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Reviews
San Andreas (2015)
A Disaster of a Disaster Movie
To tell the truth, I didn't expect much from this disaster of a movie. Not wanting to waste $5, I waited for the film to come out for rental on Blu-Ray. The technical mistakes have been cited by others and I will not reiterate them. The acting, what little there is, was not surprising giving the cast and subject matter. I make exception for Paul Giamatti. The majority of the credits for the film go to the special effects people, as unbelievable as they are. Two outstanding points in this film belong to Alexandra Daddario; and her eyes are not bad either. Hence my rating of 2 rather than 1. God, I'm sure glad I didn't waste two hours in a theater watching this tragedy of a disaster. It is certainly too bad it grossed roughly five times more than its budget. That will only encourage more of the same ilk.
Zombeavers (2014)
So Lame It's ALMOST Good
I can't believe I spent 85 minutes watching this film! I've seen some real sleepers both intentionally and unintentionally but I felt I must comment on this one. First, the whole premise of the film is dumb. Zombie beavers mutated by a biohazard spill caused by a texting waste material driver? (See kids, don't text and drive!) Second, the dialog is unimaginably bland and predictable, mainly centered on the trio's sexual adventures. Third, everyone knows that if you stab or shoot a zombie in the head, you "kill" it.
I will concede that the three female leads are cute but I must have blinked during the part that merited the "Graphic Nudity" rating which, in retrospect, is probably fortunate. I'm sure the production staff spent many $$ on those "beavers"; they were rather humorous; at least the dog knew his cues and I'm glad that no (real) animals were harmed during the making of this film. All in all I could have spent the 85 minutes more productively.
Into the Woods (2014)
This was supposed to be a PG-rated musical?
I was always of the impression that in a film in the musical category, most, if not all of the singers would be fairly decent singers. "Into the Woods" is certainly the exception to this expectation. In this film we have some famous stars whose acting ability is unquestionable but whose vocal talents are severely challenged.
Furthermore, the PG rating was a gratuitous bow to Disney. Cinderella's stepmother cuts a toe off of one daughter's foot and the heel off the other's so that they can attempt to squeeze into the shoe presented by the prince. That sound a lot like child abuse to me. Alas, there where few adults present to offer guidance to their children and their friends anyway whom had most likely been dropped at the theater to get them out of the parents way.
Granted, fairy tales were (are) a means of teaching life lessons to children. Under the surface, quite a few are violent and scary especially for young children. But what is the lesson one can take home from this film? Disney is a large corporation whose sole purpose is to make money anyway it can.
I suggest parents should not send their children to see this film.
Carrie (2013)
Special Effect Cannot Compensate for Mediocre Acting
Brian de Palma's original 1976 film of Stephen King's horror masterpiece still reigns supreme. With little to amuse me this weekend, I took a chance on Kimberly Peirce's remake of the classic and reigning champion. With obvious updates for the past 37 years, the current film generally follows the novel. But character development is sorely lacking particularly for the "mean" senior girls (Sue Snell and Chris Hargensen played by Gabriella Wilde and Portia Doubleday respectively). What happened to the talented P. J. Soles' role of Norma; perhaps budgetary constraints? Julianne Moore comes across as an over enthused mother taking the place of Piper Laurie, undoubtedly the best acting of the cast. Alas poor Chloe Grace Moretz, although of the correct age for the part, needs more than a fearful stare to convince the viewer of her sincerity.
Home Room (2002)
What a surprise!
What a surprise; two outstanding performances by the lead actresses in this film. This is the best work Busy Phillips has ever done and the best from Erika Christensen since Traffic. This film certainly should be in Oscar contention. See this movie!
Lost and Delirious (2001)
A Delightful, Sensitive Story
What a delightful, sensitive story is told through the movie Lost and Delirious. The plot centers on the love of one female, boarding school student (Perabo) for another (Pare) as seen through the eyes of a third, younger student (Barton). All three main cast members, Piper Perabo, Jessica Pare, and Mischa Barton give outstanding performances with Perabo's being worthy of Oscar mention. Watch for Mischa Barton in the future. This young lady hold much promise.
Deeply (2000)
Not One of Dunst's Best Efforts
I did not find anything noteworthy about this movie. The plot is very predictable. The acting, particularly on the part of Kirsten Dunst, is uninspired, although both Lynn Redgrave (should we expect less) and Julia Brendler give credible performances. Perhaps Miss Dunst should stick to teen dramas. Her most popular, recent movies as evidenced by the number and level of user ratings on this site were of that genre (Virgin Suicides, Bring It On, Get Over It, and Crazy/Beautiful). The latter could have been an even bigger hit were it not for the censorship imposed on it presumably by Disney.
Pearl Harbor (2001)
Neither Titanic Nor Saving Private Ryan
I just saw the movie Pearl Harbor. From the trailers it looked like an interesting war film with a romantic subplot. Neither is it a good war film nor is it a very interesting romance. Even the special effects are somewhat passe by today's standards. The film will probably appeal more to women than men due the presence of Ben Affleck and Josh Hartnett. Kate Beckinsale's performance is adequate particularly during the hospital scene following the attack. She has, however, done much, much better. Some have wishfully said that the film may be a cross between Titanic and Saving Private Ryan. It is a far cry from both. Micheal Bay and Jerry Bruckheimer would be advised to stick with action/adventure films like The Rock and Armageddon. I rated it 6 out of 10.
Limbo (1999)
A Refreshing Change
It is refreshing to view a film such as Limbo, a film without gratuitous violence and sex, a film were in the director takes the time to fully develop the characters and the story line. Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio delivers a superb performance in the character of Donna De Angelo, a lounge singer who has "sung in thirty-six states and the republic of Puerto Rico". Not far behind are David Strathairn (as Joe Gastineau), a former fisherman now down on his luck, and Vanessa Martinez (as Donna's daughter Noelle) the stereotypical despairing teenager. The ending may leave many with an unfulfilled feeling, but in retrospect it is wholly consistent with the rest of the film. John Sayles has delivered a powerful, thought-provoking film I would encourage everyone to see.
Cruel Intentions (1999)
A poor remake of the 1988 film.
This movie is a classical example of teen exploitation - remake a film with the current teen favorites and you get an instant hit!? I found it to be a poor remake of the 1988 film staring Glenn Close, John Malkovich, and Michele Pfeiffer. The film, on the whole, is boring. The acting, with the exception of Selma Blair, was wooden and unimaginative.
Blind Date (1984)
Thumbs down on this foreign film.
Foreign films generally do not impress me, and Blind Date is no exception. Foreign directors seem to emphasize one aspect of the film at the expense of the others. In this case it was (weird) lighting effects at the expense of good acting, plot, etc. If you are considering renting this video, I would suggest you reconsider.
Lolita (1997)
One of the few movies I have rated above 7.
This adaptation of the book by Nabokov is a credit to the same, unlike the 1962 version. Nabokov's novel, for those of you who have not read it, reads more like poetry than prose. Jeremy Irons (Humbert) should have received an Oscar for his performance. Dominque Swain (Lolita) is young but shows promise. I highly recommend this film.