gitarooman01 Reviews

Saw III (2006)

Brutality and torture...On multiple levels.

[7/10 · 27 October 2006]

The signature for the Saw series is to kill off characters in creative, agonizing ways and to mix it all up with sharp wit and dark, contrasting atmosphere. Saw III delivers just that, and goes out of the way to please fans of it's predecessors.

While entertaining, bloody, and gory as a good horror film should, it does move rather slowly. Almost like a television episode, extended for a feature film. It doesn't help, that while it's a Saw movie and the red stuff is in nearly every shot, it includes several clichés/dull moments. That being in comparison in what the movie could be. It fails in that department, mainly because the film focuses on the continuity of Jigsaw (Tobin Bell) and Amanda (Shawnee Smith). The former not at 100%, for storyline reasons and not performance. And latter, though, does a great job at filling the screen with an aura of desperation and hate, which more than anything else in the film, makes you believe you're watching "Saw".

But buying the ticket for 'III', I know the intelligence of the film was second on my mind. How these people were going to bite the dust was top priority. The camera/editing may have been too jumpy for some to see anything, but it's there in full force. Hands down, more violent and hard-hitting than the first two entries. It constantly garners that "god, I'm glad I'm not him/her" or "sucks to be you!" feeling.

For storyline purposes, it barely passes, but does pass, for a gap between 1-2 and the inevitable 4. If you're wondering whether or not to see it, go and see it. It's a cool film, if nothing else. And it might prove inspiration into choosing a career in surgery.

Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby (2006)

With it's ups and downs, Talledega Nights is a barrage of sure laughter.

[7/10 · 12 August 2006]

If you're just looking for a good laugh, or are a fan of the famous sports-spoofs, Ricky Bobby serves as 2006's revision of funniness. Will Ferrell takes the wheel, and delivers a smooth, side-splitting performance, that radiates a blend of his SNL days and the grip of NASCAR fend.

It doesn't boast the most memorable characters ever, but a nicely assembled cast however, with the likes of Sacha Barton Cohen of Ali G fame and Gary Cole a.k.a. Office Space's Bill Lumbergh. The jokes told by them, sometimes by sheer improv, more than make up for it.

Other times, the film may lose focus onto other things that were developed in a less-than-stellar way, but that's not what these films are all about. By the end, a certain catch phrase will be embedded into your head, and you will have a sudden craving for Big Red.

Being a comedy film, it sure doesn't disappoint.

Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest (2006)

Depp presses hard to ignite the film as Sparrow.

[7/10 · 16 July 2006]

This review is from the perspective of weekend number two. Here's the bag of chips : PotC : DMC took in a record $130-something million dollars for its 3-day opening, billed as the ultimate 'summer' film, and nothing but good, action entertainment. Yet, in the haze, not all opinions are of perfection. So to say, more than thought possible are actually con-Caribbean. I went into the theater with an open mind, especially since I can enjoy a good film that isn't aimed at a guy named Oscar.

When the Disney fireworks hit, and the DEAD MAN'S CHEST text fades over dark, murky waters, my mind becomes at ease. When Bloom and Knightley make their first appearance, it is just as expected. The straight men, for the eccentricity to follow. As so it did, at the expense of a woodpecker. The film waves hello. Hi film.

Here is where things get complicated. It has all the elements of an entertaining film. It pushes off the massive success of its original. It also carries its attributes, as well. Long dialogue sequences may prove pointless. The actors do a good enough job, that if the film were silent, we could pick up on their motives. Early on, that appears to be the case. What is the payoff for it in the first third? It doesn't have to do with anything. Just your admission ticket at work, to see Jack in action again. Thoughts rise from this. Could the film possibly be a little full of itself?

Now, no complaints about the special effects, for dang sure. Two major sequences with a 'large' conflict, and the villain himself, Davy Jones, showoff just what the future holds for film. All stops were pulled to make 'Pirates 2' looks as gorgeous as possible.

Besides that, even with it being a Disney film, and Johnny Depp matching his 'Curse' performance equally, the film somehow lacks personality. Ending at the 2 hour and 45 minute mark, with long dialogue sequences, even lengthier action scenes, and a plot that seems like one big set up, things tend to get dull. By the time money scenes arrive, some people may have traveled off into Neverland. Or sleepy land.

But everything is there, in full form. A good prefix to describe Dead Man's Chest, would be 'Over'. Over-hyped. Overdone. Overzealous. But the series is sure not over. Which was, if anything, the point of this second film.

The Boondocks (2005–2014)

The most outstanding animated series of this day.

[16 January 2006]

In a day, of all we can hope for is reruns of beloved classics, and some of the dumbest crap-anime to brainwash young children, there is one that truly gets it right : The Boondocks.

Animation wise, it is the best looking show in syndication. It has a sharp blend of realism, with the 'glow' of a cartoon, thrown into nicely painted backgrounds. It sets the mood of McGruder's comics perfectly.

As a comedy, it features off-the-wall insanity, hilarious expressions, and well written 'stupidity'. Something that the old Simpsons used to do. Something that the old Simpsons didn't used to do, though, is make a grand statement about the African American culture, and the modern world today. Both the comedy and drama elements are carried out beautifully.

I can't name one character that sucks. All of them are heartwarming in their own way...and heartwarming in 'Boondocks' terms, to be more specific. Huey, Riley, Grandad, Uncle Ruckus, Ed the 3rd, and so on. I couldn't pick a bad one if I tried.

And not mentioning, the caliber of the voice acting is superb, as well. Regina King, John Witherspoon, and Cedric Yarbrough are just a few names that grace us each week. Not to mention the now and then Charlie Murphy, and the BMF himself...Samuel L. Jackson.

Compare this show to other shows. Become rational, if you are not, for an hour. Pull your head out of yourself, if it is there, for one hour. This is entertainment at its finest.