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Reviews
V for Vendetta (2005)
Best Movie I've seen since Crash. V+V =10.
A Vehement Volley of political Venom. A Vividly Visceral Visual triumph. A Vociferant Vocation of patriotism. A film-making Virtuoso. One of the most intelligent films of the new millennium. Symbolic, daring, Vengeful and reVolutionary. Makes the Matrix feel like a warm up for the main eVent -- the Wachowski Brothers have become more than fanciful storytellers. They have become the Voice of reason in a time of Vulgarized chaos, offering a glimpse at the true power of cinema, it's potential for positive impact on a global scale, and exposing the Vanity of those in political power, as well as the Veil of deceit cast over the Victims who choose to believe them. Some may consider this a Van Gogh, a Venial attempt at left-wing conspiracy. Please excuse my Verbosity, but I propose that it is more than that; I say it is a Valiant and Valid message trying to escape the Vacuous Vortex of Vacant Voices (read: "Network Media").
V for Victory.
V for Vendetta...
Crash (2004)
Two Words
I can describe this movie in only two words: BEST PICTURE.
Since IMDb required a minimum of 10 lines in order to post a comment, I'll have to elaborate, but those two words sum up my feelings...
The cast was perfect. The story was original and moving. The directing reflected a sensibility and sensitivity that is rare in cinema. The film dealt with serious social issues with a deft touch not often seen in Hollywood. All the elements fell into place beautifully. I'm sure some hot-shot film buff will come along and talk about "holes" in the story or some mundane issue like poor continuity or something -- because there's always that guy who likes to act like he knows something the rest of us don't -- but I can say that my first impression, having just watched the film, is that "Crash" is the best picture I've seen this year, hands down. And that's saying something.
Oscar, if you haven't already seen it, go out right now and buy the DVD.
Closer (2004)
Closer to reality...
This is the most honest film I've ever seen. Although I'm sure there are critics out there who will comment on the explicit language rather than the story, anyone who's ever been in a dysfunctional relationship can relate to at least some part of this film. I for one found it a very personal and shockingly accurate depiction of how human beings use love and sex to unintentionally destroy each other. The performances were magnificent from all angles. Mike Nichols has done it again. This film is "Carnal Knowledge" for the new millennium. If the Academy does not recognize "Closer" as a Best Picture candidate, then the Academy should no longer be recognized as the authority on achievement in film... yes, it's that good.
About Schmidt (2002)
A rare cinema accomplishment. This is why I make films.
Jack Nicholson gives the most Oscar-worthy performance of his career short of "Cuckoo's Nest." Understated, subtle, and remarkably HONEST. Jack is Schmidt. In rare form, Nicholson is truly vulnerable. The film is at once funny, poignant, and a true reflection of life in middle-America, or anywhere else for that matter. For once a script has been created, and a film produced that foregoes the fantasy that we as an audience are so accustomed to. "About Schmidt" is simply about Schmidt. And Nicholson's triumph is not in his portrayal of Warren Schmidt, but in how he inhabits that character in such a way as to hold up a mirror to the audience. I did not see Jack Nicholson playing the role of Warren Schmidt... I saw a real man reflecting on the experience of living; nothing more, nothing less. And that is beautiful.