Oryx-3 Reviews

Criminal Hearts (1996 Video)

Good performance shame about the movie

[8 September 1999]

Criminal Hearts is one of those films where the plot is so predictable that you already know what will happen next. Thankfully the performances of the actors are quite good. Kevin Dillon is actually a better actor than his brother Matt, I wonder why he's not more famous than his brother.

This film, however, is not one of his best efforts. That's a shame because he can turn in a good performance if he wants to (see Platoon). While Amy Locane, well, she's Amy Locane. I wouldn't call her a good actress but she has her potential.

Saber Marionette J (1996–1997)

An excellent series

[9/10 · 2 September 1999]

Saber Marionette J is an excellent series which started out as a comedy but slowly progresses into a serious drama. All of the characters are very well drawn and I can't help but liking Lime and Otaru straight away. Except for the last 10 seconds, the ending is also really good.

Batman Returns (1992)

The Best of the Batman movies franchise

[9/10 · 18 July 1999]

This is by far the best of all Batman movies. The characters in this film are so well-drawn and intriguing, each with their own dark side. Unlike its predecessor, Batman, Batman Returns actually makes you care about the characters, especially Batman and Catwoman or for that matter, Bruce Wayne and Selina Kyle, their alter-ego. Appreciate this while you can as most of you know by now, the other two Batman movies are not as good as this one.

Stag (1997)

An excellent predecessor to "Very Bad Things"

[10/10 · 22 January 1999]

I actually saw this after "Very Bad Things" and realised where "Very Bad Things" may have gained the basic ideas from. This is actually a more superior film than "Very Bad Things" as it does take the issue seriously and making it seems like it could happen to anyone.

The large cast, unfortunately, makes it difficult for specific character developments to arise. Even though at the end of the film we do feel sorry for Taylor Dayne's and Kevin Dillon's character. The acting in the film is quite decent too with Dayne holding herself quite well among the other performer. Kevin Dillon comes close second for his portrayal as a man who painfully tries to do the right thing. The ending, while a little dark, could not have been better executed. Overall, 7.5 out of 10.

Armageddon (1998)

FX Flick

[22 September 1998]

Armageddon is a lightweight flick. It relies heavily on special effects and explosions. It is, however, more interesting than the similarly themed, Deep Impact. All around good performance from the supporting actors, particularly Billy Bob Thornton and Will Patton. Steve Buscemi does his usual 'psychotic' character while Liv and Bruce add a little bit of drama and emotion to the film.

Dark City (1998)

An excellent film with mind-blowing special effects

[10/10 · 9 September 1998]

Dark City is an excellent film that is complemented with special effects that is out of this world. The story is a little bit of a stretch and requires people to suspend their disbelief. If you don't suspend your disbelief, you'll most likely to think this is a silly comic book film but if you do, you would enjoy your cinematic experience in Dark City.

Rufus Sewell delivers a fine performance as John Murdoch a man who is unsure and his identity while Hurt is excellent as ever as the detective who seems to have come out of the 1940s film noir. The music also complements the narrative style of the film. One of the title in the soundtrack titled "Sleep Now" perfectly captures the mystery elements of Dark City. While the song "Sway" (which is sung by Connelly's character in the film) defines the 1940s era of the film.

VR.5 (1995–1997)

An excellent show which received an unfair dismissal after only 13 episodes of its first season. If TV Networks is looking for an excellent show with a cult following, this would be it.

[9 September 1998]

VR.5 is an excellent show which went unnoticed by general public and network executives who feel that the show was too 'unconventional' for their taste. The show stars Lori Singer ("Short Cuts"), Michael Easton, Will Patton ("Armageddon", "Entrapment"), Anthony Head ("Buffy The Vampire Slayer"), Tracey Needham ("JAG"), and occasional guest appearances by Louise Fletcher ("Deep Space Nine"), and David McCallum ("The Man from UNCLE").

The show is actually more about exploration of subconscious mind and human's brain and DNA rather than the virtual reality technology which becomes the title of the show. However, virtual reality is the tool that the main character uses to explore the different subconscious mind of other people. It also cleverly mixed in the conspiracy angle of an unknown organisation who wishes to utilise the newfound technology for their own purposes. Unfortunately, after its first season, the show was canceled (even though it is now repeated on the Science-Fiction Channel) and the actors have moved into other projects, most notably Anthony Head in Buffy Tv Series and Will Patton in Armageddon and the soon to be released, Entrapment.

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