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johnsgallbladder
Reviews
24 Hour Party People (2002)
Damn, I should've been born in 1955 in Manchester
Joy Division. That's the reason I loved this movie. But there's something in this movie for everyone. It's a classic story of sex, drugs (and a LOT of drugs in the Happy Mondays scenes) and plenty of Manchester style rock and roll! If you're a fan of bands like the aforementioned Happy Mondays, Joy Division, New Order, or the Sex Pistols, then this film is a vessel to give you insight into just how revolutionary those bands, and others of the time, really were. If you just want to laugh your ass off, then Steve Coogans' GREAT portrayal of Factory Record's main man Tony Wilson will serve you well. There are so many characters of unbelievable nature in this film it's hard to believe it was real, and this movie is very factual. Just do some research. It's up and down emotionally, leaving me laughing uproariously one minute at Martin Hannet, and on the verge of tears the next minute seeing Ian Curtis in that coffin. But the film's entertainment and insightfulness never ceases. This is a perfect film if you're interested in the scene, and still a great comedy if not. And if you're just a rave kid who likes strobe lights and lots of drug use in your movies, well you're all set too. Ten out of ten. Brilliant.
Coven (2000)
All things considered
First off, no one would have ever seen this if not for the brilliant Chris Smith. And the reason is, well, it's just not that good. Now I understand it was very low budget and the actors were amateurs at best, but I've seen many first features, and many independent films, and many are better than this. The cinematography wasn't too shabby at all, but the near blackness of the lighting kind of ruined it in spots. The writing is probably the worst part of this, as it is kind of cheesy and often just barely makes sense. But give the guy a break, it was independent all the way. 5/10
Red Dragon (2002)
Nothing Grand, but overall good enough
I went to see this movie last night, and I enjoyed it. Ralph Fiennes was good as Dolarhyde. He has a very trustful look, which really helps the character. However, he is not charming and amusing the way Lecter is, and ultimately you don't wind up cheering for him as you surely did for Lecter at the end of Silence of the Lambs, or Hannibal for that Matter. Hopkins is great once again, and the movie wisely keeps the Lecter role fairly small, not trying to market this as another Hannibal. One of the only dissapointments of this movie was, and this is difficult for me to say, Ed Norton. Now I am a ridiculously huge Ed Norton fan, and in the past have loved every one of his performances. Neo-Nazi, card shark, murderer faking multiple personalities, or jaded and apathetic white collar thirty-something, he's always been amazing. I've watched fight club upward of 25 times for god's sake. But here, he's sadly in and out. One minute hes giving a good speech, (the opening scene is very well done), and the next it seems as though he's just plowing through his lines to get to lunch break. Not that he was awful, just not as good as usual. Keitel, however, is great as always. Hoffman brought his signatures laughs, as well as a well acted scene of NO laughs, though his part was minimal. Emily Watson was very solid, but she didnt have to much to do. Ultimately it's Fienne's show. Gotta love that William Blake 200 year old painting used as a snack scene. Bottom line, it was good, better than Hannibal, nowhere near Silence of the Lambs. (But really, what is?) 7.5/10
Requiem for a Dream (2000)
As close to perfection as a film is likely to get.
This film was without contest the best film of 2000, and that damned fool Steven Soderbergh takes home an Oscar for Erin Brockovich, not a bad movie but perhaps the most bland direction I've ever seen. Simply point and shoot, that's his way. Anyhoo, Requiem is an unbelievably filmed, written and acted film. (even though that damned Julia Roberts took what rightly belonged to Ellen Burstyn on Oscar night. grrrr) The film is graphic, very much so, but it in no way glamorizes any of the events in the film. The drug use is not go to a party and have some fun. Its addiction. And thats what this film is really about. Addiction, not specifically drug-related, and the effects it can have on the human spirit. Aronofsky, with this and Pi, has proven himself to be one of the true artists of recent times (and isn't the type to go around shouting about that like some jackass Signs director). I look forward to whatever he may have in store for us next.
Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory (1971)
How is this movie not in the site's top 250
C'mon people. Not much has to be said here. Not only is this film entertaining, laugh out loud funny, and filled with subtle (sometimes not to subtle) satire, but its also very well made and acted. Its a classic, and one of the top 100 of all time, never mind 250! Give this the credit it deserves! A 7.5?!? Sheesh. (p.s. check out some of Dahl's other work, mainly short stories. you may be surprised)
Re-Animator (1985)
Great Comedy
First off, don't complain that this movie isn't scary. It's not your straight forward horror flick. Is it scary? No, not really. However, it has some suspenseful moments, and more than a few scenes that are laugh out loud funny. The only person I can imagine not liking this film is the late, great H.P. Lovecraft. This is a great, fun movie, perfect for watching with a group of friends. Lots of gore, even more laughs. Top notch fun.
8/10
The Evil Dead (1981)
Truly a piece of horror history.
God bless Sam Raimi, along with anyone else involved with this film. This movie took years to actually complete, because the actors (hehe) were college kids with other things to do, but damn was it worth it. As a person whos into films some may call "artsy", i.e. Begotten or Lynch films, I have to say this is just as good as any. For such a low budget film, the effects really are quite impressive, and if not impressive, at least innovative. The sequels are genius as well, but the first is easily the best. If theres a horror fan out there who does not own this movie, please do yourself a favor. You could not possibly dislike this flick.
Terror Toons (2002)
No redeeming qualities whatsoever.
This movie was just deplorable. First off, the back of the box says it clocks in at 110 minutes. The "film" ends at around 70 minutes, and then there credits and a bunch of bloopers. Not that im complaining, as an hour still was too long for this piece of crap. Now, im a big camp fan, i love b-movies and cult flicks, but this is so dumb its mind numbing. And that porn actress looking lady "lizzie borden" acting like a seven year old was creepy. If you want to see something sad, watch the behind the scenes stuff on the dvd and listen to the "actors" talk about how their characters spoke to them. Id give this a .3 out of 10 just due to the fact that they were able to distribute this.
Begotten (1989)
Amazing
First things first, this is not pretentious art house crap. Having paid thirty bucks for the dvd and not having seen it yet, i was afraid this may be the case. But its not. What we have here is an incredibly filmed, bizzare retelling of creation. Im not going to explain the story, as many others have and its about the same thing i got out of it. I will say that the most impressive thing about this film is the quality. This looks like it could be a documentary from the time of creation, its so grainy and primitive looking. Its surprising when the credits come up and you realize it is actually a recent, man made film. It really makes you feel like your witnessing the atrocities first hand. I think between this and the brilliant shadow of the vampire Edmund Elias Merhige has proved himself a visionary, and i look forward to seeing more from him. 9/10