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voltage11
Reviews
Serenity (2005)
Browncoats and pre-browncoats friendly...
Whether you claim yourself to be a faithful 'browncoat' or if your response to that statement is 'my winter coat is blue', Serenity is most likely going to entertain you. I myself had never seen nor heard about the story of Serenity before watching the film in theaters, but it caught my interest so much that I purchased the series Firefly that very night. Now that I have seen the series and the movie once again, I have to admit my understanding of the film has skyrocketed.
For the avid fans, this is a solid representation of Firefly and it appears it was an easy transition. Every element that is loved by the fans - the wit, the relationships, the smart action - is embedded in Serenity. Then again, if you are an avid fan, you already know this.
For those, like me, who have no idea what all this jargon means I think you will still enjoy the film. Granted, you may be 'ignorant' of the significance of many of the events that occur, but that shouldn't prevent you from being entertained. You may even end up like me - leaving a positive review after committing hours of watching Firefly the series and Serenity multiple times.
The Patriot (2000)
Wonderful Film!!!
Once again, I apparently stand alone. This is one of my all-time favorite movies, and I'm guessing that's because I'm no "history buff." Let's, for a moment, look at this just as it is: a movie. It isn't a documentary meant for educational value, it's not there to be another Braveheart, and it's surely not there for flag-waving. It's a story about family and loss, rebuilding and fighting...all supported by great acting and wonderful music. No matter what, any "music buff" cannot deny that...and yes, I'm claiming to be one.
I'll never understand why people who watch historical films or period movies always expect and demand absolutely correct material be embedded in the main story. It's a story inspired by a war. If you look at it like it's meant to be looked at...a MOVIE...and not created to appease a fetish for historical correctness, then you may walk away with more appreciation for it.
*Spoilers after this point* Mel Gibson really pulled out a great performance, especially during Gabriel's death. There is something haunting and stirring about his reaction...almost too real for comfort. Jason Isaacs was brilliantly cast for Col. Tavington and performed it with absolute vileness. Even Heath Ledger did a good job with his role. The music is some of my favorite from John Williams...you can't go wrong with him...and the cinematography was beautiful.
Overall, it's not even wise to watch a Hollywood film expecting things to be just as you've read in History books. It's like historical fiction novels...it's a story, and an excellent one at that. A personal favorite. :)
Behind Enemy Lines (2001)
Excellent!
Boy, I'm not quite sure what everyone's problem is...because I thought this movie was excellent! I think it's a little ridiculous that people are calling it an insult to those who served there because it's a movie...not a documentary. Of course they're going to change things...I wasn't watching for educational value. If you're looking for an absolutely correct portrayal of the war in Bosnia...look elsewhere. If you're looking for great action with not too much gratuitous killing, then watch away. I can't even imagine how people thought it was a waste of time...it was exciting and the acting was great (got to love Gene Hackman). I gave it a 9, a far cry from the many 1's you'll see from others...great movie!
The Chronicles of Riddick (2004)
Ridiculous
I hope that I can approach this as someone who isn't critical, but who has valid opinions. I won't claim to be a sci-fi guru, but I do have more experience with sci-fi than most people I know. Star Trek: The Next Generation is a favorite and my dear sister can be blamed for that one. I love Bradbury and other sci-fi works of fiction, and I have to admit that I've recently become a Star Wars fan. But, the only phrase that kept coming to mind when viewing this was "ridiculous." The story was very feeble, in my opinion, and left way too much for the audience to try and figure out. For those of us who are too stupid to understand sci-fi things without explanation, it can be very frustrating. His eyes were cool, Aereon was neat (as far as I could understand), and running from the sun was great! But, overall, I didn't feel there was much to connect with...whether characters or plots. So, there's an opinion of someone not super educated in sci-fi, but knows enough to appreciate good sci-fi. This is not one of them...wish it were! :)
The Forsyte Saga (2002)
Not my cup of tea...but give it a shot
Hmmm...I wasn't as impressed as some of the other commenters here, but that's to be expected with dozens of people coming from different places. Granted, it was well done and there were many aspects that I found wonderful, but overall I was left feeling emotionally drained without having been at all fulfilled. Now, I will never deny that Damien Lewis was just downright amazingly disgusting...he was wonderful! I thought the role of Irene was sadly miscast, but that really is just an opinion...someone else may think she was perfect. But, when it came down to it, I found myself only watching for the sake of two reasons: 1. I rented it and felt obligated, and 2. I cared about Jolyon and June. Other than that, I would have stopped watching. The other characters were stiff and I never felt quite compelled enough to become invested in them. Again, this is all coming from one perspective, so I would suggest giving it a shot for yourself. It's one of those that can hit people in different ways. 7 out of 10 stars for the good elements. :)
The Forsyte Saga (2002)
Not my cup of tea...but give it a shot
Hmmm...I wasn't as impressed as some of the other commenters here, but that's to be expected with dozens of people coming from different places. Granted, it was well done and there were many aspects that I found wonderful, but overall I was left feeling emotionally drained without having been at all fulfilled. Now, I will never deny that Damien Lewis was just downright amazingly disgusting...he was wonderful! I thought the role of Irene was sadly miscast, but that really is just an opinion...someone else may think she was perfect. But, when it came down to it, I found myself only watching for the sake of two reasons: 1. I rented it and felt obligated, and 2. I cared about Jolyon and June. Other than that, I would have stopped watching. The other characters were stiff and I never felt quite compelled enough to become invested in them. Again, this is all coming from one perspective, so I would suggest giving it a shot for yourself. It's one of those that can hit people in different ways. 7 out of 10 stars for the good elements. :)
Pride and Prejudice (1995)
Capital! Capital!!!
You just don't get much better than Pride and Prejudice, whether you're reading the book or watching the mini-series. I first saw P&P about four years ago, and it was my first taste of Jane Austen. It opened the world of classic literature to me and film adaptations of those classics.
Now, of course, five and a half hours is a LONG time...but all the more to sit through! When you love something, it's fabulous to have it extended for as long as possible. This version is right on with the book; the conversations were practically ripped from the pages. If you've been a faithful fan of the book, you can rest easy that this is a faithful adaptation.
As for the actors, it's hard to find anything bad to say. Jennifer Ehle and Colin Firth portrayed Lizzie and Mr. Darcy perfectly, and I have no qualms with putting their faces to the characters when reading the book. In fact, I can't think of one person I could complain about...they were all well suited.
This is very light-hearted, wholesome entertainment that has become a favorite of nearly everyone who I've seen it with...including my dear dad. Well, not a favorite for him, but he enjoyed it very much! If you don't think you can sit for almost 6 hours, take it in spurts...although I have yet to see a friend ask me to stop if from boredom. Even my sister's ex-boyfriend sat through all 6 hours and enjoyed it. We've been lucky with men around here, apparently. ;) If you enjoy this, I also recommend Sense and Sensibility. Happy viewing!
Cremaster 3 (2002)
Like a creepy nightmare...
First of all, I have to admit that I have not seen all three hours of this film, but only a portion. Based on what I did see, however, I have few things to say about it in its favor. I did enjoy seeing the cinematography...it was visually intriguing...and the creepy nightmare feel was interesting. Having said that...what the hell was this?! Ha...I'm still scratching my head about it! I've heard many ideas as to what some of the elements in the film could mean...but naked ladies, Vaseline sculptures, and a ram/bagpipe structure leave me in utter confusion. The entire feel of the film was like a creepy nightmare, which was interesting. I just can't help but wonder at what kind of message Barney was trying to get across, and good film (in my opinion) says something. Perhaps watching the entire film would answer some of my questions, but that's the problem...I'd have to watch the rest of the film.
Mothlight (1963)
Scrapbooking for Film Makers...
I tend to share the same sentiments as the commenter who saw Mothlight for a film studies class. I, too, watched it in my film studies course and while it was neat to think that he actually pasted leaves and wings onto the celluloid, it made me dizzy. Through discussion in my class, I learned that this was supposed to make me see these objects in a way I never have or maybe ever would again. But, all I saw was the meshing of blades of grass and moth wings. While some may see this as highly artistic, I really cannot. It's like paying for a tour of the art museum and being shown a white canvas with a red dot on it. I believe art takes true talent, and I can't help but wonder how many fourth graders could have a scavenger hunt outside and then cut and paste what they find onto strips of film. If you can find deep meanings and revelations in rapid images, then you would probably like this film. But, for those who see art (especially film art) as an avenue for conveying a message rather than leaving open interpretation for confused audience members, you may just want to watch it for visual stimulation if you watch it at all.
Everything You Want (2006)
A little of what I wanted...
This is one of those usual made-for-TV films where it's difficult to decide whether you should like or hate it. It's cheesy, extremely odd, but unavoidably endearing. There's something attractive about the lack of sexual innuendos around every turn of phrase...something wholesome about going on dates to the ice skating rink and studying (actually studying) together. Of course, there are cheesy lines complimented by cheesy deliveries, but it just wouldn't be a made-for-TV film without them.
Will Friedle's character is extremely funny...they took the absent-minded friend to a new extreme. With lines like "Your face is good" and "Want a tuna sandwich? I made it with ham," it's impossible to stifle a giggle. There were moments in the film that redeemed the cheesy factors, like when Abbi claims there's a fire in the kitchen. One of my favorite scenes involved Sy interacting with Abbi and Quinn...it was cute and clever.
Overall, this is perfect for days when nothing else is on the tube, but I wouldn't sit surfing the TV for hours looking for it. It's cute, endearing, and sweet...but not earth-shattering. Great for girls who don't like to have to worry about sex scenes and language, especially. I'll give it a 6 out of 10, which means that I've decided to like it. :)