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Reviews
What's Eating Gilbert Grape (1993)
Great Performances A True Classic Drama
I have always been a big fan of Johnny Depp's and think that this is
one of his best films. It's quirky, funny, and full of memorable and
likable characters. The story is pretty straight forward Johnny Depp
plays Gilbert Grape a twenty something stuck with his very weird family
in the small town of Endora, I really like Depp's opening narration
describing Endora. Leonardo Dicaprio gives an Oscar worthy performance
as his mentally challenged brother Arnie. There are so many memorable
scenes in this film that I can't really just talk about one so I will
end the review just by saying that if you haven't seen the film yet you
are in for a treat.
What's Eating Gilbert Grape (1993)
Great Performances A True Classic Drama
I have always been a big fan of Johnny Depp's and think that this is
one of his best films. It's quirky, funny, and full of memorable and
likable characters. The story is pretty straight forward Johnny Depp
plays Gilbert Grape a twenty something stuck with his very weird family
in the small town of Endora, I really like Depp's opening narration
describing Endora. Leonardo Dicaprio gives an Oscar worthy performance
as his mentally challenged brother Arnie. There are so many memorable
scenes in this film that I can't really just talk about one so I will
end the review just by saying that if you haven't seen the film yet you
are in for a treat.
The Omen (1976)
A Smartly Written Horror Thriller
What I like about The Omen is that instead of relying on gore and jump scares. It is more of a psychological thriller than anything else and all of the scares work because of that. Richard Donner's direction is very good considering that this was his first major film, the angles are inventive and one of the things I really liked about the direction was that he focused on the eyes a lot. For a horror film this film attracted a lot of brilliant actors and actresses and I think that this is one of Gregory Peck's most honest and memorable performances, I also like Lee Remeck's vulnerability. The kid they cast as Damien was very creepy and the character of the nanny was enough to keep me up the first time I saw it. There are some plot holes that I have never really understood, for instance I don't get how a human boy can come from a Jackal but that's really my only complaint about the film. The ending is brilliant and I really like the fact that the producer's decided to keep the kid alive. Definitely rent this or even buy it but be sure to get the two disc edition that has a very informative commentary and very entertaining documentary about the making of the film.
National Lampoon's Van Wilder (2002)
A heartwarming and endearing Comedy
Comedy is not a genre of film that I usually watch so it is very rare for me to find one that is actually memorable, this one however surpassed all of my expectation's. The writing is solid and the movie is not full of corny one liners like a lot of so called comedies what it is full of is situational humor and really memorable characters. Ryan Reynolds and Tara Reid have great chemistry and work well together in the film, Kal Pen is also brilliant as the horny yet very intelligent foreign exchange student. In the tradition of American Pie and the other National Lampoon films Van Wilder is the perfect comedy to usher comedy into the new century.
Hostel (2005)
More Of A Well Crafted Thriller Than Horror Shocker
With all of the hype behind this movie I thought I new what to expect going in but the movie completely floored me. It starts off slow and focuses on three guys backpacking though Europe two of them are American and one is Icelandic. For the first 30 to 40 minutes there is very little horror but a lot of character development goes on, so that when the horror does start at least for me it made what the characters where going though more horrific. This is where I am going to spoil so if you haven't yet seen the movie I do recommend it so stop reading go watch it then finish the review. When the horror does happen it is being instigated by someone that the guys met on their journey, even the girls the where sleeping with at the beginning are in on it. From that point on it is about Jay Hernedaz's characters escape. There is a lot of violence and gore but not as much as I was expecting and for the last 30 minutes the film turns into an action movie so as far as a horror movie goes I was disappointed because I was expecting more. It does have a satisfying ending in that all of the people directly involved get killed in brutal and very memorable ways. All of the guys were very good at there parts and they start out as very unlikable but through the course of the movie that changes. I definitely recommend it but don't go in expecting a epic horror cause you will be disappointed.
Underworld (2003)
Nicely Done Gothic Action
I am a die hard horror fan so when I first saw the trailer for this I was ecstatic. Even though I love the finished product I am a little disappointed by the lack of horror in the film. The main character is a vampire and for most of the film I forgot that. Anyway other than that the film was excellent. Kate Bekinsale is solid as the beautiful yet deadly Selene and Scott Speedman is believable as Michael, there is a great supporting cast as well with the likes of Bill Nighy, Michael Sheen, and Sophia Myles. The action is very stylized, there are gunfights galore, and for those that like atmosphere this film screams Goth. Overall I say that it is definitely worth watching also check out the sequel Evolutions.
Terminator 2: Judgment Day (1991)
An Excellent Action Epic
It seems that James Cameron only knows how to make epics, with films like Terminator, Titanic, True Lies, Aliens, and The Abyss it is no surprise that T2 is considered one of the best action films ever made. The special effects are phenomenal and still hold up today, of course you can see more of the flaws but they don't take you out of the film. Arnold is just Arnold but he does give more vulnerability to the role than he did in the original and yet he remains bad ass. Then there is the phenomenal performance of Linda Hamilton as Sarah Connor watching it again recently I realized how good of a performance she gives in this not just emotionally but how much she really became the character physically. There are so many good action scenes in this that I can't just mention one that stands out, but one of my favorites is the causeway chase at the beginning. Last but not least I want to mention Edward Furlong's performance this was his first film and you can tell that sometimes he is unsure but the performance grows on me every time I watch the movie. If you haven't already seen this masterwork definitely check it out, and to James Cameron keep the action coming.
Men in Black (1997)
Hilarious And Full Of Action
Men In Black is definitely a classic of the last decade, the special effects are phenomenal even for today and all of the scenes are memorable. I first want to say that Will Smith is one of my favorite actors and I think that he shows some of his range here he can play very funny and at the same time do very serious, the same can be said of Tommy Lee only when he plays funny it is a little bit more subtle and laid back. I think that they both had great chemistry and were the best people for their parts. This movie is first and foremost a Sci- Fi but it does have it's share of action. One of my favorite scenes involves an exploding alien and border control (if you've seen the movie you know what scene I mean). The direction is decent and I love some of the shots that Barry Levinson was able to get of the twin towers. Anyway it you haven't seen this movie definitely go pick it up. Also check out the second one, a third one is also apparently in production you can probably find more out on this site.
From Dusk Till Dawn (1996)
Very Good Action/Horror
I want to say first that the first 40-45 minutes where not at all what I expected, but even though there was no horror the writing was so unique and interesting that I still wanted to see what happened. That being said I think this is by far Robert Rodriguez's most mature film and that it really showcases his directing ability. The fact that a horror movie can have no horror for the first half of the film and still be entertaining is a testament to Quentin Tarantino's brilliant characters. When the horror does come in it is indeed fast, furious and gruesome and may not be for the faint of heart. The performances are also very good George Clooney gives a solid performance and makes Seth Geko mean and yet vulnerable, even Tarantino's performance was good. You can tell that the crew that made this movie all worked incredibly hard and the result is well worth the effort if you ask me. Well I can't really say anything else with out spoiling the movie completely so just watch it for yourselves, and hopefully you can also survive From Dusk Till Dawn.
Valkyrie (2008)
If Only The Plan Would've Worked
Director Bryan Singer of X-Men and Usual Suspect's fame gives the viewer a smart and brilliantly acted thriller in Valkyrie. The film is based on the true story of a failed assassination attempt on Hilter by some of his own men. First of all the story is expertly executed and the writers clearly know what they are doing, the film flows very well and even though there is a lot of dialog and plot changes I was never confused. Bryan Singer has only directed a handful of films and this one by far shows his growth as a filmmaker, everything from the production design to the costumes is outstanding. I especially want to recognize the actors because everyone involved gave the best performance that was possible. The only flaw I can pick out in the film is that even though his performance was good I felt that Tom Cruise was to American for the part of a German officer. That is really the only negative thing I have to say about the film though, and I whole heartedly recommend this taut historical thriller.
Remember the Titans (2000)
More Than Just A Sports Film
Based on the incredible true story of high school football team the Titans this film mainly works because of the wonderful cast, and of course Jerry Bruckheimers key production values. The film is about football but that is not the real reason for the story what the writer mainly focuses on is the racial strife that the team first endures. The movie flows very well and is extremely entertaining and for only being a two plus hour movie I think the writer did well in crafting the script and bringing out the important themes of the film. I now would like to say a few things about the cast first off none of the guys look like they would be in high school, that being said they can all act. I don't think that one performance is better than another everything just kind of flows together and with out all the members of the cast it would be a completely different film and might not be as good. Anyway I can't really say much more about the film without spoiling so I will just let you watch it and come to your own conclusions.
Per un pugno di dollari (1964)
A Legend Is Born In This Classic Film
The man with no name is one of the iconic hero's of cinema, and Clint plays him to perfection in Sergio Leones classic series. Fist Full of Dollars is the first film in a trilogy of westerns the other two films are For A Few Dollars More and The Good The Bad and the Ugly. Everything about this film works, and there is nothing really bad I can say about it so I will just focus on the good things. For one it is directed to perfection, some of the angles are presented in ways I have never seen in a western, also the scenery is lit with delicate care. The music is sweeping and inspiring and the performances are played with grit and honesty. This series launched Clint's career and allowed him to become of one the Iconic actors of the twentieth century, anyway if you are a fan of westerns or consider yourself a film lover than you must see this movie, and may The Man With No Name ride forever.
The Devil's Rejects (2005)
Rob Zombie Fans Rejoice
I have been a fan of Rob Zombie since he was only doing music and now that he has transitioned into film I remain one. House of 1000 Corpses was a Trippe trip through hell and with The Devils Rejects Rob continues that premise. I prefer this film because of the mixture of action and horror the opening scene involves one of the weirdest shootouts in cinema history and the action never lets up. Rob knows how to use the camera and every shot, every frame is done to perfection. The script and story are well crafted and actually quite creative, now just as a warning if you have never seen a Rob Zombie film this one is full of brutal violence, a lot of sex and nudity, and so many cuss words I lost count (For more information on rating check the parents guide). One more thing I want to mention is the cast I thought all of them did really well especially Sid Haig (captain spaulding) and Sherri Moon Zombie that played Spaudings daughter anyway if you love horror, action or Rob Zombies other films or music definitely check this out.
Revolutionary Road (2008)
It will leave you Speechless
Director Sam Mendes best known for his work behind the camera in American Beauty (2000) delivers a powerful and poignant film. The story revolves around a young married couple Frank and April Wheeler played to perfection by Leonardo Dicaprio and Kate Winslet (she won the Oscar) who are desperately trying to break the conformity of 1950's living. Technically this film is astounding the shots are done beautifully the lighting creates all of the right moods and the score is just haunting. Also the emotion of the script is felt by the way that Leo and Kate play off of each other, I think that Leo has been coming into his own over the past few years with films like Blood Diamond and The Departed but for me this was definitely the best performance of his career. Kate did an outstanding job and like I stated before won the Oscar for last year, anyway see this film you might not enjoy it but you will definitely remember the journey down Revolutionary Road.
Gran Torino (2008)
Clints Best Film By A Mile
I grew up watching Clint in front of the camera, with films like The Good The Bad And The Ugly, Dirty Harry and Unforgiven I already knew that the man could act, but what Gran Torino showed me was that he is now truly a director. I loved the way that every shot of the film was framed and just the technique behind the film. Also the story is very solid, the cinematography is done well and the acting is superb. Clint belongs with the legends of cinema actors like Paul Newman, John Wayne, Marlon Brando and there are so many more I could mention, but even if this is the last Clint performance I know that the legend will live on in all of his wonderful films.
Dawn of the Dead (2004)
Wows With The Action
I love the horror films of the 60's and 70's and the original George Romero zombie flicks are still some of my favorites but being that this is a re imagining I will try to stay away from comparisons. Okay the plot is very simple (even for a horror film) there is a deadly virus that has broken out over most of the U.S. that causes the victims to come back to life. So a band of survivors decide to take refuge in an abandoned shopping mall, I think that first and foremost this movie should be classified as an action film and not horror because there is plenty of ammo being shot and plenty of things exploding but not enough scares. Also things like character development are sorely lacking. The actors did a good job with the roles and the direction by Zah Snyder (Watchmen and 300) was good but as a die hard fan of the genre I can't call this a horror film.
Raging Bull (1980)
Deniro And Scorcese Deliver A Knockout
Marty has always been a director whose films involved the evolution or down fall of a man, whether it be Travis Bickle in Taxi Driver, Jesus in The Last Temptation Of Christ or Billy Costigan in The Departed. All of these films and characters have one common theme and that is the character and essence of humanity. Cinematically Raging Bull is a brilliant film that works in all the right ways and pushes all the right emotional buttons. Robert Deniro as always was phenomenal and I also have to give props to Joe Pesci who actually plays a likable character in this one. The movie is in Black and White and that gives it a very gritty almost Noir feel which I think fits perfectly. Anyway give the film a watch and you will not only be entertained you will be moved.
The Departed (2006)
Scorsese On The Top Of His Game
Scorsese is one of the greatest directors to ever work in film, I know that is a bold statement but this movie is a testament to the fact. That a director that got started in the sixties and seventies can still entice and intrigue an audience today speaks of that directors talent. I thought all of the cast was perfect and especially liked Mark Walhberg as Sgt Dignam this is the film that I think really shows that Leonardo Dicaprio and Matt Damon can in fact act. The action is swift and relentless and the story takes so many twists and turns I can't really write about it without spoiling it and I don't want to take the pleasure of watching this film away from anyone. Overall I believe that this film will stand the test of time and become a classic.
Catacombs (2007)
May Be The Best Horror Film Since The Exorcist
As a lover of the horror genre I am tired of films that rely on blood and gore to not scare but simply gross out the viewer, I prefer films that work on more of a psychological level and this one definitely does. It starts of fast with two sisters visiting each other in Paris, They decide to go to a party in the catacombs under the city and all hell breaks loose. The acting was very good for a horror film and I thought that the atmosphere was very well done and made the film very creepy. The direction was a little erratic at times and I couldn't always follow what was going on but other than that the film was the most disturbing movie I have seen since The Exorcist.
Pulp Fiction (1994)
A Trip Through Hell
The film starts off strong and never looses momentum, no matter how many times I see it I can always watch it from opening to closing credits. Taranitno is an excellent director and gives the viewer the sense of actually being involved in the actions going on in his world. I also feel that all of his characters are written so well that they feel real, even with all of the outlandish events that transpire through the film there is some very strong character development. None of the characters are that likable but Tarantino and Avery make them likable through the dialouge. Also all of the performances in my opinion just enhance the likability of the characters. My favorite segment in the film involves Bruce Willis character and I don't want to give anything away but it really is hell being depitcted on screen. Well I can't really go into plot details without giving anything away so I will conclude by saying that this was a film that defined a decade and it is definitely worth a watch.
Mirrors (2008)
Good but still light on the Scares
As a horror fan I am always looking for new films that will scare the crap out of me and I thought I had found one when Mirrors came out. Unfortunately this film left a lot to be desired, the opening scene does grab the viewer and bring them in but after that it all goes down hill. For one thing the CGI is horrible and takes away any believability that the film might have had, secondly as much as I love Keifer Sutherland as Jack Bauer he pretty much plays the same character here and it doesn't work. There is some good atmosphere and the direction was pretty solid but as far as the scares go they where few and far between. The ending was pretty cool but other than that I have nothing to really praise about the film.