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Reviews
Masters of Science Fiction: The Awakening (2007)
Amateur Attempt at Science Fiction
This was terrible.
With the amount of talent and experience the team has, I am amazed that they produced such a poor example of "Science Fiction". Besides lacking any true originality or mystery, the characters and events utterly failed to be believable. The plot is furthered by leaps and bounds of crooked logic and the musical score tries too hard to compensate for it. I felt that I was watching a cheap ripoff of an episode of Outer Limits (which itself is not a fantastic example of the genre). When I started watching, I hoped to be intrigued and forced to think. Unfortunately, the message was insultingly obvious.
Equilibrium (2002)
Awesome Movie
The main reason I felt that I had to comment was that there were numerous "user comments" saying how awful it was. Although I found this movie to be similar in concept to some classic science fiction novels (notably works by Ray Bradbury and George Orwell), I enjoyed the story as if hearing it for the first time. Equilibrium might be posted as an action movie, but there was a very strong element of drama backed by a moderately good plot. The acting is decent, and the failings of lesser characters are made up for by a strong lead. The visual and audio detail contributes strongly to the film, but it is subtle and you will miss it if you are not paying attention. If you liked Gattica, you will probably enjoy this movie; it is not a "feel-bad" movie.
After the Sunset (2004)
Non-threatening and entertaining
After the Sunset is a very easy to watch, entertaining, non-threatening movie. The plot requires you to stretch your imagination a bit, and there are a couple of awkwardly acted scenes. The film is essentially a formula-based carbon copy of dozens of other similar movies. There are a few slightly clever twists, several humorous situations, and some great imagery to give the movie some interest value. It is a good date movie, with an effective blend of action, comedy, romance, and suspense. After the Sunset is not spectacular, and you will probably forget it shortly after you watch it, but I still give it an 8/10 (considering the low expectations I had for the film).
Alfie (2004)
Entertaining and different
I found this movie to be a great source of amusement. Unlike many movies, I wasn't focused on interpreting the moral of the story, and I didn't feel that I was participating in the lifestyle of the characters while I watched (due in part to the curious narrative style). Jude Law speaks constantly to the audience throughout the feature, but this conversation is integrated seamlessly with the movie. I didn't notice any major acting, editing, or plot deficiencies, and that is always a good sign.
The main character is a relatively young Englishman in America, Alfie, who leads a promiscuous and frivolous life. The story follows Alfie to his highest and lowest points, although his irrepressible optimism prevents this from being a potentially depressing movie. Interestingly enough, I found this film to be a fairly accurately portrayal of a few people I know quite well.
I watched the film with my girlfriend, and she enjoyed it as much as I did. It might be easier for men to understand the inner workings of Alfie's mind, although not all of us are like him. I would recommend this movie to all of my friends.