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Dolemike-2
Reviews
xXx (2002)
Perfect Summer Movie
I got a pass to see XXX. I was going to pay to see it, so I was glad I got the pass. Going into it, I expected a big, loud, dumb action movie with more style than substance. I was right, and the movie was quite entertaining thanks to the great humour involved. That's where the problem lies: were they trying to be funny with the ludicrous stunts and cheesy one-liners (i.e. was this a well-done spoof of the spy genre)? Or was it actually trying to be a good movie, that happened to be so stupid it was funny? You can see how that line can be kind of blurry, but I'm willing to give the filmmakers the benefit of the doubt. So, if you're just another moviegoer, expecting nothing more than thrills, chills, spills and kills, XXX is the perfect summer movie. Expect nothing more. 7/10
Better Off Dead... (1985)
Best Teen Movie Ever
This movie is the best teen movie ever, and a great movie all around. It plays on the cliches of the genre, but adds a bunch of quirky twists and hilarious moments. A great script with good acting also help. A lot of things are going on in certain scenes, so keep your eyes peeled. You will be rewarded. Better Off Dead is extremely funny and clever.
The Filth and the Fury (2000)
Great Documentary
The Filth and the Fury is a great movie; a very well done documentary. Anyone with any interest in modern music would do themselves a favour in watching it. The story of the Sex Pistols is a short but memorable one, and for it to be so expertly told on video is a blessing. Clips of everything from the humble beginnings, to the infamous talk show with Bill Grundy, to the Longhorn Ballroom (Sid Vicious smashing his bass on someone's head), to the final moments at Winterland are shown, and much in between. Added interviews and insights show the Pistols' point of view. I suppose that the language content of the film could scare off conservative people, but this is punk at its primitive, raw self.
We Will Rock You: Queen Live in Concert (1983)
Queen at the Peak of Their Game
This is an arena concert performed in Montreal in the early 80's. At the time, Queen were riding high on the success of their album The Game; their peak of popularity in North America. The problem is, the crowd isn't as responsive as European crowds, and if you watch Live at Wembley '86 or listen to Live Killers, you'll see how into the show the crowd can be. So on this level, the crowd disappoints, because it seems they are there because Queen is the band of the day. Nonetheless, their popular anthems get a good spark from the crowd, and the performance is great because you get some songs performed live that were taken out of the set on later tours. So if you're in it for the music, this is a great show. If you want to see a huge concert, go to Wembley.
The Freddie Mercury Tribute: Concert for AIDS Awareness (1992)
The Legend Lives On
When Queen's frontman Freddie Mercury succumbed to AIDS in 1991 it was a blow to the music world, and it ended a 20 year legacy. However, as Freddie was never one to do things by half-measures, the surviving members of Queen decided to give him the biggest sendoff in history. The result was a massive charity (for the Mercury-Phoenix Trust AIDS foundation) concert that took place at Wembley Stadium, England. Some of the biggest names in music came to perform, everyone from Elton John,George Michael and David Bowie to Spinal Tap, Guns 'n' Roses and Metallica. The concert was divided into two sections: the bands played their own songs in the first half, and then the superstars joined Queen onstage to perform Queen's greatest hits. A tremendous concert for all those involved. Music from the 60's to the 90's is played, so it has something for everyone. This concert helps the legend of Freddie Mercury live on.
The Elephant Man (1980)
Worth Seeing
David Lynch's films are usually challenging, to say the least. However, don't let his reputation deter you from seeing this film. It is very much a 'normal' movie, and a very good one at that. The acting is well done, and the direction is superb. The costume of the Elephant Man is intriguing, and it's worth seeing the movie just for that. When you do watch it, you will find that great care was taken to present the movie in the utmost seriousness, while retaining the entertainment value that movies are intended to have.
Bring It On (2000)
Brilliant!
This is such a horrible, ridiculous movie. All it accomplishes is keeping the juvenile mind entertained with eye-candy and moronic catch phrases. Right? Wrong. Surprisingly enough, this movie has more to it than one might expect. Yes, the main focus is on high school cheerleading, and yes, it's a teen movie. But this teen movie is a parody unto itself, and it pulls it off wonderfully. Kirsten Dunst is perfect as the bubbly head cheerleader, Eliza Dushku is great as the cheerleader with an attitude, and Jesse Bradford, as Cliff, is a refreshing change from the usually vapid male lead. If you're still skeptical, rent the DVD and watch it without, then with commentary. The people who made the film were completely aware how 'stupid' the movie was, so they took advantage of it to make a fun, clever, surprisingly smart movie.
Ghost World (2001)
Best Movie of 2001
This movie is flat out the best of 2001. Combining a great story with witty humour, offbeat characters, great acting (Steve Buscemi in particular), and excellent direction really pays off for this gem. All people aged 16 and up SHOULD appreciate the film. Almost entirely overlooked by the Oscars in 2001, do yourself a favour and rent it, even if you haven't heard of it.
UHF (1989)
Amazingly Funny
Weird Al's 1989 movie "UHF" is really funny. Weird Al Yankovic, Michael Richards (pre-Kramer on Seinfeld) and Kevin McCarthy are top-notch. The many parodies are really well done, and many of the jokes are just great. The only problem, however, is some people think that this movie is just stupid, so if you're not a fan of Weird Al, you might hate it. But it's worth a watch, because you never know.
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (1990)
Cowabunga! It's Still Amazing!!
When I was a young lad, I loved the Turtles, and I loved this movie. Now that I'm older and wiser, I still love this movie!! I watched it again, last night, for the first time in years, and it was funny, action packed and had a sustainable plot (unlike the third installment... stay away from that stinker!). This movie may be like Pokemon for my generation (the child phenomenon) but I think this movie deserves more than being passed off as a fad. Watch it again, if you've seen it, and you'll see. And if you haven't seen it, go for it, dude!
Dogma (1999)
Kevin Smith scores yet again!
Well, Kevin Smith's 4th movie is amazingly funny, insightful and enjoyable as all of his other films, and that is a huge compliment. All of his movies are great! Dogma has some bigger names, but some K.S. regulars like Ben Affleck and Jason Lee (and look for Clerks' Brian O'Halloran and Jeff Anderson in small roles!). Yup, even though it is "offensive" I laughed right through the disclaimer to the Jay and Silent Bob will be back... bit! I recommend this movie to anyone who can take a joke.
Queen: Champions of the World (1995)
Queen Rocks!
This video encompasses all that is Queen. They are the best band ever, and this documentary takes the viewer through Queen's entire history with wonderful clips and interviews. If you are a Queen fan, you'll love this. If you're not a Queen fan, watch it, and maybe you'll become one.
Boiler Room (2000)
A well-executed stock exchange drama
I just saw this movie last night, and it met all my high expectations. I enjoyed the movie thoroughly. The script had excellent dialogue, and the acting was well done by a young group of up-and-coming actors, including the star, Giovani Ribisi, as well a a couple of seasoned veteran actors. There was pathos for many characters, and you could really feel it. And there were lots of great cars! 9 out of 10.
Clerks (1994)
Hilarious!
There are rarely a few movies that are cheap, yet effective. The Blair Witch Project was one, but Clerks, the Kevin Smith nugget from 1994 trumps even that for cheapness. But who cares? Oh no! The film is in black and white! (Sarcasm) It doesn't matter, because the one-day adventures of Dante Hicks and Randall Graves are damn funny!! There's witty and insightful dialogue, Jay and Silent Bob make wacky appearances, and the whole story smacks with humour. Listen carefully to the names and events mentioned in the movie; then watch Mallrats, Chasing Amy and Dogma and do the same. There are so many connections, because Kevin Smith cunningly linked the films together with Jay and Silent Bob as the glue! Kevin Smith is a genius, and Clerks is a great movie! Rent it now, and get the other Kevin Smith films. Your lifestyle will change for ever!
Mallrats (1995)
Oh yeah! Kevin Smith does it again!
If you like Kevin Smith, then this movie is a must see. Even if you're a K.S. virgin, it's still dang good! It's not as good as Clerks or Dogma, but it's entertaining, hilarious, and it has Jay and Silent Bob plotting nefarious schemes like "Fly, Fat a$$, Fly!" There are also some wacky insights into the world of flea markets, comics, food courts, Magic Eye Puzzles and other crazy stuff. Entertaining, funny, Jay & Silent Bob, and Kevin Smith's New Jersey movies inside jokes... What more do you need? See it now!
Gone in Sixty Seconds (2000)
Like Cars? See this Movie!
This movie is the best car movie of all time (that I've seen - and I'm young). Not the best car chase movie, but kilogram for kilogram of cool cars, there's nary a movie with this many. Ferrari, Shelby, Hummer, Porsche, (Mclaren?)... they're all there, with emphasis on the 67/68 Shelby Mustang GT500, Eleanor. I haven't enjoyed a movie more than this one this year! If you like cars, you'll love this movie! If you don't, well, it's kinda bad, but then again, I like cars, so I wouldn't really know!
Tromeo and Juliet (1996)
So bad, but oh so very good!
This movie is amazing. It is funny, sexy, violent and sick, but it all holds together for a brilliant Troma rendition of Romeo and Juliet. If you don't mind being grossed out a bit (ok a lot, but it's funny grossed out), see this movie. It's worth it!There's not one level on which it doesn't deliver. I've seen it thrice now, and it is still amazing. I recommend it. Go! Get it!
Pulp Fiction (1994)
The best movie... of all time.
Flat out the best movie ever! From the opening "Everybody be cool, this is a robbery!" scene - Misirlou!, to the end of the story (halfway through the film) Tarantino keeps you guessing and paying attention to the whole movie (so that the "ending" is explained). And might I mention the brilliant acting by: Sam "the man" Jackson, John "the comeback kid" Travolta, Harvey "The Wolf" Keitel, Quentin "hey, it's my movie" Tarantino, Bruce "Zed's dead baby" Willis, Uma "adrenaline" Thurman and Ving "I'm gonna git medieval on yo' " Rhames just to name a few. Christopher Walken's speech is not to be missed. Hilarious humour, voracious violence, and a sizzling story make Pulp Fiction the best movie... of all time.
Reservoir Dogs (1992)
The pinnacle of your life, on tape.
This movie is the only movie that matters. I saw it, and now I live my life in a completely new way. Walking down the street, I notice things that I never noticed before. Every movie I watch, I look for it to try and match the sheer magnitude of brilliance that Quentin Tarantino spun into this one-of-a-kind masterpiece, but it always ends up faltering before the main title credits are even done. If you get to see one movie before you die, make it Reservoir Dogs. If you haven't seen it yet, make seeing it your number one priority in life. Don't eat, sleep, work or do anything else until you've seen Reservoir Dogs. You'll enjoy it so much, all the other things in life won't matter anyways.
Highlander (1986)
"Here we are! Born to be kings, we're the princes of the universe!"
This is a movie to see. It is amazingly cool. It may lack in some areas, but on entertainment, it delivers a decapitating blow! The music by Queen (the best band ever) is stupendous, and the story is great if you let it go (if not hacked to bits by the sequel). I recommend this movie to anyone. It's got action, romance, and sci-fi all in one explosive, immortal package.
Dolemite (1975)
I liked this movie so much
This movie is funny in more ways than one. It's got action. It's got humour. It's got attitude. It's got Dolemite's all girl army of kung-fu hos! And that's just what the movie offers as a film. It's also badly acted by some, the mic makes more than one cameo appearance, and some "punches" miss by feet. But when you make a movie this cool, who's got time to pay attention to those "details"? This movie rocks. Rent it tonight, if you can find it... I had to buy it to see it, but I don't regret it!
Clerks (2000)
The best new TV show... why was it cancelled?
Clerks is one of the funniest movies I've ever seen, and the TV show was the best show this year. Friends? Ha! The Simpsons? Not this year! Etc. The premiere episode (aka episode 4 - a la Star Wars) was hilarious through and through. The second episode (Episode 5) was just as funny. I never laugh out loud when I'm watching TV alone, but what did I find myself doing? But ABC, for some inane reason, cancelled it. Why? I guess clever, offbeat humour, non-mainstream TV shows have no place on an otherwise bland network. Oh well, the videos and DVDs will be out soon, and then I can rightfully laugh to the whole 6 episode series.