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raving_wolf
Reviews
The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers (2002)
I NEED MORE
i rarely give ten stars to any movie, but i had to. I was so astounded and amazed during this entire movie that i felt i would cry at any moment as if witnessing a miracle. For almost three hours shivers shot down my spine...you know the ones.
if the third movie in the saga is any better than this one i am going to have to stop going to the movies, cuz my expectations are gonna be higher than god.
watch it....love it.
and for all you hard core fans who didn't like any of the changes from the book....get over it...it's a movie. If you want things exactly the same read the book again.
Minority Report (2002)
A Futuristic Masterpiece
I'm not gonna tell ya about the story, just read some of the other comments or preferably, watch the movie....
i just wanted to say Minority Report deserves all the praise in the world. The acting and directing is magnificent and the SFX are believable.
although, after watching it a few times, which, sadly, i'm inclined to do, there are some problems with the story you tend not to notice because the movie is always going forward.
I am disapointed however, that the real criminal is exposed so early. This movie had the makings of a great Mystery and in one scene, it is all taken away and some of the fun is taken away with it.
But that put aside, this movie is the futuristic joyride that The Star Wars prequels are supposed to be. Somebody should take lessons.
Resident Evil (2002)
Creepily fantastic
first of all i must admit that i am an avid resident evil player and was skeptic of this film at first, yet still anticipated its release.
After walking out of the theatre i was astonished. I remembered the days when video games first came to the big screen. I remember the disapointment following such flops as Super Mario Bros., and Street Fighter. But then there was the satisfaction of Mortal Kombat (not the sequel which sucked hard core) and Final Fantasy: the spirts within.
Resident Evil falls in line with Mortal Kombat. The origional story is kept in tact except for a few details that had to be added to make the movie work.
I enjoyed the movie tremendously, in fact a few scenes totally creeped me out, just like the game does, while playing it alone, in a dark room with the volume turned way up. Although it will always be a trend setting classic, i believe that Resident evil is totally the Night of the living dead of the 2000's...there has not been a great zombie movie since then until now.
Recommended to sci-fi fans and gamers alike, and if you haven't tried the game yet and liked the movie, i suggest you get with it. Both the game and the movie are edge of your seat fright fests that will definately get your heart racing.
A League of Their Own (1992)
a perfect season
i can't remember the first time i had seen this film, but i know that it will always remain one of my favorites and can bring a tear to my eye.
a perfect movie starring Tom Hanks, in his funner care free days, Gina Davis, Rosie O'Donnel, Madonna, in one of her better acting days, and more...all giving great, heartfelt performances...
This film has it all, comedy, drama, action and romance. Watching the women fulfill their dreams and overcome obstacles creates and awesome feeling where anything is possible. It shows us the power of regret and the power of love.
Best of all, this film features Madonna's classic, This used to be my playground in it's full version....a touching ending to a great movie.
They (2002)
some things just aren't appreciated
some things just aren't appreciated, let's take THEY for instance. i walked out of the theatre not fully satisfied, but content with the film while my loyal movie-goer buddy complained about the whole thing.
let's face it, they wasn't your typical horror movie, however, it was a horror movie depending more on psychological impact rather than the blood, gore, and sex of slasher films which are better defined as physical terror movies....yes there is a difference.
i personally enjoy films that make you think and force you to discuss them until you have fully understood the concepts held within. I had a field day with the Blair Witch Project, and They was one of those movies. Instead of explaining what They were, we were kept in the dark allong with the heroine of the film making us just as confused and frightened as she was. At the end, where it ends abruptly, we still have no idea what they are or what they want, only that they are real. I find this to be more frightening than actually knowing everything. Do i wish that there was a little more explanation? Sure. Am i disappointed? Not at all. I love a challenge.
Typically this could be considered a stalk and slash film. People were being hunted by an assailant, attacked and ultimately consumed by they. What sets it apart is it's psychological impact. The fear of going crazy and the things that can drive a person to reach the end of his rope so to say. The introduction of They seemed to follow severe traumatic episodes. In the case of the heroine, after the death of her father and then after the suicide of her friend. You have to wonder, if Billy had not killed himself, bringing out repressed feelings of guilt and hopelessness, would the leading lady (sorry i forgot her name) have been in any danger. We do not know enough of the other characters to know if this is true or not but we do know that they didn't have episodes with They until after billy's death also.
Furtherly (is that a word?) the only knowledge we get of the creatures is through Billy's journal. The man was obviously an obsessed addict with serious mental problems. It is possible that he was the catalyst for everything that had happened since we know that he was "always a little weird" His obsession could have easily imprinted itself on other troubled people. Our heroine even says so while trying to self anilyze herself during the film.
Now to the ending, and if you haven't seen the movie and don't want it spoiled i suggest you stop reading now. I mean it don't read anymore. I warned you.
in the end, the girl has apparently totally flipped out and is placed in an asylum. This is ironic considering she had been studying to be a shrink in the first place.
After she realizes where she is, after having been "out of it" for a while, she is attacked and taken away by they to their dark place only to become the victim of acts unknown.
This is what upset people the most. not a traditional ending, more akin to the blair witch and last years jeepers creepers, short and sweet without any apparent conclusion. However, after some thought and discussion the ending actually fits and is very conclusive. Lets break it down.
Throughout the film everyone goes through serious mental stress, being pushed to their limits of sanity. They can be best described, not by their apearance, but by the effect they have. They are the negetive thoughts and emotions that we all harbour. They are the fear and insecurity that can drive people mad. (see how easily it is to describe them, their name having a double meaning)
When the little girl in the waiting room says that they want to eat her, she doesn't mean it in that way. They want to devour her sanity, and that is what happens at the end of the movie.
Our heroine has snapped and has entered the dark place in her head where all of her fears and dreads have come reality. This place represented by the darkness where the demons come from, which brings up another good point.
They are referred to as demons which to me signifies "inner demons".
anyhow, what i am trying to say is that this movie is actually a symbolistic horror about going crazy, about obsession and guilt, fear and insecurities.
the ending simply shows us that the girl we knew and followed has lost contact with the real world and has gone completely crazy insane. The screaming girl in the darkness is the last trace of her sanity and it is quickly devoured, leaving only the dark place.
well i hope that was informative and made you appreciate the movie a little more. Mind you these are just my thoughts and i know i left lots of room for critism, but that is what discussion is all about.
Finally, i find this kind of horror to be the most frightening. A dangerous man with a knife is scary, but completely losing your mind and not being able to do anything about it is just terrifying.
Legally Blonde (2001)
"VOTE FOR ELLE!"
Only one word can truly summarize this film starring Reese Witherspoon as a stereotyped sorority girl turned lawyer....FANTASTIC.
it is a rare occurance these days that a comedy does not rely on trick gags and disgusting grossness to make the audience laugh, but Legally Blonde has neither and is still the funniest, most heartfelt movie i have seen in like forever.
Movies such as Not Another Teen Movie, Deuce Bigolow, Something About Mary and all the other's like them that have come out within the last few years have nothing on Legally Blonde. None of the above named movies had any real longevity to them. Sure you watch it once and you laugh, but the jokes are boring the second time around. Legally Blonde differs from this.
I have a two year old nephew that i watch once a week, and everytime he comes over he goes straight to the DVD rack and pulls out this movie and we watch it. I think he likes the dog. I must have watched this movie close to a hundred times by now and i find myself still able to laugh all the way through....i even find myself reciting lines and laughing to myself in the super market.
Excellent flick, i can not stress this enough, full of laughs, not generic tricks, and a very heartfelt and truly uplifting story.
What i find great about this film is Elle, played by Reese Witherspoon, who is the blonde in the movie, but despite having stereotyped traits, is not typical in any way. She is not stupid, rather she is not as serious about some things as she is about others, which is the case for everyone in the world. She knows what she wants and gets it.
i recommend this movie to everyone and find that after a crappy day, it is great medicine for life.
Say It Isn't So (2001)
i say it isn't that good
ugh, what a disgrace. Say it isn't so was almost horrible and if it weren't for like two unbelievable moments in the film (the episode with Gilly's ear and Gilly's mishap with the cow) i would surely have rated this film a one.
The problem here is that there really is no real laughs, just a few moments of extremely strange situations that are funny but to few to keep the movie going.
Heather Graham was cute as ever, but this role doesn't allow her to utilize her real talent and as for kris klein, well we've all seen american pie. I recommend watching that again instead of this movie.
John Q (2002)
Excellent Film
This was a totally must see movie, i watch it over and over and it still brings tears to my eyes, The actors/actresses were phenomenal. You truly get sucked in to the film. The Archabald's hade me believing they were a real family going through this problem, my heart goes out to everyone who is awaiting on a donor's list.!
The Island on Bird Street (1997)
touching adventure
i was a little uncertain when i was first introduced to this film...my friend had bought it and it really didn't seem interesting, i mean come on...another nazi v. jew film but i was surprised...
this story is origional following a little boy who is left alone and is being hunted by the nazi's. his courage comes from a book and his best friend is a little mouse named snow...
the story follows the boy as he decides to wait in dangerous territory for his father, whom although was taken away, promised to return...
this is a touching story and a great chapter for anyone iterested in this tragic time period...
Vertical Limit (2000)
action packed but predictable
wonderful movie i must say but not all too origional. the special effects were wonderful and the stunts perfect...the film starts us off with action and as soon as it slows down something else happens to knock us out of our seats.
i can forgive the makers for making the ending predictable, but i do have some issues with the credibility of the story...some parts just don't seem realistic and made me wonder if that would ever really happen...don't want to spoil anything...but i was cut out of my fictive dream on many occasions...
all in all a great action flick well acted and funny at times...my favorite part...and those who have seen it will know exactly what i mean...is the blood, what kind of sick genious came up with that...
Boys Don't Cry (1999)
AMAZING
I'm not going to praddle on about the plot or some long explanation of the filmmakers triumphant film...all I have to say is that this was probably the most disturbing film I have seen in a while, but also the most beautiful...BRAVO to Hilary Swank, she deserved her award.
Go (1999)
pulp fiction on ecstacy
The first time i saw this flick, i was blown away...i thought it was a teenage version of pulp fiction(but pulp fiction is way superior). A brilliant movie that moves around and shows us the effects strangers may have on each other without knowing it...
Because one person does this, another person will be forced to do something else and so on. In the end, the actions of all the characters fit together nicely and smoothly.
This film also allows us to see Katie Holmes in a good role, shame on her for Disturbing Behavior.
Full of comedy, Drama, Sex and Rock and Roll, GO! has it all mixed together to spin an urban tale where anyone could find something to relate to.
The Faculty (1998)
school's out
the faculty is a fun science fiction film that follows scream in the idea that it takes it's plot from past sources...in this case, attack of the body snatchers.
Kevin Williamson writes a fresh script that incorporates classic ideas of individuality with modern day characters with modern day problems. Sure the characters represent stereotypes, the jock, the loser, the rebel etc...but they are played out to perfection.
the diolouge is smart and the action constant. This is a fun movie for all who feel repressed by the societal norms that wreck havoc on our culture...huray for the loser who becomes the hero and huray for the freak who can be loved.
Gossip (2000)
"gossip is loads of fun"
a brilliant film artfully scripted and shot. Davis Guggenheim does a wonderful job directing and the cast is believable and hot.
full of twists and turns, everytime i watch this film, and it's a lot, i find myself asking myself new questions on what was actually gossip and what wasn't. who started the rumors? are they really rumors? is so and so telling the truth?
it is movies like this, that make you think about real issues along with the content of the film that make them wonderful. Like travis's room in the film...it is a piece of art with a killer soundtrack( i was especially happy to have seen poe performing at a club in it...considering i thought she was lost to us).
How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000)
a family flick for all
the grinch was a wonderful film with intense visuals and great acting...although jim carrey was a little overacting (one reason i never liked him in the first place).
the story strayed from the origional tale, only to establish a back story and make the film a little more interesting for a live action hit.
my only real beef with the film is that it was way too long...there were parts that i didn't think were needed and way too much goofiness on the part of the GRINCH.
all in all a great film that has put me in the holiday spirit with a lesson that all should learn. MERRY CHRISTMAS.
Book of Shadows: Blair Witch 2 (2000)
movie of shadows
everywhere i look this film is getting the worst reviews i have ever seen, but i don't understand why...unfortunately, BWP2 is being compared to the first one and people go into the theatre doubting that it will surpass it. This is unfortunate.
BWP2 is a movie all its own and shouldn't be compared to the origional. I guarentee if this film came out under another name and used some other references to some other which it would have been a blockbuster success.
While the first Blair Witch was a subjective visual movie, BWP2 is made just like any other movie with a script, cast, special effects, etc. It is a movie influenced by another.
The tension in this movie occurs because you have no clue what is going on. Even though your view is objective and we don't just see what the characters see, it is filmed in a way that makes it hard to comprehend.
I found this movie to be great for the same reason that i found the first BWP to be fantastic. Both movies leave room for endless discussion at the end. What just happened? Why did it happen? etc. This is a thinking movie with psychological twists that frighten the hell out of you but the fun part is not watching the movie but rather trying to fit all the pieces together and seeing if your explanation of actions can hold up under the scrutiny of others....
Welcome to the Dollhouse (1995)
welcome to the mind of youth
a wonderful portrayal of the hell and insecurities that the unattractive and misunderstood go through during that strange transition to junior high and puberty.
this movie was laugh out loud funny and tearfully sad at the same time. Emotions could be empathized with. Sure a little cheesy at times, but you have to admit that there was some cheesy stuff going on when you are in junior high. everyone is trying to do their thing and find a place to fit in.
i reccomend this film to anyone who wants to be taken back to those wonderful preteen years. sit back, laugh, and realize that life is just a series of tests and struggles, but there are no right answers.
Bring It On (2000)
K I C K A * * that's the way we spell success!
yes this movie was fun and entertaining and well choreographed and pleasing to the eye and a whole slew of other compliments...I agree with everyone else on this point and suggest that if you want to see a real feel good movie and want to walk out of the theatre ready to rule the world..go see BRING IT ON.
however, on another level, this film is not all it is cracked up to be. It is fun, but that's about it. The dialogue was lacking in sincerety and the "witty repertoire" lacked the luster that Cat Strafford (Julia Styles) gave in 10 THINGS I HATE ABOUT YOU. Even though Kristen Dunst and her mob of teen cheerleaders tried to spew out over-intellegent jibes, they were corny and often out of place. It was as if they were trying to overemphasize the witty dialogues that made CLUELESS and 10 THINGS...popular. The one line that bugged me the most was..." are you trying to tell me you speak fluent in fag." This is not only STUPID, but who in their right mind would say something like this to a friend especially when that person is having a hard time coping with their sexuality...not very realistic.
If the characters said less and performed more, this would have been a better movie. The characters were real, they had feelings and emotions that reprsented well what we all felt in High School. Everyone gave great performances. I loved it...but seriously, nobody talks like that in high school unless they want to get beaten.
The Watcher (2000)
watch what....
although i did not think that he could do it...keanu reeves pulls off a villain in this latest attempt at a serial killer thriller that leaves nothing to the imagination.
there was nothing surprising about this film and although movie moguls are coming up with new and twisted ways to kill people and create deadly villains, the stories are all the same and the watcher is no exception.
the story ended itself right in the beginning because right away it was so predictable. you knew who the killer was, you knew his motives and you knew whom the last victim would be and why right in the first twenty minutes of the film.
true it was gory at times, but even the "watcher" would not waste his time watching something like this. i would rather rent silence of the lambs again than sit through this wanna be of a thriller.
Das Cabinet des Dr. Caligari (1920)
wonderland
one of the greatest films featuring german expressionism, this film mixes a psychological theme with strange surrealist settings, an idea that has been copyed ever since.
the lack of sound no way interfered with the story and it almost seemed impossible to not look at the set and it's edgey unproportioned and warped edges.
a great psychological thriller from the past in a time when this kind of stuff was amazing and awe inspiring.
Le voyage dans la lune (1902)
fantastic voyage
a fantastic film made in 1902 that began the trend of using special effects to make a story more interesting. Although silent, voyage to the moon's visuals make up for any lack of score or diolouge as images are superimposed on one another and unique sets are built to create a fantasy.
melies uses special effects that are still used today, alomost a century later, only modern technology has made these effects more believable in modern theatres.
a great fantastic film of it's time...i only wish that i had seen it when it first came out to experience the real thrill of the experience.
The Cell (2000)
sweet eye candy with poison
the special effects in this movie blew me away and are probably the best of the summer, they are definately the most expressive and artistic. The story is a has been, serial killer takes a victim, everyone must find victim, police go to professionals for help...come on SILENCE OF THE LAMBS, THE BONE COLLECTOR...etc.
some parts made me squirm and others just entranced me as fantasy literally becomes reality in the mind of a killer.
once again i must say that the effects blew me away and jennifer lopez did an excellent job as she took on the personas of a therapist, a saint and jennifer, warrior princess.
All the Rage (1999)
do you have a gun?
this film is different as a score of people discover things about themselves and others that they didn't know and how to use a gun.
at first i must admit it was a slow flick, but i like these movies where the point of view changes from one character to another with their own little side stories, only to find that they are all really connected.
this is a fun movie that deals with the reality of guns in the united states and how harmful they can be in the wrong hands. a terrific message put to use in a very strange story...i give it two thumbs up in the origionality department and another two thumbs up for anna paquin, who goes from the silent and scared ROGUE in the X-MEN movie, to a trashy whore who just happens to be underage and loving it.
Little Witches (1996)
not a rip-off of the craft...not even that.
little witches was a terrible movie that may have been successful if the acting wasn't so bad and the girls left their clothes on. The plot was ok and all that but the effects sucked and i couldn't help but think that this was just someones lame follow up to the popularity of the craft.
i'd rather see dennis rodman in drag throwing magic around than these girls.
The Craft (1996)
dark fun
the craft was an awesome movie which is a mix of CLUELESS and WARLOCK. The cast was excellent and very entertaining and the story was fine...i especially felt sorry for neve campbell's character who suffered massive burns.
i know that this does not stay truthful the occult, but for entertaining purposes this movie gets two thumbs up. It was not a film about witchcraft, but rather the troubles of teens how nice it would be to fix these problems...it teaches youth the concept of do unto others and is full of socio-political issues.
Unlike it's predessor LITTLE WITCHES, this films plot moved beyond witchcraft and moved more toward truth and consequence, allong with allowing us to see the raw talent of four young actresses.