joeochoaesq Reviews

Sin City (2005)

I thought it was going to be STUPID. I was mistaken.

[6/10 · 9 April 2005]

Okay I had seen the trailer, but I hadn't read any of Frank Miller's stories. Having an anti-Bruce Willis bend, I wasn't inclined to see this movie anyway. (No doubt his ego demanded they put all that hair on his normally bald dome.) Very few movies can get along only on Black-And-White, and this is one of them. The spot color works very well. It is so dramatic, it only adds to the comic book feel.

It is extremely violent so I wouldn't take along the kids. Too cheap to get a babysitter? Then don't go! Some parts have nudity and some are so over-the-top, you just sit and laugh.

The way you see the characters and stories overlap reminds you of Tarantino's "Pulp Fiction." All of a sudden you realize the movie doesn't follow one time line.

See it. It's not one of the greatest movies ever, but it is entertaining and different.

Girl 6 (1996)

Great soundtrack and interesting visuals-but I DIDN'T GET IT.

[5/10 · 9 March 2005]

Once again, I've watched a Spike Lee movie and wasn't very impressed. But, the real truth is that I just didn't understand it. Maybe he is too conceptual for me?

Okay, you get the message. Women can't get acting gigs unless they flash their tits. So what does principal actress do after refusing to take off her top-she gets a job acting about having virtual sex! So she's able to pay the bills, but is still selling herself.

The ex-husband is a pain-in-the-ass philosopher type who only steals "what he needs." Again Lee has to push the idea that every man wants a white woman. This is evidenced about halfway through film when boss tells all the phone sex women to be white unless asked to be otherwise. Yawn.

The visuals are pleasant and Prince's songs really sound great. In fact, I only rented this film after I bought the soundtrack. Acting was good, the cameos are well-chosen and well-placed. But, I thought the movie could have done/said more.

Don't go out of your way to see it, but if its it on, its worth a watch.

Paris Is Burning (1990)

Really well made. Interesting. Sad, too.

[17 November 2004]

I will confess that I had no idea what I was walking into when I saw it. At the time, I was between jobs and seeing every movie I could. It was either that-or look for a job!

Remember seeing the title and thinking it was about WW2, Hitler, etc. Of course, once the movie started, I was surprised.

It was a very cool movie. I don't think it matters if you're straight, gay, or somewhere in between. It opened my eyes to a whole new sub-culture I never knew existed. What I saw was a group of men very passionate about something in their lives. Fascinating to watch them transform their appearance.

Sad to see how their families didn't accept them or when there was a death of one of the principals. I remember they showed one of the actors truly depressed b/c his family (maybe his father) tossed all of the clothes he had collected. Outside of the monetary value, he really had pride in all that he had amassed over the years.

I left thinking I wouldn't want to try it, but I thought it would be very fun to attend one of these balls.

Caddyshack (1980)

Difficult to surpass. EXTREMELY funny.

[10/10 · 5 October 2004]

Sure, most of the celebrities in this movie had other works that may have highlighted their individual talents. However, this rates as one of the funniest movies EVER. The actors were at their peak in looks and skill and the lines came off perfectly.

If you play golf or have ever been to a private club, you must have had some of these very thoughts that are captured on film.

This movie came out 24 years ago and was more than just a flick. It summarized that stage of my life. I was graduating from high school and I didn't realize that EVERYONE had also seen it. Going to college we knew we could always talk about Caddyshack and everyone could contribute.

Just re-running a few of the scenes in my head makes me laugh every time. Rodney Dangerfield passed on today at the age of 82. Thanks for the laughs, buddy. You were a big part of the movie and were WELL respected. You will be missed.