xeneize007 Reviews

Traffic (2000)

Shocking

[10/10 · 19 June 2002]

Nothing else but an incredible movie, showing all sides of the drug business, from dealers to junkies, passing through law enforcers and else. The acting is at it's best, even for the lame Zeta-Jones, and Benicio Del Toro has his Oscar well deserved. The story, both the individual and the whole one are perfect, without flaws. The filming with it's different enviromental lighting it's a delight for the eyes. It makes you think wether they're right when they say that the drug business war can't be won. It's a shocking movie, specially for those (me too) who actually don't know anything about drug dealing. It opened my eyes. In this movie nobody leaves clean, and your mind won't either.

Training Day (2001)

A Good Surprise

[9/10 · 19 June 2002]

I'm not a police dramas fan, but if half of them are as good as this one, i'll have to watch more of them. The strong point of the movie is the acting, with a remarkable Hawke, who i say he should have won the Oscar, and the very best in the past year, Washington, who gives an amazing performance as Alonzo, who you may like or hate, neverthless always seems to be competely right of what he's doing,it's up to the viewer to decide in which side of the law he is. But, the story isn't good enough to match the acting... anyway i loved it from the beggining to the end. Hate/Like Alonzo, Love Washington

Freedom (2000–2001)

A Waste

[17 June 2002]

It was the opportunity for Americans to feel what, mainly because of your government's fight against Marxism, millions of people around the world suffered, and are still suffering, including my country, where the coup and the following military regime took the lives of 30000 souls and lead us to a war that was impossible to win and turned us into a scum in international relations, and are also to blame for the catastrophic situation we're on. But let's get to business. At the beggining I thought it was an original idea, that could have been based on the European resistance during WWII. But the hunger for freedom/revenge stepped a side for the Matrix generation who were expecting a John Woo's film, with large backwards jumping and wall walking. A shame. It had a cast that not being the cream of TV it wasn't that bad, specially McCallany and Chorvat. But again what could have become one of the best action shows (but a well done one), became a mere fashion product with expensive sport cars and 4x4, leather and black clothing, an annoying and strident electronic music, a lot of hand to hand fighting and many, many explotions. Not to mention it usually had a stupid plot. Basically it's an example of how to waste a great idea and an adequate cast and turn it into just another product for the 90's Generation.I can't stop imagining what a good show it could have been, or at least in the many good ways the budget could have been used.

Mission: Impossible (1996)

I really liked it

[8/10 · 16 June 2002]

I really liked it. i'm no fan of the tv series or even spy movies, but i really liked it. it may have a confusing storyline, but i realy liked, and after the 5th time you've seen it you realize of everything you missed the times before it. it's not an action film as it's sucessor, so that's a pro, it's more a suspense/thriller and that's surely better. i think one of ot's strong points is it's cast, big names and good professionals, as well as a good quantity. i really liked it. and emmanuelle béart is amazingly beautifull. i really liked her. but the train scene was absolutely dumb. i didn't like it. neverthless, it's a movie you'll enjoy, much better than M:I 2, if you're looking for an espionage movie, this one suits you. you'll like. i did.

The Thin Red Line (1998)

Too long, too green, too...

[7/10 · 14 June 2002]

Yeah, it's terribly long, but surely the biggest problem it's how it mixes those flashbacks of the soldier and his wife with the battle, and also those of the Pacific islands beaches and people, they don't match with the rest of the movie, which has the key points of any war movie: the characters look all the same and probably you won't be able to match the face with the name (if you can remember it),many supporting actors or extras and it's based on a "real" story... things that Saving Private Ryan couldn't do or have...and also this one has more dead bodies, but less gore and blood... As i already said, the biggest problem were the flashbacks and the poetic message it tries to deliver...if you get a copy without that, you'll enjoy the double

Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery (1997)

Absurdly Good

[8/10 · 14 June 2002]

It's dumb and it's intelligent. It has it's particular sense of humor, and i love it. Among the best comedies of all times. I love Myers, and Hurley is just amazingly beautiful.I laughed at my ass through the whole movie and it had no waste. Maybe, or probably, Myers won't win anything else than an MTV something awards, but i just love him when he does his Dr. Evil character. Really really watch it with some friends and you'll like it two or three times more, but alone is just enough. Looking forward to AP IV & V

Legally Blonde (2001)

Legally Bad

[4/10 · 13 June 2002]

I wasn't expecting much, really, so I can't say i'm dissapointed. LB is a dumb movie, without much to highlight. Witherspoon is OK for this role, and as much she's quite pretty, but nothing else. And the "message" is as plain as the script or the acting: something most (smart) people know, the looks are deceiving, and blonde doesn't mean stupid. Just see it if you're trying to get a chick, like i did, and it worked :)

South Park: Bigger, Longer & Uncut (1999)

politically incorrect

[9/10 · 13 June 2002]

politically incorrect, but terribly funny. the show makes fun of almost everyone: jews, TV, politicians, parents, children, the U.N., artists, the Church, the Devil himself, fat people, gay people, and specially make fun "aboot" the canadians. it's amazing, it's just like the TV show only bigger, longer and uncut. the voices, the script, even the ridiculous plot have no waste in this amazing movie. i believe that south park is the best animated show ever, beating even the simpsons. the only flaws were the too many musical acts and the fact that kenny finally takes off his hood and speaks as a normal person, i really like him when you don't know how he looks like or speaks, that's what makes him the best citizen in south park. and the soundtrack was really good actually, despite of the numerous musical acts. it's certainly worth viewing even though you're not a big fan of the show. 9/10

Saving Private Ryan (1998)

Saving US pride

[7/10 · 13 June 2002]

I can't say it was a bad movie, but i didn't fully like it...

*first of all it was too patriotic for a non american, and maybe for an american too, too many flags i guess... *next, the action wasn't as constant as in Black Hawk Down...it wasn't as repetitive as in Thin Red Line, but maybe the varied action scenes lead it closer to any common action movie... *the characters, although most of them good actors, it got too personal: i rather see people looking alike, without names or even faces to remember (BHD, TRL) *the plot isn't the one of a war film, i think, i preffer those based on rel life battles *BUT the D-Day scene was absolutely amazing and shocking, and that's basically what saves the movie... too bad it was kind of a short scene they couldn't do the whole movie about it...7/10

Resident Evil (2002)

gimme flesh!

[8/10 · 12 June 2002]

***SpOiLeRs AhEaD***

First of all i must say i'm a fan of the videogames, and was expecting anxiously for the movie; which goes through all common terror/sci-fi paths, as no survivors of the accident or whatever it is, most of the rescue team is killed too soon, some get killed in the final confrontation and only the cute, brave chick and the handsome, brave guy are the only survivors; also it's very predictable, and not difficult to guess who will scape and who will be zombie meal; and you just know that nothing will be ok for more than 3 minutes; but i didn't realise what was going to happen in the end, although i figured out that we wouldn't be much time without an RE movie, like x-men it leaves you wanting for more blood and gore. And i must be some kind of jinx because all characters that i want them to survive always get killed; i guess they should have made a tv series because there's so much to tell about the RE, or at least a mini series. well i guess i'll have to wait until the next movie. But it's really a good effort from a not so good director, and the acting doesn't shine, but it's OK for a movie this type, and Jovovich is just as beautiful as ever. Other stuff i liked is the blue environmental lighting they are always in, and there are many (or enough) similarities with the VG, as the final fight with the monster in an underground train, the leading female character waering a mini, and the terrifying fact that umbrella (the evil corporation who owns "The Hive")will always get what they want. RE fans and any regular viewers will have a nice time as long as they don't expect any movie that can beat Cameron's Aliens as the best action-sci-fi-movie-with-monsters-and-explosions-and-slaughtered-people, but you'll have good time. hopefully the sequel will be everything this one isn't (at least less predictable, the major flaw, and scary, this one just isn't). But as said it was a good efort worth viewing.

PS: i dare you to count the number of times the microphone appears on screen

The Dirty Dozen (1967)

let's kill nazis!

[10 June 2002]

great movie- it makes you believe you're watching a war movie but it's actually an action one; the comedy stuff is just hilarious (for a movie this kind) and the action scenes are terrific, not to mention it's cast. one of the best war movies in history

Memento (2000)

the best in the past year

[9/10 · 8 June 2002]

first i thought it would be terribly confusing and hard to follow, but soon i realized i was wrong. i couldn't understand the opening titles scene, but suddenly it all started to make sense: that's maybe the best thing the director does, it gets the viewer inside the plot as soon as possible and hooks you inside the trama as if you were another character trying to uncover the murderer of shelby's wife. who's being honest? who's not? the first impression you have of shelby, natalie and teddy will certainly change at some point of the movie, making you hate or feel sorrow for him/her . not to mention the script and the acting, and the sets, all city, which makes you think you're watching an independent film like reservoir dogs instead of this pretty professional piece of work

Third Watch (1999–2005)

The best

[8 June 2002]

take NYPD Blue and mix it it with ER and some firemen TV show and you'll get 3rd W. I specially like the politically incorrect characters and how they complement each other, and the way they treated the 9/11 stuff without much patriotism and low punches. The best in US TV nowadays

Dark City (1998)

Good Job

[8/10 · 8 June 2002]

although confusing sometimes, and a weak ending, i really liked it, claustrophobic and specially dark, a desperating film that will let you decide what's actually going on in the dark city as any fantastic literature book does

Tombstone (1993)

kinda good

[8 June 2002]

I'm certainly not a western fan, but i enjoyed it. Maybe it was the cast, because i always like a good and large cast, or it resembled to any common action movie that instead of Iraq takes place in the far west. It's just good and worth watching, though not renting it.

X-Men (2000)

really good

[8/10 · 2 December 2001]

it's a great movie with great action scenes, fx, characters with some depth, cute chicks and everything else that turns it to be one of the best few action flicks well done. The only problem may be that it's sometimes predictable, and too short; also it may leave you waiting for more, but soon we'll have a sequel, pretty obvious there was going to be one. Above everything it's an incredible movie where you won't waste you're time.

Starship Troopers (1997)

not bad, not too good

[7/10 · 1 December 2001]

it's a good film, and just that. great production and a fair acting, but a lousy script and decoration, specially buenos aires, which, i know it, has no mountains around. of course the FX are the most outstanding feature of the film, and i specially liked the infantry rifles, the best i've ever seen for a sci fi film. And the girls are really nice, it's kinda sexy the idea to have 'em fighting in the infantry along men. And talking 'bout the infantry, it's the biggest slaughtery i've ever seen in a movie. This flick is the kind that won't leave you thinking 'bout it, it's just a well done movie made to make you have a good time and also will make you enjoy the idea of being a civilian. Maybe it shows the vulnerability of the human race, but not much more can be said 'bout this film. Except that if you want to see a sci fi action film, i would recommend Aliens. And one more thing: it was quite a strange military; after being in it for- what a year, a year and a half?- all the characters ended with a big promotion, to lieutenant, captain, colonel, etc. Or they actually did an incredibly terrific job or they were desperately needed of officers. That's an army i'd join- if the only bugs i had to think 'bout were those under my fridge.

Adrenalin: Fear the Rush (1996)

one of cult

[10/10 · 1 December 2001]

the gore never stops, it's very violent and claustrophobic. if you show me someone who says he wasn't scared,then i'll show you a liar. O.K., it's not the "best movie ever" but it's by far the best horror film i've seen, even though it's an under, low budget, b-class flick it deserves a place amongst the most scary ones. Although the plot is quite silly, and the agents in the bio suits are a clever as backsreet boy after listening to cristina aguilera's cd. Still, it's very scary and it's a movie i'd watch twice... if i ever catch it on TV.

Stargate (1994)

It was O.K.

[7/10 · 1 December 2001]

This film was ok; it's quite decent and original. I think that the characters are ok too and the production. It may get bit slow and boring sometimes, but it's worth seeing. I specially liked Rusell's role who has some depth. The best thing of the movie is that it gets into the sci- fi genre without leaving the reality, it's not an exaggerated hi- tech flick. It's not an action film nor a sci- fi one... it's just Stargate. I give it a 7 of 10, you won't regret of watching it.

Hot Shots! Part Deux (1993)

hilarious

[10/10 · 1 December 2001]

Iit's even better than the 1st one. Who cares if there are no jungles in Iraq, I still love it, I have never ever laughed that much in my whole life. Pay special attention to the supporting characters like Miguel Ferrer or Ryan Stiles Brenda Bakke or Richard Crenna, they did it even better than Sheen or gGlino. About Lloyd Bridges he kills, but not as much as in hot shots 1. You gott tosee it, you won't regret it, you won't stop laughing when Saddam appears. Go rent it now!

Navy Seals (1990)

ok, it's not that bad

[7/10 · 1 December 2001]

you can't watch a commandos film and expect to see a godfather with SMG's. It's quite different to any other film of this kind; there are no nukes or chemical or bio weapons on this one: they chase simple stinger ground to air missiles, what any terrorist nowadays can have. Also there is no big explosion at the end or a pumped up villain or troopers, they're the average man, and their operations and equipment should be the one the real SEALs use. But i believe that Charlie Sheen's character is out of place, i really hated him from the beginning, and even more after he caused the big black guy's death. What a jerk! A court martial over there! He believes he can do anything he wants and nothing can stop him, also it was a very exaggerated perfomance by Sheen, i rather see him telling jokes than shooting arabs. A good film anyway for someone who needs a doses of testosterone, average than it's brothers.

Platoon (1986)

Don't wanna join the army

[8/10 · 1 December 2001]

A raw and effective film that shows two different yet similar wars, where you can't stop thinking about which side would you rather be (i prefer elia's myself). Sometimes i think about is as a documentary rather than a movie. If that's what really happened, the human kind still has a lot to learn. If you have the stomach and the guts watch it, if you don't, go see spice world

Aliens (1986)

see to believe

[9/10 · 1 December 2001]

for a 1986 film, it's as good (and usually more ) as any cgi movie from nowadays. it has both action doses and sci fi, and terror, and good jokes too. the special fx, the sound, and, the best of all, the weapons, vehicles, costumes, etc. are amazing. james cameron is clearly my choice for the best director. this movie is the best among sci fi, much more than the SW saga. the few things i disliked are the fact that the small and harmless girl survived for some weeks surrounded by the creatures, all the marines die (in this 1 and the next 1 where hicks never gets up from his hypersleep) and that the soldiers didn't have anything like discipline. who's worst? the aliens or burke? "at least they don't sell each other". the acting was great for a sci fi with weaver, biehn, paxton and reiser (didn't you feel happy when he died? i did) and everyone else; though i said the marines lack of discipline, they were quite a funny group. i'm not much a sci fi fan, but i hope from now on they all look like this one. nothing is wasted, nothing is forgotten, nothing looks better than this flick. too bad the 2 next ones aren't as much as good as the 1 and 2.

The Godfather (1972)

among the top5

[10/10 · 1 December 2001]

if you want to laugh, get the naked gun or mister bean; if you want adrenaline flushing through your veins, look for starship troopers or an arnie flick; if you want to cry, watch... i don't know, Meryl Streep? but if you want an the film you gotta see this. it has everything necessary to automatically be considered as THE ONE. the plot, the acting and actors (i love pacino, caan & duvall), the music, shocking scenes, etc. if you haven't seen it, well, what in the world are you waiting for? but, i hope you have enough time