Reviews

While I eagerly anticipated the release of Tomb Raider, I walked out of the theater utterly disappointed. To sum up the experience for the entire audience, the man behind me said, "Thank God I didn't have to pay for this." (I was at a Sneak Preview). If you're going to enjoy a good story á la Raiders of the Lost Ark, don't get your hopes up. There are few elements of story that are even remotely intruiging. It's as if a ten year old came up with it. While the stakes seem monolithic in scope, they are so underdeveloped and trite that we as an audience find ourselves looking at our watches rather than caring. The characters are archetypical and underdeveloped, and furthermore, there are several completely useless characters.

I will say this much, however. If you're going to see Angelina Jolie, this is the right flick for you. She is perfect for this part - charismatic, powerful, versatile, and above all, HOT. This film is nothing more than a pleasurable visual spectacle. So if you're willing to pay $8 to see some virtual T&A, more power to ya.

Although a film in subtitles, it easily translates into any language through the universal language of the heart. Pagnol was a strong believer that even though sound was a new and amazing convention in cinematography, it could not be taken advantage of. This belief is readily apparent in Marius. Marius is filled with wonderful dialogue, heartwarming scenes, and emotional relationships. Furthermore, the characters of Cesar and Marius were played to perfection. This film is one that breaks the barrier of time. Even though it may be seventy years old, its themes will universally touch all of those who watch it for ages and generation

Full Metal Jacket was two excellent and masterful pieces of film that just didn't seem to blend together. The first half dealing with the training of the Marine recruits is one of the best hours of film I have ever witnessed. The way in which emotions and tensions ran high with the portrayal of the character "Pile" was amazing. The climax to this section was also one of the most powerful in recent times. However, as this scene climaxed and the film shifted to Vietnam, it took on a completely different look. The second half also was very well done. However, I just didn't see the true connection between the two pieces. Extending either one of these parts could have made for two excellent pictures in themselves.