Shadow-96 Reviews

The Haunting (1999)

Worth a rent, not admission

[3/10 · 24 July 1999]

I saw this movie with a group of my friends. All the males hated it and all the females loved it. I'm not sure why that is exactly. The plot was thin, near nonexistent. It had a lot of scenes and shots that were "borrowed" from other flicks I've seen, but this movie does have a couple good points. I think the reason it had any appeal at all is because of the director's eye. There are some beautiful shots in this movie, and the imagery is superb. For instance, each subsequent shot appears to be darker than its predecessor. The appeal in this movie lies solely in its cinematic beauty. I personally recommend it as a rental, but not as a trip to the theater.

The Silence of the Hams (1994)

Worth a viewing for just one scene

[2/10 · 24 July 1999]

I saw this with a group of friends hoping that it would be a parody of a great movie, when in fact it is one of the worst movies I have ever seen. There was only one funny scene in it, the one about the silence of hams. I still laugh when I listen to that sound clip. This movie was worth seeing, but only because I didn't pay for it. I wouldn't pay more than five cents to see this movie.

Pulp Fiction (1994)

Strong and powerful, but not for the ignorant.

[10/10 · 24 July 1999]

This movie is not a low brow, cheap, trashy film. It requires thought and the viewer must pay constant attention to everything that happens. Thus, those with a watchful eye and a thinking mind can enjoy this movie, and those out for a thrill can not. There is much to be seen, and it is not possible to pick everything up on the first viewing. Thoughtful minds seeking a thoughtful movie should check this one out several times. Those out for a thrill should see it nonetheless due to the many cultural references to this movie.

Citizen Kane (1941)

Not as great as hyped

[6/10 · 24 July 1999]

(Warning: Possible spoiler)Sure, I think Citizen Kane is a great movie. Sure, the format and direction style were unique to and invented by this movie. Sure, there are some wonderful scenes in it, and the entire piece leaves the viewer in a thoughtful silence. But this is not the greatest film ever made. The whole film sets itself up and scrounges on for about two hours only to lead up to one shot. Granted, the Rosebud sleigh burning in the flames is one of the most amazing and thought provoking pieces of cinema in history, but it could have been accomplished on less. All in all, a great movie, but surely not the best.