Change Your Image
marysol
Reviews
Trick (1999)
"As a heterosexual female..."
"As a heterosexual female, I think two guys getting it on is incredibly hot."
Trick was a quaint little ditty by first time director/producer Jim Fall. A little inconsistent at times but acting performances (or maybe just their aesthetically pleasing looks, it doesn't matter much) by both Christian Campbell and JC Pitoc compensated for it. Dialogue and plot development could have used some improvements, but for a first feature film, it's understandable. As for Tori Spelling as Katherine, she was fairly good. Though, I must apologize Tori, you'll forever be typecasted as Donna from 90210 and be the butt of many nepotism insults. In my humble opinion, I thought the role could have been best played by Parker Posey. Posey with her sarcastic sort of wit and humor could have brought a bit more to Katherine.
All in all, this was a fairly good movie, especially because it was a feature debut film. Great quoting potential by Judy (played by Lorri Bagley), for what she said as a 'heterosexual female.'
American Movie (1999)
Everyone has their own opinion.
There seems to be a severe love/hate thing shown here. Frankly, I liked American Movie. I thought it was funny, insightful, and quite satirical.
I admit. It is long. It does kind of drag. My family couldn't stand watching the video along with me. But thing is- that is how documentaries and independent films in general are. It's like sushi- it's an acquired taste.
Nevertheless, I still think the movie was pretty good. It was well done production/directorial wise, and it was funny, something documentaries usually aren't. The movie was about hick type dudes from Wisconsin [notable accents by the way]- Mark trying to live the American dream and his fellow (unintended comedic) consorts (including a friend with a gambling addiction to lottery tickets). The characters in American Movie just seemed a bit too "unreal" to be real. American Movie is kind of like a dirty/politically incorrect joke- you'll laugh and as you're laughing you're thinking "this is so bad... but soo funny!"
If you like good independent films- watch it. Anyone who likes blockbuster/mainstream type of movies- you ought to pass so that you won't add another user comment about how much American Movie sucked. What do you expect- it's a Documentary.
Pleasantville (1998)
Best Movie of the 90's?
I am aghast at the raves that this movie is getting by fellow commentors.
In order for a movie to be remotely considered "good", I believe it has to have at least one of 3 things; originality, a message and a high entertainment value. This movie didn't have a message (unless you think "have sex and you'll be Colorful" is message) and it sure wasn't "original" or "entertaining" like many here have claimed. Frankly, I found this movie (like I've heard many describe what they dislike) "really lame."
At first I was eager to watch it. Pleasantville was endorsed by the American Movie Classics channel- so I figured it would be definitely something to watch. I'm still baffled at WHY they endorsed such a horrible movie. I admit, Cinematography was notable, Tobey McGuire is definitely a talent to keep an eye on, but it's not enough to compensate for horrible plot development, lame 50's/90's clichés and its confusing and distasteful "message". I can't believe people are calling it "original". The the film vomited clichés and it was inanely predictable. The movie had several loopholes (like why didn't the jock turn color after engaging in a tryst with Reese Witherspoon?) and the movie was also full of sexual innuendos, I was appalled that at it's low MPAA rating. I kept checking the box trying to figure that it was a "mistake" and that the movie was rated R for sexual content.
I've seen SEVERAL better movies. Pleasantville... wasn't so Pleasant. It should have been "really-lame-ville." If you're into Really Lame movies, go ahead and watch it. I mean, sure- if you're into that kind of stuff.
Gummo (1997)
Not looking forward to watching it again.
Gummo is perhaps one of the most haunting movies I've seen- and I mean it in a good sort of way (i.e. Cruel Intentions was haunting, but in a useless kind of way). I don't really want to see the movie again. It's one of those movies that can only be seen once. It was surprisingly done in this strange artistic way. It's a difficult movie to describe. It was a disturbing film. I don't recommend it to everyone. It's imagery was intriguing, but don't watch this movie for plot or for it's actors (Chloe Sevigny is unrecognizable)... you should watch it for the sole purpose of art and.. to be shockingly disturbed in a sort of quiet manner.
Bian Lian (1995)
It reminded me of Mulan.
This movie reminded me of Mulan- only because I saw Mulan first. It was a great film, and as an Asian female and a first-generation American, I found myself relating to "Doggie" (the little girl; by translation). I usually don't cry during movies (and I don't think being 8 and watching The Land Before Time counts), but I do admit my eyes did water up. I was impressed at the production quality of this film and I appreciated the accuracy of its set period. It's imagery was hauntingly beautiful and throughout the film I was questioning this film's budget (The Red Violin as well)- I was contemplating how they were able to afford props and costumes and still be able to release, promote and distribute the film at the same time. The King Of Masks is one of those wonderful pieces of International Cinema that almost everyone can agree on.