If it hadn't got caught up in the political rhetoric of the time. The propaganda of Russia - bad - and "freedom" - good - is so caricaturized, it is reminiscent of the awfully silly musical movie the main characters are producing in the film. Sometimes the music and dancing can save such a movie, but this one contains mostly snoozers and losers. The cast does a good deal for the picture, but they can't save it.
Reviews
13 Reviews
The Count of Monte Cristo
(2002)
Dumbing Down Dumas
23 April 2002
It probably doesn't surprise any avid reader that all of Dumas' books are rewritten any time one is produced in Hollywood, but do they have to be so blatantly inaccurate? This movie has a lot going for it - an excellent cast, good score, interesting cinematography, and an intense psychological drama. Unfortunately, rather than maintaining its level of dramatic mental twists, it turns into a sloppy overdone swashbuckler about forgiveness and justice - sort of. My recommendation is - READ THE BOOK!
2001: A Space Odyssey
(1968)
Good morning, HAL?
23 April 2002
Besides being one of the most frequently misquoted movies ever, this film is also one of the most overrated. Yes, it has an excellent score and an intense ten minutes. It also gets bogged down by its own attempts at grandeur and epic greatness. If you haven't read the book, most of the film is uncomprehendable and confusing. It could use some heavy-handed editing (or rewriting so that it actually makes sense as its own body of work).
The Bride
(1985)
The best in romantic horror.
18 April 2002
"The Bride" is another of those slash-bang thrillers which does not simply present the merit of its intrinsic entertainment value. Instead it dares you to draw out the psychological fun. On the surface, it retells the classic story about Frankenstein's monster. Underneath, it is an intense drama about love, forgiveness, and - if you will excuse the expression - explosions and mad scientists. (Or perhaps I should say exploding mad scientists. You just have to see it.) Watchers beware if you are not prepared with an open mind.
Street Fighter
(1994)
Not for the general populace.
16 April 2002
Do you enjoy random explosions and inside jokes? Then grab a copy of this quirky Van Damme comedy, and make sure you stay through the credits to catch all of the lovely juvenile humor. This is one of Van Damme's best films, especially because he gets to make fun of his reputation as an egomaniac. Sure, the plot is threadbare and it never takes itself "seriously," but then do you always like to be pulled in by movie drama. What's that - no? Well then, take a seat and enjoy!
Lovely to Look At
(1952)
Mediocre movie with superb dancing.
16 April 2002
In a movie with all these phenomenal stars, the audience should be able to expect a riot of comedy and charm. Unfortunately, the talents of Howard Keel and Kathryn Grayson tend to burn rather than smolder as the plot develops. Some scenes between the two main characters become absolutely tedious. That aside, Marge and Gower Champion are superb in this film, and Red Skelton with some help from Zsa Zsa Gabor adds several funny sketches to the overall production.
Lolita
(1962)
The sixties offer more than go-go girls.
16 March 2002
James Mason, Sue Lyons, and Peter Sellers - all offer solid performances in this queer drama about sex and lies. Naturally, this movie shouldn't be able to hold together with so many neurotic personalities on screen at the same time, but it makes it work almost seamlessly up until the ending. The ending gives it a wry twist, but it doesn't really fit in with the rest of the mood and setting of the film. It would probably have been better if the scene had been chopped out of the final cut, but it does offer a suspenseful to those who allow themselves to be fully sucked into the characters.
The Island of Dr. Moreau
(1996)
Bad horror, but interesting effects.
15 March 2002
Some users might wonder why I give this flick a four in spite of the trouble it really has, but I would like to start with this comment: This movie has one of the best opening credit sequences ever! The writhing and squirming micro-organisms have you itching in your seat before the movie even starts. That said - This show has some very mediocre performances from some of the greatest actors. Val Kilmer almost gives his icky character some appeal before vaulting into a demented drug trip, but Marlon Brando does nothing to redeem the evil Dr. In fact, I'm hoping the whole time, the poor castaway - the only appealing fellow on screen - will jump back into the ocean from whence he came and the whole place sinks to the bottom of the sea. But, if you want to know the real ending, I suggest you read the book.
Island of Lost Souls
(1932)
Incredible early horror.
15 March 2002
This fantastical horror movie based on "The Island of Dr. Moreau" is not necessarily scary by today's graphic standards. However, it still manages to touch on the terror of "humanity's inhumanity." It also provides a classic mad-scientist performance which still gives me the creeps. The makeup isn't perfect, but it is far superior to typical fare of the time.
Vampire Princess Miyu
(1997–1998)
One of the best anime for it's creepy stories and soundtrack!
12 March 2002
This incredible series of animated short stories makes the best use of feeding information to the audience. It supplies enough of a storyline to keep the plot moving, but witholds enough information to maintain a mysterious aura about the characters. Many people will find it creepy or disturbing, but I enjoyed it thoroughly. It gives the original manga characters a little more bite without thoroughly destroying their appeal.
The Lord of the Rings
(1978)
Faithful to the book and interesting animation.
12 March 2002
This Peter S. Beagle adapatation of the Tolkein book stays remarkably faithful to the original story and characters - unlike the 2001 movie. It has wonderful music, superb voice acting, and a great soundtrack. If there is any problem with the movie, it lies in the strange ending. Still it is incredible how they compiled two books into under two hours.
Bakshi's original style of animation may bother some audiences. Many people have complained about the "colored-over film" look, but I find it creates very spooky Nazgul and orcs. Also for an interesting comparison, watch this movie directly before the 2001 movie. Note the direct steals made in the scenes with the Black Rider on the road and when a group of them attack at the Prancing Pony. This movie may have not made much of a mark on worldwide community, but it certainly has lent itself well to the making of the newer version - which, while it is a great movie, does nothing to maintain the atmosphere or original plot designs of the novels.
Bakshi's original style of animation may bother some audiences. Many people have complained about the "colored-over film" look, but I find it creates very spooky Nazgul and orcs. Also for an interesting comparison, watch this movie directly before the 2001 movie. Note the direct steals made in the scenes with the Black Rider on the road and when a group of them attack at the Prancing Pony. This movie may have not made much of a mark on worldwide community, but it certainly has lent itself well to the making of the newer version - which, while it is a great movie, does nothing to maintain the atmosphere or original plot designs of the novels.
Titanic
(1997)
This is a hit? (spoiler - if you are blind and deaf)
3 March 2000
Warning: Spoilers
After rave reviews and incredible marketing I still could've cared less to see this film. Then a friend brought it over to watch. So I did. It was just what I expected. The big wigs pumped this balloon full of hot air. The basic storyline reminds me of Shakespeare's classic "Romeo and Juliet" - a story of two incredibly stupid and starry-eyed kids which could only end in disaster. Unfortunately it isn't as well written. Money, timing and power fed this puppy through the mainstream American gut. However I couldn't stomach the silly writing and over-the-top special effects. And then there's always the question of why they gave it a PG13 rating with the slow camera paneling across the naked female anatomy. The character's backgrounds seem highly contrived (a gambler who just happened to win a ticket to sail across the ocean and a young well-to-do girl trapped in engagement for money?) Then there's the matter of the "suicide" meeting where Jack tries to talk her out of jumping ship with tactics which would impress even Freud . . . if such tactics would ever actually work. Well Rose and Jack make a lovely couple of crazy kids with their wild days of drinking below decks, standing on tiptoes, nude art sessions and making out in the backseat of a car - honestly, who put this stuff in a script? I didn't know whether to laugh or walk away and find better use of my afternoon. As if this weren't enough bull to swallow, they add the whole search for the jewel. Then, at the end, the old Rose drops it in the water. She could have done that years before. Was it some obvious imagery that totally missed me or did anyone else think she was whacked? Now we come to the best part - "special" effects. And this cookie was loaded with them. The water slosh was great. But seeing the ship sink was a big disappointment. Rather than using a tasteful display of the ocean liner in the murky black of night, Titanic brightens up the entire ocean better than the stadium lighting. In fact it's brilliant enough for us to see the passengers fall like ping-pongs off the deck. I think they should've used less CG wizardry and more brain power to sink the boat. Not all of Titanic was bad though. In fact I loved it when Billy Zane's character slaps the silly girl around - it was one of his best performances. And during my favorite scene Rose drops Jack into the drink - the blue monochromatic coloring and the music are perfect. [sigh] And then Rose is rescued. What a disappointment. We could have saved the jewel if she hadn't lived so long. What a twist - I really thought the jewel would be recovered as the climax, or was the sinking ship supposed to be at the bottom of all of this? Did this movie have some real purpose? because I missed it.
The Sixth Sense
(1999)
Dramatic intrigue with a twist.
24 February 2000
From the beginning "The Sixth Sense" develops fascinating little crooks and twists for viewers who are on their toes. The film rolls along in an almost dreamlike state meant to lull the audience into believing the entire story is quite normal, average and almost everyday. Then it slaps them in the face. As the characters begin to recognize their problems and deal with them, one might guess the story would lose its momentum. However, this is the point where new plot details surface and old ones get a quick kick in the pants.
I'd say the film is a veritable jigsaw. The audience may not find putting it together the most pulse-pounding and energetic trip of their viewing lives. Yet the puzzle draws them in and engages their involvement. And it does have hair-raising moments in spite of its lack of kick-butt action.
In summary: good plot, good director, good actors, and great ending (among the ranks of "Casablanca").
I'd say the film is a veritable jigsaw. The audience may not find putting it together the most pulse-pounding and energetic trip of their viewing lives. Yet the puzzle draws them in and engages their involvement. And it does have hair-raising moments in spite of its lack of kick-butt action.
In summary: good plot, good director, good actors, and great ending (among the ranks of "Casablanca").
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