sarah Connor proclaims that if a robot (the T-800) can learn the value of human life, perhaps we can too. The whole plot follows the theme of "save humanity from itself", implying we are our own worst enemy. We also see Sarah Connor deciding to not kill Miles Dyson (Joe Morton) when she sees him up-close and surrounded by his young son and wife even though she had resolved to kill him earlier.
The best parts of the movie is first and foremost the action, but the little details go a long way towards helping as well. One of my favorite small details were the physical brilliance behind both Terminator's actions. When Arnold had to drive the truck past the SWAT team into the building to pull out Sarah and and John, he swerved the car so the rear end would pull perfectly into the back allowing them to escape unharmed by the SWAT. This is just one example among many indicating the amount of work gone into writing the physical direction of both Terminators, and the logic involved really is just taken for granted but can be appreciated.
This is a definite action classic because its incredibly smarter, on many more levels than other leading edge action films, such as John Woo's Hard Boiled. This film has brains because James Cameron is one our great cinematic geniuses. Get this on DVD!
In Terminator 2, you'll notice the T-800 (Arnold Schwarzenneger) doesn't kill a single person (he uses scaring/maiming tactics), yet the only people who kill humans are ironically, other humans. This idea is summed up at the end when Sarah Connor proclaims that if a robot (the T-800) can learn the value of human life, perhaps we can too. The whole plot follows the theme of "save humanity from itself", implying we are our own worst enemy. We also see Sarah Connor deciding to not kill Miles Dyson (Joe Morton) when she sees him up-close and surrounded by his young son and wife even though she had resolved to kill him earlier.
The best parts of the movie is first and foremost the action, but the little details go a long way towards helping as well. One of my favorite small details were the physical brilliance behind both Terminator's actions. When Arnold had to drive the truck past the SWAT team into the building to pull out Sarah and and John, he swerved the car so the rear end would pull perfectly into the back allowing them to escape unharmed by the SWAT. This is just one example among many indicating the amount of work gone into writing the physical direction of both Terminators, and the logic involved really is just taken for granted but can be appreciated.
This is a definite action classic because its incredibly smarter, on many more levels than other leading edge action films, such as John Woo's Hard Boiled. This film has brains because James Cameron is one our great cinematic geniuses. Get this on DVD!
Seven Samurai
(1954)
Long, Philosophical, Great Story, well worth it!
4 December 2002
This movie requires a bit of patience to sit through as it has a running time over three hours, but as you watch it you realize it has a characteristic to the great Greek epic stories. You have a clearly defined good (samurai) and bad (bandits) side and then a somewhat ambiguous side (the farmers). The reason why the movie is great is not because of the classical story line, but the small details put in that exhibit alot of humor, bravery, and spirituality. Everyone who sees the film will always remember the seventh samurai (Mifune), and how they would try to hit a samurai with a stick as he came in the door. "Find hungry samurai" was a memorable line by Gisaku, the town old wiseman.
When looking at great films, we all notice the same characteristics: no pretention, pure storytelling, and scenes which force the truth out of the characters involved. When the samurai realize the farmers are reduced to eating millet instead of rice, they feel awful. In that moment the viewer feels what the samurai feel, and there is some positive connection between the movie and its audience.
This is one rowdy, dramatic, epic, uncontainable movie that deserves at least one viewing!
When looking at great films, we all notice the same characteristics: no pretention, pure storytelling, and scenes which force the truth out of the characters involved. When the samurai realize the farmers are reduced to eating millet instead of rice, they feel awful. In that moment the viewer feels what the samurai feel, and there is some positive connection between the movie and its audience.
This is one rowdy, dramatic, epic, uncontainable movie that deserves at least one viewing!
A Walk to Remember
(2002)
A modern classic, the power of love.
2 December 2002
I have seen A Walk to Remember about three times now, and I find something new about it each time. Before I saw the movie, I had low expectations. Most people would imagine the movie would be something of an abomination since it stars a teen-idol pop singer, as did I. To my surprise, the movie turned out very well, and remains one of my favorite movies.
The third time I saw the movie, I really became engaged in the plot development and dialogues, picking up alot of information. This is what I've discovered: The movie is basically an exploration into the power of love as a motivating and life-changing force. Not only will you see a change in Landon, but you will see him change relationships with the people around him as Jamie changes his own life. He becomes more supportive of his mother, he creates a bond with his father(who is divorced) that wasn't previously made, he creates a new identity with his friends after the fight at the cafeteria, which actually puts him closer to his friends after they discover what Landon has gone through, and he eventually becomes a shining star in Jamie's father's eyes.
The soundtrack is also very good with Mandy Moore's "Only Hope" and "It's gonna be Love", "Someday We'll Know", "Cry", and New Radical's "Mother We Just Can't Get Enough". The song placements are near perfect in creating the right mood, especially with "Mother We Just Can't Get Enough". This will be one of the most special movies you will ever see, it ranks up there with Chasing Amy and Love Story. Go watch it now!
The third time I saw the movie, I really became engaged in the plot development and dialogues, picking up alot of information. This is what I've discovered: The movie is basically an exploration into the power of love as a motivating and life-changing force. Not only will you see a change in Landon, but you will see him change relationships with the people around him as Jamie changes his own life. He becomes more supportive of his mother, he creates a bond with his father(who is divorced) that wasn't previously made, he creates a new identity with his friends after the fight at the cafeteria, which actually puts him closer to his friends after they discover what Landon has gone through, and he eventually becomes a shining star in Jamie's father's eyes.
The soundtrack is also very good with Mandy Moore's "Only Hope" and "It's gonna be Love", "Someday We'll Know", "Cry", and New Radical's "Mother We Just Can't Get Enough". The song placements are near perfect in creating the right mood, especially with "Mother We Just Can't Get Enough". This will be one of the most special movies you will ever see, it ranks up there with Chasing Amy and Love Story. Go watch it now!
A Walk to Remember
(2002)
Great movie, better than the book!
18 February 2002
The movie really was better than the book, the producers made signficant changes in the beginning to setup the relationship between jamie and landon. The opening dare scene really showed the kind of guy landon was, what kind of direction he was headed, and truly made a dramatic difference between jamie and landon... When he was forced to go into drama by the principal, to me, it seemed a much more logical and natural way to setup the relationship...the movie made it seem that jamie was much more the saviour, and the landon was the one in need this way... The movie is just straight out more powerful than the book.. I think this doesn't make the book bad, its just more of a credit to the producers.
Aside from that, if you haven't read the book, go see the movie first!!! If you've seen the movie and loved it, it is probably worth your while to read it too.
And, yes, the world should have more Jamie Sullivans.
Aside from that, if you haven't read the book, go see the movie first!!! If you've seen the movie and loved it, it is probably worth your while to read it too.
And, yes, the world should have more Jamie Sullivans.
American Psycho
(2000)
Bale's perfect performance; short running time of movie leaves holes
24 May 2001
Warning: Spoilers
Spoilers are contained in this review, FYI. I would say American Psycho had bits of existentialism, self-exploration, and an interesting mix of psychology. It is about an off-centered fellow named Patrick Bateman who, on almost all levels, is the same as you and me, except that he is incredibly articulate in his talk and his thought process, yet acts on his innermost feelings without any type of "filter", i.e. if he gets mad at you, he'll just kill you. He doesn't seem capable of empathy, yet there is a scene in which he breaks down and confesses his murders, and the "child" within him is brought to the surface. The movie hints at many things but never brings each one to fruition: the relationship between his secretary and how she serves as some moral "signpost" in some ways; how he would say one thing such as "Im into murders and executions" but people would think he said "Mergers and acquisitions" (possibly some kind of people are self-centered theme/only hear what they want to hear?); and the ending with Reagan on TV (minor political commentary/ more largely the story being a metaphor on ethics).
This movie reminds me much of Sartre's "The Stranger", and a little bit of Kafka's "Metamorphosis", both of which have to do with identity, ethics, and communication. In the end of American Psycho, Bateman reaches out, but no one hears, or wants to hear; his conclusion is that it never mattered much in the first place. See this movie if you want a good chat afterwards!
This movie reminds me much of Sartre's "The Stranger", and a little bit of Kafka's "Metamorphosis", both of which have to do with identity, ethics, and communication. In the end of American Psycho, Bateman reaches out, but no one hears, or wants to hear; his conclusion is that it never mattered much in the first place. See this movie if you want a good chat afterwards!
Chungking Express
(1994)
Transcends everything
30 November 2000
This film has two stories; The first is about the come-and-go nature of love and how that come-and-go quality can wreck people; the second story is not about love, its about how love can be utterly everything, at least for a while, and how absolutely everything is shaded, slanted, tilted, and beautiful during that moment of infatuation and dream;
There are so many aspects and dimensions about love; the two separate stories are incredibly appropriate; each story has a different angle on the same fire, both succeed wonderfully;
The cinematography is icing on the cake, the story and concept is so good it can't fail, Wong Kar Wei's directorial treatment multiplies the experience.
The reason why the movie suceeds is that, like every great film, it uses the medium to its advantage; rather than just a visual story, it chops, blends, shakes, slows down, speeds up in order to achieve its impact precisely in the same way our own emotions depend so much on timing and atmosphere; this is why the film transcends so much, it conveys so much about being in love, so precisely.
There are so many aspects and dimensions about love; the two separate stories are incredibly appropriate; each story has a different angle on the same fire, both succeed wonderfully;
The cinematography is icing on the cake, the story and concept is so good it can't fail, Wong Kar Wei's directorial treatment multiplies the experience.
The reason why the movie suceeds is that, like every great film, it uses the medium to its advantage; rather than just a visual story, it chops, blends, shakes, slows down, speeds up in order to achieve its impact precisely in the same way our own emotions depend so much on timing and atmosphere; this is why the film transcends so much, it conveys so much about being in love, so precisely.
Akira
(1988)
A fine movie about balance
30 November 2000
First of all, this movie is purely science-fiction. However, one of the tenets of science-fiction is to create devices or elements which could not otherwise exist in reality, and those devices enable the story to show and reveal certain aspects humanity that deserve introspection but aren't easily as accessible under the non-science fiction genre. In fact, this whole movie speaks in metaphors. We see people getting riddled with bullets, getting torn to shreds by this or that, yet later we get a sense that even the police/army have no idea why they are doing what they are doing, and thus lies in the greater tragedy; Everyone in this film has no direction, everyone is living on this neurotic fringe surrounded by the bleak trappings of modern industrial life, and ultimately we see that everyone in this film essentially has no balance, no inner light that guides them, and I think the film wants to explore the journey that one could take to find that balance, that inner light.
This movie has directional problems. The incredible action that surrounds the movie completley destroys our notion that this movie is trying to deal with something profound, something philosophical, something that you sit down with a friend over a cup of coffee for a few hours about. The juxtaposition of intense action to intense personal drama is really not a good idea, sort of like riding a rollercoaster than trying to discuss the nature of love immediately after stumbling off.
The things which make this movie well worth seeing are
+ the "literalization" of Tetsuo's lack of balance / lack of control of his internal energy (remember, this movie is speaking in metaphors, when things go boom, take some of it with a grain of salt)
+ the friendship between Kaneda and Tetsuo, Kaneda's genuine concern and care about helping Tetsuo regain his balance
+ the incredible animation.
What this movie could have done better
How to Take something from this movie
+ watch it with an open mind, think about what it is saying about internal balance
Content: 9 Efficacy: 5 Overall: 8
This movie has directional problems. The incredible action that surrounds the movie completley destroys our notion that this movie is trying to deal with something profound, something philosophical, something that you sit down with a friend over a cup of coffee for a few hours about. The juxtaposition of intense action to intense personal drama is really not a good idea, sort of like riding a rollercoaster than trying to discuss the nature of love immediately after stumbling off.
The things which make this movie well worth seeing are
+ the "literalization" of Tetsuo's lack of balance / lack of control of his internal energy (remember, this movie is speaking in metaphors, when things go boom, take some of it with a grain of salt)
+ the friendship between Kaneda and Tetsuo, Kaneda's genuine concern and care about helping Tetsuo regain his balance
+ the incredible animation.
What this movie could have done better
- this movie could stand a lot of trimming
- this movie also needed some additional things to be said about balance/friendship/relationships/modern urban life to be truly "complete"
- there are too many elements that require knowledge of the manga comic for this movie to stand on its own..
How to Take something from this movie
+ watch it with an open mind, think about what it is saying about internal balance
Content: 9 Efficacy: 5 Overall: 8
Secret Cutting
(2000 TV Movie)
A pinch of American Beauty, A pinch of Made-For-TV
14 September 2000
Take the world from American Beauty, and replace the superstar parents with their B-movie equivalents, and you have Secret Cutting. It's a good watch, and I learned something about cutting. I don't know if the reasons cited in the movie for cutting oneself are the main reasons that most cutters do it, but it seems believable. And yes, I'd cut the mother a couple of times as well. And the script for the father seemed really off-key, like they didn't spend enough time developing the father's character. He would always start to say something meaningfull or interesting, then he'd just cut himself off. Maybe he has some problem saying everything in his mind and they wanted to show this, but the fact that its so vague makes the scripting pretty average.
I'd recommmend this movie highly due to the very good performance by the main character Kimberlee Peterson.
I'd recommmend this movie highly due to the very good performance by the main character Kimberlee Peterson.
Enjeru dasuto
(1994)
psychotic thriller
3 August 2000
I first thought this movie borrowed heavily in terms of cinematography from David Lynch "Lost Highway", i.e. the viewer watching the action from a TV thats recording the subject, i.e. the psychological nuttiness between male/female relationships, etc.. But i just discovered that Lost Highway was made 3 years AFTER Angel Dust, and so that makes Angel Dust that much more innovative, IMO. I agree with all the other comments below, its somewhat "muddled" but overall very intense and worth watching.
The main female detective is not that interesting compared to the doctor of the "re-brainwashing" clinic. He is the centerpiece of the movie, and his ideas are something to always think about.
The main female detective is not that interesting compared to the doctor of the "re-brainwashing" clinic. He is the centerpiece of the movie, and his ideas are something to always think about.
Akira
(1988)
Mystical, Mental, Other-worldy
3 August 2000
This smart movie is a science fiction anime thriller that explores the human psyche. Its truly a mystical experience, and the animation is at the top of the game. The movie is about the relationship between Kaneda and his friend Tetsuo, as Kaneda and his friends run throughout Neo-Tokyo searching for Tetsuo's whereabouts.
One thing that i really liked about this movie was its brutal honesty in depicting the modern human condition, or at least what its artists forsee as the human condition under the ravages of industry and city life. A beautiful movie for those who can stomach the gore as odd as that sounds.
There is another japanse movie I must recommend (non-anime) that follows another mental-collapse-type situation "Angel Dust" which I think Akira fans might enjoy (its a psychological crime thriller, but so much more)
One thing that i really liked about this movie was its brutal honesty in depicting the modern human condition, or at least what its artists forsee as the human condition under the ravages of industry and city life. A beautiful movie for those who can stomach the gore as odd as that sounds.
There is another japanse movie I must recommend (non-anime) that follows another mental-collapse-type situation "Angel Dust" which I think Akira fans might enjoy (its a psychological crime thriller, but so much more)
Chungking Express
(1994)
Wong Kar Wai is a legend in HK
27 May 2000
Perhaps some may not know already, but after Chunking Express, Wong Kar Wai became a superstar and has been treated as legendary in Hong Kong. The film is located in the tourist district of Hong Kong and shows Hong kong to be a vivid, colorful place, which was warmly greeted to by viewers in Hong Kong. I think the film works on at least two levels, the first one being the personal love stories of young people in Hong Kong, and the second is a showcase of Hong Kong, giving the viewer a wonderful tour across parts of the city. Without Faye Wong, however, the movie would be significantly weaker. I think Wong Kar Wai is on the same level as Scorsece. The interesting thing about Scorsece is that he had original ideas in his time and his movies suceeded on that level, and so does Wong Kar Wai. Any critic who does not treat Wong as top level probably has a bias of some kind.
This movie is a 10 out of 10!
This movie is a 10 out of 10!
Joan of Arc
(1999)
Atrocious
21 March 2000
This movie was atrocious, as in "really not good". LeeLee Sobieski is simply a miscast for the role of Joan, her acting did not penetrate the character at all. She just mumbled her lines, and was hardly believable. I think she is still growing as an actress, and delivering lines while trying to make a french accent simply is not her forte at the moment. And Doogie Houser, M.D. guranteed the failure of the movie. The action, sets, props, etc.. are all there, however the movie is so choppy, you have to struggle to stay interested. I really think the movie was just a bunch of set scenes and poor organization, later to be slapped together with video-editing. It's unfortunate, since they had all the pieces to make something much more worthwhile. LeeLee was my favorite actress ever since "Deep Impact"
but this movie was a disappointment. However, she is still growing into her potential. Her strong acting lies in playing your average yet poignant young girl-next-door character (wow, just like how Helen Hunt got her start) which is briefly showcased in Deep Impact and will be explored in her next movie "Here on Earth". Anyways, I hope LeeLee's career takes off! She certainlyhas the classic looks for a true Hollywood legend.
but this movie was a disappointment. However, she is still growing into her potential. Her strong acting lies in playing your average yet poignant young girl-next-door character (wow, just like how Helen Hunt got her start) which is briefly showcased in Deep Impact and will be explored in her next movie "Here on Earth". Anyways, I hope LeeLee's career takes off! She certainlyhas the classic looks for a true Hollywood legend.
Hider in the House
(1989)
good setup, poor execution (WARNING: SPOILERS)
23 January 2000
Warning: Spoilers
The setup of the plot is very original, but it becomes excruciating to watch Tom Sykes since they reduce his behavior to this one dimensional Jason. To me, the point of the movie was going in the direction of "someone is living in the house, without authorization, lets explore the psychological dimensions of this guys behavior, perhaps there can be some interesting message about human behavior" then they decided to end the whole thing in this lame gun battle, which i felt was a cheap ending to something that could have been more fascinating. Overall, interesting, but no payoff.
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