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Reviews
Paranormal Activity (2007)
Terribly Overrated
I saw this film completely unaware of its marketing campaign, so I can only evaluate "Paranormal Activity" based on its own merits. And thus, I have to agree with Mark Savlov from the Austin Chronicle: this is a sorry excuse for a movie, and it's hardly scary at all. The story is preposterous, and the acting didn't impress me at all, but the worst thing is that the thrills aren't many to begin with, and when the supposedly creepy stuff finally starts to happen, it's not so shocking. Some people might say that it's more realistic this way; I'd say it's mediocre and shows the lack of creativity from the filmmaker. Too much hype, in my opinion... I wish they had gone all the way with this idea and really scared the heck out of us, "thrll-junkies".
Snatch (2000)
A diamond from Guy Ritchie
I've read some negative reviews of "Snatch" by some famous movie critics. Don't listen to them at all. The reason they don't like the movie is simple: they're too old for it, and they missed the point. They're used to the old, orthodox way of storytelling and this is too radical for them. I can't help but remember an anecdote about Beethoven, who upon hearing someone complain about his music being too "strong" replied: "but this isn't for you, this is for future generations". Same thing here, this movie is too good and too thrilling for obtuse minds. To dismiss the most common complaints, It's not "disorganized", it doesn't "need a script doctor", and it certainly doesn't "have too many characters and locations" (unless we're talking about people with really short attention spans). Few directors would be able to manage such a large cast, and so many threads with the class and skill of Ritchie. Probably you'll have to see it 2 or 3 times to understand all the twists and turns in the story, but you'll appreciate the editing and technique from the first time you see it.
If you liked "Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels", you'll love this one. But if you don't like movies that are intelligent as well as energetic, entertaining and gripping, go see what the critics recommend.
Lichter aus dem Hintergrund (1998)
Visually impressive
There's been a lot of German movies and documentaries made about the unification of West and East Germany, but I think this one is one of the most interesting ones I have seen. Following the life of a troubled photographer and some of his friends that are trying to adjust to this new capitalist system, he feels left behind and disappointed by the Western way of life and the changes made to his home city, Berlin. The city provides a great background against which these stories are told, and the photography in the film is really beautiful. Being a photographer myself I was moved in many ways by this documentary, and I believe that many people would enjoy it, even if they're not involved in photography. It's a very interesting work.
Invasion Earth: The Aliens Are Here (1988)
"Ed Woodesque"
First of all, I think that this movie should not be taken too seriously. That's the only way to like it. It's so bad it's good, with some very funny stuff. Besides, I really loved the clips from old sci fi films. That alone made the whole movie very amusing and enjoyable to watch.
La lettera (1997)
Italian humor at its best
I saw this short film at a local festival along with others, and this was probably the best. It's funny, clever and very interesting... a brief masterpiece. You almost get the feeling it's too short, but in this lies the main virtue of a well done short film: it gets right to the point and delivers.
Chainsmoker (1998)
Short and superb
The best comment I can make about this short film is that the whole audience including myself were laughing almost from beginning to end, and applauded at the end. This is a great piece of work, once it starts it goes on and on to complete a full circle, and that's all I'll say about the story because you have to see the events that happen in it to believe it. A very amusing and well done film.
Independence Day (1996)
A declaration of silliness
I think this is one of THE WORST sci fi movies EVER made, and that is something considering the category. Its plot is dumb, filled with cliches and awful mistakes. The characters are plain, each one depicting a specific segment of the population or stereotype, in an attempt to be politically correct I guess. I can't believe so many people went to see this film, and I absolutely can't believe that some people actually thought it was a great story. Sure, the special FX are good, but not THAT good. Summer action movies should be exciting AND interesting to watch. This one is almost painful to endure. Finally, What is this fascination that Americans have for tough-guy, real macho, butt-kicking, U.S. Presidents? In this movie (and in Air Force One) we witness the President flying fighter planes (or punching terrorists) and giving the bad guys what they deserve. Oh, Please! As I watched these movies I kept thinking of Bill Clinton saving the world from Aliens or terrorists or whatever. Yeah right.
Mission to Mars (2000)
A huge failure, just like NASA's mission to Mars
Brian de Palma is full of surprises. You never know what you're going to get, a classic like "The Untouchables", or a flop like "Mission to Mars". I have always been a fan of sci-fi films, and it's because of this that I can forgive some of the chaos in this movie (the way too long opening scene, the annoying music, and some scenes that are just plain silly). But as much as I tried to like this movie, it was useless. I think it's a waste of good actors and a good director, and frankly I'm not sure who's to blame. One last thing: I never thought that Van Halen would be considered classic music for dancing in the year 2020... spooky.
The Big Lebowski (1998)
A pleasant surprise
When a director does such a masterpiece as "Fargo", it's very unlikely that he will repeat the same level of excellence in his next film. With "The Big Lebowski", the Coen brothers not only did a good movie, but a truly excellent comedy. I was laughing so hard when I saw this movie that I almost cried. I have seen it three times now and the impact is always huge, it's hilarious. It's also smart, full of quotable lines and remarks, and gripping to the very end... in fact I was enjoying it so much that I didn't want it to end! The characters are memorable, and all the actors do a magnificent job, but John Goodman steals the movie, to me it's his best film ever. A must see!