texanvkg Reviews

Fright Night (2011)

Much Better Than Expected

[7/10 · 24 March 2012]

The original has always been a favorite, and after getting burned on multiple re-imaginings over the last few years, I went into this film with some trepidation, not expecting much, and hoping that it was at least respectful to the source material.

What a pleasant surprise! Excellent performances by Yeltin and Farrel and the wonderful, zany Tennant anchor and well-made vampire flick that captures the heart and humor of the original. I thoroughly enjoyed the movie, have no complaints, and was very happy to see Chris Sarandon appear in a cameo as the victim out on the highway.

For those that love the original, this film does the first on justice and I recommend you set aside your fears and enjoy this film. For those that have not seen the original - watch this and have fun!

The Hunger Games (2012)

Enjoyable but very flawed

[7/10 · 23 March 2012]

Overall it is great to see the novel brought to life on the big-screen. First of all, kudos to the actors - each does a marvelous job with their roles. Harrelson, Lawrence, Hutchinson, Tucci, Banks and the rest of the cast - they all nail their characters and do them honor.

The heart of the story is intact, unfortunately there are many significant elements from the novel entirely missing, or changed to the point they lose the depth of meaning they were intended to have. Unlike some of the sub-plot and story elements left out of the Potter and LOTR series, these missing and adulterated items matter greatly, and lessen the quality of the movie. I will give the producers credit for building Seneca Crane's role in an effective way that answers many questions for those that have not read the books.

Finally - production values. You will suffer significant eyestrain after 2.5 hours of glaring close-ups. All of the action is shot so close and is so muddled it is almost impossible to determine what is happening. The chariot display is shown either to close or too far away, and in both cases so fast that the impact of the glorious entrance and introduction of the tributes is lost. The CG shots (thankfully there are few of them) look like leftovers from a Syfy channel production. This may be the worst big-budget production to hit the big screen in years. Although Ross worked well with the actors, he did not handle the action epic elements well at all. The cinematography is atrocious and the whole production looks cheap.

You will enjoy the movie, but you will also wish for the grand and respectful care-taking that was given the Potter and Lord of the Rings franchises.

Chitty Chitty Bang Bang (1968)

Something must be wrong with me.....

[9/10 · 17 January 2000]

....but I have always loved this movie and continue to prefer it over the "perfect" Mary Poppins. Dick Van Dyke is at his best, the songs are wonderful, and the sets and scenery beautiful. This is still a very delightful film!

Something must be wrong with my young daughters, too. Chitty Chitty Bang Bang is one of their favorites also!

The Thin Red Line (1998)

Even Nick Nolte Couldn't Save This One....

[2/10 · 23 November 1999]

Other than an exceptional performance by Nick Nolte this is one of the worst big production movies I have ever suffered through. The film is tedious, the plot nonexistant, the action unfocused, the flashbacks utterly boring. Nolte is at his absolute best, but even his performance can't save this one. I do not recommend this movie to anyone who can find anything at all better to with three hours of their life.

Star Trek V: The Final Frontier (1989)

Not Up To Par

[5/10 · 28 October 1999]

A silly movie with bad humor, worse dialogue, a contrived plot, poor special effects, and some of the worst acting of the normally wonderful series.

That said, the scenes in which the key crew members confront their inner fears is excellent. More of this and less of that and the movie would have been much better.

Les Misérables (1998)

Great Actors, Great Story, Good Film

[8/10 · 27 October 1999]

An enjoyable rendition of a great story. I can't think of two actors more suited to period-piece films than Neeson and Rush, and they provide superb performances, as does Thurman. Maybe not on the scale of Braveheart but a pleasure to watch.

Citizen X (1995 TV Movie)

Sleeper of the Decade

[27 October 1999]

I can't think of enough good things to say about this film. A masterful performance by Stephen Rae and terrific support from the Sutherland, Von Sydow, Ackland, and Demunn. Great direction and dialogue. I originally watched this film expecting nothing more than to kill two hours and was I ever surprised. This film covers a difficult subject with sensitivity and respect. It is intelligent, suspenseful, humorous, and surprisingly touching. Highly recommended!

Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace (1999)

Not What I Expected Or Hoped For

[6/10 · 26 October 1999]

Simply not in the same universe as the first three films. Characters either poorly developed or under-untilized. Far too much reliance on special effects. Muddled storyline. JAR-JAR BINKS. His character alone is enough to keep me from watching the film again. Not knocking his imagination, let's hope that Lucas draws upon talent other than his own to make the next film work as well as the first three.