Change Your Image
member3285
Reviews
Interiors (1978)
A true masterpiece
I do not praise films simply because other people or critics love it; I also don't praise films simply because other people or critics hate it. I really do think for myself, so you can take it as an assured commendation when I say that this is one of the best melodramas ever put on film. I'm not a pseudo-intellectual; I don't think Woody Allen is perfect, and I'm not out to impress anyone with my taste. I simply loved the movie - the script, the visuals, the acting... all touched me deeply and moved me nearly to tears, which happens to me only about once for every hundred movies I see. People have complained that the movie is morbid, self-indulgent, that the characters are shallow; but I think that all three of these elements actually contribute to the film. Morbidity is a part of life, and this film is not an attempt to cover up the sad truths of existence with cheap laughs or explosions; self-indulgence does not preclude quality, and many of the best films ever made have been self-indulgent. And the characters exhibit both shallowness and depth, just like real people... I think that mostly people who criticize this film either don't have the attention span to relate to a slower movie, or they lack a certain empathy with those who suffer, or they simply expect every Allen film to be a comedy. If you can get past those hangups, though, you might just find that you love this movie too.
Funny Games (1997)
Exploitation, or art?
Films like "Funny Games" - and there aren't many movies which are easily comparable to it - will inevitably bring up a question: Are the film makers trying to make a statement, or are they simply exploiting ultraviolence for the sake of shock value?
Throughout history, certain films have invited a great deal of criticism regarding controversial and violent content; perhaps the most obvious example of this is "A Clockwork Orange." Most people, however, agree that certain points were being made in Kubrick's film, even if they aren't obvious, and even though an element of shock value is infused in the film. But with "Funny Games," it's difficult to detect any specific message, moral, or idea - other, perhaps, than the simple affirmation that some people truly live a life of cruelty and thrive on terror.
Yet it's difficult to define this film as a work of exploitation; although there is much violence, only a small amount is actually seen on screen. Opportunities to show nudity are also bypassed in favor of other views. And a great deal of the film features sparse dialog, and simply shows the family trying to deal and comprehend with what has happened, and is happening, to them. Most of the torture here is mental and emotional - for the family in the film, and also, in a way, for the audience itself, which will almost uniformly feel an amazingly strong hatred towards the men who are in many ways the film's protagonists.
What happens in this movie is extreme, but the events are not depicted in an 'exploitive' manner.
Life is filled not just with beauty, but also with very terrible things; in one sense, this movie is simply a depiction of that second side of reality. But also, in some moments - such as when the main 'bad guy' interacts directly with the audience, and when certain science-fiction elements are brought into the movie towards the end - this work play with our emotions, and our conceptions of how movies should be made, perhaps even how stories should be told.
This movie is not for everyone; if you find depictions of violence or suffering to be overly disturbing, this will probably stick in your head for a long time. But for others, I think it's worth seeing. What is the director saying? Is he saying anything at all? Draw your own conclusions.
Bowling for Columbine (2002)
Probably the best documentary about American culture ever made
Michael Moore may be relatively liberal, but his point of view regarding American culture - particularly as it relates to guns, violence, and fear - transcends political boundaries. This film is insightful, funny, and stunning; often at the same time. Anyone interested in why America is so uniquely violent should see this movie.
Final Destination 2 (2003)
Great death sequences within a mediocre film
Final Destination 2 is not high art; nor is it particularly funny or dramatic. Yet several intricate and often very tense death sequences and an amazing sequence of car crashes make at least portions of this movie quite memorable. The acting is mediocre, the script is routine, but the special effects and unabashed gore actually help make this movie pretty good.
25th Hour (2002)
Ed Norton and Philip Seymour Hoffman elevate this film
Spike Lee is often credited as being a great African-American director, but he does not receive the credit he deserves simply for being a great director. This movie is a perfect example of his talent; and it also highlights the abilities of two of my favorite actors, Ed Norton and Philip Seymour Hoffman - both give lasting performances.
Darkness Falls (2003)
A promising, scary opening leads into a forgettable film
Darkness Falls opens with a pretty frightening sequence, but afterwards it is rarely very scary. Though there are plenty of action-filled portions, the movie is only mildly frightening and superficially engaging. There are a number of better horror films out there.
Adaptation. (2002)
An amazing, reality-twisting film
Spike Jonze is quickly gaining my respect. The quirky and enjoyable "Being John Malkovich" was a good movie; this is a great one. This film challenges traditional ideas about Hollywood screen fare, and does so successfully. Cage and Streep are both excellent; you should see this movie.
Catch Me If You Can (2002)
A very fun, very entertaining film
Steven Spielberg seemed to falter with the overblown "A.I." - but since then, he's made two great films. Minority Report is a science-fiction classic, and now he's made a chase-caper film that's almost as good in its own way. Leonardo DiCaprio gives an excellent performance (definitely better than in Titanic) and Tom Hanks and Christopher Walken are also great - as usual. This is a fun and entertaining movie, but it's not forgettable or mindless, as many fun films are.
Kangaroo Jack (2003)
Not good, but not as bad as you've been led to believe
Kangaroo Jack is by no means a fine film. It's often infantile and mindless, and rarely hilarious. But it's not as intolerable as you've heard. Most young kids will probably enjoy it (I know they did at the showing I went to) and it's definitely got some pace and a few okay moments. This is motion picture equivalent of 'vacation reading' for a family; airy and forgettable, but definitely not one of the worst movies ever made. Besides, Christopher Walken is in it!
About Schmidt (2002)
A stunning performance
Jack Nicholson's performance as a man lost in life is alternately heartbreaking and hilarious; this is one of the finest screen performances of the year. This film made me consider life, aging, and death in ways few works of entertainment ever have.
Rabbit-Proof Fence (2002)
A fine film that doesn't quite fulfill its potential
Rabbit Proof Fence is a movie enhanced by Peter Gabriel's excellent soundtrack and several fine acting performances, but it seems that it could have been better. Worth seeing, though perhaps a bit critically overrated.