Reviews

Ambitious and stylistic, and almost clinical to a fault, Blackhat is a tale of interpersonal communication at a systemic level fraught with bureaucratic indifference and cultural demarcations, juxtaposed with a personal struggle toward fulfillment in a world increasingly driven by process and protocol.

Far removed from what is considered traditional storytelling, it may feel convoluted and perhaps even a bit frigid in its methodology, but it's far from inept in pacing and execution, and with its gorgeous photography and evocative soundtrack, it proves Michael Mann is still at the top of his game.

The best movie I've seen this year. This is coming from someone who's not a David Mamet aficionado, but "Red Belt" had everything I love in movies: a great story with complex characters, clash of ethics, vice, greed, and self-preservation. Oh yeah, great fight scenes, too.

The ending left me speechless, almost in tears. That's what happens when you mix testosterone, adrenaline, blood, sweat, and great drama.

This is the first home run of 2008, as far as the effect it had on me. Or maybe I took it personal.

Just thought I'd help get the word out, even though many will skip this or wait till it comes out on DVD. Either way, it's worth seeing, especially for those who love good character-driven movies.

I'm certainly going to buy it, and I can't wait.

A great documentary... right up there with Crumb and American Movie. Funny, charming, and even a little disturbing, Hell House is an honest portrayal of contemporary Christian society, down to every last hallelujah and prayer circle leading up to their annual Halloween spectacular: a haunted house of moral terror, where sinners reap their final punishment for leading wreckless lives.

The film raises some interesting questions throughout regarding modern Christian thought and the methods they employ to get their point across. Are they really infiltrating mainstream culture as they claim to be doing, or are they just ripping it off? Regardless of how you answer, this film is a joy to watch.

Let the film work its slow magic and you will see the beauty hiding beneath it. A great portrait of life in a sleepy town where nothing ever seems to happen. This superficiality masks a deep-seated irony that breaks to the surface with each passing moment. By film's end, you will realize how human these people really are, because their secrets are no different than ours, and their struggles reflect our struggles, despite the fact they live in a place where nothing ever happens. Other than living.

I have to hand it to those Japanese... they really know how to blend violence and style into cinematic charm. Last film that left me feeling this way was Tetsuo Iron Man, another Japanese specialty. How exactly did I feel? Tormented, incapacitated, and very determined to make it to the ending credits. The beauty of Odishon was as visceral as it was sadistic, with the delicate swing of an axe handle to knock you from your comfort zone when you least expect it, even though you knew it was coming. A must see. Can't wait to get the DVD.