Change Your Image
JackStallion
Reviews
Red Dragon (2002)
this is a truly excellent film.
I felt the need to comment on this film after reading several negative opinions of it on the 'Manhunter' boards. 'Red Dragon' is, in my opinion, the better of the two. As well as the second best of all the Lecter films. I think we can all agree how great 'Silence of the Lambs' was. Anthony Hopkins and Jodie Foster were tremendous. Hopkins has the meatier role, so tends to get the press, but Foster's vulnerable portrayal is truly what sells the film. Then, along came 'Hannibal'. The less said about that cartoon the better. So, my hopes weren't very high for 'Red Dragon'. Especially with Mr. Rush Hour at the helm. But, I couldn't have been more pleasantly surprised. It's a very nuanced film that builds upon who Hannibal Lecter really is. The opening scenes with Lecter at the symphony, hearing those off notes; then later his sly, evil, bourgeoisie charm at the dinner party is in full effect. It gives a rich portrait of the man. And, the scene in the study with Norton and Hopkins is fabulous. The back and forth between the two is fascinating. Edward Norton has this boyish, world weary maturity that suits the character so well. And, most people fail to mention how truly terrifying and gentle Ralph Fiennes makes his Dolyrhyde. The scene where he eats the red dragon painting is fantastic. The cast on a whole is wonderful. Phillip Seymour Hoffman is the perfect sleaze tabloid reporter. You just can't wait for his liver to be served with some Chianti. All in all, I've seen this film four or five times and come to appreciate it more and more. 'Manhunter' lovers, i feel your nostalgia, but 'Red Dragon' is firing all cylinders; 'Manhunter', while original, is really just an exercise in 80's pop art...
Cradle 2 the Grave (2003)
Freakin' awesome!
Don't listen to those vanilla critics- this movie kicks ass! If you like hot action and cool characters, then you'll love this movie.
I've always liked DMX. Not so much all of his music, but I've found him to be an engaging and magnetic screen personality. You should also check out his hot little Donald Goynes adaptation, Never Die Alone.
Jet Li is without a doubt the greatest martial arts star in the world today. His calm, powerful presence is a refreshing relief from the pompous martial arts stars of America. And, as cool as Jackie Chan is, he's a little too jokey for me. However, Jet Li hasn't been used well in America. With the exception of his performances in this film and Lethal Weapon 4, they just don't seem to know what to do with him here. Hopefully, that changes soon.
If you love action, you really can't go wrong with this one. It's hot!
Appointment with Death (1988)
Peter Ustinov IS Hercule Poirot!
I love Peter Ustinov as Hercule Poirot. Forget all those other phonies who've tried to fill his shoes! Including that ridiculous Murder on the Orient Express, or that laughable David Sachet!
His sly, lovable demeanor rivals any of the great actors playing detectives- Peter Falk as Columbo, etc. He has a wonderful way of gaining the confidence and trust of each of his suspects, while probing them for information. You never really know who he suspects, and that's the fun of the mystery. He guides you through the maze like true detective.
I have seen each of his delicious portrayals as the great, Belgian detective several times, and they just get better with age.
Murder in Three Acts (1986)
Peter Ustinov IS Hercule Poirot!
I love Peter Ustinov as Hercule Poirot. Forget all those other phonies who've tried to fill his shoes! Including that ridiculous Murder on the Orient Express, or that laughable David Sachet!
His sly, lovable demeanor rivals any of the great actors playing detectives- Peter Falk as Columbo, etc. He has a wonderful way of gaining the confidence and trust of each of his suspects, while probing them for information. You never really know who he suspects, and that's the fun of the mystery. He guides you through the maze like true detective.
I have seen each of his delicious portrayals as the great, Belgian detective several times, and they just get better with age.
Dead Man's Folly (1986)
Peter Ustinov IS Hercule Poirot!
I love Peter Ustinov as Hercule Poirot. Forget all those other phonies who've tried to fill his shoes! Including that ridiculous Murder on the Orient Express, or that laughable David Sachet!
His sly, lovable demeanor rivals any of the great actors playing detectives- Peter Falk as Columbo, etc. He has a wonderful way of gaining the confidence and trust of each of his suspects, while probing them for information. You never really know who he suspects, and that's the fun of the mystery. He guides you through the maze like true detective.
I have seen each of his delicious portrayals as the great, Belgian detective several times, and they just get better with age.
Thirteen at Dinner (1985)
Peter Ustinov IS Hercule Poirot!
I love Peter Ustinov as Hercule Poirot. Forget all those other phonies who've tried to fill his shoes! Including that ridiculous Murder on the Orient Express, or that laughable David Sachet!
His sly, lovable demeanor rivals any of the great actors playing detectives- Peter Falk as Columbo, etc. He has a wonderful way of gaining the confidence and trust of each of his suspects, while probing them for information. You never really know who he suspects, and that's the fun of the mystery. He guides you through the maze like true detective.
I have seen each of his delicious portrayals as the great, Belgian detective several times, and they just get better with age.
Evil Under the Sun (1982)
Peter Ustinov IS Hercule Poirot!
I love Peter Ustinov as Hercule Poirot. Forget all those other phonies who've tried to fill his shoes! Including that ridiculous Murder on the Orient Express!
His sly, lovable demeanor rivals any of the great actors playing detectives- Peter Falk as Columbo, etc. He has a wonderful way of gaining the confidence and trust of each of his suspects, while probing them for information. You never really know who he suspects, and that's the fun of the mystery. He guides you through the maze like true detective.
I have seen each of his delicious portrayals as the great, Belgian detective several times, and they just get better with age.
Death on the Nile (1978)
Peter Ustinov IS Hercule Poirot!
I love Peter Ustinov as Hercule Poirot. Forget all those other phonies who've tried to fill his shoes! Including that ridiculous Murder on the Orient Express!
His sly, lovable demeanor rivals any of the great actors playing detectives- Peter Falk as Columbo, etc. He has a wonderful way of gaining the confidence and trust of each of his suspects, while probing them for information. You never really know who he suspects, and that's the fun of the mystery. He guides you through the maze like true detective.
I have seen each of his delicious portrayals as the great, Belgian detective several times, and they just get better with age.
The Quick and the Dead (1995)
Completely misunderstood classic!
I really don't get, or care about, the criticism this movie receives. I found it to be infinitely cool. I love the characters. The direction is confident and unique. The cinematography (by the always superb Dante Spinotti) and art direction are wonderful.
Sam Raimi caught a lot of heat for this one. I guess it was too stylish for the bland, vanilla, popcorn crowd. And, in ways, it gave him a sense of timidness in his following few pictures. But, with Spiderman, people finally wised up to the fact that this guy is fantastic.
I highly recommend this film, and other Raimi classics, such as: Darkman and Army of Darkness.