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treybott85
Reviews
K-PAX (2001)
Amazing, mystifying, intriguing
K-PAX is in a class of movies that is rare today. It asks so many questions and leaves all but a few unanswered. So many movies lay out the most superficial qualities of mankind and the universe, and play on over-used themes and plot that amazes but does not require any thought to enjoy or understand. K-PAX is a departure from that pattern. Kevin Spacey exhibits his versatility, portraying a character, Prot, who is so seemingly human, but so persistent about his origins on the planet K-PAX. Certain things cannot be explained or rationalized. Others don't need to be. K-PAX touches on so many social, philosophical, and scientific issues. It opens the mind and the heart, and asks questions that don't want or need to be answered.
Deliverance (1972)
Disturbing, yet thought provoking
This was, undoubtedly, the most disturbing movie that I have ever seen. The first part of the movie, though strange, has a light and amusing quality to it. The journey begins on such a peaceful note, detailing and emphasizing the beauty of the hills of Appalachia. But that is misleading beyond belief. The obvious social problems (inbreeding) and the deformities of the countryside's inhabitants are only the first disturbing aspects of the movie. I can still hear Bobby moaning in pain, and I shudder at the thought. Lewis's leg made me wince. Yet, while the movie was, on the whole, very disturbing and distressing, it posed some interesting questions. When is it moral, or right to take another individual's life? What can morality drive us to do, or not do, in some cases? And are dignity and moral integrity more important than life itself? Whatever conclusions one may draw from the film, it is an achievement in its own right (despite certain aspects that were chillingly real and gruesome).
Memento (2000)
interesting, but ultimately confusing
Last night, I saw Memento (after hearing how good it was from about ten different people). To be honest, it was a little disappointing. Although the story was interesting and, without a doubt, unique, the fact that they played the story out backwards, and expected the viewer to draw a conclusion about the motives or qualities of any of the characters was a bit to ask. I would have preferred that they developed individual story lines in larger blocks, as opposed to jumping between time periods, non-descript hotel rooms, and replaying scenes over again as if to remind the watcher what had happened. Even now as I try to put my thoughts into words, the very nature of the movie makes that difficult. It's perhaps something I need to see again, just to attain any understanding about it. All in all, not bad, but definitely not one of my favorites.
Cape Fear (1991)
Disturbing, Enthralling
Robert DeNiro is the actor in Hollywood with the most potential to disturb. With his slick greasy hair, rapturous tattoos, and polite southern accent, he creates a Max Cady that makes Robert Mitchum seem like a boyscout. The movie was enthralling in the most disturbing way. I wanted so badly to look away from the carnage, but was completely unable. Cape Fear sent my friends running, and is definitely not for the faint of heart, but if fear is what you crave, or you enjoy DeNiro's power to disturb, then hop on the boat.
The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (2001)
Absolutely Amazing
The Lord of Rings was perhaps the most pleasurable movie-going experience of my life. Having read the book before seeing the movie, I had great appreciation for the story, and had been awaiting the movie with bated breath for months before its release. It did not disappoint. The movie captured almost every aspect of the book, save a few minor details not relative to the main plot, and the beautiful scenes of the shire, and Rivendell, and Amon Hen, combined with the emotionally stirring soundtrack, came together so marvelously to create my new favorite film. Kudos to Peter Jackson. I can't wait for Two Towers.