Change Your Image
CarPort1
Reviews
A Winnie the Pooh Thanksgiving (1998)
Why are British characters celebrating Thanksgiving?
This is okay entertainment for kids. But I do wonder if any adult will bother pointing out to them that these are British characters and would not normally be celebrating Thanksgiving. Entertainment for its own sake is fine but a little educational value is also a good thing. Sadly, most parents plop their kids down in front of the telly and can't be arsed to notice when misinformation is spread about.
It's also sad that the Disney corporation (which acquired the Pooh rights at some point) constantly sees fit to Americanise everything that crosses its path.
What's next: A Harry Potter Thanksgiving special?!
The Wolves of Kromer (1998)
Some Perspective
I'm always dumbfounded when people equate budget with quality (think of all the high-budget/ low-quality Hollywood movies that dominate the cineplexes). So, yes, this is low budget -- thankfully -- there's no fancy make-up or special effects, and no CGI. This movie is based on a PLAY. And it's filmed that way (not "opened up" very much from the source). Regardless of how you feel about this specific film, please be aware that there are many fine films out there, of varying budgets, that are presented stylistically as more of a play. Most of the time it is an artistic decision having nothing to do with budget.
As far as the content (plot, performances, etc.), I can easily understand why there's much dissension in these areas of this particular film. Certainly this is not a movie for the unwashed masses, or even the washed ones! What I like about it is that it's part murder mystery (not a whodunit) with social commentary, and touches of black humour (I guess in many ways, stereotypically British), not to mention the charming and handsome leads. The Wolves of Kromer is to me what Brokeback Mountain is to many others. So if you want a big-budget flick with big American stars (that's also high in quality), go climb the Mountain!
Brokeback Mountain (2005)
A Pleasant Surprise
I never have very high expectations for Hollywood films, so when I heard there was one about gay cowboys, I thought, "Oh no, now what?!" But, of course, everyone I know (and apparently the rest of the country, too) was going to see it, so I figured I'd give it a chance. Well, I'm glad I did. Not only was it genuinely good, it was actually remarkably sophisticated for a mainstream movie. In many ways, it reminded me of a Herzog film: nothing felt rushed, a lot relied on innuendo (in a good way) to convey inner thoughts and emotions, and there was some beautiful cinematography. Mostly I had heard that it was sad and, yes, that was true at times, but there was also some humour and, IMHO, some profound metaphor. I guess the fact that it's a hit is a good sign: audiences may be becoming more sophisticated (which, hopefully, will result in the film industry responding, specifically in the arena of bigger-budgeted films). So do yourself a favour and check out "Brokeback Mountain."
Cube Zero (2004)
Almost as good as the original
So you know where I'm coming from: I gave the original Cube 8 stars, Hypercube 4 stars, and Cube Zero, as you can see, 7 stars. I felt it was just short of being great, mostly for logistical reasons. However, the make-up and CG effects were generally top-notch, especially considering the budget constraints.
In true Cube fashion, it raised more questions than it answered. Sometimes that worked effectively, sometimes not. Generally, I found it satisfying when they chose to reveal information that gave us a concrete explanation, rather than just fodder for hypothesis. But there were moments when just the fodder worked brilliantly, such as the scenes which revealed information that was relevant to the original film, causing us to rethink some things we had already drawn conclusions about, even if those conclusions were never actually corroborated. I also liked the way it expanded on ideas from the original (such as how someone who worked on the Cube(s) in some way could end up inside one of them). It also makes me wonder how it would be perceived by someone seeing this film first, then the original (skipping Hypercube altogether).
Spoiler: Okay, after reading other reviews I realize that some people have misinferred the ending. The character Wynn is NOT the same as the character Kazan from the first movie. It's not a case of a different actor playing the same role. The two characters share a nearly identical trajectory. We see part two of that in the first film (with no hint of what part one might have been, which is what's revealed here, in Cube Zero). We also have new food for thought as to what the ultimate fate of these two characters might, or might not, be. Watch both films and think about it.
Planet of the Apes (1968)
Give Rod Serling Credit!
There's not much that hasn't been already been written about Planet of the Apes, but I'll try to bring to light something that's not commonly known and could be of interest. Rod Serling co- wrote the screenplay, along with Michael Wilson, and his involvement has never been given the credit that it's due. Serling has always been known for clever themes infused with social commentary and his trademark ironic-twist endings. What he did with Planet of the Apes is particularly interesting. Basically, he reused a story he had originally screenwritten for an episode of The Twilight Zone entitled "I Shot an Arrow Into the Air." Tweaking it a bit and cutting it into halves, it became the beginning and ending of Planet of the Apes. I will not go into detail explaining. Those who are interested can rent the Twilight Zone DVD that contains this episode. It certain areas, it is reproduced almost verbatim. The "middle half" of the film is largely Michael Wilson, who basically interpreted the source material constraining it to the budget limitations of the film (the book took place in a futuristic society with flying cars and such, the film takes place in a more primitive society that was more affordable to represent). Hope you enjoyed this tidbit!
Layer Cake (2004)
Multi-layered treat
Layer Cake surprised me with its originality and complexity. I knew nothing of it going in except that the director had previously been involved in a couple films that I wasn't particularly interested in. It first lured me in as a potboiler, then hooked me as the layers began to be revealed. What transpired could have been the intended sequel to Trainspotting. And I mean that as the highest complement. While several films of the past few years showed a studied Trainspotting influence, they lacked originality (they were mostly Hollywood-produced American productions). But this, British one, was different. There's no point in trying to reiterate the plot; it would be one spoiler after another. Just see it if you can handle R-rated sex, drugs, and violence; don't if you can't, or if you don't want to think too much.
Saw (2004)
Good, Could've Been Great, But...
This horror flick really has a lot going for it, but ultimately fails on several counts. Maybe the sequel will fill in some of the plausibility gaps and sins of omission. We shall see...
Overall: a good concept and fairly good execution across the board. I've read several reviews which cited some of the influences but have yet to read one that mentions the very obvious, and I assume intentional, Hitchcockian references (Rear Window and Dial M). I have, however, read many reviews which stated that the twist ending, while indeed surprising, presented more questions than it answered (again, let's hope the sequel addresses these). The co-writer/co-star Leigh Whannell did an excellent American accent, however I couldn't discern any reason for his character to be American (other than allowing the actor to practice his accent). Okay, that's great, but the time/effort spent on that could have been put to much better use considering the film's constrained production time. I think most genre fans will appreciate the freshness (which is lacking in most contemporary horror films) but be frustrated by the flaws. As for the general public, well, they probably won't put enough thought into analyzing it and just be along for the ride, which, IMHO, is worth taking.
The Island (2005)
Wow -- I was pleasantly surprised!
I loved this movie, and I didn't expect to. I went only for Ewan McGregor, expecting just another high budget/low common denominator action flick (I suppose it was in many ways, but I don't care). I'm not familiar with the director but have since been informed that he's responsible for many a Hollywood crapfest. So what; this movie hooked me in and kept me going even though I had figured out "the secret" early on, mostly due to the fact that it was heavily influenced by Logan's Run. I liked the other '70s sci-fi flick references, too (even such an off-the-wall quote from FutureWorld), many of which were social and/or environmentally conscious, and Ewan's personal references. Admittedly, there are some flaws (continuity errors and lapses in logic), but I turned a blind eye. I can understand why some people think it's overblown and that makes it a somewhat guilty pleasure (my favourite kind!).
The whole the cast was great as well and it was fun to see Steve Buscemi and Scarlett Johanson together again (my how she's grown since Ghost World!). The one disappointment: Ewan's erection-reaction scene seems to have been cut. His penis seems to be problematic for American audiences; it's happened before. Well, hopefully it will be on the DVD.
The Devil's Rejects (2005)
Horrifying and Disturbing, In More Ways Than One
First of all, let me state that I loved this movie, and the original House of 1000 Corpses. Yes, there are flaws: continuity errors, lapses of reason, and other inconsistencies. If you're very familiar with Corpses (as I am), you will have some specific questions that will go unanswered; if not, you will simply be confused.
That being said, the performances are top-notch (I was not familiar with any of the actors who weren't in the first film but they were excellent nonetheless). I'm also only vaguely familiar with the '70s horror/slasher films that it referenced, but enough so as to "get it."
The most horrifying and disturbing thing about this movie was the number of young kids in the audience (I'm talking 10 - 12 year-olds). First off, this should never have gotten away with an R rating; it is definitely NC-17 material. And secondly, the under-17 restriction wasn't even enforced (the audience I saw it with was mostly teen boys, some teen girls, a healthy dose of 20- and 30-somethings, and an alarming number of under-17s). The other thing that struck me about the audience is that they didn't seem prepared for what they were about to see (there were many shrieks and gasps, leading me to believe that they hadn't seen the original Corpes to know what they were in for). The other thing that was interesting was that when I saw Corpses, they audience was mostly rooting for the yet-to-be-so-called "Rejects"; in this one, they were rooting for their victims. Interesting.
Bottom line: not for the squeamish, faint of heart, and especially, not for the kiddies.
Secret Window (2004)
Almost Good
I gave this movie a 6/10 because, with a little reworking, it could have been really good. It left me with a lot of questions which might be answered by a repeat viewing, director's commentary, or perhaps reading the original story. Problem is: I'm not inspired enough after the first viewing to do any of the above. I read through some other reviews and didn't see my issues addressed so I'll state them here. Maybe it was just me not paying enough attention, but that says something to me about my tepid interest in the film in the first place.
There seems to be no explanation why Depp's character doesn't seem to have a cellphone, email or internet access (although he has a laptop). (Although it makes sense in the book since it takes place a decade or so earlier.)
The Talking Heads references were cool but inexplicable (Once in a Lifetime, Burning Down the House).
Depp's character was named Morton Rainey. At the end of the movie he buys a box of Morton's salt with the slogan "When it rains, it pours." The box is shown twice but that's about it. Was it supposed to mean something? Like maybe his name was a pseudonym and this was the inspiration?
And when the sheriff shows up at the end stating that when they find the bodies, Depp will be in big trouble: Okay, the bodies in the truck might take a while to find, but the wife buried in the "secret" garden shouldn't take much sleuthing, right?
Perhaps someone paying more attention than I did will decipher these little quirks. Oh, and in conclusion: as much as I like Johnny Depp, his subtle attempts at levity in this film just didn't work. He should have skipped it. Cary Grant, under the direction of Hitchcock, could pull it off, but even he might have passed on this one.
Hellraiser: Deader (2005)
As many have said, "Not too bad."
Just so you know where I'm coming from: I love the first four Hellraiser movies (although IV took a while to grow on me), not crazy about V and VI. As for VII (Deader), it's easy to see that it could have been a non-Hellraiser film and still be good, but I thought it worked as an interesting entry in the series. The Deaders forays in and out of "Hell" make sense within the genre, and the context of this particular film. Yeah, I would've liked more Cenebites but hey, VIII is coming out September 6, 2005 so maybe we'll get some more Pinhead and pals then. Cinematic ally speaking, there are some technical flaws but the over style and performances help to off-set them, making it seem less low-budget (not that low-budget can't be as good if not better than big-budget films, think "Hollywood Blockbuster" crapfests).
Dracula 3000 (2004)
Yes, It's That Bad
I won't reiterate what so many others have said about this film; I'll try to add a few new points. The Coolio-as-vampire bit is a nod to fans who are familiar with his turn on the Blondie song "No Exit" in which he assumes the role of a rapping vampire (it actually works as a musical concept and is in fact a great song). Casper Van Dien is no worse than Brad Pitt and is actually more handsome. And really what does anyone go to a Brad Pitt movie for other than eye candy? Same here, although this is poorly filmed (check out "Starship Troopers" instead). And of course Udo Kier, after having played Dracula in the Morrissey/Warhol film, has little more than a cameo. Enjoy it if you can.
Mysterious Skin (2004)
At a loss for words, but I'll try...
I just returned from seeing Mysterious Skin and I'm still somewhat awestruck. First of all, I've seen all of Gregg Araki's films and only liked a couple (Nowhere and Splendor), although I haven't actually hated any. I knew nothing about this one going in and my familiarity with Araki's work didn't really prepare me for what I experienced. This was definitely the most disturbing and upsetting film I've seen since Kids. Despite its technical flaws, I was completely sucked into it and knowing it was "just a movie" didn't help. It was incredibly realistic and the acting was superb. If the Academy Awards were legit, Joseph Gordon-Levitt would win an Oscar for best actor. But we already know how that will go. Still, maybe down the line he'll get his due. I can only hope. The rest of the cast was great too. And it was nice to see the lovely and talented Michelle Tractenberg post-Buffy. I wish I could forget some of the most disturbing and violent scenes (both emotional and physical violence) but I suspect I never will. Sorry for this stream-of-consciousness review but I had to pour it out. Do I feel better now? Not really.
The Man with Nine Lives (1940)
A Hard-to-Find Gem That's Worth Seeking Out
This little known gem from 1940 is impressive for a few reasons: first, it stands head and shoulders above most of the B movies of the era, largely due to a good script and a great performance from Boris Karloff. Also, while made in the midst of the Universal horror period, it demonstrates some of the best elements of that genre, however it also pre-figures the oncoming decade of sci-fi flicks of the 50s, but with a more intelligent, and mysterious, plot than most of the B sci-fi films that followed. It also incorporates some noir elements such as shadowy images, gun play, etc. The Man with Nine Lives is also known under the alternative title Behind the Door (which is actually more accurate).
Like It Is (1998)
Novel ideas improve pedestrian drama
Although not a masterpiece, there is certainly an air of originality here. The gay boxer theme helps to breakdown some stereotypes (at least he's not a hairdresser or interior designer -- not that there's anything wrong with those, but they would just confirm straight mainstream impressions). Also the fight scenes themselves, instead of being choreographed to cheesy Hollywood-style "fight" music, they've chosen Saint-Saen's piano and cello composition "The Swan." A metaphor? Perhaps, but just the aural juxtaposition itself is intriguing. So if you're looking for something gay, British, non-mainstream, here it is (although not the best of any of those categories it sure beats your typical Hollywood fare).
Pie in the Sky: The Brigid Berlin Story (2000)
Entertaining and insightful
One of the best things about this film is that, unlike many of the Warhol-superstar documentaries, the subject is still alive and participates by actually being interviewed (instead of just archival footage). It is a fascinating, funny, educational, and even touching portrait of one of the lesser known but most fabulous personalities to emerge from the New York scene.
In addition to the interviews with Brigid herself, there are some other great current interviews plus the requisite archival footage. I have added this to my collection along with the better known documentaries on Edie, Nico, and of course Warhol himself, plus some of the original films (such as Chelsea Girls).
Fahrenheit 9/11 (2004)
Not Just Another 9/11 Documentary
This is one of the more insightful and purposeful 9/11 documentaries. Although it's being promoted as "shocking" and "revelatory" it's unlikely that anyone over the age of 15 will be surprised to find out that presidents lie and war is all about corporate profiteering. Of course it's intentionally "controversial" and skewed in its presentation, it is extremely well done and fascinating in many ways. I
suspect the people who voted it a 1/10 probably haven't seen it.
The Day the Earth Stood Still (1951)
As poignant today as when it was released.
Read the following story and then answer the multiple choice question below:
A man is sent to Earth from the heavens above. He calls himself "Carpenter."
Some people fear him, while others embrace him. Especially a woman (who's
not a virgin) who has an affectionate platonic relationship with him (although, it seems her feelings may be more romantically-based). He is here on a mission
from a higher power and thus cannot become involved with this woman. As this
gentle man spreads his message of peace, he is betrayed by another man who
informs the authorities where to find him. He is assassinated, yet rises from the dead before leaving the Earth. His message of peace is heard by some, but not all. The ending is a cliffhanger.
Is this story:
A) The story of Christ B) A 1950s sci-fi movie C) Both of the above D) None of the above
Answer: C (The movie is "The Day the Earth Stood Still," one of the greatest sci- fi movies ever made. It is intelligent, suspenseful, classy, thought-provoking, and timeless in its message. Do yourself a favour and rent or buy it soon. Either that or "Jesus Christ Superstar." Except Jesus doesn't have a cool looking robot!)
People Will Talk (1951)
The title sums up the film
The title, "People Will Talk," refers most obviously to those who have a predilection for gossip. But it also refers to the film itself, in which people (mostly Cary Grant, fortunately) talk and talk. To call this film a "romantic comedy" is misleading. Add the terms mystery, drama, and social/political commentary, and you'll be closer to describing this historically important film. Taking into account that it was released in 1951(and based on a pre-existing play), it is astonishingly candid about subjects that were considered too controversial to be addressed in the "romantic comedies" of the era. That's why the casting of Cary Grant as the male lead was crucial to this film's success. Yes, it has some problems with pacing, editing, etc., but it's got much more to offer if you listen and think, as well as watch.
Planet of the Apes (2001)
Even worse than I thought it would be...
I had VERY low expectations for this alleged "re-imagining" of the original -- and they weren't even met! What were they thinking? (Answer: They weren't.) Please don't waste your time on this Hollywood trash fest. Clip your nails, balance your checkbook, do anything besides watch this. Remember: If you rent stuff like this, it will only ensure they make more.
Dracula 2000 (2000)
Entertaining, but not a brain-buster
This take on the often-retold Dracula story offers some interesting twists and innovative theories (especially the explanation of who Dracula really is and how he came to be) along with some subtle references for super observant viewers (quick quotes from the original "Dracula", plus some inside jokes like Colleen Fitzpatrick stocking Vitamin C CDs). Good visuals, music, and performances help move things along despite the rather flat direction and dodgy plot development. It seems (ironically) positioned for a sequel which, in the hands of the right director, could improve upon the blueprint created by this rendition.