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Reviews
Searching for Sugar Man (2012)
Genuinely inspiring
I didn't come into this documentary with a very open mind. I had heard the premise and it seemed like it was going to be an inflated story about some artist and his small but loyal fan club
Boy was I wrong. At first I could hold on to my belief because the 'fanboy' screamed at me with every person interviewed. I'd go as far as call it saccharine. But as the film progresses it becomes overwhelmingly clear that, well... "Holy Sh*t this is for real!?"
Bam! There were the adoring masses, not just a cult following, but religious worship befitting to Pharaohs.
And to top it all off it centers on the Award Winner of Most Genuinely Humble man in the Universe. Though I'm sure that if there were such an award awarded to him, he'd given it away to his downtrodden neighbor, to boost his spirit.
A dark thought crosses my mind: How many other stories like these could there be told? -- PS: IMDb's "spellcheck" is a censorship tool. "Your Review contains Prohibited Words" Says the message of Doom.
Video Game High School (2012)
I had trouble telling if this movie is extremely tongue in cheek or atrociously bad.
Poe's law, named after its author Nathan Poe, is an Internet adage reflecting the idea that without a clear indication of the author's intent, it is difficult or impossible to tell the difference between sincere extremism and an exaggerated parody of extremism.(Wikipedia)
Much the same way, I had trouble telling if this movie is extremely tongue in cheek or atrociously bad. Every teen movie cliché is there. from the "Hey kids, this is your culture AMIRITE?" that this entire piece screams at me, to the formulaic plot.
You'll have no trouble following the plot.
I had a terribly good time, groaning at every obvious line, every absurd piece of jargon and every obvious turn. If you don't go into this movie with your mind set on zero you might enjoy it less.
Revolution (2012)
Tiresome Crap.
The only thing going for this series is the setting. The writing is horrible, with every line exposition, absolute moral values posited as motive; "We must help this obviously evil man who was about to kidnap or kill us, because good people don't kill." spouts the protagonist at her uncle. I think this show might be targeted at children.
The plot is dreadfully dull and lacks substance. A tale of a hero that has to deliver a magical object to the tower of doom where it can rid the world of a terrible plague, though by episode three we're still busy getting to know the characters, three episodes of tireless exposition to establish essentially 1-dimensional characters.
My favourite character is the uncle of the protagonist, whose actor is trying hard to channel Macgyver, his character could have been interesting. Some of the better actors seem amused at times, as if embarrassed to be in this picture, or maybe I'm just embarrassed for them.
The Forbidden Kingdom (2008)
Hits all the right notes, too short.
If there is one thing I often notice about westerners like myself, is that we often don't get the fineries of what a good fighting movie is about. Too often I find that many western productions just show strong men bashing on each other, often set in an action plot.
The good Kung-Fu movie is different. It's is an exhibition that demonstrates the fine points of each fighting style portrayed. Often you will find the expert martial artists pair off against an opponent of a different style. This allows the observer to see the strengths and weaknesses of each fighting style, when used by the masters. Sometimes with the luxury of seeing how they perform in different surroundings. The story takes a back seat, and is often a staple of the heroes' journey.
When viewed in this way, The Forbidden Kingdom hits all the marks. Jet Li and Jackie Chan are complete opposites in every way, yet, they have a synergy that creates magic on screen.
During the film we are taken to see an assortment of impressively choreographed fight scenes and spectacular vistas, and dialogues discussing eastern wisdom.
After being thoroughly entertained for an hour and a half, I wanted more. I leave it to you if that's a criticism.
A must see for anyone who enjoys a little escapism.
Chandni Chowk to China (2009)
Overladen with clichés
If you take this film serious in any manner, you will not enjoy yourself. however, if you see this film for what it is: a Satire featuring every cliché x1000, you will laugh until your jaws hurt.
Chandi Chowk to China uses the simple formula of the heroes' journey as often used in comedy. The Protagonist playing the not to bright dreamer who, a la Don Quixote de la Mancha starts on a journey which he believes is full of adventure and heroism, while onlookers will only see a man duped by his own foolishness.
While not going into the story too much, you can rest assured that most clichés pass the revue, such as the long lost relative, Mr presumed dead but no body ever found (jee what would happen), and even, for your viewing pleasure an actual cliffhanger, just before the "break" to get your popcorn. (which I am sure plenty movie theatres do not feature, mine didn't.)
Eventually our protagonist gets wise, but not after the necessary painful experiences, and slapstick. now I'm not too great a fan of slapstick, but the manner in which it is preformed makes you laugh nonetheless.
The whole movie seems just an excuse for sheer entertainment, which you get in the form of very colourful and stylish scenes and surroundings, a great soundtrack accompanying 'fantasy' scenes in true musical style, and over the top martial arts scenes, which for once are choreographed well.
It is a lengthy movie, so if you chose to watch it makes sure to relax and take your time, use that break. mind at zero, and you will have a great time.
all in all it was a good film as it succeeds in what it attempts. it doesn't take itself seriously, and neither should you. although it has to be said, after a while you wonder where they draw the line, because it really is OVER the top. Great for kids and adults alike.
Showgirls (1995)
a bit of trivia
when showgirls was awarded a rasberry (RAZZIE) they showed a sex-scene in the pool to characterize the film. Paul Verhoeven actually was there to take the award home. and he even prepared a little speech.
he said that in the Netherlands people always found his films too crude. and that people shunned him for the explicity in his films. now that finally in America there are people to disapprove his work, he must then finally be accepted in American society.
this way he managed to turn something negative into something positive. that's also an approach i haven't seen before in Hollywood directors.
this is off-course a Razzie-award first.
i can already imagine the look on the organizers faces to see Paul Verhoeven approach the stand.