random_ax Reviews

Batman Begins (2005)

Well, it was okay

[18 June 2005]

I'm 49. I've been around through all sorts of versions of Batman. I can recall the Silver Age Batman (which also included Batwoman, Bat-Girl and Bat-Mite and Ace the Bat-Hound..yes, BAT-HOUND). I watched as Batman came to the TV screen with Adam West. I've seen the Burton Batmans and the Shumacher Batmans...I've seen frank Miller's Batman etc etc..... This film was good. It had its strong points. It was certainly better than the last few films. CBale was great and the supporting cast was excellent. But I'm not sure why everyone is falling over themselves in praise for the film. Sure, it's entertaining and mostly never dragged. But it just didn't seem all that classic or GREAT.

I cant say what was missing for me or what would have made it better (I'd give it a B+ or 3 stars) but I prefer BATMAN with Keaton and Nicholson myself. I enjoyed the film but can't say I'd ever sit through it again. It was dark and gritty and clever..... I enjoyed THE SHADOW (1994) more with its 1030's style and wit. I wouldn't say this revolutionized the comic book movie. It borrowed from what's already been done in the comics to revolutionize comics. I didn't see it as leaps and bounds better than the SPIDERMAN films or X-MEN films. Don't get me wrong...I liked it ..but not enough to say it's the best ever comic book film or even the best version of Batman ever done.

Highwaymen (2004)

missed chance

[9 April 2005]

The premise was good....mood was right..... set-up was excellent....the lonesome backways...the asphalt...the cheap motels...the sound of redwing blackbirds at off-ramps....high tension wires........

But HIGHWAYMEN lost it somewhere. I liked its ROAD WARRIOR crossed with...I don't know...HALLOWEEN? But the killer was under-developed. I didn't want a cackling nasty Dennis Hopper-type. But some more interplay between the bad guy and Renny(?) might have added to the story. Some more days ...longer chase....... a few nights in seedy motels with a some tawdry stuff between the girl and him. More highway encounters...maybe even a few more victims. It just didn't end up being much. And I know it was a B-movie...but it could've been much, much more. It happens. Writer latches on to a good idea (loved HITCHER) but somehow just can't make it congeal into a great movie. I wanted more of Renny on his trail. Maybe even some flashbacks from both the girl or Renny...... let's see more of the highways....greasy spoons, drive through diners, toll booths, strip joints...SOMETHING!!! This thing started off to be a classic and ended up looking like a made-for-cable yawner. A little more stunts, some more exposition, a better lead and some skin might've helped. More car -stuff.....more stuff involving the killer and his cyborgean situation......... more CB conversations.....more of the girl......more SOMETHING!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Saving Private Ryan (1998)

finnish finished

[27 September 2004]

The review by our Finnish friend stated that "Americans, for all their good intentions in World War 2, were just as loathsome as the Nazis".

Now, one certainly can't argue that Americans (like EVERY nationality in history) committed war crimes. And it's true that there was segregation and we interred the Japanese. But to compare America to Germany which tried to invade and enslave several countries and put to death millions in death camps as well as other cruelties???

And SAVING PRIVATE RYAN didn't show Americans as perfect. I recall scenes of GI's shooting un-armed Germans trying to surrender. Another scene showed a GI telling his comrades not to shoot the Germans set afire by a flamethrower to put them out of their misery plus Upham's cowardice.......where in SPR are Germans shown in a poor light??? Steamboat Willie had his life spared and rejoined the German Army...was he supposed to say "Sorry, I promised the Americans I would sit out the rest of the war". The sniper shot Carpazzo....was he not supposed to shoot an enemy? And Carpazzo was not holding the child at the time so it's not like the sniper was trying to kill a child...so tell me where Germans were made to look evil and Americans were made to look perfect in SPR???

Sky Captain and the World of Tomorrow (2004)

outstanding!!!!!

[10/10 · 20 September 2004]

I waited for months to see the film and was rewarded with one of the best films I've seen in ages. This film rocked. It paid homage and tribute to other films but created its own world and I belied every second of it.

I enjoyed Paltrow (annoying, sure, she was SUPPOSED to be) and Law was the right combination of boyish pluck and macho swagger. I also hope to see more of Jolie in the sequels. I can't recommend this film highly enough for those that want something unique and creative and not the same old Hollywood slop. This film has been criticized for plot which is funny because it's just as deep as any STAR WARS or INDIANA JONES film when it comes to plot. Can I find flaws and plot-holes...you bet. Just as I can in 90% of the films you like. But this one had the style and lack of guile that made it a majestic triumph. I can't wait to see what Conran can do with a bigger budget now that the characters are introduced.

Queen of Outer Space (1958)

Guilty Pleasure

[20 July 2004]

I saw this film on late night TV as a youth and thought it was the coolest movie I had ever seen. Of course at that time, the coolest movie I'd ever seen was usually the most recent one. But there was something eerie and scary and exciting and fun about QOOS...... the hideous queen with her mask, the statuesque women of Venus, the death ray, the giant spider-beasts..and Zsa Zsa.

Of course, now I see the film for the campy delight it is and was intended. It's so-bad-it's-good and I own a copy of it and watch it when I need a laugh. The lines from the wolfish astronaut is so brutally oafish that I can't believe it was delivered with a straight face.

Debbie Does Dallas (1978)

ddd

[5 July 2004]

This one hails from the "golden age" of adult films. It actually has a plot and contrary to what has been said by some, the girls are still kinda cute including the late Bambi Woods. The music for the film is one of the things that make it memorable. Listen to it and see if it doesn't get you worked up.

The candle shop scene is one of the best and I'm still in love with Roberta. Her other scene in the locker room was tremendous and I only wish she and Bambi had managed to be in the same scene. The library BJ scene is one of the best of its kind....that girl can...well, you know. I would suggest this film for couples who want some plot with their action.

Charlie Chan at Treasure Island (1939)

EERIE TRIVIA

[6 June 2004]

The infamous Zodiac Killer might have been inspired by this film. The most probable suspect, who has since passed away, used to love this movie and became obsessed with it. If you watch the film and then read about the Zodiac case, you'll see eerie patterns in the writings of the Zodiac Killer and the character of Dr Zodiac in the film. I can easily see how a young kid could be influenced by the creepy Dr Zodiac and the way he taunted authorities..just like the Zodiac Killer would do decades later with similar phrases. Anyway, the film is easily one of the best in the series and still manages to entertain and frighten a bit. I urge you to view this one!

Big Fish (2003)

BUMMER

[17 January 2004]

I looked forward to seeing this since I love Tim Burton films. It has a lot of cool imagery which is a Burton trademark...but all in all, not a film I'd see twice. It just lacked something. I think that everyone tried real hard but it failed.....I give it a B-

The City of Lost Children (1995)

FANTASTIC

[9 January 2004]

I would rank this as one of the best sci films or fantasy films I've ever seen and I've seen a lot! Yes, like BLADE RUNNER, a lot of it is the set design but for those who couldn't follow the plot....wake up! I enjoyed the film very much and can't wait to see it on DVD for the extras.

Lemora: A Child's Tale of the Supernatural (1973)

Haunting

[10/10 · 26 December 2003]

This is my new favorite cult film. I had heard about it for years and was finally able to view it. It's the haunting and disturbing journey of Lila (Rainbeaux Smith) as she meets Lemora (Lady Dracula) played by the beautiful Lesley Gilb (in her only film role). It's low budget and yet it is very powerful....SEE IT!!!!!!

Jailbait Babysitter (1977)

FUN

[13 December 2003]

First was aware of this film from a compilation of trailers so I ordered it off ebay...what a riot. It's a drive-in schlock movie with some nudity and sexual situations. The woman who takes in the title babysitter is strange looking yet oddly sexy.

Flash Gordon (1980)

FLASH

[5 December 2003]

Tremendously entertaining film. It's SUPPOSED to be campy!!!!! Sam Jones (dubbed voice or not) is perfect as the golden boy Flash. The distinctly European flavor of the film lends to its exotic appeal. the battle between Ming's warriors and the hawkmen was my favorite and that Princess Aura.....va va va voomsky!!! Max Von Sydow is so evil as Ming that only Charles Middleton of the 30's serials can surpass him.

Crossing Over with John Edward (2001–2004)

WHOA!!!

[20 October 2003]

I'm amazed at the negative reviews. If you watch the show carefully, you'll see he comes up with specific things that are not the results of so called cold readings or gimmicks. I would love to see any of the people here do what he does. Edward has been tested in a controlled laboratory environment and passed with flying colors. Sure, there are people who could trick audiences but how does John Edward come up with nicknames known only to the people in the audience? He can't be paying off people because there would have been someone who leaked that by now for money. He can't bug the studio audience because that still couldn't get him all the info he needs. When he latches onto a person in th audience and knows that the death had something to do with a foot ,...how is that done? Most people die from something to do with the heart or lungs or brain. Watch the show again and tell me you could get what he does.

The Flaming Urge (1953)

ODD

[10 August 2003]

My brother-in-law asked me to help him find a copy of this and I did. Turns out that the film-maker filmed a lot of the movie in my brother-in-law's grandmother's house!!! How odd is that to watch a movie that was shot in the house you spent your summers in as a kid!!!!!!!!!!

FairyTale: A True Story (1997)

great

[10/10 · 23 July 2003]

Seems some of the people missed the point of the film when it comes to the fairies. Showing them close-up or having them speak or seeing too much of them would've ruined the magical effect. Fairies are always just out of our direct sight. This movie allowed us a longer glimpse but still.....it's magic.

The Americans (1961– )

yes!!!!!

[20 July 2003]

I was beginning to think I imagined this show. I'm 47 and my older brothers and I have all recalled seeing a TV series where two brothers were on opposite sides of the American Civil War. We had thought it was called RALLY 'ROUND THE FLAG but could never find any mention of it in TV reference books. I don't recall toomuch about the show but yes, it would be a good show for some enterprising TV producer to re-do.

House of 1000 Corpses (2003)

no

[1/10 · 15 July 2003]

Um, this movie

-is not fun.

• It's not entertaining.

• It's got some scenes you've never seen before.

• It's has a vicious atmosphere.

• It's got a cast (of sadistic killers) that you shouldn't love.

• It's got an obnoxious soundtrack.

• It meanders

• And an incredible amount of work is never on the screen

The movie doesn't try to send you some sort of pompous message.It doesn't have a message except maybe killing is cool. It insults your intelligence. It could've used lame twists and turns.

Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl (2003)

um,okay

[9 July 2003]

I love pirates...books on pirates, movies on pirates.....and there was a lot of great stuff in POTC...BUT.... I think the movie would've been better to spend a little more time on real pirates and less on the undead ones. And the movie was a bit too long. Depp was terrific and I wish the movie could've spent more time with him and eliminated Orlando Bloom altogether.

House of 1000 Corpses (2003)

BLECH

[1/10 · 8 July 2003]

Don't let the reviews here comparing this piece of drek to classics like HILLS HAVE EYES or TEXAS CHAINSAW MASSACRE....this thing is not like those movies in any way. TRUE horror fans will be repulsed by this movie....it is aimed at suburban kids who think burning ants with a magnifying glass is cool.....okay, well, maybe that IS cool...but anyway, this movie is just so pointless. I cannot believe anyone who champions this thing has any real taste in cinema or horror films.This is like a GWAR video with bad actors.

The Kentucky Fried Movie (1977)

YUM

[6 July 2003]

Catholic High School Girls In Trouble? If a male viewer can watch that segment with Uschi Digart "smooshing" her large teutonic breasts against the steamy shower door.........then that male viewer is not heterosexual,my friend. I wish they would make Catholic High School Girls In Trouble for real.

Little Big Man (1970)

Aimee Eccles....hottie

[10/10 · 5 July 2003]

This is one of my alltime favorite movies. I'm always surprised that more people aren't aware of it. And the woman who plays Jack Crabbe's Indian wife......woo woo woo!!!!!!!!!!! A wife who looks like that plus she wants you to do her three sisters? Wow!

The Attic Expeditions (2001)

gack

[4 July 2003]

Just to let you know where I'm coming from.....I like offbeat films....I'm a HUGE fan of DONNIE DARKO and I liked FROM BEYOND.... I found this film to be so boring and pointless. It seemed to think that confusing us was the same as being deep.

Saving Private Ryan (1998)

not again

[2 July 2003]

At what point in the movie are Germans portrayed as "back stabbing SOB'S"? And why do people think that this film would have been better if we had seen the story from the German viewpoint as well? Do the people stating such things have any idea about film-making or plots? Would ALIEN have been better if we had seen the film from the alien's view? The horror of war is that we DON'T know the enemy. They are faceless foes. In GETTYSBURG it made sense to show both sides since the entire battle was the point. In other films like DAS BOOT, the British are never shown close up. The crew of the U-Boat only hear the sonar and feel the concussion of depth charges.

House of 1000 Corpses (2003)

Artless,pointless, worthless

[1/10 · 1 July 2003]

The overwhelming fact is that there is a difference between horror and revulsion. This movie makes no attempt at horror. It does its best to be disgusting and gross and vile and artless. Anyone could've made this film. Rob Zombie showed no talent. The viewer never sees himself in any of the victims. Lord knows what viewers saw themselves in the killers. I pity those disturbed people. True horror isn't to show killing.

House of 1000 Corpses (2003)

trash

[1/10 · 20 June 2003]

I cannot understand ANYONE finding this piece of cinematic sewage to be anything at all close to a masterpiece. I would imagine the same crowd loves snuff films and those old traffic accident films we saw in Driver's Ed class. I loved SUSPIRIA, TEXAS CHAINSAW and many other horror films but this is just the work of an artless cretin.