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Reviews
Wo hu cang long (2000)
An Awesome Epic Masterpiece
**WARNING** MAY CONTAIN SPOILERS
I've just returned from the theater and I must say I already want to see this movie again. Despite the inconclusive ending, Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon is a very satisfying film. While kung-fu fans will get the biggest kick (no pun intended) out of it, those who enjoy romance and drama will to. In fact, it's more of a romantic-drama than anything. The fight scenes are breathtaking if not a bit unrealistic. While The Matrix (the closest thing to kung-fu film that mainstream America has yet to see) offers an explanation for the characters being able to perform feats of superhuman speed and agility, CTHD does not. But don't worry. With a little bit of suspended disbelief and a quick eye (those subtitles sure go by fast) you will find this movie as good as any Oscar contender.
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (1990)
A Childhood Favorite Is Still Just As Good
As a kid, this was my favorite movie. Now that I have grown older and wiser, my tastes in movies have changed. But you know what? This movie still rocks!
It was one of those few movies based on a kid's thing that wasn't afraid to offer up some maturity. I can still remember the controversy of Raph's cursing at his lost sai and the bloody scar on Shredder's face. It had a good storyline and memorable characters. This movie represents the height of the turtles craze and shows the individual turtle's personalities and talents better than anything else. If you haven't seen it, share it with your kids. If you don't have kids, see it anyway. It's a fun, moving, exciting piece of movie history.
Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me (1999)
Good Old Immature Humor
There's a 12-year old inside us all, admit it. Even the most sophisticated, wealthy, well-bred person in the world laughs from time to time at little innuendos and double-meaning phrases. This movie is a movie for that 12-year old. Yes, there are enough plot holes to make a new movie. Yes, the humor is not for everybody. Yes, none of the performances will go down in the history books. But this movie sure is funny! If you want a movie that honestly lets you sit back, relax, and enjoy yourself, this is the movie. If you're too old to realize a good time, see Titanic.
Akumajo Dracula X: Gekka no Yasokyoku (1997)
The Greatest Video Game Ever Made
There is are many words to describe this title: classic, masterpiece, flawless. But it is only done justice in the phrase above. Castlevania is everything a great video game should be. It has amazing graphics, incredible sound, an easy to use control system, a multitude of secrets, a highly involving storyline, high replay value, and, most important of all, an addictive quality that keeps you coming back for more.
Many people ignored this title because it was in 2D. While the huge game area would have been amazing to see in 3D, it also might have created camera and control problems that would have only hampered the game play quality. Using a 2D interface makes for a much cleaner and "user-friendly" game, especially at the time when this game was released, a time when 3D gaming was an aspect that had yet to be perfected.
I could go on and on about this game. It was one of the few games I've played that actually lures me back after I've beaten it. While Metal Gear Solid and Goldeneye have done this too, it has only been for a little while, to relive some of my favourite moments. Castlevania, however, still has unexplored elements to it. I have had the game for two years and have yet to see EVERYTHING, to defeat EVERY enemy and obtain EVERY item.
It's a shame this game is a rare find. It is a definite collector's item, and if you see it pick it up. Did I forget to mention that it also merges RPG and action-adventure gaming elements seamlessly, giving fans of both genres something to love? I would like to end my review with a challenge to all video game developers out there: Make a better game than this. Trust me, you'll DIE trying.
Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace (1999)
One of the Greatest Movies Ever Made
A visual spectacle, an emotional rollercoaster, and a good old-fashioned story of good vs. evil in a fairy tale setting. Ladies and gentleman, Star Wars.
For two hours, we leave this sad, sorry world behind. We are taken to a place where the good guys always win and there is no "gray area." We can truly suspend our disbelief and enjoy this film. And all the complaints about Jar Jar, PLEASE! Jar Jar is one of the most important characters in the film. He embodies the people in our society who may not be gifted mentally, but have a good heart and are willing to help. If you slam Jar Jar, then that should tell you something about yourself as a person. The Star Wars Saga has always been one of my favourites, and this film is the best of the series. It brings together the revolutionary vision of the original with the action and excitement that modern-day moviegoers crave. If you like genuinely good movies (and are looking for a decent movie to look at with your kids outside of the realm of Disney) check this one out.
Terminator 2: Judgment Day (1991)
"There is no fate but what we make."
Pay attention to this movie. It will teach you many lessons. First, it is a well made film. The lighting, camera work, and well-choreographed action scenes are all a lesson in movie making. And the acting is great too, especially Linda Hamilton's immortal performance. But most profound of this movie is its meaning. Are we really in control of what we make? Are the machines really our slaves, or are they our masters? It's a lot of meaning hidden behind a lot of action. Forget Titanic. This is James Cameron's finest work ever.
Mad Max 2 (1981)
A True Classic
Not the greatest movie ever made, but a classic none the less. Mel Gibson plays, in my opinion, the ultimate action hero in this film. He's rough and smart at the same time and manages to find a heart somewhere along the way.
The action sequence at the end is really exciting, with some amazing stunts. If only this movie lasted longer. It had a simple plot, and was over before it began. Mad Max is a great character, and should have been explored more. Still, a good movie with a memorable cast of (unnamed) characters and great action. Now, where's the video game?
The Matrix (1999)
The Greatest Movie Ever
The Matrix is, without a shadow of a doubt, the greatest movie ever. Many movies come close (Star Wars, T2, Gladiator) but none match the raw power and impact of The Matrix's story and characters. What makes The Matrix so great is not just its originality or the fact that it merges so many genres of sub-culture into one nice little package, but its scope and meaning. This movie tells us so many things-to know what we create is capable of, to not let technology become our master and not our slave, to take what we accept as the truth with a grain of salt. It forces us to re-access the world around us, to ask questions instead of settle for answers. How many other movies do that? If you are looking for an interesting diversion that will help you waste a few hours of your time, see The Fifth Element or Titanic,other fantsy/adventure and sci-fi films that have a lot of wrapping but no package underneath. If you want a film that will make you think, make you question the world around you, make you look at the definition of reality in a whole new way, see The Matrix.
Titanic (1997)
Horrible
Pardon my bluntness, but this movie sucks. It's nothing more than a cheesy love story that we've all seen a hundred times. Nice girl, bad boy, evil fiancee, blah-blah-blah. Oh yeah, the ship sinks at the end. What this movie should have focused on, the tragedy of what happened that night, is missed. We get a three hour love story and a one hour SFX overload. Yeah, greatest movie of all time alright.
Le Cinquième Élément (1997)
Could Have Been Much, Much, Better
The Fifth Element was...okay. It had a good storyline and a strong heroine character, but it was too out of touch with reality. A good sci-fi film makes you wonder could this ever really happen? The Fifth Element did not do that. For one, all of the bright colors and ridiculous outfits were completely unbelievable, and I mean that negatively. The storyline, although it's been done a hundred times, suffered from the cartoony set design. How could I believe the world was coming to an end when everything looks like it came out of a Saturday morning kids program? A dark, brooding set design would have been better. The film does have one saving grace-Mila Jovovich. Her character is interesting and fun because of her conflict; she was built as a weapon but was like a child. Other than that, all of the other performances, especially Bruce Willis's flat Rambo wannabe, were uninspired and the set design crippled the film so badly it wasn't even worth watching.
Excalibur (1981)
A Grand Spectacle
Excalibur is a masterpiece, simply put. It dazzles us, excites us, even makes us cry. Not only does it fully realize the Arthurian legends in film format, but is a great work of art on its own. A huge, gifted cast brings to light the memorable characters of Camelot, and chief among them is Nicol Williamson, who will forever be Merlin. The set design is awesome, with detailed armor and accurate medieval weaponry. But best of all, it treats the Arthurian legend with maturity. While I don't believe that sex and violence makes a movie, the Arthurian legends are FULL of sex and violence, and too often that is compromised to make it more mainstream and marketable to kids. Finally, the legend as it should be. If you love sword and sorcery and haven't seen Excalibur go rent (or buy) it now.