marioxavie Reviews

Bit Parts (2006 Video)

Impressive

[10/10 · 28 January 2007]

I really found this movie impressive. So few times do I see an independent horror movie that genuinely displays a clean technique and develops it through the movie. Dave Reda really understands the technique of building a horror movie and "Bit Parts" certainly serves those skills. Not only that, but the script really shows a love for these characters and doesn't portray any of the characters as two-dimensional at all, you really understand the justifications of these characters despite the horrible things they are doing. Particularly impressive also was the performance of Molly Fix as a lead. Highly recommended for fans of independent horror.

Pan's Labyrinth (2006)

An amazing movie

[10/10 · 8 January 2007]

Guillermo Del Toro has created several beautiful and striking movies before, but this tops those by far. In many ways, it's a darker version of a fairy tale, similer to "Alice in Wonderland", combining many aspects of different fairy tales, but Del Toro paints a remarkable picture through this movie. The character designs seem to be something out of a sketchbook illustration, yet somehow, they work visually in this real and dangerous world that the characters live in. If possible, watch this movie with it's companion piece, "The Devil's Backbone", which in many ways share's this movies tone.

Highly recommended, seek it out, and enjoy this movie.

Pathogen (II) (2006)

A great low budget horror movie by a promising young director

[10/10 · 8 January 2007]

This movie received a very positive review on www.aintitcool.com, so I decided to buy a copy.

I have to say, for a group of mostly kids, this movie was very impressive. It combines aspects of some very popular and funny horror movies, and at the same time has some very original moments.

Of course the technical aspects are limited, however, I have seen movies from larger companies that have a lower production value (I'm looking at you "Ax'em").

Find a copy of the DVD, and keep an eye on the career of Miss Emily M. Hagins.

-Mario Xavier

Alive in Joburg (2005)

This is an amazing short

[10/10 · 31 August 2006]

What an amazing short movie. As other reviewers have stated, the movie does manage to convey a feeling of racism not between humans but the racism that occurs towards these squid-like aliens. It was a very real and effective message that creates a metaphor that sometimes only fantasy can convey.

This short has gained attention recently because the director was chosen by Peter Jackson to direct the movie adaptation of "Halo". For those of you unfamiliar with the game, this is the perfect man for the job.

For those of you looking for this movie, it can be easily found on Video.Google.Com

Day of the Dead (1985)

Great Film

[10/10 · 18 July 2005]

While this movie is the one in the series that is most ripped apart (although favored by Romero himself), this movie does create some of the most interesting ideas in the series. Bub is an amazing character. While Romero nearly created the zombie film in the 1960s, he reinvented it in the 1980s with this movie.

Giving Bub the ability to function is a great precursor to the lead zombie he would create in "Land of the Dead" decades later. You can't help but feel that if "Land of the Dead" had been made immediately after "Day of the Dead", the lead zombie would have been Bub himself!

While this movie is not the best of Romero's series, it does hold a special place in the pantheon of horror movies.

The Tuxedo (2002)

Typical Jackie Chan comedy, but not the action you would expect.

[10/10 · 7 October 2002]

Jackie Chan has a certain chemistry that rubs off on anyone he stands next to, it seems. His charisma is no less then usual in this action-comedy, although, more comedy then action. Jackie Chan action fans may feel short-changed by the lack of extensive "Jackie-style" action scenes but true Jackie fans will be glad to see your favorite star in a new light. Chan and Hewitt make a great on screen duo and if a sequel is made, hopefully a great romantic couple as well. Chan has the capacity for romantic comedy as well as anything else he has mastered, and in this movie, he demonstrates his ability to combine his traditional trademark action with the special effects of the present. This movie will hopefully serve as a model of what Jackie's films will look like in the future, a harmony of tradition and invention.

Minority Report (2002)

Spielberg and Cruise, a true masterpiece.

[10/10 · 26 July 2002]

There are some movies in this world that can only be done by certain people, and this was one of them. This was a masterpiece by both Steven Spielberg and Tom Cruise. The perfection and precision that is trademark of Spielberg is laced throughout the piece while Tom Cruise delivers his usual intensity and action.

Miracles: The Canton Godfather (1989)

Jackie Chan's work from the Heart.

[10/10 · 12 April 2002]

If anywhere, it's here that you'll find where Jackie Chan's heart is. A true masterpiece of cinema. Many would dismiss Jackie Chan as just another action star and director but this film is where he stands as a humanist as well. A tribute to the 1930's era films when the heros acted from the heart.

The One (2001)

Amazing

[11 April 2002]

I thought this movie was simply amazing. Jet Li is perfect in the role demonstrating his cool, calm and collective acting style which makes him so smooth of an actor. And of course, his fighting is no less spectacular. The effects and images are also wonderful.

American Movie (1999)

Uplifting

[11 April 2002]

For any independent filmmaker out there, this movie is truly a model for us all. Much like "Bowfinger" but this is for real. The subject has a true passion for filmmaking and he serves as an example to any struggling artist.

Gorgeous (1999)

An Asian "You've Got Mail"

[20 March 2002]

An excellent movie that is a bit different from Jackie Chan's usual masterpieces. While many might say this is not Chan's best, it does stand amongst them. The action scenes are no less spectacular then Jackie has usually given us, and the cute romantic story gives Chan's comic antics more flavor then usual.

Raw Deal: A Question of Consent (2001)

A very deep piece.

[10/10 · 4 February 2002]

I found this to be a very serious and deep piece. I did not find the material to be needlessly graphic but I admit it was hard to watch at times. This documentary shares a very introspective look at politics and law. I was most impressed to find audience members debating the films' themes as it played.

Jackie Chan: My Story (1998 Video)

A Great Documentary on a Great Man.

[14 October 2001]

If you are a fan of Jackie Chan, this documentary is the best you can see on him. It Shows you how great of a man he really is and it also gives you great behind the scenes looks at what he is like at work. He also goes into detail about some of his greatest movies and some of the inspirations in his life.

City Lights (1931)

One of the Greatest Films Ever Made.

[10/10 · 14 October 2001]

This movie can be considered to be one of the greatest movies ever made. A comic masterpiece, and perhaps Chaplin at his best. I cannot help but cry every time I see it. This has perhaps one of the deepest endings in movie history. We tend not to recognize the influence Chaplin has had on us all and how many people he has inspired. A touching movie that shows us the true meaning of love.