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Reviews
The Man from Elysian Fields (2001)
A revelation of a service not often talked about for women. A glimpse at a different and dark side of the human condition.
"The Man From Elysian Fields" is a terrific move which captures a different glimpse into the dark side of the human condition.
This show can be summed up by the old adage, desperate people do desperate things.
Mick Jagger, "Luther Fox", does an excellent job of acting as the head of the male escort service, Elysian Fields. He finds a desperate want to be writer, Andy Garcia,who needs money to keep chasing his dream of becoming a novelist. Offered the chance of making money as an escort, Garcia, at first turns down the offer. However, Jagger, knowing Garcia's weakness, has arranged for him to escort the wife of a very famous novelist played by James Coburn. Garcia basically sells his soul to the devil and the storyline shows how the dark side of human nature takes over only to leave everyone empty.
I read when this picture was in production that Jagger had an idea for a script change and asked for a scene to be rewritten. All agreed that this scene was what helped push the move to success. His character was originally set to commit suicide as I understand it. Jagger suggested a scene in a restaurant where he allows his emotions to get the best of him, he has a moment of vulnerability with his old client of many years. He risks himself with her and is laughed at by her. His character in effect created emotional suicide. It was one brilliant scene.
Dark, foreboding and yes, very entertaining movie. A side of life that no one talks about.
The Sentinel (2006)
Aging Secret Service age, Michail Douglas, is set up as a mole agent out to get the President of the United States
I always start commentary by asking the same question, was the movie entertaining. The answer for the Sentinel is no. Which begs the question why was it not? So let's look at all the ingredients that make a film and answer the question.
The acting in the movie was good. Kiefer Sutherland always takes his roll and gives it 110%. This roll called for intensity and he delivered like only Sutherland can, all out. The problem, he was miss cast. He would have been better served playing Michael Douglas' part in the film. Yes, they would have had to have had a different time line, but Kiefer would have been best suited for Douglas's roll. No problem with Douglas' acting, just the wrong part. Once again, Eva Longoria was ready to act and when she had the chance she did well. However, she would have been better served playing Kim Bassingers' character in the movie and Bassinger playing Longoria's. Nothing wrong with any of the actors, just miscast.
The storyline and time line just did not work. And perhaps the best parts of this film were left on the cutting room floor.
Why would the assassins, choose then and there and for what reason and why frame Douglas. This was never really set up.
For instance, let's take a look at one of the pivotal scenes in the movie. I will call it the "stair well" scene.
A very unrealistic scene is when the assassins are acting like snipers in close quarters. Now experience informs me that these situations with the firepower being used in that scene would have called for a military type advancement by the perpetrators which would have ended the show much earlier, with a very different outcome. The scene just did not work and was very weak.
Once again, the actors did a very good job (especially Sutherland) for what they had to work with. But the movie's time line and storyline left a lot to be desired. I give it a 4 rating for the acting alone.
The Stonecutter (2007)
The story of a person's journey to find more and the realization that he already has it.
I always ask myself the key question about a movie first, was the film entertaining. The Stonecutter was entertaining. I also felt very good after watching the show.
This film's storyline allows the viewer to go on a real "head trip" and that is what I did when I first viewed it. There is a lot of symbolism that one can glean from this film. The next time I viewed it I just went along for the journey.
Pop/Art Film Factory has done it again. Director and producer Daniel Zirilli once again brings another film to life. The camera work captures the pure tropical beauty that is the setting for the Stonecutter. Narration of the story is excellent and the voice is most tranquil. The soundtrack tugs your heart strings and pulls you into the main character's moment in time.
A good show that one can certainly relate too. No surprise that the Stonecutter was the winner of the Visionaries In Film Award of the Bahamas One World Film Festival.
Bill Shaffer
Clash (2006)
Good entertaining movie
Clash is the sequel to Daniel Zirilli's Vengeance. Both movies can stand alone but, both are well worth a look.
Zirilli uses "flashbacks" from Vengeance to bring viewers up to speed with the storyline in Clash. He does not over do it as to labor Clash but enhances the the storyline. As previously mentioned, either film can stand alone.
This is a story that pits struggles of good verses evil. One man's fight to conquer his demons and another man's embrace of all that is bad.
The directing moved the story forward with a pace that kept the story interesting. The actors were all very good. However, the one stand out for me was Damon Whitaker. He was very good in Vengeance and, I feel, terrific in Clash.
A good enjoyable movie.
Bill Shaffer
Vengeance (2004)
Good Story line that was well directed
This is a story about the struggle of a man to let good prevail over the evil in his life.
Without giving away the story, here are a few observations of "Vengeance" from my viewpoint.
The cast was terrific. Danny Romo (the main character) is excellent. He plays a wide range of emotions in the film. From the worst bad guy to a caring father. He makes the transitions from bad guy to good guy believable. He connects well with all of the characters especially his daughter in the film, Erlinda Orozco. Raul Julia, Jr and Damon Whitaker also are very convincing in their roles.
One of the best scenes is when Romo learns of some tragic news. He is very believable with his emotions.
What makes a movie good for me is if it can "jump" from the screen and capture my attention.
One thing that has always annoyed me about some film critics is they forget to ask the most vital question, was the film entertaining.
"Vengeance" was very entertaining and real for me.
What brings about a good film is the screenplay. But if you do not have a good director the project is doomed.
"Vengeance" director, Daniel Zirilli, did an excellent job bringing the script to life. The storyline is easy to follow because of the direction this film has.
Many years ago I wrote a column reviewing music. I wrote about the songs of course, but I would also delve into the quality of the production. This can make or break a record. The same is true of films. "Vengeance" was good and entertaining because Zirilli brought it all together. He brought it to life.
I would highly recommend "Vengeance", a good story with a good message with terrific actors brought together by a great director.
Happy Viewing, Bill Shaffer