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Denogginnator
Reviews
Signs (2002)
2/3 of the movie is worthless
This movie has it's charm, and certainly has some suspenseful moments. However, without giving anything away, it falls very short in the reality department. I accept that with Sci-Fi movies set way in the future, but this movie tries to make certain things seem plausible, yet no one would deal with the situation like the main characters would. Upon reflection some reviewers say they saw these flaws, but I'm surprised more didn't see them while watching how absurd the scenario's were. I'll try to give two examples without giving away too much info. At one point the family headed by Mel Gibson determines that the Aliens are going to be hostile. They correctly deduce that based on their location, they will be subject to that hostility, yet decide to stay. Secondly, when the danger is immanent, instead of preparing to defend themselves, Gibson starts relaying stories to his kids about their births. This movie is strong in the beginning, but loses most of it's credibility towards the time you should really be enjoying it. The end is also very weak, but I can't explain it without giving too much away. If you like Mel Gibson, and go in with low expectations, you might enjoy some of this film. Otherwise don't waste your time or money.
War of the Worlds (2005)
Worst Spielberg film of all time
I cannot imagine that Steven Spielberg was in his right state of mind when making this film. The original movie was a classic, and you would have expected that if any movie director could pull of a great modern version, it would be Spielberg. Instead all you get is a mindless waste of time. For those of you who want to say that this film more closely represented the book, I would ask why it had a divorced, dysfunctional, foul mouthed father as the lead character? Why were there references to terrorists in the film? Were these things in keeping with the book? The premise was also absurd that machines could have been planted underground ages ago for some future destruction of the planet. How did we never accidentally discover these huge machines? Why not attack us all those ages ago when we were less able to protect ourselves? And most importantly, if simple germs ultimately kill the Martians, how did it not kill them originally when they planted these machines ages ago? I like good Sci-Fi films, and enjoy Spielberg's work, but this film was absolutely horrible other than some of the special effects. Unless Spielberg has lost his touch and this movie is the beginning of the end of his career, I suspect it will go down as the worst movie he will ever produce!
Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby (2006)
Trash and waste of time and money
Under normal circumstances I'd take the time to give a detailed review. However this movie has already stolen too much of my valuable time. I will say that one of the strangest things is the gratuitous use of vulgar language and homosexual humor/situations, yet they do not show any of the women exposing their breasts. You call tell they are flashing yet this unrated movie does not show them. So they must think the other aforementioned garbage is more appropriate than seeing women's breasts, which is another incitement of this piece of trash. All you need to do is read some of the other reviews with 1 and 2 stars and you will know how I feel about this pathetic waste of time.
The Last Survivors (1975)
I would like to have a copy of this compelling drama
I have only seen this made for TV movie once, yet it has stayed with me all these years. I had forgotten it's name, yet went on a search to find it many years later because of it's powerful theme. I have seen the movie it was adapted from, and this takes the story from the survival on the lifeboat to the courtroom where Martin Sheen's character is held to account for his actions. Just as with the different Mutiny on the Bounty movies, I am intrigued by the story beyond the tragic events, and how it is perceived by those present and not present at the time.
The actions taken by Sheen can be viewed from different lenses depending on ones gender, politics, and morals. He can be cast a hero by some, a villain by others and this movie brings that dynamic to the screen in a very powerful way. Besides wanting to see it again and securing a copy of it, I would highly recommend it for anyone interested in the aforementioned themes.
The Devil's Own (1997)
Good movie with some flaws
I find it funny that the British "reviewers" use this forum to make political statements rather than address the film itself. Most films about the IRA portray them in a very negative way. This film does exactly that, but many Brits are bothered by the fact that it tries to explain why Brad Pitt becomes a IRA member. How many young boys wouldn't resent, or outright hate, people that break into your house at dinner time, and murder your father in front of your eyes? I think the British reviewers here would prefer that every IRA member be portrayed as an ignorant, mouth-breathing, cold-blooded killer, without a grain of consciousness or humanity.
Ok, now to the film. It has good acting, pretty good directing, (except for the action scenes), but misses a great opportunity at an interesting story line. The ending also leaves something to be desired, but overall the movie carries it's weight despite it's flaws. Ford plays a good Irish-American cop that finds out that his house guest just happens to kill for a living. When British intelligence demands he turn over Pitt, his sense of duty wont allow him to do it, for fear that they want to murder him, rather than bring him to justice. Caught between a rock & a hard place, he follows the only course of action his conscience will allow, try to bring Pitt in alive to face trial. The trouble is, Pitt is a trained killer and has different plans, namely to bring back stinger missiles to Ireland to fight the British.
The bottom line is that the movie is certainly worth renting, especially if you like Ford and/or Pitt.
Two thumbs up.
Braveheart (1995)
One of the all time best movies!
Braveheart has it all. It's a great movie for guys, and a chic flick as well, but not in the traditional sense. Women will love it for romantic aspects, but will cringe at some of the graphic fight scenes. Overall they will love it though, so guys, you can have your cake and eat it too!
Critics have said that the movie has historical flaws, but this is not a stale documentary, it is a movie. I've found that the story is closer to the truth than many critics care to acknowledge. Remember, the English records are going to view William Wallace in not the most favorable light. However, the movie is based in large part on the writings of "Blind" Harry who was not biased against Wallace.
The bottom line is that the movie is well written, directed, and acted. I can't even remember how many Academy Awards it won, but it wasn't enough. The fight scenes alone are some of the most realistic (and graphic) that you could expect to see. It is also inspiring to see men stand up for their beliefs in the face of overwhelming odds when their very lives were at risk.
You can't go wrong with this film unless you are English. *grin*
Two thumbs up, WAY UP!