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Reviews
It's All Gone Pete Tong (2004)
Cinematic Sensory Overload!!!
I was fortunate enough to score a ticket to the 9:45 AM screening of this film at the Toronto Film Festival. It's not usual that I'll be anywhere at eight AM, let alone standing in line, but as a fan of FUBAR, I simply had to see this movie. I'm not going to give anything away, nor will I waste space with a synopsis, but I will tell you that this is one of the best films I have ever seen. Paul Kaye does a remarkable job capturing both the humorous and painful essence of Frankie Wilde, a God-like worshiped DJ hammered with immense fame, beautiful girls, endless drugs and the physical toll of his role in the music scene. I'd never seen Paul in a film before, but after this I'm sure he'll be everywhere and I think that's awesome because his performance was Oscar worthy. Alongside Paul, is Mike Wilmot playing the part of Max Hagard and after his hilarious performance I cannot imagine anyone else in the part. Wilmot nailed it with grace, for he would spit out his lines with such conviction and meticulous comic-timing that he often caused gut-wrenching laughs and applause from the theater crowd.
Actors aside, it's the brain of Michael Dowse that we have to thank for such a film. Shot on a Sony 300 (I think) it has a crisp vivid look that sucks you in from the first frame. For the record, I hate house music, but I found myself so engrossed in the film that my head was bobbing to the beat. I didn't know what to expect after FUBAR, well okay "funny" was what I prepared myself for and it came in waves of hilarity. But it was the charming story, stellar performances and clever dialogue that make this picture stand way above the crowd. Seeing "It's All Gone Pete Tong" was a total cinematic sensory overload. At times I felt like someone was main-lining cocaine and scotch into my forearm while at others it was as if I was getting a warm hug from a loved one. FUBAR rocked and put Micheal Dowse on the map but "It's All Gone Pete Tong" that can, should and will, take over the world. Without blinking I give this 10/10 and encourage you to check it out and see what the hell I'm raving about.
The Village (2004)
who freakin' cares
Honestly, this movie sucked. The entire theater was restless, several walked out, many yelled at this screen "boring," "this sucks" etc... Nothing happened, the pacing was dreadful, the dialogue torture and there wasn't a moment where I was the least frightened. Sorry, Mr. Night, but it's this kind of crap that gives you peasant status. If I had the power in Hollywood to have anything I threw at a studio green-lit I wouldn't be scrambling to make pure garbage. Do the Malick or Tarantino and take a break then hit us with something. Oh and to all the dorks vying for this film and claiming it is intellectual... read a book, go out on a date, get a brain or just get a life. If you defend this film you really have to think about putting your action figures aside, tossing off the Wal-Mart apron and moving out of your moms basement.
Bubba Ho-Tep (2002)
Best original screenplay
Folks, I just saw this in a packed house at the Royal theatre in Toronto and man was it ever excellent. Sure, it wouldn't be enjoyable for non-Elvis or non-Bruce Campbell fans, but screw them. I spent ninety minutes in a room full or people that got the clever writing, dark gags, interesting characters and stylish tone. If you haven't seen it yet, get on your karate outfit and head to the theatre as quick as possible! TJC