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sambo5180
Reviews
Sum muepuen (2005)
Not bad...
Hit Man File is an interesting film. I should say first that while many people complain about Thai movies, I generally enjoy them. This is not a groundbreaking film in any sense, but it's highly enjoyable for fans of shoot'em-ups. The cinematography is on point, and the acting is very realistic. The film's major flaw comes in its story. A lot of Thai dramas tend to be a little over the top in terms of the melancholic (think of those Korean soaps) but this is not always a bad thing. The plot is decent, but it gets lost with the plethora of characters and their various schemes. Overall, check it out if you want a good way to spend an hour or two.
London (2005)
True to form...
London is a film of complexities. True, the cast is not the group that you would consider could hold this movie, but they do. Quite easily, I might add. I won't describe the plot since everyone else has, but for a 90-minute film, it's solid. Jessica Biel is definitely the one for the role of London, but the real performances come from Statham and Evans, both of whom stand and deliver as never before seen in their previous films. True, many of the films finest points are novelty, but the execution is more on point than films in the same genre. Who would seriously see any great drama in a wreck of a man and a depressed banker doing line after line of coke while carrying on uneasy conversations about life love and religion. This is however, a severe point of the film's drama. Also, the girls in the film are pure eye candy, something that hints at the implausibility of the film. But then again, who's really gonna complain about it. A must see for the stars' fans and for anyone who relates to the issues of the film.
Dead Presidents (1995)
Honest review from a fan
The Hughes Brothers film Dead Presidents exists as one the most (arguably) realistic human dramas ever made. Many people refer to this as a "blaxpoitation film", but this only how the movie is portrayed. I have seen this film many times (first as a 9-year old, if you can imagine that) and it still remains one of my favourites. I have read other user comments on this film and it seems that the problem most viewers have with it is the uneven plot. So for the person reading this who has not seen this film, please read the following:
Dead Presidents is not a concept film in the obvious sense. I won't explain the plot and story (everyone else seems to have their own ideas) but this film does give many messages. Other reviewers claim this tries to be a war movie or a heist movie or a love story all at once. If anything, call this a "culture" movie. Yes, this film does display the worst possible scenarios in a person's life, but this is not to say that life isn't like this for many people. A few things to remember when watching this film:
(1)Do not watch this film if you don't enjoy films that portray something less than positivity for your viewing pleasure. People who prefer "soft" films that show kindness, warmth, love, etc. will ineviably be in a rut by the film's end.If this film leaves you in a state of angst by the end, it's just because that's what the film tries for, so don't trip! (2) There are racial undertones in this movie!!! This is not to say that a white person can't enjoy this film, but be prepared. I viewed this with a friend (who is white) and he was angry as hell by the end of film, making comments like, "Life's not really like that!" (3) The violence portrayed in this film is (over-the-top) quite extreme, but this is necessary for the story. Everyone has already pointed out all the most gruesome scenes in previous reviews, so if you've read previous reviews, you know what to look forward to. Don't expect any restraint in the depictions of the darker side of mankind. (4) Trying to guess the plot before viewing is completely pointless. One of the best ideas behind this film is it's unpredictability. Sure, earlier scenes might foreshadow something later, but if you think you have it figured out, you'll most likely be disappointed.
The acting in this film is incredible. No one gives an even mediocre performance (this due impart to the cast: What would you expect from Larenz Tate in one of his best performances, Chris Tucker in a serious roll, and even a young Terrence Howard?) A lot of the film's best acting comes not from the dialogue (which isn't anything extraordinary), but from the voice tones and expressions. Look at Chris Tucker's eyes as the film spins out toward the end, or Keith David's rocky voice in his portrayal as the old man Kirby. *The scene where Tucker kills the cop in the heist is one of the most realistic scenes I've ever seen in a movie. Also, this is one of the most brilliantly shot films I've ever seen. From the war scenes in 'Nam to the borough of the Bronx in the 70's, settings and cinematography, as well as the film's soundtrack are all on point, more so than many of today's disappointing films. Yes, the Hughes Brothers may pay homage to other directors, particularly in the war scenes, but any one who says they are "biting" earlier styles is definitely a critic (and nothing more). This film's pacing is hardly slow, it just doesn't move like a mindless action flick. It seeks to show you not just the struggle of the black male (as many people drew this from it), but the struggles of anyone put in circumstances beyond their control. (I'm not agreeing the films final sequences, just pointing out the idea.) Life is not simplistic or happy for these characters, but rather like a hustle to come upon something better. I have dealt with these emotions myself, so I can appreciate what the Hughes Brothers are portraying, and will admit a slight bias to the film. If you have seen Menace II Society, then you have an idea of what to expect.
Overall, Dead Presidents attempts to display what gives rise to blues music: the trials of people, and the choices and consequences of human action. Watch the film, draw a conclusion, but don't assume anything.
*****Oh, and for those of you who couldn't seem to figure out the film's title: these are what are on U.S. currency (dollar bills), aka M-O-N-E-Y, which is what the character's are trying to O-B-T-A-I-N!
Choices 2 (2004)
Hardly a sequel...
Choices 2: The Setup continues the storyline from the first movie, placing DJ Paul and Juicy J as the main characters. Whether or not this was a mistake is up to the viewer.
Anyway, the story goes something like this: Paul and J are crooks that get ratted out by a friend and are put to a task by corrupt feds in the hopes of scoring a bust for their own personal gain. As our "heroes" climb the criminal ladder of success, they slowly work a scheme to get the feds back for putting the in that position in the first place. The idea to bring the characters back after the ending of the first film was inventive, but with little action, no evolving plot and even worse acting from the supporting cast, what we are left with is some nice cinematography and laughable character development.
Being a fan of Hypnotize Minds, I was disappointed with this film. For those that don't know about the Memphis recording label the cult following it carries, this will probably leave many in the wind as to why this film was made at all. The first Choices was a story of struggle and fighting for what you believe in. The acting was so-so, but at least the script offered more than the usual rapper movies. This film is just another downer for ghetto cinema, offering nothing that appeals to the average Joe, or even the "brothers" that reside in American ghettos. Paul and J really don't act but carry on conversations between themselves for the duration of the film. Furthermore, the base storyline and the fact that you have to buy this movie with the soundtrack (which is the worst release I've ever heard from Three 6 Mafia)will leave those that purchased this to wonder what gave HCP the idea to market this at all. Hopefully the new Choices movie, which will feature my favorite HCP artist Project Pat, will go further than this.
In short, stay away from this sequel, enjoy the first and keep supporting the Hypnotize Camp Posse