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Reviews
Knock Knock (2015)
Stupidity is a Prerequisite
The plot of this movie requires the characters consistently act stupidly. That makes it frustrating to watch. Adding to the frustration is that some of the participants in the production are capable of making good movies. In fact, the set design and much of the cinematography is quite good for what I assume must have been a low budget. But the writers (including Eli Roth) and the director (Eli Roth) insult the viewers with scene after scene of outrageously ridiculous plit elements coupled with painfully awkward acting. Even Keanu Reeves struggles to avoid ludicrousness in several scenes. I wonder if he pushed back against the direction of the story, or just suffered through it aimlessly and cashed the check?
Jack Ryan: Strongman (2019)
One Sequence Detracted from the Series
This show is typically entertaining, and often cleverly-scripted. Unfortunately, the writers' discussion of this episode apparently had a moment like this:
"We need a thrilling action sequence!"
"Let's storm the presidential palace and have Jack & Co shoot lots of people there."
"Uhhh... That would be incredibly stupid."
"But it'll look cool. We're doing it."
That's disappointing.
Jack Ryan: Dressed to Kill (2019)
Disgusting
The writers felt the need to remind the audience how wicked one of the bad-guys is. They added an otherwise pointless sequence to drive that point home. That's lazy and poor-quality storytelling.
The Man in the High Castle: Fire from the Gods (2019)
It Made Sense, Even if Unsatisying
Consider the world with American Riechfuhrer John Smith as "Prime" World. That's where people were apparently supposed to be. The thing that was "happening," per Juliana's premonitions, was a sort of unification of other worlds with Prime World.
The key was the reaction to Smith's demise. America became de-Nazi-fied. So, the unification could happen in a way that led to liberty rather than tyranny.
An interesting story.
Expelled: No Intelligence Allowed (2008)
Knowledge Isn't Truth; It's Just Mindless Agreement
I am amused and frustrated by how often we convince ourselves we "know" things we only suspect. But the real frustration comes when we try to convince students of that sure knowledge that is actually only theory or hypothesis or even supposition. Because when we say "I know," then we stop thinking.
This documentary-style movie, that takes a definite point-of-view, has real value in its exposition of the dogmatic approach to some scientific teaching. The principle value is to illustrate the dangers in teaching conclusions rather than teaching exploration of ideas.
I have read many of the criticisms of this movie, and found them largely baseless. But I encourage the curious to check it out; decide for yourself if telling students we do not know many of the processes and mechanisms that account for the origins of species would be preferable to telling them we have it all figured out.
War of the Worlds (2005)
Thrilling
I've read many of the comments here, and I will concede that the movie contains some logic flaws. Most annoying of these is that some electronics devices conveniently work after an EMP disables all others, because that flaw was tolerated by the film-makers to get some neat shots, or to simplify certain storytelling elements. However, I rate this movie very highly because it thrilled me. I've seen so many action movies that I sometimes miss the "wow" factor. This movie gripped me, and did not let go. I cared what was happening, and I was convinced of the peril. Also, the effects were seamless--they made the fantastic elements of the story more believable.
The Apartment (1960)
Offensive
I just watched "The Apartment," and I was so disappointed by it. What a pedigree it had: Billy Wilder, Jack Lemmon, Shirley Maclaine, Fred MacMurray, and a build-up as one of the all-time great romantic comedies. Indeed, it did have the romantic comedy structure, it did have fine cinematography, it did showcase sometimes adorable chemistry between Jack Lemmon and Shirley Maclaine, and it did have a few clever moments. Still, I found the movie unforgivably offensive in certain parts.
Remember the trick employed for laughs in almost every "Three's Company" episode, where miscommunication or lack of understanding lead to trouble for the characters but laughs for the better-informed viewers? Imagine if, instead of Mr. Furley making a bad assumption about what Jack Tripper was doing in the kitchen, the situation involved Janet being unaware that Chrissy had just attempted suicide and would soon die if Janet doesn't catch a clue. Would you laugh? Would you resent the writers and director trying to play that for laughs? I found the answer to that question in "The Apartment": yes, I resented it, and was offended by it.
I was also put off by the fact that every character in the movie was either despicable or at least very difficult to like. The protagonist is an insurance company drone who desires to climb the corporate ladder. He lets the executives who could help him in that quest use his apartment for their adulterous affairs, and in return, they recommend him for promotion. The female lead is involved in one of those affairs (her great line: "Women in love with married men shouldn't wear mascara."), and she is willing to forgive that louse even when she discovers she's but one in a series of his conquests. Those two, the protagonist and female lead, are the characters we're supposed to root for. The other characters are mainly wicked, and we're doubtful they will ever actually get what they have coming to them.
This film is the work of exceptionally talented people. It's a shame the story was so repulsive.
Open Water (2003)
Minimal, taut, intense
"Open Water" wastes very little time in it's relatively brief 79 minutes. The filmmakers have pared this thing down to the essentials: a couple is having some tension in their relationship, they take a vacation, they go scuba diving, they experience a terrifying situation.
During their experience, we viewers are effectively brought into their situation along with them, and we have reason to care what happens. And what happens is portrayed in a manner that leaves us stunned.
I recommend this film. Its low budget is not evident, as the production values are high and the actors are effective. I hope to see future projects from each of the key participants in this film.
The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (2003)
Most spectacular movie I have seen
Many people ask me to identify my "favorite movie," or the "best movie" I've ever seen. I deflect such questions, because too many factors and subjective judgements affect and periodically change my answers to them. However, I will state unambiguously that "The Return of the King" is the most spectacular movie I have ever seen. Best? Favorite? I wouldn't say. But certainly the most spectacular. Wow!
24 (2001)
Season 2: Brilliant at first, then over-the-top
After watching Season 1 on DVD, I waited for the DVD release of Season 2, without watching the episodes on Fox TV. For the first several episodes, I was amazed by the show's relative brilliance. I felt like I had no idea what might happen, but I desperately wanted to find out.
Later in the season, however, the show went from phenomenal to merely good. The main reason for this is that some plot elements just piled up too high to be accepted. This was particularly the case with the plot threads involving Kim Bauer (Elisha Cuthbert). Some of what she endures was so painfully contrived that I wanted to scream at the writers: "Oh, give me a break!"
Another drawback was the excessively high body count. While it could have been much worse (I can't say why without spoiling things), the way characters are dispatched seems almost cavalier. That was not terribly disturbing (it's only fictional TV), but it was disappointing.
In spite of these flaws, I recommend "24" highly, as one of the most innovative and creative programs of recent years. It's not as fantastic as "Twin Peaks," but what is?