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Reviews
Tôkyô zonbi (2005)
This movie is awesome!
This movie is one of those rare gems you come across. It is an excellent example of great, odd films you can find from Japan. First of all, this movie is funny. Secondly, it has zombies, and Tadanobu Asano, probably one of Japans finest actors. Even though this is a zombie movie, it feels like a fresh take on an old idea. Anyone who is a fan of Tokyo shock, or weird Asian films will love it. Asano shines as a jujitsu training, zombie killing, laugh factory. Sho Aikawa plays his mentor, and provides plenty of comic relief. The female lead also lends a good deal of humorous dialog and action. Something for everyone. great movie!!!
Nightbreed (1990)
This movie is awesome!!
This movie is a perfect example of Barkers cinematic gifts to the horror/ monster genre. I thought this movie did a great job of keeping the feel and look of the novella and comic books (or actually, the comics may have come second, I forget). This movie was made for Barker fans. It helps to have read the book beforehand, but isn't that important if you can follow a film. I saw to anyone who is on the fence about this film, read the book, then re-watch the film. You might find a new respect for the movie. I came to this movie a big fan of Barker already, and having read the book prior, loved the film instantly. There are great cameos, makeup, writing, directing, etc in this film. This movie does something that most monster/ horror movies fail miserably at, show the monsters. They are there in full color, not hidden in shadows, and taking most of the screen time. Unlike other films that use quick cuts or trick lighting to hide the creature, this movie celebrates the grotesque, and casts them into the forefront as the good guy. Two thumbs up Clive. We're waiting for the Thief of Always :)
Ghost Rider (2007)
Don't listen to the haters, this movie is not a 1
I see everyone on the net complaining about this film. You'll notice I gave it a 6. This movie is not as bad as Elektra, Batman and Robin, or Daredevil. I would list those movies in order from suck to less suck as Elektra (POS), Batman and Robin, Daredevil. The only reason I put Daredevil at the top of that pile is because the other 2 were just completely awful. Back to Ghostrider. This movie starts off very slow. It takes a long time to tell the story, show us some past, etc. And actually, it takes longer than it should to tell the history, and tells it incorrectly vs. the comic books. So far, most of the comic book movies have strayed from the comics themselves, and I let it slide. Afterall, I'm here to be entertained, and watch a movie, not read a comic book. They are 2 separate things, and I don't mind them being different. The special effects in Ghost rider are awesome. I saw it on a DLP projector, and it was perfect. This is what it would look like in real life if you encountered the Ghost rider. Peter Fonda, whose films I generally enjoy, brought nothing to his character. They could have had anyone play his role. I'm not sure if it was Peter, or the direction he was given. The history lesson was slow and too long, and several times cage was playing Elvis playing the ghost rider. when it was all over, the effects were great, and there was enough decent parts of the story that i walked away from the experience satisfied. I didn't expect this to be the next star wars or anything, but I did feel it could have been much better. I'll get the DVD. just don't go into it with any expectations one way or the other, and you should be fine.
9 (2005)
Great story, wonderful effects
This is an excellent short animation. The story is well written and directed. The animation sequences remind me of the first oddworld video game. Not that they have similar stories really, or characters, but the overall look and feel somehow remind me of the world painted in that game. The use of silent characters brings a weight to the action and tension happening on screen. The creature is a mixture of junk found within this world, but seems to hunt with a definite purpose. The ending shows us that purpose, and a quick glimpse into what it might be like to live in this tiny world.
Very cool short.
Kalifornia (1993)
Must see movie!!!!
This movie is great! Brad Pitt will never be able to out act the performance he gave in this movie. Duchovny was top notch, as was Forbes and Lewis. The 4 main characters embark on a scenic road tour of historic murder sites, in one of the coolest cars ever made, 1960's model Lincoln Continental. Early Grace is a simpleton with a taste for dry toothbrushes and carnage. He likes his women to not curse or smoke, and wear PWT dresses. Duchovny and Forbes are a pair of artists from the city, while Early and Lewis are Trailer parkers from the rural outskirts. Even though the majority tone in the film is dark, there are plenty of funny scenes to be had. The writing, directing, and acting are brilliant. If you like road movies, murder, humor, and narration, watch this film. Everyone delivers, and you will want more when the credits roll. One of my all time favorites. "hey...shave that dog n teach it to hunt!"
True Romance (1993)
If you don't like this movie, you are an idiot!
Tony Scott may be Quentin Tarrantion's long lost brother. Granted, the script was written by Tarrantino, and used a few people that would eventually wind up in his films, but the look and feel of this movie is very reminiscent of a Quentin film. Brad Pitt, back when he was still a good actor, nails the pot smoking, looser roommate. Christian Slater and Patricia Arquette make a good couple, although flawed in their life choices at times. But that makes for great cinema. The one thing that can kill or make a movie is a large cast. If the formula is followed to closely, the movie will seem like endless bit parts taped together out of order. If done properly, the movie seamlessly intertwines the lives of unrelated characters, bringing them together in ways they would normally never experience. This is True Romance. A series of events brings together a long cast of great characters and stories. In the end, you will be happy and sad for the ones that made it, and the ones that didn't.
This is one of those films with characters that aren't necessarily good or bad, but shades of both at times. And who cares, it's great, and more importantly, it works. This is the type of film that should be taught in film class. Thankfully, it is not, because we would have tons of copies, and work like this isn't easily duplicated.
The Adventures of Buckaroo Banzai Across the 8th Dimension (1984)
Campy, funny, and full of faces
If you do not like Sci-fi movies, cult films, or movies with ensemble casts, you should stay away from Buckaroo. If, however, you like the type of weird flick that used to come on Sunday afternoons on the off channels, this movie is perfect! You can see many future greats get their early starts in this movie. Peter Weller has almost always played strange roles, and Buckaroo is no exception. Buckaroo Bonzai is a Brain Surgeon, Daredevil, time-traveling musician scientist playboy, who just may save the world. The John's are trying to take over our world, led by the great John Lithgow. Bit characters are abound in this wonderful 80's cult fave.
Grab a bucket of popcorn, kick back on the couch on a Sunday afternoon, and enjoy this little slice of the 80's.
Play It to the Bone (1999)
On the road with 2 pugilists
If you like Woody, Tom, Antonio or Lucy, and like comedies, this movie is worth the watch. It was not in Oscar contention, by any stretch, but then again, neither are many good movies. This is one of those movies that is perfect on a Sunday afternoon, when you just want to be entertained by someone else's life. The pancake scene is just plain funny. The characters are believable, and you find yourself sometimes relating their actions to people you may have known personally. Having been around boxers a lot growing up, this movie has enough realism from that world to be believable.
All in all, it's a generally funny movie, and a feel good buddy road flick.