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Reviews
Wir sind dir treu (2005)
Interesting and Artistic
I saw this film at a bar in San Francisco. It was part of a short film festival.
This film contains no narration or interview and is only 9 minutes long. However it is a fascinating portrait of a cheerleader at a soccer game. To an American audience, the German screams coupled with the almost fascist salutes and chants must have seemed terrifying. What's more is that often I found myself involved in the crowd, wanting to know the songs they sang and the chants they had.
What starts off as a terrifying portrait slowly moves into the comfort of community (or some might say conformism). A beautiful film, nonetheless.
Resident Evil (2002)
Who doesn't loathe zombies?
Don't expect a whole lot of oscar winning writing here, but I found this movie to be extremely interesting.
The acting is actually good from some actors and moderate on others, and some of the lines are a little hammy, but overall the movie is terrific horror film. I found myself consistantly frightened during some points of the film, and when I wasn't, it was certainly a pleasure to watch the kinetic Milla Jovovich preform.
The soundtrack was at times inappropriate. The special effects often obvious, and there was a hint of predictability, but surprisingly (due to the fantastic direction of Paul Anderson) I still found myself jumping.
This movie was worth my 5.50, and I think it is well worth yours.
Ali (2001)
Making it short and sweet
Smith gives a terrific performance about the life and times of one Muhammad Ali (aka Cassius Clay), but the movie lacks the momentum to give the viewer any real definition as to the purpose of the film. Certainly it's a tribute to the great boxer, but there is no entertainment value in watching the brilliance of Ali onscreen.
There is nobility in the effort the actors give in order to make the movie authentic (and it is, in spades!) but there is just no reason for you to feel connected or moved at any time during the film.
I saw this movie and left the theatre feeling somewhat conflicted. On one hand I saw a fantastic and believable performance by Smith, while on the other hand the movie lulls and goes nowhere.
I simply did not enjoy this movie at all, I left the theatre feeling 5 bucks lighter and not moved a bit.
Unbreakable (2000)
Competitive, Intriguing Filmmaking
A controversial film detailing the makings of a real-life superhero. Inspired, inventive, and most surprising of all, it doesn't paint itself into a corner!
Without the risk of sounding "too professional", my own personal opinion is very high. I almost never give 10's to movies I see, and when I do it is only to the most exceptional, thought-provoking pieces of work. This movie earned a 10 in spades. I must admit a certain bias, being a comic book collector myself, I still think that this movie contained all the elements of classic filmmaking. It had character study, in-depth story, archetypes abound, and foreshadowing that isn't blatant (as M. Night has already shown us).
This review is designed to influence as to whether or not you would want to see this movie, and if you have any doubts as to whether or not to do so, put them aside. This movie is the epitome of great storytelling, and you will be a better man/woman for having seen it.
Band of Brothers (2001)
Beautiful and Confusing
Currahee and The Day of Days Needless to say, I easily found myself in Saving Private Ryan Deja Vu, but I was expecting that. It's simple, commanding presenses were entertaining to watch. Intense, driving combat was backed by strong acting and a complex script.
The sheer complexity of it is also a downfall. Steven Spielberg gave a very strong sense of place in SPR, which I don't find transposed here. I continually became confused in even relatively calm scenes because I had no idea where characters were. I only identified with actors I've seen in previous rolls, as most of the other actors all shared various facial similarities and all speak with the same 1940's sarcastic jib. David Schwimmer was especially fun to watch as the Drill Sargent. His typical type-casting as the whiner has not done this actor justice.
I noticed that I also had trouble following who was the main character. The scenes continually cut and the cast is so massive that all I could do was sit back and enjoy the carnage.
The cast is fantastic. The battles are furious and commanding. The scenery is disturbing and peaceful. Simply put, with some careful attention this film could be a classic.
Jeepers Creepers (2001)
Intense, yet unrefined
Two teenagers set out from college on their way home and happen to come across "something." This average horror movie produces some genuine scares but otherwise leaves you with nothing to work with. The two leads are so annoyingly stupid that you dislike them extremely. The plot is so contrived that it drifts into a new element ever five minutes. It seems as if the budget ran out and the last half-hour of the movie is spent wrapping up the beginning.
However, the movie shares the same elements of classic 50's horror films. Although out-of-place with most of today's teenage slasher films, it still gives effort to remain scary. Unfortunately these do not redeem the obviously cliched and ridiculous plot that tries to throw in everything including the kitchen sink.