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Reviews
Rent (2005)
OMG what an amazing film
I have never seen the play and was anxious to see this much prematurely hyped film even months before it was finally released (today). True, I was not a fan of Chicago at all (I thought it was, uh, silly) and I really disliked Phantom/Opera (It bored me senseless). So I was NOT expecting to enjoy this film. I just left the auditorium after seeing it's first show at my local cinema. All I can say is WOW. The director made me laugh, made me cry, and made me genuinely care for these characters. It was especially interesting to see how comfortable people in the auditorium were with same sex kissing. That just shows you how well this story is presented. When it ended, I wanted to jump back in line and watch it again, which I never do (and always criticize those who say such things!). Bravo, Chris Columbus. You would make the writer of the play very proud if he were still alive. Thank you!
The Paranormal (1998)
Pretty good film for it's genre
Plot: movie theater is haunted by ghosts which demand a specific film be shown. When "researchers" watch the film, which is a zombie flick, they find out that they can ENTER the film at various points of the movie --thus they themselves become part of the film. Very cool idea. Acting is good for this type of film (compare it to most low-budget videos). OK, let's be honest. This is a direct to video film on a very low budget. Therefore, it cannot be compared to Hollywood film quality or even major studio "direct to video" quality because they have a large budget. So...keeping that in mind, I watched this film and rated it 9 out of 10 for it's genre. Fun to watch.
Moulin Rouge! (2001)
Simply put: the best FILM ever made
Wow. It was a movie I never expected to like. I left the auditorium in blown-away amazement. It had absolutely STUNNING visual effects, a quick pace (after the first 10 minutes or so), beautiful singing voices (I can't believe that's their real voices -- but it's true!) and a ending that makes you cry. I found myself going to the theater just to see people's reactions as they left the auditorium. I consider it the all-time best movie in film history. Hopefully this will bring back the genre of musicals to film!
Shock Treatment (1981)
Shock Treatment is a far better film artistically than the first.
While the first only relies on its fans' obsession to keep it alive (via audience participation, costumes, and weekend hangouts), this sequel to The Rocky Horror Picture Show doesn't rely on the simple minded "regulars" to be appreciated. Shock Treatment's characters are more detailed and more funny on their own without the help of audience participation. However, the small details in the movie (and its plot) are too deep for the average Rocky Horror fan. Rocky Horror's characters have depth but not as much as Shock Treatment's. An amazing accomplishment that is unfortunately overlooked by many who want the craziness and simpleness of Rocky Horror.
The Awakening of Candra (1983)
Good "true" story, somewhat dated though, with a chilling performance from Cliff DeYoung.
This 1981 made-for-television film is a pretty good film when watching it some 20 years after the fact. While the acting and film appear very dated, the story is wonderful. Based on a true story, it's about a woman, whose husband was murdered on their honeymoon, becomes so traumatized by the killer's threats that she can no longer remember what really happened due to a combination of her mind blocking out the terrible memory and the brainwashing manipulation, rape and torture that the killer puts upon her. While most actor's acting is simply fair, Cliff DeYoung is wonderful as a psychotic and manipulative stalker.