Change Your Image
christophercy
Reviews
Ssang-hwa-jeom (2008)
Homophobic luxurious film
Beautifully presented with sets and costumes but it's showcasing a homophobic agenda
The gay King takes a lover at an early age (him and lover) and arguably made him gay
Their only set scene quick and predominantly shot shoulders up
Queen can't get pregnant and the land wants a heir
So King orders male lover to serve her
After 1.5 goes he's now straight and in love with the queen
This leads into several long lovingly heterosexual sex scenes from all angles
The subtext is gay is a choice and a vagina can cure you
Watch the king and the clown instead
Stupid film
Bottom (2012)
never gets to the bottom of it all
Budget zero stomach turning factor 100. Shot hand held and narrated in a creepy voice altered fashion this "film" follows the sexual encounters of a bare back (bb) fan. Its neither entertaining nor insightful. what it is is disgusting, not so much due to the subject matter which is allegedly consensual, but why this man does what he does and why others do what they do in or out of the age of AIDs. I've seen some horrible things in my time but never close to vomiting in a movie as i was during two scenes with in this flick wanna be put off sex for almost ever? watch this. Wonder what john waters would make of it?
Clandestinos (2007)
watchable and not just for Latino love
A thriller of sorts that exceeds budgetary restrictions with excellent actors who give earnest portrayals and are also easy on the eyes. The three main actors are comfortable and believable in their roles, ditto the ensemble cast especially the "fatty kitten". The direction maintains an enjoyable pace and the story is not lost in translation. After escaping from a dentition center our three teen miscreants are on the path to survival and for one a quest to prove themselves. the film highlights the usual (but by no means boring) aspects of teen life - peer pressure, individuality and sexuality. An interesting aspect in post 9/11 world is terrorism. The film was watchable and had closure and despite having some questionable pedophilia over tones an admirable and worth a look film.
Samson & Delilah (2009)
overrated and boring
this was a long and tedious film i admire the handling of the subject matter and presenting traditional owner issues onto the screen i'd suggest though any impact would be lost as this flick will not have cross over appeal which is a shame as there are some genuinely brilliant moments some scene staging was magical and extremely well executed and the actors conveyed convincingly a roller coaster of emotions it just that this film was soooooooooooooo long and unfortunately slipped into the realms of boring, at times finding only highlights in noting a supermarket and cafe i'd shopped at when visiting Alice the director shows promise, but i hope on his next venture he finds a scriptwriter that matches his skills
Evolution: The Musical! (2008)
not without humor
Hmmm if you have nothing nice to say, say it about Tom Cruise. This is a short flick and the cast deliver in earnest and obviously enjoyed making the film. The lyrics and tunes are all original and not devoid of whit and vaguely infectious. Concerns evolution vs. creationism and is not a serious debate but presents well rounded arguments from both parties in fairly funny guises. The "beasties" (the side for evolution) tend to border on the contrived and are the less funny of the two groups. The actress playing Queen Bonobo plays her part too broad and brings no credibility to the production. The dude who plays Wog Wog delivers and is endearing and amusing. The religious folk (creationists)elicit more humor and the "rap" is a hoot. Mother Grizzard is a stereotype but a successful one.
Give it a go at under 30mins you can afford to switch your brain off.
I Think We're Alone Now (2008)
when i think about what could have been it makes me cry
I watched this doco as part of the Melbourne International Film Fest. At first the doco was a surreal chuckle fest and the characters topped anything Christopher Guest could dream up. However as the film unraveled a sense of palpable disquiet settled over the audience when reality set in and we realized we were watching two sad and even scary individuals battling with life. this was no mockumentarty. i found my self questioning my laughter and even felt guilty at times when i found mirth in their misfortunes, so as a documentary it was successful in having one question assumptions and beliefs. I do think though there was an air of exploitation about the flick esp when the two stalkers meet. i also think tiffany is 1 very brave or 2 very stupid or 3 very desperate for fans to have these characters in her life. an interview with her would have been a boon. a wonderful collection of some true oddballs that make this world colorful and a little scary.
Black Water (2007)
croctastic
I found this film rather brilliant. Initially I wanted a "when animals attack" flick along the lines of "frankenfish" or even "rogue" but was delivered a truly horrific ordeal that was not devoid of humanity. Having been to the areas this was made (including the croc farm at the start of the movie, even sharing the same guide!) it added to the fear factor. Those crocs really are everywhere up there, though I don't think they had the "attitude" of this beastie. Yes there were some melodramatic moments but they contributed rather distract from the whole atmosphere. I genuinely cared for the characters and shuddered contemplating "what would I do?" in their boat. Not knowing where your enemy lurked or the sound of the croc chowing down at night was genuinely frightening. I would argue that this flick is one of the best horrors I have seen in years (coming close to the descent). I give it four alligator handbags.
One Man Show: A Musical Documentary (2004)
john is heaven
John a unique, overbearing, screamingly funny, warm hearted, troubled soul & the lottery winner would be deserved of a documentary with or without his winnings...of course the millions place him in plusher surrounds and affords more stories, but not at the cost of loosing an insight into the subject. This an often hilarious documentary that whilst not warts and all (more blemishes and John's mum's bum) does provide a balanced and fairly comprehensive coverage into John's life...which is surprising given John contributed to the funding of the film. I couldn't help but be jealous of the main character and his riches, but dually found him deserving of the blessings especially after the introduction of his mama, who rivals Mommie Dearest in the maternal monster factor! The film is an utter treat and thought provoking where you wonder how would I be with all that wealth? Could I still trust family and friends? What would I do with the funds? And would I do it with as much fun as John?
The City of the Dead (1960)
camp but effective horror fluff
The City of the Dead is an enjoyable romp through witchcraft and Satanism. Whilst ripe with clichés, they enhance the movie goers pleasure rather then deride from the film itself. You'll thrill at the fantastic sets, marvel as fog threatens to blanket the entire screen, smirk as sinister characters retreat sneak on screen the retreat from whence they came! the movie achieves any effective balance between camp and genuine horror. You'll probably never be chilled to the bone but will be impressed with the films earnest and effective atmosphere. Patricia Jessel steels the show in her dual role of Elizabeth Selwyn/Mrs. Newlis and simply marvelous as the melovant matriarch how is divinely OTT. Christopher Lee is suave and sinister as always though appears in a minor but vital role. All in all a worthwhile cinema going experience.
Pumpkin (2002)
pumpkin soup
Pumpkin is a topsy turvey affair; it's not quite cleaver enough to paint the pitch black, but smart enough to avoid any schmaltz. Ricci is earnest but miscast in this role, and whilst i can understand her presence in this "unusual" film i just don't buy her as a mini WASP. The rest of her supporting cast are however perfectly cast and all obviously enjoy themselves in their respective roles, esp. the actor who plays Kent.
The movies time sequence entirely goes out the window in the last half hour however it's also towards the end of the flick that a camp John Water's sensibility seeps in and i can help but think the whole movie would have benefited if this had occurred from the opening sequence.
The Graffiti Artist (2004)
haunting & stirring
Normally i would dismiss this type of film as an arty farty snore feast, but the director has created a world with little dialogue and a questioning plot...i found myself questioning characters like no film before, and was awash with conflicting emotions of wanting to both mother Rapture (brilliantly played by Ruben Bonsie Shellman) and marry him!...the films soundtrack and visuals create an impressive doco drama canvas that perplexed me with it's subtle power...living in a city it's all street scape that is familiar yet distant, and Graffiti artist yielded a welcomed insight...after watching this brilliant film i found myself desperately wanting a hug and will always ponder the artist behind graffiti i encounter...please see.