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Reviews
Secret History: Hitler's Search for the Holy Grail (1999)
Pretty Weak and a Holy Grail for Nazi's only
On the plus side this does contain interesting information over a wide range of topics, particularly concerned with Himmler, the SS and their research branch. It also has some good piano music, some interesting footage and some excellent camera work.
However it is a very poor piece of historical work. It has no clear aim to it and the entire thing could be summed up as follows.
Himmler set up a department in the SS for research into the origins of the German race. They went all over the world. They did some things and launched expeditions to all manner of places... (nonoe of these avenues were explored, the results were not shown and the arguments were barely refuted). They wanted to establish that the Aryan race and the German people were one and the same thing through historical proof. They didn't find any. The members of this research group were leading professors, members of the SS and therefore linked to the holocaust, and were seen as OK after the war and went on to lead German institutes.
These facts in themselves are fascinating but they are never explored in depth and no coherent argument is presented in the program that either condemns these people or exonerates them. Nor does this seem to be the aim of the programme, the aim of the program is unclear, it hops from topic to topic. The witnesses, though presented as credible, are few and unsupported.
Sadly this programme does not know where it is going or why and fails to impress. The topics are fascinating but this program tries to take on a huge area of research and consequently appears to not know what is going on. I would avoid this.
Also the 'Holy Grail'is the German bloodline, nothing to do with the Holy Grail of Christian mythology except in passing. Mentions of expeditions to look for the Christian Holy grail are made but never followed through. The title is misleading and the content of this documentary unconvincing and incomplete.
Why We Fight (2005)
First ask what your view of the war in Iraq is.
And that is the view you shall still have when you have watched this.
I will not hide my personal view. I am against the war in Iraq.
It's not a bad little film. I thought I'd best get that out of the way, it isn't bad. It also isn't anything new, Michael Moore's Fahrenheit 9/11 was a far better film, from all the angles you could look at it. This film is unlikely to achieve any massive changes of opinion and more than likely you will come away with either more arguments for the war in Iraq or against it depending on what you went in with.
The argument of the film is an incoherent one at times and seems to jump all over the place to produce the one clear fact that, in the opinion of the film makers, the United States is run by undesirables. Well I think we all know that politicians lie. That is what they do and anyone surprised by that should perhaps watch the news and compare what is said with what is done. Also the corporations control the politicians... well we all knew that one too.
So the non-linear narrative of the film, and the many people in it, are no doubt confusing to some; a great many people appear in it at random points commenting on things which they seem to have little authority to comment upon. Sadly the constant repetition of the same facts and the obvious message of the film detract from it. I am not saying the film is wrong in any respect, as any look at an adult history text will tell you, it just hasn't been done too well. The film is against the war in Iraq but operates under a facade that it will present another side to the argument. Well I have more respect for a film that says it stands for something than for one that hasn't got the guts to.
The real tragedy is the NYPD officer who lost his son in 9/11. The guy is a legend and his story truly heartbreaking. Personally I think he represents the US people far better than any politician, documentary maker or arms manufacturer. He can be looked upon as a representative of the entire US and the man is right in everything he says. I would recommend watching this film for him and him alone. It would have been a better, and shorter, film if it focused on him alone.
The high rating this film has achieved is easy to explain. People who go and watch this type of film are usually against the same things the film makers are against and everyone likes to be told they're right. Got it? So they made a film about the state of America, OK. Good effort. Now do something to change that. I will help. Entertainment will not solve the problem, and that folks, is what this film is. How can I say that? Simple. You forget about your every day life and are filled with concern for people you have never met. You are spellbound. You suspend your disbelief.
Like I said, I agree with what this film is saying I just don't think it's all that great as a film.
The Devil's Advocate (1997)
A deep and intense film
Really shows lawyers to be the scum of the earth. Simply put it doesn't matter if you're guilty or not all that matters is if you can get off or not and how good your lawyer is.
The films imagery, the beasts within that pop up, is absolutely fantastic. It is a story so it should be taken as that. The meaning is obvious but not literal.
Al Pacino is simply one of the best actors from the 70's onwards and no one else could have done the character of John Milton better. Most of Pacino's stuff makes for great watching and this is top notch. Even Keanu (dude) Reeves makes a decent stab at acting and pretty much pulls it off.
Watch it. Should be top 250!
Liar Liar (1997)
The horrible truth!
I guess there's a spoiler in here, as in I tell what happens that is that the lead character tells the truth.
However I looked at it differently. Look at the film as the consequences of telling the truth everyday in our consumer driven culture... You would be locked away, quite simply. OK its got the Hollywood ending where everything works out and the lead characters character is completely changed (noise of me vomiting) which turns me right off the film. But every instance of his truth telling is devastating for him and his career, co-workers, relationships etc.
It raises some questions about a society where children are lied to, that is, don't tell lies but when you're older you have to tell lies... A society built on a series of lies breeds more lies until there is no truth anymore.
So beneath this passable storyline is an interesting dissection of modern society and a truly twisted film! Try it, don't lie to people, most of us do it all the time and as the film shows it is so bad that entire vocations are based upon it and they are very highly paid.
Oh yeah, Carey is hilarious but if you watch it just to laugh then OK, switch off and drift away and laugh as he tells a woman she has big breasts... which is interesting in itself, how do women get on so well in life when it is clear they are mentally lacking, oh right, its because men attach an awful lot of importance to the size of her assets... Every lie he fails to tell describes a part of society we cannot always say or see. Thats why it comes under comedy, if you told the truth no one would accept it.
So yeah worth a watch!
The Godfather (1972)
Spanking!
After watching this film I finally understood what a good actor really was. Pacino is spectacular and Brando is brilliant, all round excellent film.
The plot works very well and is complex and simple depending on how much depth you want to put in it.
Sadly quite a few people's attitude to the film is negative, they are missing out.
The second godfather is excellent as well but the third is not really worth the effort.
Pacino is worth seeing in most of his films, try Dog Day Afternoon, very good :-P
Bill Hicks: Revelations (1993)
A slower, more thoughtful Mr Hicks.
Bill Hicks is brilliant. This is no exception. Sadly since its now ten years old it is dated but if you have any brain at all you can work past it. Its especially interesting to hear Bill's comments on George Bush Snr. The same comments that are being used now about Jnr?
Well you should watch this, either you'll get it and love it or miss the point. It isn't a wild ride of none stop jokes, its a more thoughtful almost introspective comedy video. Almost sad in places, he doesn't look well.
I'm afraid I didn't pay for it, I downloaded it. Its worth buying if you can find a copy though and as soon as its on DVD i'll get me one!