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Reviews
Metallica: Cunning Stunts (1998)
Excellent 90's representation of Metallica
This DVD is an excellent representation of the 90's era of Metallica - an era marking a shift away from the thrash metal of their youth and maturing into greater musicians (in the sense their repertoire has expanded). Exploring blues and country and mixing it with a pop flavour whilst still retaining the hard rock element of the 80's, this DVD reflects all of this.
Opening with a fun jam (a collection of riffs that would later become 'Bad Seed' on ReLoad, which hadn't been released at the time of the concert), they head into 'So What' and the music doesn't stop for another 90 mins or so. James entertains with his usual speeches that never get boring (unlike a certain someone PHIL) and the camera work, whilst not superb, is definitely above par. The lighting however does get annoying at times and a constant blue is not the most interesting.
However, all this aside, it is a collection a Metallica fan would already have. If you're looking to get into Metallica and don't know what album to start off with, try this or S&M.
A down side to the tracklisting however is that they do not delve into much material from their first few albums, save a few concert staples. Medleys do not count - play the entire song.
Check it out.
Saw (2004)
A bit of alright, I guess
'Saw' is a good film, if you haven't seen 'Se7en', that is.
It has a promising story but the execution of its ideas is sub par. Creators Whannel and Wan have borrowed heavily from the far superior film 'Se7en' and this factor is incredibly annoying - paying homage to a film is fine, but not for basing the core of your plot from.
The acting ranges from incredibly awful to mediocre - Adam reminds me of Ferris Beuller and I was waiting for him to admit what a big mistake skipping school was. The 'big' names (Danny Glover, Monica Potter, and I use the term 'big' loosely) seem bored and Glover doesn't seem to really give a f*** except to get paid whilst being worried.
Despite many peoples thoughts, I found the ending to be a bit of fun, wasn't mind-blowing as many people are making it out to be.
Hire it out but don't expect anything amazing. If you can find a copy of 'Se7en' instead and haven't seen it, hire that out then this film, and you'll understand the source of its inspiration and understand why this film tries but fails to recapture this.
Sideways (2004)
Not the greatest but still fairly enjoyable
Its a coming of age story basically, following Miles Raymond (Paul Giamatti, excellent performance) and Jack (Thomas Haden Church) as they initially enter the vineyards of California to celebrate Jack's last week as a free man (he is to be married at the end of the week). Some pretty funny scenes as they all learn more about themselves as people and where they stand in society.
The film is an enjoyable experience and you are left with a smile on your face at its end. It's not quite the 5 star experience many critics are making it out to be however it is still highly recommended for those quite nights with your partner.
Giamatti's performance however is excellent and he outshines the remainder of the cast, with his witty humour and quirky behaviour, especially around the woman he likes.
If you plan to drink a glass during your viewing experience, just make sure its not Merlot!
Coffee and Cigarettes (2003)
Beautiful
A beautiful and charming film.
It reminds me of a sunny afternoon sitting on a porch reading the newspaper looking out to the ocean washing ashore - thats how I felt after watching this film.
The intentions of the film have gone over the heads of many viewers unfortunately. Just sit back and watch and listen.
After watching this I got a nice warm and fuzzy feeling inside.
Whilst there are a couple of dodge scenes (Meg & Jack White especially), the better ones more than make up for it (Cate Blanchett's is a personal favourite).
Just remember to not watch this over lunch when having a coffee and a cigarette - its not good for your health!
Metallica: Some Kind of Monster (2004)
For both fans and those with no interest in Metallica
For those of you who are Metallica fans, this is highly recommended. For those of you who are not Metallica fans, this is highly recommended. It is not a concert film, nor is it a documentary about a band recording an album - it is about their near-breakdown both as people and as a unit.
It is eye-opening to see first hand what James and Co. are really like. This is far more in-depth than the 'Year And A Half' videos - you witness James playing with his daughter and expressing his dismay at missing out on Castor's (his son) birthday. Not quite the burly metal God James H we were all used to.
Whilst Phil (therapist) does get a bit too involved (admitted by the band in the film) at times, it does still allow the viewer to get up close and personal with each member of Metallica.
We also get to witness the recording process of their latest album 'St. Anger' (although this takes a back seat) and the bass player auditions.
Thoroughly entertaining and humorous. There's a reason why it received so many positive reviews.
2001: A Space Odyssey (1968)
Brilliant.
This film is pure brilliance. If you consider yourself a film buff and haven't yet bothered to see it, make sure it is your next rental/purchase.
Make sure you watch it with all the lights out and complete silence in the room to actually appreciate it the way it is meant to. A better than average sound system wouldn't hurt either.
If you find it to be the most boring film of all time, thats fine. But don't have the attitude of expecting great things to be happening otherwise you will have ruined the experience and will find it incredibly boring.
As for me, I found it to be a work of pure brilliance.
Enjoy.