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JDaigle2004
Reviews
Wassup Rockers (2005)
Wassup Rockers in Summary
By now, writer/director Larry Clark has developed a reputation for movies such "Kids", "Bully", and "Ken Park". If you're a fan of Larry Clark's accurate portrayal of the lives of teenagers, then "Wassup Rockers" will more than suffice.
However, if you've been a fan of Larry Clark for any amount of time and have seen any of his movies, then you may feel as if "Wassup Rockers" falls short. With the restrictions of the "R" rating, Clark showed us a more "user-friendly" version of a tale that could have become as the three movie mentioned above.
As most of Clark's movies, "Wassup Rockers" follows the life of urban teens just 'hanging out' and getting into extreme, but realistic circumstances. For a "normal" film, you may find "Wassup Rockers" offensive and extreme; however, if you watch it waiting for a class Clark film, you will be slightly disappoint.
By itself, great film. 7 out of 10.
Mr. Clark, I miss your extremes. Please come back to us.
Ken Park (2002)
Ken Park in Review
If you can sit comfortably through the movie "Ken Park", then you need to check yourself into therapy.
Larry Clark's "Ken Park" is perhaps the most unrestricted, uncompromising, immoral film I've ever seen. It portrays underage teenagers in violent and sexual acts.
So, get the kids a sitter, and rent "Ken Park". You'll be taken through the worm-hole of sex, violence, and drugs that so many teenagers fall through. I have never seen a more offensive movie, yet I have not seen a more realistic movie.
As with all of Clark's films, don't expect a lot of special effects and cinematic tricks. Clark aims for realism. The sex isn't over-glamorized and Clark doesn't use a lot of fancy lighting. You see it all.
I first realized that this film was uncompromising when one of the main male characters began to masturbate openly in front of the screen as it is shown in full detail. This is borderline pornographic, yet most viewers don't view this scene (or others such as it) as highly sexual arousing as much as dark, mysterious, and down right weird.
The acting is wonderful. I love seeing young unknowns going onto the screen and give it their all. I was not disappointed in any of the actors.
In a country where glamorized "hollywood" movies fill the shelfs of Blockbuster, this film stands out as the most gutsy, realistic, and troubling movies of all times. If you're a film fan, film student, or heck, a pervert, this movie is perfect for you.
10 out of 10. Uncompromised American cinema.
Kids (1995)
Kids in Summary
Kids is the first realistic tale of how teenagers act by writer and director Larry Clark. It tells the story of Telly and Casper, two friends growing up in a low-income, urban environment complete with drugs and sex. The entire films takes you through a 24-hour period of a group of just post-puberty teenagers as they test the notion that they are invincible.
Clark, by the current year (2006), has a repetition in the film making industry for being cutting-edge and controversial. Though this is one of the most accurate portrayal of a group of people that very few filmmakers dare to talk about, it pushes a lot of boundaries.
Many people are quick to label this movie as "child porn" for it's many adult themes. Therefore it is fair to warn anyone thinking of watching this film that it is intended for MATURE AUDIENCES ONLY, as it says explicitly on the cover. The movie portrays vivid pictures of violence, sex, language, and drug abuse all by under-age minors.
With that being said, this is one of the best films to date. Clark should be honored for his gutsy portrayal of the real lives of these kids. This is not a family movie and this is not the movie you want your kids to see. For that reason, I'm giving the Larry Clark's "Kids" a 8 out of 10.
Happy Feet (2006)
Happy Feet Review
Happy Feet is a heart-warming, fun for the family movie. It tells the story of Mumble, a "unique" penguin, who can't seem to find his penguin heart-song. Throughout the movie, we watch Mumble discover who he is and become proud of his difference.
The movie is filled with wonderful music that audiences of all ages will enjoy including classics such as "Kiss" by Prince, "Somebody to Love" by Queen, and a Spanish version of Ol' Blue Eyes' "My Way". Along with a colorful and talented cast including Eljah Wood, Brittany Murphy, Hugh Jackman, Nicole Kidman, Hugo Weaving, and Robin William, Happy Feet is soon to be set in the heart of children across the nation.
We meet an incredible variety of characters such as Gloria (Murphy) who befriends the "unique" Mumble (Wood) as well as an 'Elvis' singing penguin adequately named Memphis (Jackman) and his love interest Norma Jean (Kidman). This movie will soon be on every kid's shelf next to "Toy Story", "The Lion King", and "Finding Nemo". The movies graphics are spell-bounding. It holds themes and messages that are current and eternal. Audiences around the world are tapping their feet to the music of Happy Feet and I can't blame them.
9 out of 10.