Change Your Image
JohnCVermont
Reviews
A Series of Unfortunate Events (2004)
A Decent Movie but not a Great Film
I wish I could have rated this film higher but I just didn't get the feeling of *WOW*. It was a good movie and visually compelling at times. Jim Carrey had some excellent moments but the constant overacting was a touch grating at times. Whoever casted Jude Law as the Narrator should be given a serious Christmas bonus. It was an inspired selection. The four child actors who are the main characters (two toddlers handled the role of Sunny) did a very commendable job. I think Emily Browning deserves special mention for her portrayal of Violet. Well Done! Lastly, I did enjoy Billy Connolly appearance as Uncle Monty. While there were some taut & tense moments with genuine suspense, the movie as a whole just seemed to amble along. This was probably intentional. The film's climax just didn't achieve the height it should have compared to previous moments in the story.
Dark Descent (2002)
Why...Oh why? 2 hours of my life I can never get back.
After midnight, having a bout of insomnia, I see Dean Cain in a Outland knockoff that only lacks the production values, plot, visual effects and acting.
Basically, a very bad "Outland" under water. The concept has some merit. Instead of vacuum, think extreme pressure and its related dangers. Of course, because of the obvious low budget, they couldn't really develop along those lines. Dean Cain does what he can with what he has. Regarding production values, I think there was one visual effect that was interesting.
Typically, I really enjoy campy, grade-B (or less) sci-fi thrillers but I just couldn't do this time. Watch a DVD you have watched more than 15 times, do some laundry, read a book, read a comic book, read a Judith Krantz novel before fall into the trap that is "Dark Descent".
Tooth Fairy (2004)
OK...I liked it...fun & well done
OK...not haute cinema but I did like it. Chris Noth did a excellent job as "the Dad". There were many nice little touches. The supporting cast was good, truly supporting and not intrusive. The product placement was nearly invisible. Thankfully, they do not hit you over the head with it. Amazon.com's series of "artful commericals" is quite appealing to me. It is fresh and different. It is catching my eye.
I especially enjoyed the theme of what to do with your child's artwork, trash compactor or frame each and every "piece".
This short was quick, clever and amusing. The things that I look for in a short film.
Well done.
Team America: World Police (2004)
Coarse, Vulgar & Profane...I couldn't stop laughing!
Yes, Profane, coarse, vulgar & almost perfect as a laugh out loud comedy!
I am a decent, law-abiding, moral family man who is still laughing out loud.
Yes, It is by design basal, gutter, common-denominator type of comedy but it is actually done with such satiric wit, it could be the ultimate self-parody. It is certainly the ultimate parody of big budget action film.
Think about it... Any puppet you will see in this film act more life-like than any action-film actor.
The puppet sex scene may be a little over the top *but* it works because it parodies all of the wooden puppet-like sex you see in all major studio studio big-action films.
A couple of Don't's & Do's this film in order to get the full effect.
DO NOT:
- watch with your kids.
- watch with a date especially a first date.
- watch with your wife.
- watch in a place where you will be self- conscious.
- go & watch people from work or church.
- take this film seriously. There is plenty to offend everyone.
DO :
- go & see this film.
- keep an open mind.
- leave your self-righteous priggishness at the door
- let go of your self-consciousness and laugh out loud.
If you are offended by adult themes, puppet sex, vulgar & profane language, and ultimate irreverence. Please *do not* see this film.
Saved! (2004)
I was surprised ... better than I expected
I saw this movie at a friend's house on a total lark. It was something that I will have never picked up. In fact, I totally missed the buzz on this one.
To my surprise, it was better than I thought. Yes, a little formulaic but good. Adult themes are expressed & discussed. I thought they handled the zealous Christian angle well but the sugar candy ending spoiled what was up to that point a good movie. The supporting cast did a good job, including Macaulay Culkin. (well done, MC)
Attempted to tackled some interesting themes, but superficially.
I can't get the thought of "Born Again Breakfast Club" out of my head