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Reviews
Seconds (1966)
a very intriguing film, stylistically and thematically
Having just watched this film, it seems like the anachronistic love child of the twilight zone, Fight Club and Total recall. The main character's struggles to redefine himself, his agony over his wasted life, spent chasing things he was lead to believe would make his life complete, and the inevitable full circle return to the beginning that is forced upon him by "the company" made this a thought provoking and fascinating film to watch. I'd put this on my must see list. While the pace and cinematography might be a bit slow for a 21st century (instant gratification) audience, i was enamored with it. At times it did feel like the director and company were trying too hard to copy someone else's style yet, Seconds at it's core remains a thoroughly original work of art, expression and vital commentary on present day humans' sense of frustration with the ever elusive happiness that we all seek in some form or another.
Equilibrium (2002)
definite must see
Few action films have a truly innovative story line to propel the action forward. Equilibrium is such a film. The cautionary sci-fi tale will always hold a special place in my heart, and this is a perfect example of why. It basically epitomizes Benjamin Franklin's (I'm pretty sure it's franklin and i'm paraphrasing the h*ll out of it but anyway..)quote "those men who would trade their freedom for a bit of security deserve neither." This film made me take notice of Christian Bale as a potential up and coming action star and I saw it well before Batman Begins. He is both intelligent and brooding, believable and just down right cool. If nothing else, this movie reinvented the whole notion of how to do a final duel between hero and villain. See it for that if nothing else. It also goes towards supporting my theory that films which quote poetry (except Shakespeare, he's even quoted in an Anna Nicole Smith movie, the poor Bard) generally speaking (and remember i said generally!! )have some intelligent people behind the production. Angus Macfadyen, Taye Diggs, Emily Watson, and Sean Bean all did excellent jobs as supporting cast. If you like action, and are looking for a bit more than "someone killed his whole family including his puppy and he's out for revenge" starring Steven Segal or Jean Claude Van Damme, check this one out. And guys, even your Girlfriend who is not a big action fan may get something out of this. Not of course saying women can't like action films, but if she doesn't, you may be able to slip this one by her and end up with both of you happy.
Invincible (2001)
save this one for a fallout
I rented this on a whim, and a semi-soft spot for billy Zane, who never seems to take himself too seriously. If you intend to watch this movie, don't expect a lot... or anything much at all. I am a believer of the notion that you can learn something from even a bad film. In this film's case, you could write a book. Granted, it was a made for t.v. production and probably had an appropriately small budget, but come on!! I've seen more entertaining and amusing safety presentations by airline stewardesses. The characters were all painted with broad strokes, the message was trite and the action was canned. I work for a video chain and so watch and recommend a lot of movies. I break them down into four categories: Must sees, not bad but not great, only see this film if there is a nuclear holocaust and you some how manage to make it to an underground vault and are stuck with nothing else to do to pass the time but watch films, and lastly movies where even if the previously mentioned scenario happens, don't watch this movie.. spend your time counting cock roaches. This one falls into my "see it only in the event of doomsday" category.
Rosewood (1997)
One of the few films I've cried during.
This has to be one of the best movies that I've seen. The way the story picks up a few days before everything happens is sheer brilliance. It allows us to see how the characters behaved in a normal setting and then shows what happens when we allow ourselves to be swayed by rash emotions and mob action. I doubt that any reparations that were granted to the survivors could be enough. At least this film lets them know that their loved ones didn't die in vain. We cry for them and with them.
Nemesis III: Prey Harder (1996)
waste of a dollar
I got this thing off the sci-fi shelf because I remembered seeing the first of the series when I was a kid. I'd rented the second one and it was a decent "B" sci-fi. This one was out right obnoxious. The "special" effects on the cars looked like something my 4 year old cousin could have done. The two assistant female cyborgs were so terrible that I literally cringed every time they came on the screen. The plot left so much to be desired that it made me sick. I don't know what anyone was thinking when they agreed to be a part of this movie but I'm sure that they'd have done better to have left it at 2 movies. The movies in this series are going from good to decent to terrible. I only hope that no terrorist groups have access to this movie as it makes an excellent torturing device.
Monsieur Hire (1989)
left me cold and alone...
This movie is without a doubt, one of the best and most depressing movies that I've seen in a long time. With minimal expense a masterpiece was made in this film. The actors embodied both sensuality and callousness within the confines of a single scene. Not sinking to a trashy voyeur level, this movie proves that nudity is not necessary for sexuality, but at the same time displays one of life's little known truths. We all need to love and be loved.
Pitch Black (2000)
Surprised not to be left in the dark
When I went to see this movie I first figured that it would be another Aliens/Screamers type sci-fi. Instead, it actually had some decent character development. Although, I do admit that some of the characters were a bit transparent. The special effects were definately impressive and the plot was swallowable. The fact that there was a non-Christian priest speaks for this movie's non-traditional angle. Worth the price of a ticket or at least a rental.
Jawbreaker (1999)
in my humble opinion, it sucked (no pun intended)
This has to be one of the worst acted movies that I've ever seen in my entire life. The plot is weaker than a wet noodle and the shear ridiculousness of it makes one want to burn the video just on principle of preventing future viewers from suffering. Other than having some attractive actors struting about this has absolutely no redeeming value. It is not even entertaining. After the first 5 minutes I was constantly saying to myself"why are you watching this @#$%. To which my only logical reply was that "It has to get better. It can't be worse." It's sort of a Beverly Hills meets Weekend at Berny's without the comedy. I didn't laugh at anything that the makers had intended to be funny. The only thing about the whole film that I found even remotely amusing in an ironic sense is how Hollywood keeps spewing up stuff like this movie while artists with a half way original idea are shunned. Do not see this movie!! If you do, make sure it is with a friend that is good at ripping on terrible movies.