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Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom (1984)
Nazis aren's ALWAYS the bad guys...
Okay, it seems that most people who don't think this movie is all that great bring up the fact that Indiana Jones isn't killing Nazis in this one. So what? It's easy to know who the bad guys are in RAIDERS and CRUSADE: they're Nazis! And come on; they're satan-worshiping cultists, it doesn't take a genius to know their BAD GUYS! This movie definitly requires more brains, and more heart, than the other Indys. Some excellent scenes: the mine-cart chase; Indy's brawl between the Head Slavemaster; cutting the bridge; and the classic opening sequence. I suggest you go out a rent this movie, and make your own judgements about it.
Pitch Black (2000)
A Movie with heart, soul, and a Shine Job!
"Pitch Black" is one of those movies that comes along once in a Triple-sun: it's action-packed, thoughtful, and gripping.
Riddick, are favorite maniac with a Shine Job, leads a pack of crash-landed survivors through the Valley of the Shadow of Death on a planet populated by nocturnal carnivores. Along the way we find out that Riddick is a tortured soul; on the brink of genius, but riding a fine line between good and evil. Is he helping out of kindness, or is it a means to an end?
"Pitch Black" should be considered a Movie-With-Action; that is, it's action scenes and special effects are used to support the theme of Riddick's inner turmoil. The aliens that the beleagured crew encounter are eeriely menacing, much in the same way that the aliens in Alien were. Riddick seems to be working with and against the alien antagonists; using them to deal with the enemies amongst the group up until he discovers that life has meaning if someone believes it does.
Vin Diesel is awesome as Riddick; as many have said before, he's the best reason to root for the bad guy in a long time. The cinematic style is impressive, and the plot is intriging. Check it out; it's no Fast and the Furious.... and that's a good thing.
Die Another Day (2002)
The "Live and Let Die" of this 007 Generation
I say that "Die Another Day" is the "Live and Let Die" of this 007 Genertation for several reasons. When "Live and Let Die" was released in 1973 (if memory serves me) it had many elements never before seen in a Bond film: a Rock n' Roll Title Song and an african-american Bond Girl, to name a few. The overall tone of LALD was serious and humorous at the same time, and took advantage of Bond's built-in fan base to produce a movie that was entertaining. LALD also ushered in the James Bond of the 70s and the 80s, in which the majority of the 007s were released.
At this time, Roger Moore's style and stories very much reflected the times, not to mention made an impact of its own. LALD proved to be a James Bond "Benchmark"; that is, marks a significant entry in the 007 film series. The first "Benchmark" being Goldfinger, followed by Live and Let Die, and Licence to Kill, I think the next entry should be Die Another Day.
I know it had its faults; so did On Her Majesty's Secret Service (which I consider the finest Bond filmed). The reason I think this will be a Bond to be remebered is the fact that it isn't so much a movie in itself but the celebration of Bond as generational icon, representing forty years of change in hollywood and society. As many may have noticed there is a visible or audible reference to every Bond made previously. Also, most of the dialogue is chock full of witticisms and grit. Everyone knows that Bond isn't Shakespeare; why hold him to such high standards. He's a spy, not an actor; he's about action! This is the culmination of Bond's forty years as a secret agent and they filmed Die Another Day as if there *wouldn't* be another day, filling it with the best stuff Bond had to offer and giving it that taste of technology that everyone nowadays requires.
Oh yeah, "Die Another Day" by Madonna is the *first* true "techno" Bond-song, Bond is betrayed by a supposed Agent (like in LALD) and Halle Berry is the first starring black Bond Girl since Gloria Hendry in LALD (you can't count Grace Jones, she was a villianesse). The similarities are quite interesting, and proves that Die Another Day will be the flagship Bond of another generation of thrill-seekers.
Scooby-Doo (2002)
Fair flick, but jokes may be too mature.
First i'd like to say, i'm not a huge viewer of the original cartoon show, so I don't know now accurate it is.
With that being said, Scooby-Doo had it's high and low (very low) points. Highs? The kids from Mystery Inc. poke fun at themselves and their mannerisms quite a few times, which shows they don't take themselves *too* seriously. Linda Cardellini as Velma: what can I say? Personally, she's better looking than Sarah Michelle Gellar and actually appears to be a functional part of the story (just wait 'till she takes off that sweater). Also, the dynamic "buddy" thing between Shaggy and Scooby was incredible, they are obviously the focus of the movie. The cameo of Sugar Ray and the surprise appearence of a certain character with "puppy power" mid-way in the movie was totally unexpected and most of the older audience widened their eyes!
But, fortunately the highs out-number the lows: Freddie Prinze and Sarah Michelle Gellar as Fred and Daphne, respectively: these people were totally miscast. The fact that they play off the notion that Shaggy is a pothead shouldn't be in a PG film. The gratuatous cameo of Pamela Anderson (for no reason).
All in all, a decent flick. Quite a few drug and sex references will probably go over kids' heads, but provide a good divurgence from the eye candy over-load (except for Linda Cardalleni, who looks great!). Shaggy and Scooby are great, but get ready to roll your eyes at Daphne and Fred. Rooby rooby roo!
Big Trouble in Little China (1986)
Classic Kung-fu movie that never gets old!
Big Trouble in Little China, in my opinion, is one of the best movies to come out of the 80's, although it appeared with little fanfare.
The story goes like this: Jack Burton and his truck (The Pork Chop Express) travel to San Francisco's China Town to deliver a shipment. While there, he reunites with an old friend, Wang Chi, who, consequently, is getting married in a few days. Unfortunately, Lo Pan, an ancient Chinese demon/sorcerer/businessman has his sights set on the same women because only a green-eyed girl can restore his mortality. Eventually, Jack and Wang go on an adventure to rescue a whole bevy of women with green eyes and stop Lo Pan before he can rule the universe.
The best elements of Big Trouble in Little China are the characters and the situations that develop between them. The Three Storms are defintely a great addition to the movie, and the intense fight sequences were ahead of their time. The "big final fight" between the "good" and "bad" gangs is hilarious, exciting, and special-effects laden including: a sort of magical game of "Mortal Kombat"; a man kicking another man 3 times in row (very quickly); Wang and Rain sword fighting in *mid-air*; and Jack Burton displaying his amazing throwing arm ("It's all in the reflexes").
Oh, and Kurt Russel's portrayal of Jack Burton is timeless and very funny. He's not totally brainless as some might lead on; I think he doesn't totally understand (or want to understand) the magical things that are occuring, but he nevertheless continues because his friendship with Wang.... and he wants his truck back.
"Do you know what Jack Burton says in a time like this?"
"Who?"
"Jack Burton; *me*!"
<Wang flips in and gives Jack the nod>
"Ol' Jack always says, 'What the hell..'"
Bachelor Flat (1961)
Makes you wish you were English Californian in the 60s!
I recently saw this film on AMC. Personally, I think this is one of the best movies i've seen in a while! Here's a plot summary:
Terry Thomas is an english-born college professor with women-problems: he can't get away from them! To complicate things, his fiances' long-lost daughter appears and poses as an escape school-girl. Thomas' young roommate Richard Beymer is 'nutty' for her. What follows is a series of misadventures that include women doing anything possible for Thomas, the acquisition of a dinosaur bone, and a crazy Mr. Hyde-like change!
It's basically one of those 60's feel good movies in which all the strange little plot details come together in the end. BACHELOR FLAT is a fun and entertaining way to pass the time on a lazy Saturday afternoon.
Sealab 2021 (2000)
Funniest thing you'll find on Cartoon Network
I used to hold to the belief that everything on Cartoon Network was pure trash: Powerpuff Girls, Dexter's Lab, Ed, Edd, and Eddy; pure crap, all of them. But, accidently, as I flipped through the channels late one Sunday, I stopped on Cartoon Network as a strange, old-looking cartoon is running. Being a fan of the way Cartoon Network sometimes makes commercials were old superheroes and stuff testify about something I decide to watch on. What I saw astounded me: "Howlin' Mad" Murphy said the line that would hook me to Sealab 2021 forever: "Shut up Marco, you mailbox head." With more classic one-liners to come, such as "Fignuts", Sealab 2021 is definetly a highlight. Taking the old Alex Toth toon "Sealab 2020" gives us a glimpse into the broken world of Sealab one year after it's beginnings. The humor isn't really low-brow at all. It's clever, intelligent, and laugh-out loud funny. All I'm waiting for are some videos or DVDs to show up of this show. Watch with some friends, or download an episode of of KaZaA!
10/10!
Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom (1984)
Nazis aren's ALWAYS the bad guys...
Okay, it seems that most people who don't think this movie is all that great bring up the fact that Indiana Jones isn't killing Nazis in this one. So what? It's easy to know who the bad guys are in RAIDERS and CRUSADE: they're Nazis! And come on; they're satan-worshiping cultists, it doesn't take a genius to know their BAD GUYS! This movie definitly requires more brains, and more heart, than the other Indys. Some excellent scenes: the mine-cart chase; Indy's brawl between the Head Slavemaster; cutting the bridge; and the classic opening sequence. I suggest you go out a rent this movie, and make your own judgements about it.
The One (2001)
The One, is great; but something is missing...
Walk into a movie whose trailer explains the plot for you, and you probably don't expect much of a show. Surprisingly, Jet Li's THE ONE packs a few punches. Despite what you may hear, the acting is not that bad (just Lindo and Stratham). The fighting is incredible; you juts have to experience it; there's a lot less acrobatics than in his earlier films, Jet's movements propel the movie. The soundtrack, to say the least, is definetly a change from Li's usual: rap. It's not that I don't like rap, it just doesn't get your adreneline pumping like "techno". Finally, just two things: see this movie for the final fight, and the awesome ending!
Starship Troopers: Terran Ascendancy (2000)
Recommended as a great Tac game!
A game that harkens back to the good ol' days of X-Com, Starship Troopers: Terran Ascendancy puts you in the lead of a platoon of the Mobile Infantry. Choose your squad, equip them with some pretty cool weapons (Lucifuge Flamethrower; bow to your master), and watch your dropship land on the planet and unload your troopers!
The big thing about this game is the inclusion of the awesome Battlesuits. Conveniently omitted from the movie, these things make the game worth every penny. Finally, the words "On the bounce!" make sense! From the entertaining MiST Sniper, to the dreaded words "Fire in the hole!" that are yelled when a guy launches a mini-nuke. This game is must-have for Tactical sqaud based players.
Oh, and a hint: on the Whiskey Outpost mission (from the movie); for a *good* time, leave the door OPEN to the base. "All that you got!"
Starship Troopers (1997)
A few loose ends...
I had a few complaints against the movie, but don't get me wrong. I like this movie (for awhile) because it appealed to my teenage mind. But since then i've noticed some strange concepts in the film:
1. Since when are blonde-haired blue-eyed surfer dudes like Casper Van Dien born in a place like Buenos Aires?
2. In the military of the future, I sure hope that our strategy is more than just "run around in huge clumps, stumble into a group of enemies, and shoot in any direction you please!"
3. Hienlien's vision of a future where women were treated with respect and dignity went out the window in this flick; the one thing on every guy's mind is getting laid.
Besides that, the special effects were great!
Airplane! (1980)
A comdey classic that never gives up!
"Airplane!" is one of the films that once you see, you'll never forget. With a great ensemble cast (Leslie Nielsen, Robert Hayes, Lloyd Bridges, an inflatable pilot w/friend), crazy situations ("the fish", missionaries "teaching" basketball to africans, disco during World War II), realistic characters (Striker's drinking problem, the Jive-guys, the inquisitive pilot Captian Oveur), and memorable one-liners:
Striker: "Surely there's something you can do!" Rumack: "Of course there is, and don't call me Shirley!"
Elaine: "A hospital? What is it?" Rumack: "A big building full of doctors and sick people, but that doesn't matter!"
Oveur: "Johnny, have you ever been inside a cockpit?"
Oveur: "Have you ever seen a grown man naked?"
All in all, it's a solid comedy that defined the slapstick-spoof genre. Although some of the jokes are kind of outdated, i guarantee that you will liteally not stop laughing once you hit the "play" button. See it with a bunch of friends and the next day you'll be spitting out quotes and jive!
8/10 stars