pspmichael Reviews

Jarhead (2005)

Blown WAY out of proportion

[1/10 · 6 April 2006]

With the exception of bootcamp, the first few minutes of the movie, the rest was ridiculously blown out of proportion. The disgruntled Marine, if he was a Marine, has made noncom's appear to be nothing but airheads rather than the fighting machines with conscience that they are. Officers do not act the way the Lt Col acted. Most of the Marines do not act as they are depicted.

Marines are proud, yes. They are confident, yes. More importantly, they know how to act in public. As opposed to other branches, Marines are held to a higher standard even in public while off duty.

If you are an ex-Marine, you might like this movie. But most everyone knows there is no such thing as an ex-Marine. Those who are no longer active but still consider them brothers in the Marines, you will most likely NOT like this movie.

SEMPER FI!

Hulk (2003)

Disappointing to say the least

[7/10 · 11 May 2004]

I grew up reading the Hulk comic books and watching him on TV. The Hulk has always been something that one could relate to. Superior strength in the face of danger or bad guys. This movie turned the Hulk into something too far out there to relate to. Leaping over deserts, falling from the rim of space and then taking a swim, tossing tanks around like they were made of plastic, all much too far beyond what the Hulk really is.

The editing was very distracting with it's split screens all to often. It reminded me more of a first year college student trying to impress someone. The split screens were completely distracting and a waste of time.

All in all, the movie dragged on mercilessly which equates to boring. It was not the Hulk we grew up to know and the split screen action was dumb. It's a real shame they did this to the Hulk.

Romeo and Juliet (1968)

By far the best Romeo & Juliet ever produced!

[19 April 2004]

I am not a fan of Shakespeare and was not looking forward to our 8th grade field trip (1968) to watch this in a local theater. I was surprised that I enjoyed the movie. It not only held my interest, it also touched every emotion. This is truly a beautiful movie and wonderful work of art.

In hiring young teens for the roles, the storyline was maintained and made the movie more appealing to all age groups. Special permission had to be obtained to show Olivia in a very brief nude scene to show the audience what actually took place. In 1968 this just was not done! Many groups went to the movie to watch with the idea in mind they would picket the theater to keep others away. In the end, many of the picketers were so moved by the movie that they went home.

This version of Romeo and Juliet lives up to the original story in every way. The costumes, language and mannerisms were cleverly played by all in such a way that you felt a part of the time and a part of each family. You feel the love and the pain that the young couple must endure. The music, acting and costumes are superb.

I highly recommend this movie to all ages for the literary study, entertainment and the lesson conveyed. This is the only film I've seen that can present all three so well. 9 of 10 stars

R.O.T.O.R. (1987)

Beyond DUMB, past STUPID and straight into TRASH

[1/10 · 12 February 2004]

I have tried 3 times to watch this movie all the way through. This time I made it until the last 15 minutes when I decided to beat the traffic to the kitchen and turned it off. The ONLY reason I watched it that far was to be fair in giving you feedback on this piece of trash.

It's very easy to understand why the Producer and Star of the film, Richard Gesswein, is an unknown. The only way Richard Gesswein would be hired as an actor is if he were the Producer and hired himself. This is the only movie he has done. Had there been some known actors, this movie just might have had a chance for 3 stars instead of 1. Richard Gesswein, who seems to challenge himself on how little he has to open his mouth in order to speak, is the worst actor I've ever seen. Apparently his judgment isn't all there either to be the Producer of such a B.O.M.B.

This movie is a RoboCop wanna be that doesn't come close. A robot cop is created to help with crime. The robot cop "awakens" and decides to go on duty where he distributes justice, the same justice for all crimes, death. Get caught murdering you die. Get caught speeding, you die. Coldyron, somehow pronounced cold iron, is our only hope against the robot.

Don't waste your time with this movie. It isn't even worth the multitude of cliché's throughout the film. A complete and total waste of money, film, and your time. This is THE WORST movie I've ever had to sit through. In short, if there is nothing worth watching and you see R.O.T.O.R. click on that O.F.F. button and run to the D.E.N.T.I.S.T. for that visit you've been putting off. You will have more fun at the Dentist!

Chasing Freedom (2004 TV Movie)

A gripping taste of reality that will grab your heart

[7/10 · 28 January 2004]

Chasing Freedom couldn't have been better named. The story is about a woman from Afghanistan who fled the oppression of the Taliban, seeking a life of freedom in America. Layla Alizada plays Meena, a woman forced to leave college when the Taliban take over. Neighborhood women come to her, looking for a teacher to help them learn how to read and write. When the Taliban learn of this, Meena is beaten and her brother thrown in jail for allowing females in his home for the purposes of education. When the Taliban decides they want more from Meena she decides to try and escape. With all the checkpoints she must pass, she destroys her identity papers and escapes to America. Once in America Meena finds out it isn't that easy gaining freedom in America if you can't prove who you are. This movie based on true facts shows the due process one must go through when coming to America and how the government agencies protect the homeland yet allow the oppressed a chance at life. This movie is very well done. For those who care about people, prepare to feel anger and tears. This movie will grip your heart and move you in ways other movies only dream of.

Slipstream (1989)

Insomniacs, this is for you!

[1/10 · 7 May 2003]

If you are having trouble sleeping or just want to take that nap in the afternoon but just can't seem to drift off, pop in this movie. The only neat thing about this movie are the electric planes. Aside from that prepare for some sweet zzzzz's. It boggles the mind how big name stars such as those in this movie can be part of the one of the dullest movies I've ever seen. Now, if you will excuse me, I will finish my nap.

Do Not Disturb (1999)

An action film interwoven with comedy

[8 September 2002]

A very enjoyable movie! Action packed with bits of unexpected comedy and slapstick.

The story line is familiar but the acting takes it beyond the norm with the bumbling bad guy and a smart 10 year old mute. I almost didn't recognize Dennis Leary but that unmistable voice gave him away.

I found this movie to be quite enjoyable and would recommend it to anyone wanting an action movie that gives a smile.