thomaswatchesfilms Reviews

Hostel (2005)

Ad nauseum

[6/10 · 18 April 2006]

Another typical slasher film where attractive, bright yet unsophisticated teenagers are slaughtered after arousing sex scenes. Just real, real stoopid.

When I was a kid it was "Halloween" and "Friday 13th". Every time a generation comes of age, Hollywood rolls these xenophobic slasher films out to capitalize on their fear of independence and uncertainty about the future. "The Texas Chainsaw Massacre" was another good example.

My best friend is 20 and his nimrod girlfriend ran out of the theatre when they went to see "Hostel", so I just had to rent it and check it out. I enjoyed some excellent seared tuna steaks and green peas with melted imported cheese on top while I watched it. So far so good!

This one is pretty gory, and quite well done, but just a typical schlocky piece of garbage when you get right down to it - something for the "cool" 8th graders to brag that they snuck into.

I'm going to go watch it again. Bye!

T.

Julien Donkey-Boy (1999)

Amazing film.

[8/10 · 17 April 2006]

To represent the life of a schizophrenic through the medium of film, would be quite challenging, really. How could you possibly relate the total random madness and desperate attempts at self-control of a madman onto film? One would be wise to choose Dogme 95, as the life of these unfortunate people seems to be affected by and largely governed by, a series of rigid and obtuse beliefs, regimens or rituals put in place to form some sort of foundation in an otherwise random, "crazy" existence. They then hold fast to this foundation for dear life - white knuckles. Since these "rules" they live by come from insanity in the first place, and are not typically adaptable, or flexible, as life would require them to be, everything they attempt becomes convoluted and lost in madness and confusion. And so everything is completely unsettled, because they can't adapt. Dogme 95, with its odd, rigid requirements, vis-a-vis the "Vow of Chastity" (www.dogme95.dk) goes a long way toward capturing that dynamic.

This film comes pretty close to nailing the day-in, day-out obstacles that mentally ill people must encounter, making something as simple as a bus ride to work a harrowing adventure fraught with slopes. The whole thing reminds me of the LSD scene in "Easy Rider" with the call girls in the grave yard. That was as close as I have ever seen to a realistic depiction of an acid trip in a film (you'll have to trust me on this one folks...), and this film has the same feel of reality to it. Almost as if it were a film about a schizophrenic, directed by and acted by schizophrenics. It's amazing.

Bremner is brilliant. I didn't even recognize him until I read the credits, and afterward I believed that he should have been awarded for this outing - just completely convincing. Almost as if this were a documentary. He just acts so completely mentally ill, it's amazing. He even somehow affects not only the dress, but the postures, facial expressions and characteristics that make him appear to be genuinely mentally ill. Wow.

Herzog's character is just so completely weird and obtuse and out of place in our culture that he is perfect here. Makes you wonder about other people you see walking around.

Not hugely entertaining in terms of plot, but a real treat for someone who wants to be compelled by the film maker's art. Harmony Korine is way smarter than me and you, folks. And I think it's way cool he can get his hands on film equipment. He is pushing the envelope, which is a lot more than I can say for most directors. Safe is boring.

Regard this film in the context of the first scene when Julien has his encounter with the "Pond Boy" and a plot emerges. What we see within the first two or three minutes is just astoundingly disturbing, and will clearly have consequences on the rest of Julien's life - all of their lives. Relate the rest of the film back to the first scene, and it's really rather sad. Everything that ensues has that hanging over it. You know that no matter what those people do, some day there will be a knock on the door and everything will unravel. Or will it? How could they be any more odd and troubled than they already are?

Super Fly (1972)

Interesting and realistic perspective

[9/10 · 14 July 2004]

This gritty, low budget film offers a unique and honest perspective on the underworld of black street life in the early 1970s, with an almost tragic, Shakepearian, bent. The look, the feel and language of the culture and the almost real-time look street life in NYC of that era is truly unmatched by any film before or since. Perhaps through genius, inspiration, maybe just plain luck, or all three, the producers and director hit the nail right on the head. Starring an excellent, intelligent cast of professional thespians, some with impressive stage and film credentials, and augmented by a wonderful infusion of genuine non-professionals right from the street in key roles, the film has an honesty and gritty reality that belies its budgetary constraints. Filmed largely without the permission of local authorities and unions, in winter and often after dark, it has a cinema verite feel throughout; almost a documentary. And the score! Composed and performed by Curtis Mayfield, it is as close to an utter classic as has ever been offered. It stands alone, and would have been a multi-platinum offering even without the film. If one takes the inherent flaws to this type of production; i.e. the rough editing, slightly uneven performances and almost clandestine feel, and places these in proper perspective, it is sure to delight all but the most hardened and jaded enthusiasts of film. Notable: this film set THE STYLE for black, urban culture for most of the next decade. It has no current rivals in that accomplishment. After this film, simply everything since has been empty posturing vis-a-vis popular rap music. It was "remade" during the mid 1990s and set in Miami as "Big Ballers", which was utterly horrible. Compare the two and you will see what style counts for. This film is the real deal. I spent money I didn't have to get this DVD. Go buy it, trust me.

The Seven-Ups (1973)

Tough, gritty and taut

[8/10 · 10 July 2004]

One of my favorites. As a child, growing up in the NY Metro area in the late 60s and early 70s, I was often afforded the opportunity to visit NYC with my grandfather or father, as they conducted business there. The gritty, bustling, human, reality of that city, particularly in winter, have stayed with me.

This film very aptly captures the stark, cold, matter-of-fact feel of the NYC winter season, while keenly exposing the underbelly of the region's infamous underworld of crime and policing. A great snapshot of a place and a time and a culture.

And the car chase is simply amazing. At least on par with the one in "Bullitt", and surpassing the chase in "The French Connection". I can watch, time and again, as the suspension comes unstuck on that Plymouth Fury police cruiser barreling toward the GW Bridge in pursuit, as it lurches into that sharp right curve, bouncing and scraping into oncoming traffic. The stunt driving coordinator for that scene did "Bullitt" and "The French Connection" as well as many other noatable movie chases. Good acting, too, and a decent plot line. The musical score is edgy and compelling, and the cinematography and direction are top notch. A great, if underrated 1970s cop drama. A keeper. Not out on DVD yet, though.

Comparable in style and content to: The French Connection and Super Fly. Early 1970's cop dramas set in the bleak NYC winter months.

In the Cut (2003)

unfocused

[4/10 · 28 March 2004]

I thought that this film attempted to draw tension between the characters both sexually and in the context of the grisly murders, but had the content and depth to accomplish neither.

Ruffalo does a superb job as the New York Cop, but less so as a vulnerable, sensitive, sex-driven would be suitor. Leigh's character lacks the depth to evoke the sympathy needed to ultimately bring about the film's climactic scenes, and this effects, in turn, the effectiveness of Ryan's character, and the plot in general.

The sex scenes, while designed, clearly, to deepen the gritty, sex noir feel of the film become more voyeuristic in the sense that their content is overshadowed by the fact that hey, this is Meg Ryan, "America's Sweetheart", and she's doing.....what?? Although this was an attempt on Ms. Ryan's part to shed that wholesomeness, the attempt falls short somehow. While convincingly erotic, the scenes don't quite add up to shocking in their sexual content, vis-a-vis "9 1/2 Weeks" or even "Angel Heart". More sex and more murder may have lifted this film over the hurdles of slow dialog and undeveloped characterization; an unfortunate equation.

Three characters were underdeveloped, purposely, it seems, to deepen the mystery behind the characters' motivations as related to the sex and murder in the film. But two were complete blind alley parts, and short ones at that, including Kevin Bacon as the troubled intern. And one, the character who eventually winds up being the murderer, is almost completely undeveloped. You can't have it both ways. you either need to have the murderer come completely out of the blue, or you need to develop that character enough for the audience to actually care that he or she has done so.

Could have been better, but I don't know how. I suppose that seeing it again might clarify my thoughts, but it wasn't good enough to take the time to do so. Perhaps, and perhaps by way of rationalization, the poor quality of this review does more to illustrate the film's shortcomings than anything.

Half baked.

The Uncle Floyd Show (1974–1995)

What fun

[26 March 2004]

As a teenager growing up in northern NJ in the 70s, The Uncle Floyd Show was THE thing. Always on at parties, or turned to in basements and bedrooms late at night while we were sneaking weed and beers. It was a ridiculous, serial comedy show with a zany cast of characters, led by Uncle Floyd Vivino - a really good pianist ("Where's Wild West City at??" - who remembers his bit part in this commercial except me??)

Anyway, for a while one of my friends attended college in Newark, and it was filmed not far from where he lived. We actually went and saw it taped a few times, a bunch of hammered college kids, drinking and laughing and cat-calling. It was huge.

Recently obtained a DVD compilation of the show from Vivino's website. It's just as goofy as ever - if not more so. It hasn't aged very well, but then, it was completely ridiculous and only appallingly funny back then. It's like watching some absurd, amateur variety show. Perfect, because that's exactly what it was - all inside jokes and home-town references. Being sober 21 years probably helps form my current impression. Twinkle-twinkle Uncle Floyd.

Cool regional show.

Tender Mercies (1983)

excellent acting, visually stunning

[9/10 · 26 March 2004]

This is a gentle, honest and straight forward depiction of the lives of several lonely people who meet, interact, and change one another in positive ways. Everyone grows and becomes more than what they were before, and when there is tribulation, they are able to rise above it with poise and gentility. The film is steady, quiet, and not overly long, but with good tension. It is very well acted. Duvall won a Best Actor Oscar here. I'm not a sentimental person, but this is really a charming, simple and beautiful film.

Whomever was responsible for the set direction of this film is a true genius. The use of color, foremost, and of depth, motion and scene blocking is as nearly perfect as any film I have ever seen. Amid a perfect background of muted greens or blues, there is always something red, drawing the eye directly to a perfect focal point, either anticipating or complimenting the action on the screen. It's simply gorgeous to look at, like an oil painting in a museum you can't quite tear yourself away from.

The first time I was shown this film it was at a small party thrown by someone I write and direct with. He and his wife have Ph.Ds in drama. They had wanted me to see it for the story and performances, but when I mentioned the direction and art direction and set and costume design, it opened new worlds for them. Inexplicably, they hadn't noticed.

Watch this film from a human, emotional perspective, and you will come away very satisfied. Watch it from technical point of view, vis-a-vis "Citizen Cane" - either way you will benefit. A masterpiece.

Blue Velvet (1986)

A film maker's film, not feel good movie of the year...

[29 January 2004]

David Lynch is a very self-indulgent director, and one who obviously very closely and literally adheres to the basic precepts of the film maker's art. His "Blue Velvet" is yet another example of a very original, and some say quirky, perspective behind the lens. On the surface, this is just an appallingly bad film with disjointed imagery and great actors reduced to uttering sparse, wooden lines. Beneath the surface, however, Mr. Lynch is a master of visual composition and uses color and juxtaposition of positive and negative imagery to deeply influence the viewer. The film exudes a spare, off-kilter unrest, and the use of industrial sound throughout as a background, really gets across the underlying, disturbing and gritty feel of the sordid tale. Lynch's is an enchanted world, where beetles struggle in a subterranean clamor, and the shadow of a factory appears where there was none before to indicate an underlying malfeasance. Lynch uses literal image - quite starkly and almost ham-handedly to represent what many writer directors accomplish through spoken word - or failing that, the trite use of music. I find this homage to the visual criteria of film itself very honest. Each camera angle is perfect, each closeup is carefully thought out. Each scene is painted in oddly contrasting colors and shadow, exuding menace or anticipation or terror or sex or madness. And throughout, Dennis Hopper gives a tour de force interpretation as the spectacularly disturbed Frank Booth - truly a madman for the ages. Technically, an excellent film, but not very entertaining, nor easy to watch. Not for the squeamish.

The Thin Blue Line (1988)

Quite interesting, very compelling

[21 October 2003]

One of the scariest films I have ever seen. Under the right set of circumstances, this could happen to you. This film goes a long way toward explaining why the governor of Illinois commuted over 100 death sentences to life in prison. Aside from that, it's a good documentary, with great editing and an awesome Philip Glass soundtrack.

American Masters: The Algonquin Round Table: The Ten Year Lunch (1987) Season 2, Episode 9

Excellent!

[24 September 2003]

This little film is simply a delight. I don't think it's available commercially, but has been shown on TV. I taped it back in 1992, and my copy is almost used up. One of the best documentaries ever filmed. Really, really very good.

Seconds (1966)

A classic psychological thriller.

[24 September 2003]

This film, a classic of the psychological thriller genre, uniquely confronts the struggle between man's desires and his acceptance of the consequences when those desires become manifest. Our hapless protagonist, in a sequence of events not all of his choosing, changes not merely his identity, but his very body and persona. But what he cannot change is himself, and as he eventually gives in to his desires and accepts the decisions he has made, he cannot live with either. It proves his undoing. Additionally, as a staid, conservative banker whose stallwart image held his inner demons in check, he was able to maintain a steady existence. But as a swinging artist, able to relax and to allow his restraint to fall by the wayside, he was more suceptible to these character flaws and found it impossible to control himself. Interestingly, his condition is also, I think, a rather poignant commentary on alcoholism, as this is the crux of his downfall. The first time I saw this film, on late night television, and quite by accident, I was amazed. The cinematography as well as the use of black and white are exceptional. The performances of the cast, particularly Will Geer and Rock Hudson are also quite excellent. It took me over a decade to find it, but I now have it on DVD - a prized possession. Enjoy.