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sirensotitan
Reviews
Time Chasers (1994)
It still makes me laugh
I'm writing on four hours sleep, but I think I've got my head together enough to write a little something about this movie. I'd want to say this movie was trying to bank off the Back to the Future craze, but this thing came out almost a decade after. I guess it just took nine years to get through to the final draft of the script and to get all the main casting out of the way.
Briefly, in case this movie hasn't been seen by whoever is reading this, the plot involves a man who builds a time machine and the complications that result based on his stupidity. It involves these "chasers" and some people being "chased" and the role of the media and big business in the life of a man that simply wants to...well...I'm not sure what he wants to do, but I think it involves making the world a better place. And that's always a good thing, so you can't blame him for trying.
I enjoyed thinking of the trouble that the makers had to go through in the production of this movie. Such things as bad sound effects, artificial dubbing of villains' voices, and thousands upon thousands of grey shirts to show the passage of time (Go Castleton!!); these are the things we rarely take time to notice. The special visual effects of traveling through time are a thing right out of the 80s. It's a shame that this movie is about five years late for that bandwagon.
Perhaps it can be categorized as a "cult film", but I'm sure whatever cult that saw wisdom in this has long since fallen off the face of the Earth. I guess it could be "science fiction", but I'm hesitant to say that because it could all plausibly happen in the world that we live in today, so instead I'm calling a piece of crap. But seriously, I'm sure that the Giancola family had a good time making it (check out the full credits, it seems to be a family affair), and for anyone who likes to hear some guy who thinks he's a scientist talk about tangents and other wacky ideas ("Pretend that you're this spoon.") I recommend this movie.
One last thing: Is that really Lisa Kudrow?
Samurai Jack (2001)
I hope they don't cancel it
This is a great show. I wasn't sure if I'd like it based on the quality of the animation, but I realized that the quality is in fact really good even if it doesn't resemble real humans. I'm also impressed with the music and sound effects. For once I wanted to listen to a cartoon in stereo. The action moves at the speed of light, which is just right for my generation. And the humor even got me to laugh at a few moments. Hey, it's even got some samurai wisdom thrown in so you feel like you're learning something. I can picture others saying that it's a simple show that plays on archetypes of well known characters and ideas, but that sure doesn't stop me from laughing and getting me excited about it. Anyone reading this, spread the word about this show. We don't want this to be a casuality in the War of Televised shows.
The Rock (1996)
My favorite action movie of all time!
I've watched this movie too many times to count and I'm always ready to watch it again. It combines everything that makes a great action movie. The three top-billed actors do an extraordinary job of taking on the roles of Stanley Goodspeed, John Patrick Mason, and General Francis X. Hummel. We are offered Nicholas Cage in one of the few action roles that he triumphs in, as Goodspeed. He may not be the typical tough skinned action hero, but he responds to the threats with a realistic amazement.
Add Ed Harris in an uncharacteristic action film role as Hummel and it gets better. We are given a United States General as a villain which leaves us asking, "Why is he doing this?". Like many action movies, one would think that this is where the action simmers down and a bit of drama takes over. In this case, it does turn dramatic, but with the great work of Harris, each line is delivered with fierce conviction that the action truly never stops.
Finally, we are given Sean Connery as ex-SAS operative, John Patrick Mason. It could have been a role with no more than one dimension, but that's not what you'll find here! He is a mythical character who accompanies Goodspeed, and as they take on the evil element, they find that they learn a little bit more about themselves thanks to each other.
Nobody's Fool (1994)
The small town life
When it comes to describing the happenings of the characters in a small town, I think that this film hits the nail on the head. It's true that all the characters seem to have a snappy answer and comment for any moment, but that's what makes it all so fun. It only slows down at the appropriate moments in order to allow time to let the message sink in. I have also read that this contains Jessica Tandy's best performance. Even though it might have been her last, I can't agree with that. She does a great job of adding to the atmosphere of characters that have been greatly influenced by Newman's Sully, but also succeeds in being one of the few that can talk some sense into him at the same time. Enough of my rambling, if you haven't gotten a copy of this movie yet, go buy it, sit back, and take some time to visit North Bath.
Day of the Warrior (1996)
Shut off your brain for 96 minutes
This is a great movie to watch if you're not concerned with plot and like to watch all the main characters have sex. It wouldn't be a good idea to watch this movie alone, unless you like to laugh to yourself. If you want to take a break from movies that are obsessed with either winning awards or a large box office take, this might be what you're looking for. I found myself constantly wondering how this movie was able to get funding, but I had to keep in mind that there are people like me who rent this kind of stuff. What's great about it is that the cover of the video box for this movie gives you a pretty good expectation of what this "film" is about. That's so rare these days.
2001: A Space Odyssey (1968)
I didn't like it, but I still watch it when it's on
It's one of those movies that when I'm asked about it I say, "I thought it was kind of slow and boring". For some reason, when I found out that it was being broadcast commercial free and in letterbox format, I just had to see it. Even as I'm typing this I'm watching the "beyond the infinite" part and found myself doing other chores during the first hour of the film. I've read other reviews that have proclaimed this the greatest science fiction film ever made and nothing will ever come close. It makes me sad to read this because that means that only a handful of people can enjoy science fiction and I believe that this is not true. Arthur C. Clarke has said that even he doesn't know the definition of "science fiction", but I believe that a movie using the aid of computers, like Starship Troopers, is fine science fiction. For some reason, part of the reason that this film is so highly praised is because of its beautiful filmaking and that is something I can agree with on some level. There were times that I was asking myself, "How did he do that?" But this couldn't convince me to announce my worship to Stanley Kubrick like so many others have done. I enjoy a mysterious movie that raises more questions than answers, but unfortunately I don't enjoy the ongoing search for themes and plots.
Navy Seals (1990)
Very Realistic
I was a bit skeptical about seeing this film because most Navy SEAL movies don't depict the real actions of the men in combat.
When I was in the military I would often be surrounded by my fellow men joking about the certain terror we were about to engage in. Even in a debriefing room after a mission we would gripe and moan about how "Intel" would be putting our "butts on the line". What was most astounding was, similar to my squad, these men brought a camera on a mission in order to film their top secret government organization in the opening fifteen minutes. Such a whacky montage of playing golf reminds me of the old days.
It brought back such memories that I had to shut it off after twenty minutes thinking of my old pals. I am haunted by SEALs.
The Thin Red Line (1998)
Sit through it, it will be worth it
Anytime someone asks me if this is a good movie, all I can say is that they have to see it for themselves. Yes, it's a long movie. Yes, the bankable stars make small cameos. Yes, there isn't much fighting. BUT, if you stay till the end and appreciate the cinematography and direction, it will change your outlook on the world around you. If you get a chance, watch this film and put aside some time to reflect on it. Hell, watch it twice just so you can anticipate the dialogue and enjoy it. It will remind you of the beautiful light.
The Shawshank Redemption (1994)
Greatest Movie of All Time
What can I say that hasn't been said. The beauty of this movie can hardly be put into words. The more I watch it, the better it gets. Mr. Darabont did a beautiful job of directing, I'm anxiously awaiting "The Green Mile" now. The little scenes are what makes it beautiful. Andy on the roof with his smile and the aerial shot of the prison while the music is playing. I don't want to spoil anything, but the quotes are what will stay with you. After seeing this film (way too many times according to those around me), I've adopted my particular philosophy from it. As Red says, "Get busy livin', or get busy dyin'. That's goddamn right". See this movie and vote it back up to #1 on the IMDB list.