paulbrec Reviews

Three O'Clock High (1987)

What's wrong with this film???

[8/10 · 20 April 2004]

I have just discovered this film recently. It was never very popular, and I don't know why. I am surprised that a few people can't stand this film. After viewing the DVD a few times, I can honestly say that overall this is not a bad film. The directing is superb. I liked the way the director uses time...the passage of time...and shows its relationship and importance to the story. I also liked the camera blocking, and angles. My favorite shot is of the bully walking out of the school just before the fight: The camera zooms in and tilts up at a low level. A technique taught in film school to show a subject as "larger-than-life", or menacing over something. The acting was also excellent. Richard Tyson is great as the bully. His deep voice is well suited for this role, and is especially noted if you have a subwoofer. Yeah, I wouldn't want to fight him, either... Although the story is "typical", I like the plot-line. Throughout the whole story, the plot slowly builds to an amazing climax, then drops suddenly, and levels off. Its a perfect plot-line. Although, some parts of the story are "far-fetched". Such as, Jerry pretending to fall in love with his English teacher. One thing to remember, though, this is fiction. Sometimes in fiction, things happen that are unlikely in real life. That's why its called "fiction". Other than the bland "typical" story, I could not find anything wrong with this film. I have yet to even find so much as a continuity error. In conclusion, if you are looking for "content" you will be disappointed with this film. However, if you are looking for a well-directed film with good use of camera blocking and angles, and actor positioning, you will find this to be a very enjoyable film. ACTING: 9.1 / 10 DIRECTING: 9.4 / 10 STORY: 8.8 / 10

AVERAGE: 9.1 / 10 A lost Gem, and a must see for "film people".

S.W.A.T. (2003)

Good For Action

[8/10 · 10 August 2003]

If you are looking for a film with a complex plot, and complex characters, this is not it. However, if you are looking for good action, this is one film you must see. The plot is simple, and there is practically no character development. So what? This is an action film. All you need to know is: "This is a good guy" and, "This is a bad guy". You do not need their whole life stories. This is not that type of film. This is the type of film where you don't want to have to think about complicated stories and characters. Sometimes you just want to see chases, shooting, and things being blown up. This film does a good job of it. 8 out of 10.

Phone Booth (2002)

A great story based on a simple concept.

[9/10 · 10 April 2003]

I have always enjoyed Joel Schumacher's work. The same goes for this great piece of work. I was amazed at how well one could build a whole story around a man in a phone booth. Points in the film had interesting presentations. Such as, displaying four different scenes at the same time. Plus, the sniper's voice is non-directional, as opposed to just a voice on the telephone. The only drawback with this film, is the rather slow beginning, but once the lead character steps into that phone booth, that's it. This is an excellent film with a great story, and excellent acting.

Crank Yankers (2002–2022)

A Waste Of Time

[10 March 2003]

This show has recently been released in Canada. I saw a couple of episodes, and thought it was a total waste. I think about these hard working, busy people, and these "comedians" calling them, and wasting their time. I think its terrible. I will never watch this garbage again. I work in an environment where I get outside calls all the time, and the last thing I need is someone messing around on the phone. I have better things to do. This is a very inconsiderate concept for a TV program.

Coach (1989–1997)

Excellent overall series

[10 September 2002]

I was very upset when "Coach" ended. I always enjoyed it when it was in production, and I still enjoy the late-night repeats. The comedy was good, not too stupid. I always enjoyed the bickering between Coach and the women's coach (Judy). The acting was excellent, and each episode had a strong, easy to follow story. I am sorry to see it gone.

Youngblood (1986)

I gave this film a "1", because there is no "0".

[1/10 · 9 September 2002]

This film goes into my "Worst Films Ever Made" file. I have a copy of this film which I watch when I want a good laugh, and this isn't even a comedy. I am disappointed that such great actors agreed to be in such a piece of garbage. This film is inaccurate (in its portrayal of hockey), offensive (to Canadians), and I wasn't even all that impressed with the acting. Even the story was a bit weak. If you have never seen this film, you're lucky. If you have, I'm sorry.

Ultimate X: The Movie (2002)

A very interesting film, but too short.

[9/10 · 26 August 2002]

I just saw this film at one of Toronto's IMAX theaters. I have seen other IMAX films, but this one was by far the most interesting. I have never fully understood the Extreme Sports, and have really never seen any live. This film was perfect for a person like me. The only problem was, like most IMAX films, it was too short. Just as I was getting into it, it was over. However, it was very interesting to watch, and educational. I recommend this film to anyone who wants to learn more about these sports.

xXx (2002)

Triple-Cool

[8/10 · 10 August 2002]

If you are looking for an Academy Award winner...this is not it, but this film has an amazing "cool factor" to it. It has a typical action/adventure plot, but the action in non-stop. This film contains lots of things blowing up, and some spectacular stunts. Jumping over an exploding building on a dirt bike, and out-running an avalanche on a snowboard. This film is a must for all action/adventure fans. Not a lot of brain-power is required to watch this film. It is intended as "eye candy" only, and delicious eye candy it is.

Signs (2002)

A good film, but don't expect too much.

[9/10 · 3 August 2002]

The trailers for this film make you believe that there is much more to this film than there really is. I'm not saying that this is a bad film. This is actually a very good film, but the trailers are a bit misleading. This film has no spectacular special effects, but the story is solid and easy to follow. I did not find the film very scary. This is more of a science fiction than horror, with a few funny parts mixed in. The acting is very good. Mel Gibson seemed to fit his role quite well. Overall, this film is very good, but don't be mislead by the trailers. This is not a big-budget special effects extravaganza.

Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me (1999)

Childish

[2/10 · 3 June 2002]

Childish, senseless humor. Just not funny. "Yeah, baby" got annoying after the third time. The character Fat Bastard was offensive. I did not find any real "value" to the humor in this film. It was just plain childish toilet humor. Offensive to anyone with a brain.

Fight Club (1999)

Excellent.

[10/10 · 15 September 2000]

Excellent film. Different. There are lots of details and "hints" thrown in. Every time I watch it, I get something new out of it. The acting is first-class. I highly recommend this film to anyone who appreciates film as an art form.

The Sixth Sense (1999)

Excellent film, good story, intelligent, great ending.

[9/10 · 6 April 2000]

This was one of the best films I have seen in a long time. It is not often that I see a film more than once, but this one I have seen three times, and will continue to watch on DVD. I am not a fan of this type of film, but I was impressed by the intelligent script, and the excellent ending. This film stands apart from most others in the same genre because it requires a bit of thinking. Bruce Willis' acting was great (as usual), and I feel that he fit the part. To anyone who hasn't seen this film yet: What are you waiting for?