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MLachey
Reviews
Se7en Below (2012)
It's amateur hour, with special guests Val Kilmer and Ving Rhames
This "film" is truly a disaster.
The writing was so lackluster that one can easily believe a junior high school student writing their very first script created it. I mean character development is pretty much the actor stating his character's name and why he/she is at the film location. I would have been more impressed if Val Kilmer seized that moment to look straight into the camera and state "I'm here because I need the money" instead of his actual lines.
The pacing, and any notion of realistic interaction between people is completely lost. On top of that, it falls prey to some classic horror show decision making clichés, like "let's split up to search for one person who got split up from us when people are getting murdered when they are alone!!" and I'm sorry Miss. Rebecca Da Costa, but you can't sell sex appeal when you can't sell a single line/scene.
The ending is farcical. I'll leave it at that.
If you truly want to waste your time, go fly a kite. It will be more enjoyable than watching this garbage.
The Decoy Bride (2011)
Quirky, fun and generally well done,
As far as RomComs go, there isn't really much you can do to differentiate one plot from the next so I won't really comment on that aspect of the film. I will say, however, that the plot wasn't outrageous and the pace at which the story told is to thank.
Having lived in the UK, I found that I zeroed in on a few more one-liners than the average North American. I also found that I thoroughly enjoyed some of the quirks the supporting cast/extras provided as they seemed genuine and offered a chance at reminiscence. The "freshness" of the film is truly carried on their shoulders.
Overall, this was a well made, well-acted film and provides solid entertainment value for its duration.
Take Shelter (2011)
The Rolling Stones said it best with "Gimme Shelter"
"Oooh, a storm is threat'nin'.. my very life today... If I don't get some shelter, oh yeah, I'm gonna fade away..."
Amidst the accolades for this film, I have noticed several reviews that state that it is following some formulaic apocalypse format while trying to bring gravity to the situation with its dialogue, etc. etc. I can't seem to see this film in that light at all.
While the end of days premise has never been totally new, this film is less about the end and more about the basic logical, and/or illogical attributes of the human mind.
It deals with one of humanities basic defense mechanisms, fear. The film then places it under siege, bombarding it with questions of rationality and context. When a species can rely on a basic instinct like fear, its chances of survival are increased. However, as we have advanced in intellect we have become increasingly dependent on logic and science to the point where even basic instincts, like fear, are questioned depending on a given situation. The film also places other emotions/instincts like trust, and love, into the fray allowing the audience to observe how these can become intertwined, and equally confused, as our magnificent brains struggle to come to terms with how to deal with reality or perceived reality.
I found this film to be gripping, not because of the apocalyptic premise but rather because the acting was fantastic and the dialogue, or lack of it in some instances, helped to tell a thought provoking story of a man struggling to decide whether to trust in instinct or in logic.
If you invest yourself into the characters like I did, you will not be disappointed.
Definitely worth a viewing as Michael Shannon and Jessica Chastain (she's got the golden touch these days) put on a great performance.
The Girl from the Naked Eye (2012)
An indie genre film that delivers above expectations
I must start by saying that you should not watch this film with the same expectations of a large Hollywood production because it simply isn't.
With that in mind however, I found it very easy to appreciate how this film follows the graphic novel/detective film translation. Moreover, it borrows a lot from Sin City in its colour scheme, lighting and general feel. The fight choreography is gritty and satisfactory. They integrate the standard line of thugs in with trained "guards" and a certified martial artist in Lateef Crowder (Max).
The biggest surprise is how much depth they add to the surrounding characters beyond the protagonist. Simon and Sandy bring forth a lot of different emotional reactions and really help raise the entire acting level of the film. There are few lines in this movie that should crack a smile as well.
Overall it's a slightly different take on your standard detective narrative and worth a viewing if you have time to kill or enjoy the genre.
The Big Bang (2010)
Stylistic and groovy, but not quite dynamite.
If you're a fan of the detective genre, this movie is worth a watch.
The use of lighting and color throughout the film was a huge boon as it really drew you further into the mystery and storyline. The script was clever, maybe trying to be a bit too clever in linking metaphors and accurate(?) science.
The acting was above par-excellent from the entire cast and it is only when the scenes rely a bit too much on the script where things seem to struggle. (Whoever wrote the insults however get's a solid A-)
Is the movie cliché? Yes. However, I never found myself trying to fill in the next line or scene because I was never really bored watching the story unfold.
The soundtrack felt well suited and the overall polish on production was good.
I was pleasantly surprised with this one. Hope you are too!
Breaking and Entering (2006)
Though not perfect, what is?
This movie, much like the subject of this comment, questions what it is to love, to suffer, to exist...
The depth contained in this work is incredible as it draws out the angst in the everyday struggle of life; the light and the dark, the happiness and the sorrow. It shows the true vulnerability of a man, but also of mankind. If the words would have been properly stated in the first moonwalk, "this is one small step for a man, one giant leap for mankind" I would liken the phrase to this movie for truly, one small step for Will Francis (Jude Law) into sin and self deception showed how Man has leaped into sin and self deception.
Parallels are shown in the architecture and design, as well as the talk about the architecture and design, of buildings and cities. Light becomes an analogy as does the cold... Metaphors.. metaphors are spoken and referred to in order to shed light on the truth. You get glimpses of the past, sins of the past.. but you also get a view of the future, a brighter-cleaner future. At the end of the movie you will feel empty. You'll get a sense of questioning but then it dissipates because you realize you no longer require answers. You just have to accept and absorb.
The title becomes clear; everything is about breaking and entering. Whether it is for crime and punishment - love and hate - sins and forgiveness it is the only thing that is not in contrast, thus it brings everything together.
A remarkable dramatic work that accurately shows the struggles of living for all walks of life. Of course this movie was not perfect.. but like I said from the start and like this movie demonstrates - what is?
Definitely worth seeing, I just hope you can see it all and can relate to this post when you're done!