Mike_A Reviews

Left Behind: The Movie (2000)

Not THAT bad (but not to good either)

[14 August 2003]

First I will reveal my bias. I am a Christian, I haven't read the books and I'm getting into film making.

I rented this movie to see how bad it was. Yes it's bad but it's not awful. I found several redeeming qualities, namely a few scenes that really worked. One of them when the father goes to the church to find the pastor hasn't been taken, along with another one to one scene (which I forget) which actually conveys genuine emotion.

What didn't work? Lot's. The opening is overly confusing and there is no hook, the characters are too sketchy, people disapear but their clothes are left?? etc... etc...

What REALLY didn't work. The "Make be a believer" song near the end with Kirk in the bathroom. What was with that?? It completely destroyed what might of been a touching moment.

Also the DVD release boasts features such as music in the menu screens!! If you don't have any features please don't pretend you do.

ummm.... 4/10

Mike

An American Rhapsody (2001)

Heartfelt

[8/10 · 2 August 2003]

It's not the most perfect of films. At times the film making is a little

clunky however it does what so few films are doing these days. It tells

a story and it tells it from the heart. I want a film to provoke an

emotion in me and this film did. Wonderful, moving, well told story

making, this is a unique gem.

The Host (2002)

Entertainment

[9/10 · 2 September 2002]

The Host is a well executed and down right entertainment Australian short film.

Unlike many short films which seem content to simply present the audience with an interesting character and or situation without resolving anything, The Host delivers on all levels.

The script is top notch, the acting spot on what else can I say. You don't find too many short films as thoroughly entertaining as this. My only quibble is the use of black and white, a convention I feel unwarranted on this occasion. However this remains but a small annoyance in an otherwise brilliant film.

Nijinsky: The Diaries of Vaslav Nijinsky (2001)

Over long and largely uninteresting

[2/10 · 2 September 2002]

Call me uneducated and think of me as a mindless film goer with no sense of art if you will but frankly I found The Diaries of Vaslav Nijinsky to be an overlong and very boring exploration into the mind of Nijinsky.

OK I'll admit I had no idea who he was and I suppose if you are interested in his life then you would probably get a little more out of this film.

There are some brief moments that constitute an interesting exploration into the mind of a lunatic but for the most part you really don't want to be listening to the ravings of lunatic. An if you did you really don't need the crazy visuals that this film offers. It's really only the occasional inclusion of nudity that prevents one from falling asleep.

I give it three out of ten.

Planet of the Apes (2001)

A stinker in a summer of stinkers

[3/10 · 16 August 2001]

This movie merely goes through the motions. The story just moves along with little emotional connection or suspense. The "climax" creates some interest but is over far too quickly.

Sure the apes are impressive but much of the effect is obscured by the darkness that shrouds 80% of the movie.

Oh and then there's the ending which is the biggest sham I've yet to see in movies. It leaves you feeling like you were just scammed out of your money, taking place in a marketing gimmick. I am refering to the blatant set up for a sequel.

Hollywood seems content just to fill cinema's on hype without trying to give any satisfication to those foolish enough to waste there money (or think this one will be any different from the last 10)

Wait for DVD.

Mike