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babapepsi12
Reviews
The Kingdom (2007)
A Great Movie that Presents the Situation as it is
It's been a while since I've seen a movie about the American relationship with the Middle East that I though was honest enough and fair. By no means does this movie play into any stereotypes or cliché cartoon characters like some others have (Syriana for example). It's very honest and up front about the U.S.'s involvement in Saudi Arabia and it shows the whole thing to you within the first 5 minutes. It also shows you, with dramatic detail, how much of a threat suicide terrorism is (and what disregard they have for any lives that get lost in the way) and what the good men and women of our intelligence services are going through to combat such and evil in an often thankless and criticized job.
I especially liked the character of Col. Faris Al Ghazi, which illustrates how there are Muslim people in the Arab world too, who have family and loved ones, that are also trying to protect their people from these radical terrorist clerics and prevent their homeland from anymore suffering. It goes to show you not all Islamic people are anti-American and are sympathetic to the extremist cause, a stereotype I'm afraid too many Americans fall victim to believing. As far as the last half hour of the film is concerned, all I can say it it's about time someone in Hollywood accurately portrays what terrorists are really like and what our enforcement officers do to rid the world of this scum (even if it is a little Rambo).
Some might criticize the film for not getting into the politics and root causes of terrorism, but who says all films have to? I think we have enough of those already. That's not what this film is for. It's a peek into the chapter of the war on terror, as it pertains to Saudi Arabia in this case, and illustrates how complicated and violent it can get. On top of that, it also presents a very honest and fair ending at the very end about not necessarily what causes terrorism, but how it keeps going (which I'll refrain from describing for spoilers sake). No, it does not portray the U.S. as the "evil galactic empire" trying to "rape the middle east of it's oil" and "kill innocent women and children" like so many radical left Hollywood personalities try to portray as "truth." This film is more honest, more realistic, and gives more to learn about what things are really like there without having an agenda behind it.
As far as the cinematic elements go, it was very nicely done. The acting was satisfactory, especially Ashraf Barhom (who I think had the best performance), and the cinematography was very live action, as is typical with any film that Michael Mann has to do with. I tip my hat to Peter Berg, who pleasantly surprised me, on a very refreshing and accurate portrayal. A job well done indeed.
Best Middle Eastern movie since Three Kings.
Nixon (1995)
A fair look at a prolific administration
This one has always been one of my all-time favorites. As a political science major, I was fascinated the first time I saw it, and have seen it several times since. You almost have to to assimilate everything. But as a political science junkie and a history nerd, I always found this film to be very entertaining and fun to watch, especially if you're a historian who's also read other books on the Nixon administration, All the President's Men, etc.
This film gives a very raw look into the world of the Presidency and politics. I think Hopkins did a wonderful job as Nixon, as well as the rest of the cast (namely Bob Hoskins as J. Edgar Hoover and Ed Harris as E. Howard Hunt). From a historian's perspective, I think it did a fair job of looking at what Nixon's career was like, the disappointments he experienced, the struggles he made, the mistakes he committed, and the situation he found himself in once he finally became President. The film's a bit long (especially the redone version = 3.5 hours), but I think it's worth it.
And I'm fully aware of Oliver Stone's background. I've always had a mixed reaction with Mr. Stone. Two of my favorite films ever are Nixon and Alexander (and I'm even a Greek Republican), yet the only film I've ever walked out on was JFK. JFK was just too much; the only assassination theory Stone didn't throw in it was the UFO theory. But as far as Nixon goes, I commend Stone for giving a fair portrayal of him, knowing what a notorious liberal he is. And once again, this is coming from a moderate Republican.
Extremists will hate this film. Ultra-conservatives will look as this film with skepticism and claim it's BS while radical liberals will claim it's "too sympathetic" toward Nixon. But for anyone with open eyes who isn't narrow-minded one way or the other, or for anyone interested in what the world of politics is like, I highly recommend this film. Like I said, it's always been one of my all-time favorites.
Silent Hill (2006)
A horror film that makes you think
I've been a fan of the Silent Hill games since the first one came out. They're practically one of the only few video games titles I ever play anymore. The thing I loved about the Silent Hill games was not just the amazing graphics, gameplay, concept, and strategy of the game, but the main thing I loved the most was the thought put into the story lines. When you look at this series, it's amazing how far video games have come. You're practically participating in a movie when you play these things. As a fan, I've always had the utmost respect and dedication to the Silent Hill games.
Having said that, I was very impressed with this film adaption of Silent Hill. Walking in, I'm one of the toughest critics of video-game based movies. I know, as everyone else does, that most of them have been so horrible. Something happens when the film crew tries to transfer what's on the game console to the silver screen. In fact, I considered Resident Evil to be the biggest disappointment of them all. So as you could see, although I was aware of the potential of a Silent Hill movie, I assumed it would be wasted like most other opportunities.
I was wrong.
I was very impressed with what Christopher Gans did with Silent Hill. Since he was such a fan of the series, I should've given him more credit walking in. I regard this as one of the best Horror/Scary movies ever produced (let alone best video game adaption). Because unlike most other horror movies, where 90% of them don't even have a plot, let alone are either too cliché, not really scary, or are just plain dumb, this one goes the extra mile to deliver you a frightening, mysterious, nightmare experience. It's a story that uncovers slowly as you progress, covered in mystery and amazing graphics that would make you scared half to death if you put yourself in that situation.
As a video game fan, I believe most other fans will be very satisfied when they see how close Christopher Gans brought the concept to life, as well as sticking close enough to the original story as possible (at least as close as you could ever expect for a video game adaption).
As a movie fan, this is one of the only horror films that has ever entertained me from beginning to end. Unlike most horror films, this one makes you think. It's not a bunch of cheap slashings with lame characters and stupid humor. It reads like a mystery novel that makes you afraid to turn the next page. And if you really like the movie, you should play the games to get the full effect.
My hat goes off to Christopher Gans on a job well done that did way more than exceed expectations.