...that I just watched South Park s**t on its parent company for 48 minutes straight, all the while poking fun at its viewers to continually show up for any content they put out, no matter what service it's on. South Park on Comedy Central is not enough...how about Paramount+ , who is personified by the not-so-subtle "Pi Pi". Most South Park is completely allegorical at this point, which hits or misses. This was a semi-hit with me, the best part is biting the hand that feeds and it just giving them more and more. This was purposefully a sub-par episode - err, "special" - that proves its own point.
Reviews
94 Reviews
Moonfall
(2022)
Arthur C. Clarke worthy idea, "Troll 2" worthy writing and directing
4 February 2022
Being a Millennial, I can attest to our generation that it was a great time to be alive with "Independence Day" and "Godzilla" being some of our favorite tween-age blow-up-knock-down action movies to go see with our friends in the theater 3 times in the same day, with campy yet lovable characters like Will Smith and Jeff Goldblum. Those were the days. I still enjoy watching those flicks from time to time - not just for the nostalgia. They are still quite entertaining in their own right.
Now we have "Moonfall" some 25 years later. Cut from the same construction paper, but more like pieces of old scripts from Roland Emmerich's late '90s writing room shredder taped together in hopes the characters and dialog would be usable in telling the grandiose destructo-type story instead of just talking props. Speaking of which, I give props to Halle Berry, Patrick Wilson, and John Bradley (who actually had a solid character to go with his style) for trying, but it simply wasn't enough.
I've listened to commentaries and interviews with Emmerich and I personally think he doesn't have good instincts on how to put a balanced action film together since the mid 2000s (with the ID4 sequel, if you watch the deleted scenes cut what would've been the best and most meaningful scenes of the entire movie) with the aim of just going big and loud, using any means whatsoever. It works...until it doesn't. Action fatigue sets in frequently in this and many of his recent past movies. It's alarming when I am physically incapable of caring less about the world ending than watching these characters attempt to get from beginning to end - in fact, there was no palpable peril despite the entire earth getting properly f'ed up, we only see it in overhead shots of floods and earthquakes and meteorites (I think COVID may have had something to do with not being able to have scenes with dozens of extras on the ground clamoring over each other like in all other action flicks from the days of yore).
However, the concept was intriguing and in my opinion, pretty great. It reminds me of Arthur C. Clarke's "Rendezvous with Rama" but with the Moon instead of a floating cylinder in space. I really did enjoy watching the last 20-30 mins or so play out after an hour and a half of random skipping around characters trying to hatch the plan to get us to that point while trying to make the audience like and/or care. If the script had half the heart and good campiness of something like "Independence Day", it definitely could have kicked my rating up a little.
Wait for streaming.
Now we have "Moonfall" some 25 years later. Cut from the same construction paper, but more like pieces of old scripts from Roland Emmerich's late '90s writing room shredder taped together in hopes the characters and dialog would be usable in telling the grandiose destructo-type story instead of just talking props. Speaking of which, I give props to Halle Berry, Patrick Wilson, and John Bradley (who actually had a solid character to go with his style) for trying, but it simply wasn't enough.
I've listened to commentaries and interviews with Emmerich and I personally think he doesn't have good instincts on how to put a balanced action film together since the mid 2000s (with the ID4 sequel, if you watch the deleted scenes cut what would've been the best and most meaningful scenes of the entire movie) with the aim of just going big and loud, using any means whatsoever. It works...until it doesn't. Action fatigue sets in frequently in this and many of his recent past movies. It's alarming when I am physically incapable of caring less about the world ending than watching these characters attempt to get from beginning to end - in fact, there was no palpable peril despite the entire earth getting properly f'ed up, we only see it in overhead shots of floods and earthquakes and meteorites (I think COVID may have had something to do with not being able to have scenes with dozens of extras on the ground clamoring over each other like in all other action flicks from the days of yore).
However, the concept was intriguing and in my opinion, pretty great. It reminds me of Arthur C. Clarke's "Rendezvous with Rama" but with the Moon instead of a floating cylinder in space. I really did enjoy watching the last 20-30 mins or so play out after an hour and a half of random skipping around characters trying to hatch the plan to get us to that point while trying to make the audience like and/or care. If the script had half the heart and good campiness of something like "Independence Day", it definitely could have kicked my rating up a little.
Wait for streaming.
True form to the original after a "necessary" pilot
19 January 2022
Following a seriously rushed pilot to introduce the characters in the span of 25 minutes as a necessary crutch to launch the characters into their shenanigans with some context, this episode shows the potential the show has while naturally introducing the "2022-ness" to the formula and giving the characters some comic identity. If they stay true to the format of the original (non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, a strong couple like Lily and Marshall and a dominant boisterous character like Barney) I will keep watching, and hoping Pamela Fryman directs more episodes.
Mr. Robot
(2015–2019)
Mr. Robot gets a seat at the big kids' table of TV shows...
20 October 2021
I'll be as direct as I can - if you think all we had was King "Breaking Bad", "The Sopranos" and/or 75% of "Game of Thrones"...get ready to put out a new placemat at the big kids' table of TV shows and watch this now. Be warned, it is quite dark and at times macabre so be mentally prepared beforehand to be a little disheveled for the duration.
This show manages to transcend reality while being one of the most realistic shows to come down the pike - maybe not in style or character but in the execution of many of the major plot points especially from a technical perspective. This isn't 1995 and it's not "Hackers" or "The Net" - every hack shown is 100% possible and paints the command-line interface as the most dangerous weapon anyone can wield.
The plot and tone while derivative of "Fight Club" (mostly the first season) feels more like a respectful tribute than a rip-off (even "Where Is My Mind?" as a piano interlude playing in the background of a pivotal scene, being very forthcoming in its respect to the film).
The characters are just constantly under duress and you're left wondering how they are going to possibly get out of a situation (or not...) and there are more twists and turns than the brush-stokes of Van Gogh's "Starry Night".
The casting is spot on and the acting is tense and dark, perfectly complementing the overall tone of the show. We are continually introduced to new characters that set the bar higher than the ones before - especially the antagonists...we truly are kept guessing on fates and allegiances, and sometimes even on what is or isn't real...no one is truly safe.
Cinematography is some of the most unique you'll find in any show or movie. The unbalanced framing and color palette never manages to paint any of the characters in a deserved, relaxed or innocent light - rather it is almost like the camera serves to intimidate instead of emphasizing, showing that no matter what the characters think of themselves or what situation they're in, the surrounding world is and always will be bigger than they are.
While some of the episodes are quite slow especially in the 2nd season (there are a couple that are about 80 minutes long) However - the 4th season is possibly the most well-done final season of any show made. It is so tense and satisfying, to put it into perspective - I rewatched the first 3 seasons at the end of last year (since I hadn't seen the final season yet I wanted to refresh) and that took me about 2 weeks and change but I BLEW through the final 13 episodes in 2 days. It was that good.
I know I didn't even really get into any details but you really don't need to know anything before getting into this...just watch it. Even my 70 year old mom who loves soap operas and has zero interest in computers (or anything remotely technical) says it's one of the best shows she's ever watched. It really deserves a larger audience.
This show manages to transcend reality while being one of the most realistic shows to come down the pike - maybe not in style or character but in the execution of many of the major plot points especially from a technical perspective. This isn't 1995 and it's not "Hackers" or "The Net" - every hack shown is 100% possible and paints the command-line interface as the most dangerous weapon anyone can wield.
The plot and tone while derivative of "Fight Club" (mostly the first season) feels more like a respectful tribute than a rip-off (even "Where Is My Mind?" as a piano interlude playing in the background of a pivotal scene, being very forthcoming in its respect to the film).
The characters are just constantly under duress and you're left wondering how they are going to possibly get out of a situation (or not...) and there are more twists and turns than the brush-stokes of Van Gogh's "Starry Night".
The casting is spot on and the acting is tense and dark, perfectly complementing the overall tone of the show. We are continually introduced to new characters that set the bar higher than the ones before - especially the antagonists...we truly are kept guessing on fates and allegiances, and sometimes even on what is or isn't real...no one is truly safe.
Cinematography is some of the most unique you'll find in any show or movie. The unbalanced framing and color palette never manages to paint any of the characters in a deserved, relaxed or innocent light - rather it is almost like the camera serves to intimidate instead of emphasizing, showing that no matter what the characters think of themselves or what situation they're in, the surrounding world is and always will be bigger than they are.
While some of the episodes are quite slow especially in the 2nd season (there are a couple that are about 80 minutes long) However - the 4th season is possibly the most well-done final season of any show made. It is so tense and satisfying, to put it into perspective - I rewatched the first 3 seasons at the end of last year (since I hadn't seen the final season yet I wanted to refresh) and that took me about 2 weeks and change but I BLEW through the final 13 episodes in 2 days. It was that good.
I know I didn't even really get into any details but you really don't need to know anything before getting into this...just watch it. Even my 70 year old mom who loves soap operas and has zero interest in computers (or anything remotely technical) says it's one of the best shows she's ever watched. It really deserves a larger audience.
Watch even if you are thrown off by the animation
3 October 2021
I put this on realizing I had missed a single episode of the series hike waiting for the next batch but I was immediately turned off by the animation which is clunky and slightly abstract, almost like a storyboard which essentially is what it is - a rough sketch of the episode with voiceovers. However it turns out to be a creative and appropriate way to tell the story which involves body image issues and typical Maya and Anna hijinks. I'd approach it as if you would one of those shows on MTV "Liquid Television" ...it's just as awkward as the real deal and is and is a good compromise during the wait for more live-action.
Old
(2021)
Good premise, cool twist...dreadful acting and pacing...
31 August 2021
Given M. Night Shyamalan's track record, I set very low expectations and was going to wait until this hit streaming platforms, and avoided spoilers...but because I was so interested in the premise I gave in after a month and just went to see this in the theater last night.
It starts off strong and drops lots of hints in the very first 15 minutes which is finally realized with - you guessed it - a plot twist. I get M. Night is a one-trick pony but I'm always a sucker for it.
I think most of his stories and twists are clever but... this movie could've been 1000x better. The whole middle is just a gigantic mess, acting and script-wise. I typically like the cinematography in M. Night's movies but there's some real bizarre camera work in this one that really took me out of the moment. Unfortunately, it is the acting that knocks this down the greatest number of pegs. I think during the filming this movie they really didn't get the coverage and had to edit together whatever they got out of the actors in a rushed schedule and wrap it up because the performances were so disjointed, that is the only explanation. There was a a lot of potential here and the set and settings were beautiful but, in the end it's just another good story with a decent twist....poorly executed. The whole ends up being worse than the sum of its parts, sadly..
This movie would've been way better played out as a miniseries. The plot demands a fast pace, but too much is condensed into less than two hours to try and flesh out a something meaningful, well-sculpted and with great acting. If you're looking for a real similar story with an appropriate look/feel and tone...watch the first season of "Homecoming" on Amazon Prime. I feel like 6-8 half hour episodes would've worked much better off to tell this story.
I promised myself to not go on an M. Night Shyamalan bashing spree here...but you'd think after almost 3 decades in the movie industry, he would be able to fire on all cylinders...but it seems like every movie he has released after 2004 save for "Split" and "The Visit", there is just something that is just blatantly wrong with his cinematic engine and he doesn't seem to realize it until it's too late.
It starts off strong and drops lots of hints in the very first 15 minutes which is finally realized with - you guessed it - a plot twist. I get M. Night is a one-trick pony but I'm always a sucker for it.
I think most of his stories and twists are clever but... this movie could've been 1000x better. The whole middle is just a gigantic mess, acting and script-wise. I typically like the cinematography in M. Night's movies but there's some real bizarre camera work in this one that really took me out of the moment. Unfortunately, it is the acting that knocks this down the greatest number of pegs. I think during the filming this movie they really didn't get the coverage and had to edit together whatever they got out of the actors in a rushed schedule and wrap it up because the performances were so disjointed, that is the only explanation. There was a a lot of potential here and the set and settings were beautiful but, in the end it's just another good story with a decent twist....poorly executed. The whole ends up being worse than the sum of its parts, sadly..
This movie would've been way better played out as a miniseries. The plot demands a fast pace, but too much is condensed into less than two hours to try and flesh out a something meaningful, well-sculpted and with great acting. If you're looking for a real similar story with an appropriate look/feel and tone...watch the first season of "Homecoming" on Amazon Prime. I feel like 6-8 half hour episodes would've worked much better off to tell this story.
I promised myself to not go on an M. Night Shyamalan bashing spree here...but you'd think after almost 3 decades in the movie industry, he would be able to fire on all cylinders...but it seems like every movie he has released after 2004 save for "Split" and "The Visit", there is just something that is just blatantly wrong with his cinematic engine and he doesn't seem to realize it until it's too late.
What Drives Us
(2021)
D.H. Peligro needs his own documentary
24 May 2021
Before I get completely torn apart with my review - "Sound City" was one of the best documentaries of all time on the subject of modern music. It was perfectly sculpted to tell the story it set out to and was just filled with all the nuances and the mystique-to-revelation pacing that comes from a well-done documentary. I know Dave Grohl has the passion, experience, connects, and the drive to make a great film on anything rock music.
This one - not so much.
Granted...this was a very bizarre time in the world to put out a documentary that is about touring when not even a single band has been on the road for the better part of 15-18 months. Yes...it dives into van touring...some trials and tribulations from the road, and the indelible craziness of every single musician that despite all signs pointing elsewhere that touring in a van is a complete and utter nightmare to most people's standards, the passion for playing music trumps all. I toured the US with a band in late 2013 and I agree with this statement. But this documentary wasn't nearly as visceral as it *shoud've* been. It really doesn't make the point it sets out to in the title. I'm sure that there was a lot more that Grohl + Co. Would've liked to put into this film, but it just was rendered impossible or impractical because of COVID where this documentary sort of turned into a mishmash of the who's-who of alt-rock products of the last 30 years coupled with following a newer band into the doldrums of van touring (which kind of turned into a half-assed attempt unfortunately towards the end).
The takeaway on this documentary which is not what I was expecting at all...D. H. Peligro needs his own documentary. That dude has been through the ringer with his own struggles, not to mention he was a very early and underrated part of pretty much every SoCal punk-funk-alt-rock band worth their salt in some capacity throughout the early-mid '80s and he's got the best personality of all the interviewees by a long shot. He clearly had a very real, heavy experience insofar as the documentary felt the need to spend 10 (very well-deserved) minutes on his life alone.
Last personal, very subjective note...I would have given this one another star if Lars Ulrich was edited out.
This one - not so much.
Granted...this was a very bizarre time in the world to put out a documentary that is about touring when not even a single band has been on the road for the better part of 15-18 months. Yes...it dives into van touring...some trials and tribulations from the road, and the indelible craziness of every single musician that despite all signs pointing elsewhere that touring in a van is a complete and utter nightmare to most people's standards, the passion for playing music trumps all. I toured the US with a band in late 2013 and I agree with this statement. But this documentary wasn't nearly as visceral as it *shoud've* been. It really doesn't make the point it sets out to in the title. I'm sure that there was a lot more that Grohl + Co. Would've liked to put into this film, but it just was rendered impossible or impractical because of COVID where this documentary sort of turned into a mishmash of the who's-who of alt-rock products of the last 30 years coupled with following a newer band into the doldrums of van touring (which kind of turned into a half-assed attempt unfortunately towards the end).
The takeaway on this documentary which is not what I was expecting at all...D. H. Peligro needs his own documentary. That dude has been through the ringer with his own struggles, not to mention he was a very early and underrated part of pretty much every SoCal punk-funk-alt-rock band worth their salt in some capacity throughout the early-mid '80s and he's got the best personality of all the interviewees by a long shot. He clearly had a very real, heavy experience insofar as the documentary felt the need to spend 10 (very well-deserved) minutes on his life alone.
Last personal, very subjective note...I would have given this one another star if Lars Ulrich was edited out.
Explorers
(1985)
Another victim of studio timelines interfering with the director's vision...
4 May 2021
Let's be honest - at the heart of this movie is a very endearing, family adventure romp. The premise is tons of fun and it's got it all as far as '80s nostalgia goes. However, it is extremely disjointed and is of no fault of the director Joe Dante. He had extremely talented young actors (Ethan Hawke and River Phoenix especially) and a very clear idea of what he was going for, he just was not allowed to quite "get" there. Long and awkward takes of the kids, jarring cuts that are all over the place and razor thin side characters (like the sheriff, Hawke's crush, and Wolfgang's parents) that are never really circled back on or developed are all present. You feel like you're watching something truly unfinished. While I am not expecting Oscar-worthy material especially being a child of the '80s, but once you know that the final cut was far from Dante's vision do you become almost infuriated with the push from major studios to compete or make up for lost profits ("Event Horizon" suffered another similar fate, another boneheaded move by Paramount, and with footage completely lost so a director's cut is now impossible). All in all, if you want to see where Hawke and Phoenix got their respective starts with a spoonful of '80s filmmaking from one of the keystones of the era on the side, check it out.
Nobody
(I) (2021)
How Bob Odenkirk has not even one major acting award to his name....
21 April 2021
...is an actual travesty. Obviously known almost exclusively for comedy, seeming out of the blue does he take on an action star role and NAIL it. Clearly fit and well-trained for the part, at 58 years old Odenkirk brings it like any other action star half his age and effectively doubles his range - something that was probably always there from the start, but only now given the opportunity to flex.
Obviously drawing major comparisons to John Wick (hint: same writer), the movie itself is a spiritual successor...short, consistent and the last half hour is non-stop action with a great payoff between characters that is worth the build-up. As someone else commented, it really plays on the formula on many of the great action flicks of the '90s and truly feels like it is from that classic era of just "shut up and enjoy the ride". The tight 90-ish minute length is a huge plus - there was no reason to draw this movie out any further than it had to be.
So, again I'll ask Hollywood - after 30+ years in the industry do you just hate giving Odenkirk acting awards? Maybe between this and BCS, 2021 is your year to reconsider.
Obviously drawing major comparisons to John Wick (hint: same writer), the movie itself is a spiritual successor...short, consistent and the last half hour is non-stop action with a great payoff between characters that is worth the build-up. As someone else commented, it really plays on the formula on many of the great action flicks of the '90s and truly feels like it is from that classic era of just "shut up and enjoy the ride". The tight 90-ish minute length is a huge plus - there was no reason to draw this movie out any further than it had to be.
So, again I'll ask Hollywood - after 30+ years in the industry do you just hate giving Odenkirk acting awards? Maybe between this and BCS, 2021 is your year to reconsider.
Promising Young Woman
(2020)
Promising Young Woman: Analysis + Reflection
17 April 2021
Warning: Spoilers
The movie has to by nature, respectfully toe the line dealing with this sensitive subject regardless of genre classification - which it does for the most part. Sexual predation especially during the time period of the main character's life and particularly in a post-secondary education setting, is something that is too common and brushed off to a point of desensitization. There are severe repercussions on the victims and those around them and this film is an impactful representation of how the mental consequences in victims can manifest in various ways. It cannot be described in any act of blame, shame, grief, or revenge - but in a whirlwind blend of "all of the above".
As a former resident advisor at a university, any report of assault is to be taken extremely seriously. The supporting characters such as the Dean and Madison are the perfect metaphor that reveals "crying wolf" cannot appear in anyone's lexicon - be it a friend, figure of authority, or lawyer... there is morality and justice to be gleaned from all sides of the problem and I respect the film for its encouragement in bringing these conversations forward.
While the overarching story is satisfying, the part where (minor spoiler) Cassie takes the Dean's daughter to the diner to ploy the Dean into breaking down and admitting indifference towards Nina's assault was a plot hole that I managed to suspend until after reflecting upon of the movie. You could stretch it to say that you can reveal flaws in the leading character (in fact the film encourages you to attach some moral ambiguity to her character at times à la Walter White, but not as extreme) and I comprehend the point it was driving home, but unfortunately I can only reflect on it and say..."isn't that just straight-up kidnapping and if I were the Dean I'd totally report that?" Her character, while minor, was also not "followed up" on by the ending and served as consequence-free plot device.
Story aside or any flaw within, I think Bo Burnham's acting was the real standout here. His character, while underdeveloped, was a perfect match. It would bode well for him to star in more genre films that show off his strange yet gentle humor and I think it's time for him to emerge fully from the "New Math" chrysalis.
Production value was also on-point - at no time did I feel like there was a forced tonal shift and managed to balance out dark humor, drama without ever being too funny or disturbing - again, toeing those lines is a delicate balancing act and the film does it well.
As a former resident advisor at a university, any report of assault is to be taken extremely seriously. The supporting characters such as the Dean and Madison are the perfect metaphor that reveals "crying wolf" cannot appear in anyone's lexicon - be it a friend, figure of authority, or lawyer... there is morality and justice to be gleaned from all sides of the problem and I respect the film for its encouragement in bringing these conversations forward.
While the overarching story is satisfying, the part where (minor spoiler) Cassie takes the Dean's daughter to the diner to ploy the Dean into breaking down and admitting indifference towards Nina's assault was a plot hole that I managed to suspend until after reflecting upon of the movie. You could stretch it to say that you can reveal flaws in the leading character (in fact the film encourages you to attach some moral ambiguity to her character at times à la Walter White, but not as extreme) and I comprehend the point it was driving home, but unfortunately I can only reflect on it and say..."isn't that just straight-up kidnapping and if I were the Dean I'd totally report that?" Her character, while minor, was also not "followed up" on by the ending and served as consequence-free plot device.
Story aside or any flaw within, I think Bo Burnham's acting was the real standout here. His character, while underdeveloped, was a perfect match. It would bode well for him to star in more genre films that show off his strange yet gentle humor and I think it's time for him to emerge fully from the "New Math" chrysalis.
Production value was also on-point - at no time did I feel like there was a forced tonal shift and managed to balance out dark humor, drama without ever being too funny or disturbing - again, toeing those lines is a delicate balancing act and the film does it well.
Freak Talks About Sex
(1999)
Low-key, character-driven stoner film set in Syracuse - actually quite funny.
31 July 2020
Filmed in Syracuse, my hometown as of 2009 - this is a very low-key but actually hysterical comedy that has fallen by the wayside over the last 20 years.
I tried looking for this under the former title "Freak Talks About Sex" which was on HBO/Cinemax throughout the late 90s and early 2000s but could not find it anywhere. A friend and I were chatting about obscure movies at a fire and he brought his one up and was like - "Yeah, it was a big deal back in the day because it was filmed in Syracuse!" - before I moved there. Only place I could find it was on DVD and IMDb finally gave me the golden ticket - the changed title "Blowin' Smoke" in 2002.
It's 100% character driven comedy, and you're almost thrust into a casual observer into the main character's downtrodden life in Syracuse. Characters are introduced with little or no explanation of who they are, which is actually part of the allure, with a number of non-sequiturs. Lots of real-life references to 'Cuse - half of the time spent at the main character's dead-end job at Carousel Mall (now Destiny USA). Some absolutely great one-liners from Steve Zahn, who bears the name in the former title - however in passing I think he might be in less than half of the movie. He plays one of those roles - like the old myth that Ferris Bueller is just Cameron's alter ego - where he might be just a figment of the main character's imagination to motivate him to perceive his life differently...he's relatively unnoticed by any of the other characters. However, it's seriously not that deep. All in all, a very obscure stoner comedy predating Steve Zahn's larger comedies like "Saving Silverman" or "Daddy Day-care" and if you're a native of Central NY, you'll enjoy some of the sight-seeing from the Syracuse days of yore.
I tried looking for this under the former title "Freak Talks About Sex" which was on HBO/Cinemax throughout the late 90s and early 2000s but could not find it anywhere. A friend and I were chatting about obscure movies at a fire and he brought his one up and was like - "Yeah, it was a big deal back in the day because it was filmed in Syracuse!" - before I moved there. Only place I could find it was on DVD and IMDb finally gave me the golden ticket - the changed title "Blowin' Smoke" in 2002.
It's 100% character driven comedy, and you're almost thrust into a casual observer into the main character's downtrodden life in Syracuse. Characters are introduced with little or no explanation of who they are, which is actually part of the allure, with a number of non-sequiturs. Lots of real-life references to 'Cuse - half of the time spent at the main character's dead-end job at Carousel Mall (now Destiny USA). Some absolutely great one-liners from Steve Zahn, who bears the name in the former title - however in passing I think he might be in less than half of the movie. He plays one of those roles - like the old myth that Ferris Bueller is just Cameron's alter ego - where he might be just a figment of the main character's imagination to motivate him to perceive his life differently...he's relatively unnoticed by any of the other characters. However, it's seriously not that deep. All in all, a very obscure stoner comedy predating Steve Zahn's larger comedies like "Saving Silverman" or "Daddy Day-care" and if you're a native of Central NY, you'll enjoy some of the sight-seeing from the Syracuse days of yore.
Ravenous
(1999)
This shouldn't be good, but it really is...
24 July 2020
I remember way back in the day when I was just barely a teenager and this movie was being advertised. It looked like a comedy with half the trailer dedicated to David Arquette's character laughing and some of the more quippy one-liners. This was so terribly marketed that it was destined to fail. I had watched it randomly ~10 years ago and was OK, but instantly forgot about it. I just rented it again after it popping into my mind randomly and then continuing to read the good/pleasantly surprised-type reviews...and I'm glad I did! So If you're here reading this and you've got a hunger (pun fully intended) for a good period horror/thriller/black comedy - you've probably seen the aforementioned godawful trailer...erase that from your mind, stop reading, and dive in to this forgotten gem of the 90s.
If you have seen it - this might be a stretch of a comparison, but I liken the plot progression to something like Event Horizon. If you're a fan of that movie, it will cross over quite well. It contains some cool supernatural elements, along with a couple great twists, and a healthy dose of horror/gore and manages to balance them really well on what looks like a shoestring budget movie. The score, which may be one of the more unique things about the film, is quite jarring and really sets the tense and disturbing mood of the movie. Definitely a good home-alone-in-the-dark horror (and a smidgen of dark humor as well) flick. Best viewed in the cold winter months and a bowl of your favorite human soup...wait...
P.S. Robert Carlyle is just absolutely fantastic in this, as he is in most anything he appears in.
If you have seen it - this might be a stretch of a comparison, but I liken the plot progression to something like Event Horizon. If you're a fan of that movie, it will cross over quite well. It contains some cool supernatural elements, along with a couple great twists, and a healthy dose of horror/gore and manages to balance them really well on what looks like a shoestring budget movie. The score, which may be one of the more unique things about the film, is quite jarring and really sets the tense and disturbing mood of the movie. Definitely a good home-alone-in-the-dark horror (and a smidgen of dark humor as well) flick. Best viewed in the cold winter months and a bowl of your favorite human soup...wait...
P.S. Robert Carlyle is just absolutely fantastic in this, as he is in most anything he appears in.
Return to form!
18 May 2020
Just being honest here on the latest "half-season" - episode 6 took the "meta" concept way too far, and episode 7 was simply not funny. I was starting to get a bit worried - and I might be a little demanding here, but a show with this reputation and a notoriously long production cycle between seasons should be firing on all cylinders. There is also a notable lack of "B" story-lines, while not always called for, are oft-overlooked and underappreciated parts of any TV show.
Last night I pour my traditional glass of midnight wine and was expected to be rather disappointed for the third time in a row. Instead, Ep. 408 is a welcome return to form, reeling back a natural familiarity to the show: solid but ridiculous over-stretching and twists of the main plot sprinkled with random bawdiness, pop culture references and heavy doses of comic wit. This episode evoked the first belly-laughs of the current half-season.
Last night I pour my traditional glass of midnight wine and was expected to be rather disappointed for the third time in a row. Instead, Ep. 408 is a welcome return to form, reeling back a natural familiarity to the show: solid but ridiculous over-stretching and twists of the main plot sprinkled with random bawdiness, pop culture references and heavy doses of comic wit. This episode evoked the first belly-laughs of the current half-season.
The honeydew in the fruit bowl
1 April 2020
It took me until it ended in January and many friends' recommendations to check this show out, and since January (and especially with the current Stay Home global initiative) I have viewed this entire series twice now, and it ranks in my list of top 5 adult cartoons. Original, clever, witty, and spanning the whole gamut of emotion are the pinnacles of the show and it will be in my re-watch bank for years to come.
However, this episode is far, far below average. On a show that prides itself on the aforementioned qualities, the entire A-storyline with BoJack becoming a feminist is the least creative thing in the entire series and introduces the worst character of the universe (Vance). The subplot doesn't even really solidify until halfway through but it kills the momentum, which is tough to do in 25 minutes. It doesn't noticeably progress the characters (except for kind of setting up one major event at the end of the season), while simultaneously feeling like it's trying to extract water from a rock. If it weren't for the B-story subplot of Mr. Peanutbutter trying to find his inner bad-guy, this could be a complete throwaway. I disliked it the first time I saw it and I fell asleep the second.
Not all episodes fire on all cylinders, and the show itself still rates a perfect 10. However, with each show that runs for dozens of episodes there is bound to be one that just sinks to the bottom.
However, this episode is far, far below average. On a show that prides itself on the aforementioned qualities, the entire A-storyline with BoJack becoming a feminist is the least creative thing in the entire series and introduces the worst character of the universe (Vance). The subplot doesn't even really solidify until halfway through but it kills the momentum, which is tough to do in 25 minutes. It doesn't noticeably progress the characters (except for kind of setting up one major event at the end of the season), while simultaneously feeling like it's trying to extract water from a rock. If it weren't for the B-story subplot of Mr. Peanutbutter trying to find his inner bad-guy, this could be a complete throwaway. I disliked it the first time I saw it and I fell asleep the second.
Not all episodes fire on all cylinders, and the show itself still rates a perfect 10. However, with each show that runs for dozens of episodes there is bound to be one that just sinks to the bottom.
Watch it twice...
14 October 2019
No spoilers...
If you are a huge Breaking Bad / Better Call Saul fan, you definitely watched this movie the day it dropped. Regardless, expectations were sky high for this one and if you were completely satisfied to the brim, you should watch it again. If you happened to be let down in any way...you should watch it again.
Why? I personally went in with said super-high expectations and I left slightly emptier than what I would've liked. I thought it was great but I remarked to my buddy, "It was what it needed to be. A solid 8." And that was that...read some reviews that picked up on some cool Easter eggs from not just BB, but a couple from BCS as well. And on went my weekend.
So here I am just relaxing two days later on a Sunday by myself and I decided to throw it on again, not expecting to finish it but just sort of re-watch it like I have with any episode of either of its parent shows...and you know what? I upped my rating to a 9 after the second viewing. Somehow I was even more drawn in. I didn't even pause it once. So many subliminal details that get missed on any first viewing - I caught many subtle throwbacks and nods to BB/BCS along with being able to digest the story as a whole rather than sit in a weird anticipatory mood for the whole two hours...I knew who was / was not in the movie from characters past and present, I knew the outcome, but now I was able to take the time to appreciate the story, the visuals, the soundtrack, and the acting...and damn, is it all tastefully high-quality. Even the slightly different color palette and texture of the film felt astonishingly appropriate. Team Gilligan doesn't accept anything but near perfect - even their occasional slip-up is a "B" at worst!
This movie plays out more like an episode of BCS than BB, so (re)watch it with that frame of mind, and it will click into its deserved place in the fictional universe. VG and gang continue to impress.
Next stop - BCS Season 5!
If you are a huge Breaking Bad / Better Call Saul fan, you definitely watched this movie the day it dropped. Regardless, expectations were sky high for this one and if you were completely satisfied to the brim, you should watch it again. If you happened to be let down in any way...you should watch it again.
Why? I personally went in with said super-high expectations and I left slightly emptier than what I would've liked. I thought it was great but I remarked to my buddy, "It was what it needed to be. A solid 8." And that was that...read some reviews that picked up on some cool Easter eggs from not just BB, but a couple from BCS as well. And on went my weekend.
So here I am just relaxing two days later on a Sunday by myself and I decided to throw it on again, not expecting to finish it but just sort of re-watch it like I have with any episode of either of its parent shows...and you know what? I upped my rating to a 9 after the second viewing. Somehow I was even more drawn in. I didn't even pause it once. So many subliminal details that get missed on any first viewing - I caught many subtle throwbacks and nods to BB/BCS along with being able to digest the story as a whole rather than sit in a weird anticipatory mood for the whole two hours...I knew who was / was not in the movie from characters past and present, I knew the outcome, but now I was able to take the time to appreciate the story, the visuals, the soundtrack, and the acting...and damn, is it all tastefully high-quality. Even the slightly different color palette and texture of the film felt astonishingly appropriate. Team Gilligan doesn't accept anything but near perfect - even their occasional slip-up is a "B" at worst!
This movie plays out more like an episode of BCS than BB, so (re)watch it with that frame of mind, and it will click into its deserved place in the fictional universe. VG and gang continue to impress.
Next stop - BCS Season 5!
Breaking Bad
(2008–2013)
Yup...I'm also here to reminisce after GoT's final season
2 June 2019
If you asked me prior to April 2019 to pit the two most critically acclaimed TV series against each other - as fair or unfair as it is based on the fact that they are two completely different shows, but if you boiled it down to the basics I would've told you that Game of Thrones was ever-so-slightly better than Breaking Bad...the former has some complexities and "holy *four letter word*" moments that are just unmatched by anything I've ever watched. And I may be one of the few that did not mind the last season of GoT and it's resolution, but also agree with the masses in the decline in quality and nuance (what both shows are notorious for) of GoT's last season, couple with a fair amount of wasted potential and forgone character development in the last season. I think we all are guilty of coming up with our own intermediate/extended scenes in our minds to satisfy or complement what we saw on the actual TV screen.
Thus, now that both shows are done the real winner is very apparent: Breaking Bad emerges victorious from the battle.
From start to finish, BB is as close to perfection as any piece of media can get. Everyone knows the story, but I will never forget how absolutely intense, stunning, and at times anxiety-inducing the experience of watching this show was (I binged it very shortly after the finale since everyone was absolutely freaking out about how good it was). It balances every character and everything good about the crime/drama genre coupled with an amazingly unique premise that almost demands tension at any given moment.
Acting...directing...cinematography...editing... and above all, writing...all literally 100% on point, all the time. Including the resolution/finale. No wishing for something different or character arc ambiguity. It was sensical, shocking, and satisfactory to the highest degree.
Both GoT and BB have raised the bar for TV that was already elevated by shows like The Sopranos and The Wire. Some current ones are close (check out Barry for some awesome and unique black comedy, and clearly takes some cues from BB) but will be hard pressed to find something as magical as Breaking Bad - the closest we will get is its counterpart show Better Call Saul, which is also damn near perfect (come or with Season 5 already, dammit!)
Go Team Gilligan - I am waiting for your next project!
Thus, now that both shows are done the real winner is very apparent: Breaking Bad emerges victorious from the battle.
From start to finish, BB is as close to perfection as any piece of media can get. Everyone knows the story, but I will never forget how absolutely intense, stunning, and at times anxiety-inducing the experience of watching this show was (I binged it very shortly after the finale since everyone was absolutely freaking out about how good it was). It balances every character and everything good about the crime/drama genre coupled with an amazingly unique premise that almost demands tension at any given moment.
Acting...directing...cinematography...editing... and above all, writing...all literally 100% on point, all the time. Including the resolution/finale. No wishing for something different or character arc ambiguity. It was sensical, shocking, and satisfactory to the highest degree.
Both GoT and BB have raised the bar for TV that was already elevated by shows like The Sopranos and The Wire. Some current ones are close (check out Barry for some awesome and unique black comedy, and clearly takes some cues from BB) but will be hard pressed to find something as magical as Breaking Bad - the closest we will get is its counterpart show Better Call Saul, which is also damn near perfect (come or with Season 5 already, dammit!)
Go Team Gilligan - I am waiting for your next project!
Sunshine
(2007)
Excellent visuals, acting and directing - script is stylistically confusing
1 June 2019
I am not sure how this movie completely passed me by 12 years ago, as I am always at least mildly interested in any media in the sci-fi genre. This popped up on a recommended list somewhere and I have enjoyed Cillian Murphy and Rose Byrne's performances in other things (in retrospect, pretty great in this movie too), so I gave it a shot.
The film has incredibly impressive visuals - both CGI and practical effects. Not once did I remark to myself that anything looked "fake" or took me out of the moment in that regard. With a strong visual springboard the movie starts off awesome and I totally bought into the setup - in my opinion, we're halfway there.
About 50-60% into the movie, it takes some pretty sharp turns from a generalized "something-went-wrong" sci-fi thriller into what resembles something like if "The Core" met "Scream", all the while taking every major cue from "Event Horizon" as the story's foundation. This part of the script, coupled with fairly strange stylistic choices and editing techniques, really sort of snapped me out of the groove.
It is well-directed, and the ingredients and mixers are there for a great sci-fi/horror flick, it just seemed like the proverbial blender stopped working halfway through the movie. I think it should have taken any of the aforementioned films and focused on channeling that energy and style, rather than trying to shuffle back and forth between science fiction, horror, or even an indie film at times, peppered with some cheap slasher elements that don't really drive the story forward. Checking out director Danny Boyle's past films like "Trainspotting", "The Beach" and "28 Days Later", I can see where he takes his strengths across a wide variety of his past efforts and applied them as best as he could to this film.
I give it a 6/10 for awesome visuals, great acting and directing - the missing stars due to misguided genre and script beats directly lifted from "Event Horizon".
The film has incredibly impressive visuals - both CGI and practical effects. Not once did I remark to myself that anything looked "fake" or took me out of the moment in that regard. With a strong visual springboard the movie starts off awesome and I totally bought into the setup - in my opinion, we're halfway there.
About 50-60% into the movie, it takes some pretty sharp turns from a generalized "something-went-wrong" sci-fi thriller into what resembles something like if "The Core" met "Scream", all the while taking every major cue from "Event Horizon" as the story's foundation. This part of the script, coupled with fairly strange stylistic choices and editing techniques, really sort of snapped me out of the groove.
It is well-directed, and the ingredients and mixers are there for a great sci-fi/horror flick, it just seemed like the proverbial blender stopped working halfway through the movie. I think it should have taken any of the aforementioned films and focused on channeling that energy and style, rather than trying to shuffle back and forth between science fiction, horror, or even an indie film at times, peppered with some cheap slasher elements that don't really drive the story forward. Checking out director Danny Boyle's past films like "Trainspotting", "The Beach" and "28 Days Later", I can see where he takes his strengths across a wide variety of his past efforts and applied them as best as he could to this film.
I give it a 6/10 for awesome visuals, great acting and directing - the missing stars due to misguided genre and script beats directly lifted from "Event Horizon".
Game of Thrones: The Last Watch
(2019 TV Movie)
Spotlights the real unsung heroes of the show
28 May 2019
Many people reviewing this title are commenting on the lack of highlights and glamorous interviews of any of the main cast and crew, but it seems more raw and more realistic view of the huge well-oiled machine that comprises a show like this - the actors are actually an incredibly small part of the whole shebang.
It was cool to see the throwbacks to the first season table read juxtaposed with the final season's and the reactions (which should've highlighted a couple more of the plot points rather than the 2 or 3 big ones).
I'm glad some of the behind-the-scenes crew got some of the spotlight i.e. director David Nutter (visibly fighting pain from his back issues - guy is a damn trooper), the fight choreographers, makeup artists, stuntmen, the "snow guy", and the fiery Belfast location manager...but fan favorite extra Andrew McClay might be the real star of this documentary...it's amazing to see such a high-spirit even in the relatively small but important part he plays in the show - even serving as a mentor to the other extras.
Reason for the 7/10 - it runs a bit long, suffers from some amateur editing and filming, and some of the music choices are really strange...but to each their own! A nice bow-tie on the series, even if Season 8 wasn't what we all expected, the dedication and hard work is highly appreciated, and should be viewed by even those who are dismissing it due to a faulty script.
It was cool to see the throwbacks to the first season table read juxtaposed with the final season's and the reactions (which should've highlighted a couple more of the plot points rather than the 2 or 3 big ones).
I'm glad some of the behind-the-scenes crew got some of the spotlight i.e. director David Nutter (visibly fighting pain from his back issues - guy is a damn trooper), the fight choreographers, makeup artists, stuntmen, the "snow guy", and the fiery Belfast location manager...but fan favorite extra Andrew McClay might be the real star of this documentary...it's amazing to see such a high-spirit even in the relatively small but important part he plays in the show - even serving as a mentor to the other extras.
Reason for the 7/10 - it runs a bit long, suffers from some amateur editing and filming, and some of the music choices are really strange...but to each their own! A nice bow-tie on the series, even if Season 8 wasn't what we all expected, the dedication and hard work is highly appreciated, and should be viewed by even those who are dismissing it due to a faulty script.
Sneaky Pete
(2015–2019)
S1 and S2 worth the price of admission, S3 feels like a post-game show
15 May 2019
I have been looking forward to S3 for a while since I binge-watched the first two last year. Those 20 episodes contain some of the most fast-paced, tense and almost anxiety-inducing elements in a TV show since - dare I say it - "Breaking Bad". Lots of tremendous acting especially by Giovanni Ribisi, great characters, setups and mini-payoffs building up to a grand finale for each season.
S3 was off to a great start and I whipped through the first 4 episodes in a row but honestly, I started losing general interest halfway through. Ribisi and McRae visibly grow tired of their respective characters and there are lot of strange, forced throwaway scenes. Overall the acting/writing sort of just fizzles towards the end with each mini-payoff just barely necessary to a climax half as exciting compared to the previous seasons.
I noticed a complete lack of return of the writing and production staff from those first two seasons - especially Graham Yost, a master screenwriter of the fast-paced action-thriller genre. There are a couple of great moments especially in the beginning but overall not nearly as good as the first two seasons. The show needs to do itself a favor and get Yost back in the screenwriting chair for the next season if there is one.
Unfortunately S3 knocks my IMDb rating down to a 7 for overall show - S1/2 are a solid 9.
S3 was off to a great start and I whipped through the first 4 episodes in a row but honestly, I started losing general interest halfway through. Ribisi and McRae visibly grow tired of their respective characters and there are lot of strange, forced throwaway scenes. Overall the acting/writing sort of just fizzles towards the end with each mini-payoff just barely necessary to a climax half as exciting compared to the previous seasons.
I noticed a complete lack of return of the writing and production staff from those first two seasons - especially Graham Yost, a master screenwriter of the fast-paced action-thriller genre. There are a couple of great moments especially in the beginning but overall not nearly as good as the first two seasons. The show needs to do itself a favor and get Yost back in the screenwriting chair for the next season if there is one.
Unfortunately S3 knocks my IMDb rating down to a 7 for overall show - S1/2 are a solid 9.
Step off the hate train (horse?) for a second, and think...
14 May 2019
I'm really not quite sure of the downvoting of the last few episodes - it was not a perfect 10, but it *certainly* was not a 1! I gave it an 8 - shock value being half of that even though it should've been extremely apparent what was going to happen - even to the casual viewer. It was still was horrifying to witness. Whether or not a viewer is happy with the choice that the characters made via script, I think it was visually and emotionally conveyed perfectly. It formed the pit in your stomach knowing that your worst fears about characters that you had a mostly positive attachment to has finally occurred on-screen and there's no turning back.
The allegory is strong here - how many people throughout history, especially in positions of power in real life have acted out while seeing red, even if the resolution was literally staring them in the face with just a nanosecond more of diplomacy? How many people outside of their "influence-ees" have realized that their collective choices are actually REALLY messed up and in retrospect, should've never happened? This isn't bad writing...it's the very dark and very real side of humanity.
The only slightly negative thing that is happening this season is the script and the remaining character development is either too little or too much for cramming it into 6 episodes but there is still one ep. left and I'm still all on board for a meaningful resolution - maybe not realizing it right away ("The Sopranos", anyone - maybe not as philosophical but maybe just as open ended) but still satisfying the story if taken the time to reflect similar to the five-stage grief system.
The allegory is strong here - how many people throughout history, especially in positions of power in real life have acted out while seeing red, even if the resolution was literally staring them in the face with just a nanosecond more of diplomacy? How many people outside of their "influence-ees" have realized that their collective choices are actually REALLY messed up and in retrospect, should've never happened? This isn't bad writing...it's the very dark and very real side of humanity.
The only slightly negative thing that is happening this season is the script and the remaining character development is either too little or too much for cramming it into 6 episodes but there is still one ep. left and I'm still all on board for a meaningful resolution - maybe not realizing it right away ("The Sopranos", anyone - maybe not as philosophical but maybe just as open ended) but still satisfying the story if taken the time to reflect similar to the five-stage grief system.
Super Troopers 2
(2018)
Just another notch on the "nostalgia cash-grab" belt...
25 April 2018
I see the user rating on IMDb and of course with movies like this, there is typically a discrepancy between audience vs. critic rating. But I find myself questioning siding with the critics and asking myself whether or not I was watching the same movie as my colleagues who absolutely loved this sequel...
I laughed exactly two times - I'm only counting genuine laughter. Forced chuckles that fill the space and time do not count.
The opening scene definitely set it up for me - I know damn well in a movie like this it really doesn't matter if something that silly adds anything else to the movie, but I expected at least some laughs...instead it was a complete disaster and one of the most un-funny things I've seen on a movie screen in a while (think Zoolander 2, but not as excruciatingly bad - but it was close).
It isn't far-fetched by the way some actors / directors / writers, especially those who fill all of the roles such as Super Troopers - it's all about execution and raw talent. But it seems as if the movie had a very rough storyboard, sets were built, and the actors basically made everything up on the spot (sans choreographed stunts and major plot devices) and the footage was twirled around like a gymnastic ribbon routine in the editing room. It was incredibly disjointed in pace and jokes fell awkwardly, with the complete expectation the audience would just laugh at anything that came out of their mouths (this is especially true with the three Canadian mounties, literally nothing about those characters was funny) - no build ups or context required or completely disregarded...just film reels being salvaged into a movie that was half paid for by the fans - unfortunately this movie barely pays lip service to the first.
To keep it short - it's usually not a good sign if during any particular scene I wish it would just be over to the next one in hopes it will be better or build on itself...that tally was unfortunately too high on this one. I wanted to like it, I wanted to laugh so hard...but I was mostly bored and let down.
Another notch on my "nostalgia cash-grab" belt (better make it two, because I swung $10 in 2015 for the crowdfunding)...
I laughed exactly two times - I'm only counting genuine laughter. Forced chuckles that fill the space and time do not count.
The opening scene definitely set it up for me - I know damn well in a movie like this it really doesn't matter if something that silly adds anything else to the movie, but I expected at least some laughs...instead it was a complete disaster and one of the most un-funny things I've seen on a movie screen in a while (think Zoolander 2, but not as excruciatingly bad - but it was close).
It isn't far-fetched by the way some actors / directors / writers, especially those who fill all of the roles such as Super Troopers - it's all about execution and raw talent. But it seems as if the movie had a very rough storyboard, sets were built, and the actors basically made everything up on the spot (sans choreographed stunts and major plot devices) and the footage was twirled around like a gymnastic ribbon routine in the editing room. It was incredibly disjointed in pace and jokes fell awkwardly, with the complete expectation the audience would just laugh at anything that came out of their mouths (this is especially true with the three Canadian mounties, literally nothing about those characters was funny) - no build ups or context required or completely disregarded...just film reels being salvaged into a movie that was half paid for by the fans - unfortunately this movie barely pays lip service to the first.
To keep it short - it's usually not a good sign if during any particular scene I wish it would just be over to the next one in hopes it will be better or build on itself...that tally was unfortunately too high on this one. I wanted to like it, I wanted to laugh so hard...but I was mostly bored and let down.
Another notch on my "nostalgia cash-grab" belt (better make it two, because I swung $10 in 2015 for the crowdfunding)...
The Matrix Reloaded
(2003)
Reloaded was great -- people are missing a HUGE part of the story!!!
15 May 2003
Warning: Spoilers
I've been waiting for this day for 4 long years, but I've been reading mixed reviews ever since the movie premiered...I was kind of disappointed whilst I read them, but once I saw it for myself yesterday night AND tonight, I finally realized that, for lack of better words, one simple fact: "The Matrix" just plain ep]ing ROCKS!!!
This installment deals with the actual Matrix itself. The first movie introduced us to the difference between the "dream" world and the real world, going through the time when Neo finally discovered that he was the One. This one actually takes us inside the workings of the Matrix, the nuts and bolts with tons of new characters to meet. A totally different concept than the first movie, which barely cracked the surface. I have to admit, the scenes at Zion and with the Council were pretty cliche, but nonetheless helped the story along. Romance, sci-fi action (including the perfect dose of martial arts), philosophical conundrums, and top-notch special effects (here's an analogy: Nintendo 8-bit is to PS2 as "Episode II" is to "The Matrix Reloaded") are all amalgamated into one giant plot -- YES, contrary to popular belief, THERE IS A PLOT!!!
**SPOILERS**SPOILERS**SPOILERS**
Did the people who are giving this bad reviews totally miss the Architect scene? The MAJOR turning point in the plot comes from the explanation given by the Architect -- this is the sole reason why I saw the movie twice. I felt the need to absorb all of that information given in those vital 10-15 minutes. It's quite hard to understand, but the general gist is that Neo, given that he is the 6th "One" in the 6th Matrix created by the Architect, and every "One" had one major flaw that upset the balance of the Matrix -- the power of choice. Neo chose the door back to the Matrix because he loved Trinity. The other 5 "Ones" chose the door to the salvation of Zion because they didn't have any reason to go back to the Matrix, yet something went wrong that Zion was destroyed anyway. The reason that Neo felt something "different" is because he did something different than the other 5 that preceded him. I could go on, but I won't, but even if I am misinterpreting this or not, at any rate, no amount of words can describe the geniuses that are the Wachowskis.
**END SPOILERS**END SPOILERS***END SPOILERS**
Case in point, ignore the bad reviews, because the die-hard fans like myself are sure to enjoy this movie. There is so much to offer, you just need to look deeper into the story in this movie than you normally would. You have to look at it as a genuine continuation of a story, and not just a bunch of special effects and kung-fu slapped together in a story. Nevertheless, I can't wait to see "Revolutions" in November...long live THE MATRIX!!!
BTW, the Twins kick major arse. 9.5/10
This installment deals with the actual Matrix itself. The first movie introduced us to the difference between the "dream" world and the real world, going through the time when Neo finally discovered that he was the One. This one actually takes us inside the workings of the Matrix, the nuts and bolts with tons of new characters to meet. A totally different concept than the first movie, which barely cracked the surface. I have to admit, the scenes at Zion and with the Council were pretty cliche, but nonetheless helped the story along. Romance, sci-fi action (including the perfect dose of martial arts), philosophical conundrums, and top-notch special effects (here's an analogy: Nintendo 8-bit is to PS2 as "Episode II" is to "The Matrix Reloaded") are all amalgamated into one giant plot -- YES, contrary to popular belief, THERE IS A PLOT!!!
**SPOILERS**SPOILERS**SPOILERS**
Did the people who are giving this bad reviews totally miss the Architect scene? The MAJOR turning point in the plot comes from the explanation given by the Architect -- this is the sole reason why I saw the movie twice. I felt the need to absorb all of that information given in those vital 10-15 minutes. It's quite hard to understand, but the general gist is that Neo, given that he is the 6th "One" in the 6th Matrix created by the Architect, and every "One" had one major flaw that upset the balance of the Matrix -- the power of choice. Neo chose the door back to the Matrix because he loved Trinity. The other 5 "Ones" chose the door to the salvation of Zion because they didn't have any reason to go back to the Matrix, yet something went wrong that Zion was destroyed anyway. The reason that Neo felt something "different" is because he did something different than the other 5 that preceded him. I could go on, but I won't, but even if I am misinterpreting this or not, at any rate, no amount of words can describe the geniuses that are the Wachowskis.
**END SPOILERS**END SPOILERS***END SPOILERS**
Case in point, ignore the bad reviews, because the die-hard fans like myself are sure to enjoy this movie. There is so much to offer, you just need to look deeper into the story in this movie than you normally would. You have to look at it as a genuine continuation of a story, and not just a bunch of special effects and kung-fu slapped together in a story. Nevertheless, I can't wait to see "Revolutions" in November...long live THE MATRIX!!!
BTW, the Twins kick major arse. 9.5/10
A Separate Peace
(1972)
One of the best comedies I've ever -- no wait...
16 October 2001
Warning: Spoilers
I am a huge fan of bad movies. We watched the movie after we read the book...the book was mediocre, so I was eagerly anticipating this. Our english teacher even said this wasn't a good movie. An understatement at best -- this movie is a masterpiece of comic genius! No wait, it's not a comedy, is it? Well, it sure made me laugh like it was one.
First of all, the bad parts; the characters were WAFER THIN. No development or feeling was put into them, they say their lines like robots. Also, The movie omitted so many pivotal parts from the book, if you were to watch the movie without reading the book, 90% of it would go directly over your head. Second, the actors CANNOT ACT! How the hell did Parker Stevenson manage to start out his career with this horrid movie? Notice that for all the other actors on the database, this was their one and only movie...not a surprise.
Now the good parts...
** SOME SPOILERS AHEAD ** ...if you've read the book, this movie is pure comedy genius. There are way too many "dramatic" pauses between the dialogue. Best line said by Finney, "[big 30 second dramatic pause, then] Shut up before I kill you!" A big gripe of mine is that this movie must have shown more male nudity (not any naughty parts, but chest and that stuff) than any other movie I've seen. I don't need to see that much chest in a 90 minute movie. Between Gene and Finney, there were more gay references than The Ambiguously Gay Duo. Second, they must've been extra careful, (more like EXTRA-EXTRA CAREFUL) with the "violence". It was so phony -- Gene didn't even shake the limb and Finney fell. The fight between Quakenbush and Gene, they basically bitch-slapped each other, square-danced a little to the river, and fell in. Gene taps Leper, and he flies into the snow with a little chocolate sauce on his face. Also, there was one scene in the book where the whole court, where Gene and Finney are tried, start tapping their hands and then get up and start dancing, singing "He only has one ball, but [something?] has no balls at all." What was this all about? It reminded me of a scene straight out of Sister Act. What I mean by comedy, of course, was that it was so bad and so ridiculously inaccurate from the novel, it was simply hilarious.
I recommend this movie for anyone who read the book and wants to enjoy a good laugh for how pathetic this movie is. Book - 4/10; Movie - 0/10; Comedy - 10/10
First of all, the bad parts; the characters were WAFER THIN. No development or feeling was put into them, they say their lines like robots. Also, The movie omitted so many pivotal parts from the book, if you were to watch the movie without reading the book, 90% of it would go directly over your head. Second, the actors CANNOT ACT! How the hell did Parker Stevenson manage to start out his career with this horrid movie? Notice that for all the other actors on the database, this was their one and only movie...not a surprise.
Now the good parts...
** SOME SPOILERS AHEAD ** ...if you've read the book, this movie is pure comedy genius. There are way too many "dramatic" pauses between the dialogue. Best line said by Finney, "[big 30 second dramatic pause, then] Shut up before I kill you!" A big gripe of mine is that this movie must have shown more male nudity (not any naughty parts, but chest and that stuff) than any other movie I've seen. I don't need to see that much chest in a 90 minute movie. Between Gene and Finney, there were more gay references than The Ambiguously Gay Duo. Second, they must've been extra careful, (more like EXTRA-EXTRA CAREFUL) with the "violence". It was so phony -- Gene didn't even shake the limb and Finney fell. The fight between Quakenbush and Gene, they basically bitch-slapped each other, square-danced a little to the river, and fell in. Gene taps Leper, and he flies into the snow with a little chocolate sauce on his face. Also, there was one scene in the book where the whole court, where Gene and Finney are tried, start tapping their hands and then get up and start dancing, singing "He only has one ball, but [something?] has no balls at all." What was this all about? It reminded me of a scene straight out of Sister Act. What I mean by comedy, of course, was that it was so bad and so ridiculously inaccurate from the novel, it was simply hilarious.
I recommend this movie for anyone who read the book and wants to enjoy a good laugh for how pathetic this movie is. Book - 4/10; Movie - 0/10; Comedy - 10/10
Cube
(1997)
Awesome sci-fi movie, which ACTUALLY makes you think about society today
28 August 2001
Once again, a friend, who has the uncanny ability to pick out good obscure movies, explained "Cube" to me...once he got done, I was so intrigued, I immediately went out to the movie store and rented it.
I would like to call this movie the "Blair Witch" of sci-fi. Made on a wafer-thin budget for this type of movie ($365K Canadian -- approx. $240K US), it manages to tell a good story with unknown actors, and a single cubical set (which I read was one 14'x14' set only made to look like different cubes by changing the colors of the tiles), it is simply amazing. But the real concept behind the story is two-fold. I read a review on another movie site that explained the characters perfectly. The characters represent our society and the cube represents "system", and these characters have one of these qualities: the leader-turn-domineering controller (Quentin); the insider who knows about, but refuses to give up any information about the system (Worth); the paranoid who gets into other peoples' business for their own satisfaction (Holloway); the pushover scholar who easily follows others orders (Leaven); the careless, represented by a mentally challenged character, who knows nothing but could give a crap about the system and never will (Kazan); and the fugitive who wants nothing and will think of nothing but escaping the system with no one's help (the uncredited guy at the beginning, and also Rennes). I think that this explanation says that each group has an ability, but a disability that inevitably counteracts with their ability and makes it that much harder to beat the "system", the cube.
The other concept that this movie toys with is math. Since my favorite subject in school is math, I was interested in how it was incorporated into the movie. With the help of Leaven, mathematics becomes a vital part of the escape. I understood some, but others was too complicated (Cartesian coordinates, powers of primes???), but it made it that much interesting, as well.
After I saw the movie, I heard that a follow-up to this movie was being made as we speak -- Cube 2: Hypercube. It won't be a sequel, yet it will deal with the concept of hypercubes which only exist in the 4th dimension, which is a real theory. That will definitely be a mindboggler...can't wait! Otherwise, as we wait, this movie needs to be publicized, instead of the 90% of the high-budget, starring-famous-actors-who-can-act movies being made today. 9.5/10
I would like to call this movie the "Blair Witch" of sci-fi. Made on a wafer-thin budget for this type of movie ($365K Canadian -- approx. $240K US), it manages to tell a good story with unknown actors, and a single cubical set (which I read was one 14'x14' set only made to look like different cubes by changing the colors of the tiles), it is simply amazing. But the real concept behind the story is two-fold. I read a review on another movie site that explained the characters perfectly. The characters represent our society and the cube represents "system", and these characters have one of these qualities: the leader-turn-domineering controller (Quentin); the insider who knows about, but refuses to give up any information about the system (Worth); the paranoid who gets into other peoples' business for their own satisfaction (Holloway); the pushover scholar who easily follows others orders (Leaven); the careless, represented by a mentally challenged character, who knows nothing but could give a crap about the system and never will (Kazan); and the fugitive who wants nothing and will think of nothing but escaping the system with no one's help (the uncredited guy at the beginning, and also Rennes). I think that this explanation says that each group has an ability, but a disability that inevitably counteracts with their ability and makes it that much harder to beat the "system", the cube.
The other concept that this movie toys with is math. Since my favorite subject in school is math, I was interested in how it was incorporated into the movie. With the help of Leaven, mathematics becomes a vital part of the escape. I understood some, but others was too complicated (Cartesian coordinates, powers of primes???), but it made it that much interesting, as well.
After I saw the movie, I heard that a follow-up to this movie was being made as we speak -- Cube 2: Hypercube. It won't be a sequel, yet it will deal with the concept of hypercubes which only exist in the 4th dimension, which is a real theory. That will definitely be a mindboggler...can't wait! Otherwise, as we wait, this movie needs to be publicized, instead of the 90% of the high-budget, starring-famous-actors-who-can-act movies being made today. 9.5/10
Ski School
(1991)
Bad acting, stupid story, gratuitous nudity -- I LOVE IT!!!
11 July 2001
I was just browsing my friend's movie collection and came across "Ski School". I almost put it down without even saying anything because I thought it was gonna be a dumb movie about skiing competitions, but I asked him about it and he said "It's funny, and it's got naked women in it." As SOON as I heard that, I shoved it in. To my surprise, it was a pretty good movie. As many have said, it's a very quotable movie: "In order to be the best, you must lose your mind!" -- "Welcome to my kingdom, I will bed you all before the night is through!" -- "You, get beer! You, get...beer! You, get...laid!" -- and many, many others. With a combination of non-stop jokes, partying, naked women, and skiing, this is definitely the perfect comedy for guys.
And also to my pleasant surprise, it has an awesome soundtrack -- they play 2 songs from one of my favorite bands, Lock Up, which is guitarist Tom Morello from Rage Against The Machine's old band -- "Punch Drunk" and "Half Man, Half Beast". If you haven't seen this movie, you MUST! It deserves the publicity. 10/10 for entertainment value.
And also to my pleasant surprise, it has an awesome soundtrack -- they play 2 songs from one of my favorite bands, Lock Up, which is guitarist Tom Morello from Rage Against The Machine's old band -- "Punch Drunk" and "Half Man, Half Beast". If you haven't seen this movie, you MUST! It deserves the publicity. 10/10 for entertainment value.
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