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Reviews
Knight Rider: Knight of the Phoenix: Part 1 (1982)
Thank God for nostalgia
I'll tell you, it's a good thing we've got nostalgia, cause that's really all this show has going for it. I remember watching this show, and being impressed, not only but the futuristic design of KITT, but the stories weren't half bad. Now I'm bearing in mind, that the episodes I'm remembering most likely were long after first season, maybe even 3rd or 4th, because, number one, I don't remember any of these episodes, and number two, the KITT in these episodes is quite primitive compared to the one I remember. I mean, his little voice light is just a flashing read light. I vaguely remember it being like that. I have great memories of the episodes where his voice light changes to the bouncy equalizer type light that measure his inflection. As of now, the only feature he has is pursuit mode, where he's capable of getting up to high speeds, surveillance mode, auto mode, and the ever present, and constantly standard turbo boost. I'm finding myself hungering for later seasons so I can see some of my favorites like when he could jam up other car's breaks, and the ever impressive "super pursuit mode."
All this aside, lets take a look at some of the episodes. The episodes in general in this season...well, they're just bad. The writing is terrible, Hasselhoff is abhorid as Knight himself, and these issues make me question how in God's good green earth did this show get picked up for another season, let alone 5 in total. I just finished watching an episode in which Micheal had to protect the arrival of what were called "leaders of several 'well off' third world countries," which in itself slayed me. Anyways, so all this happens, Micheal saves them all from assassination with the help of his automotive friend, and the show leaves the viewer watching these foreign dignitaries with Knight in a country and western bar getting absolutely HAMMERED so they can "unwind" before they stop terrorism. Come on now. It's absolute pure camp, but then again, maybe that's some of the driving force that keeps me watching.
So lets break it down.
Pros: -KITT is still pretty cool despite his primitive state
-The opening credits and theme music will always kick ass.
-Every episode ends with a voice over of the eccentric millionaire who saved Michael in the first episode, built KITT, and began the "Foundation for Law and Government" saying "Micheal Knight. A lone crusader in a dangerous world....the world of....the Knight Rider."
Cons:
-Only one, but it's a big one....everything from the writing, acting, staging, production value of this show, at least in the first season is just plain horrible, with very, very few redeeming qualities.
That's all I got....hope it makes sense.
Signs (2002)
Hitchcock reborn
Whether it was his attempt, or not, M. Night Shalaman has recreated Alfred Hitchcock's style, and in essence, made it his own.
Structurally, there aren't many differences between this, and a film like Psycho. The opening credits follow Hitchcock's style of very distinctive music while showing all those associated with the film. As well, Shalaman's cameo performance in the film, although larger than most of Hitchcock's roles, show the influence that he had on him. Not to mention, the pure psychological aspect of the film's suspense. Much of the action is either implied, off screen, or very, very brief, keeping the audience guessing at what is behind the tension, etc.
The difference between the two, however, is the brilliance of the story itself. The dual purpose of the title itself, "signs," is brilliant in its own right. Firstly, the actual signs, directing extra terrestrial life to various places on the planet, as well as the signs that Mel Gibson is recieving from God, to renew his faith.
This outing by Shalaman is comepletely different from his previous exploits, and some may be disappointed with the absence of such a bizarre twist that exist in his previous films. However, the mere suspense alone, makes this film worthwhile, and worth anyone's $13.50, or however much it costs in your neck of the woods.
One Hour Photo (2002)
He's come a long way since Mork from Ork
Very rarely do I walk out, at the end of the film, being honestly creeped out to the extent that I look behind me from the theatre, all the way to the car. "One Hour Photo" did just that. I'm not sure if it was the fact that the situation was something that could happen to anyone that gets a photo developed, or the fact that Robin Williams played the part so convincingly. It avoids the typical Hollywood route of making Williams' character obsessed with his victims in a sexual sense. It is more a case of severe envy. He envies the customer that seemingly has it all, and when you see him go home to his empty, lonely appartment, you don't know whether or not to fear him, or feel sorry for him.
There's a number of things going on in this film. Imagery that I cannot begin to comprehend. However the placing of Williams' character in a store that is painted white with innocence, when he, deep down, is a distrubed scarey individual, is nothing short of brilliance.
Definately an Oscar contender, if not for the film itself, then for Williams' portrayl. See this movie.
Left Behind (2000)
Terrible movie. No justice done.
This is perhaps the worst adaptation of a book that I've ever seen. This film does absolutely no justice to the text one which it is "based." I implore those of you who have seen this horrible excuse for a film, to take the time to read the book that it is based on.
The problems I have with this "adaptation" are many. First and foremost, is the theme of the book is lost. While I understand that it is next to impossible to condense so much into an hour and a half, the depth of the original texts are barely even noticeable in this movie. Characters are introduced to each other way too quickly. For example, the relationship between Rayford Steele, and Buck Williams is way too premature. It is much more powerful, and meaningful the way the book puts it.
The addition of characters that were not even in the book, Ivy, and whoever that black girl was, and the omition of important characters, Steve Plank, Buck Williams' boss, makes the film even more atrocious.
I don't know what else more to say than to you, the consumer, do not see this movie. It is slow and does the book absolutely no justice. And, to you, the filmmaker, I know you've already completed the second movie of the series, so I'm begging you. Stop!
Kirk Cameron, time to get to work on that Growing Pains reunion.