PROFILE STATS
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- 6351
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ABOUT
- Member Since
- February 2006
- Current Location
- Burbank, CA
- Hometown
- Burbank, CA
- Favorite Scene From A Movie
- The oil derrick explosion in There Will Be Blood; the blissful ends to American Splendor and Hannah and Her Sisters; the entirety of Rear Window, The Birds, Strangers on A Train, the shoot-out scene in No Country for Old Men
- Favorite Movie
- Hannah and Her Sisters
- Favorite Actor
- Humphrey Bogart, Robert De Niro, early Al Pacino, James Stewart, Heath Ledger
- Favorite Director
- Alfred Hitchcock
- Celebrity Crush
- Taraji P. Henson, Eliza Dushku, Autumn Reeser, Rashida Jones, M.I.A, Lauren London, Anne Hathaway, Eva Mendes, Rosario Dawson, Norah Jones, Nigella Lawson
- Favorite Genre
- Drama
- Favorite Critic
- Stephanie Zacharek
- Best Movie Seat
- middle
- When I'm not watching movies, I'm...
- working, writing about movies, music, and politics
- Fresh or Rotten
- Fresh
RATINGS SNAPSHOT
RATINGS
| Title | Genre |
Date
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Rating | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
1408 (2007) |
6/28/07 |
70% |
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0 Comments |
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300 (2007) |
3/23/07 |
50% |
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I agree. There is something very idiotic in this movie. Sin City was better. 1 Replies | Report Abuse
Yes, it's not a thinking person's movie, which is fine, I guess. I have enjoyed a lot of films in recent years for which I have been asked to expend very little thought that I still enjoyed ("MI3", "Clerks 2", "War of the Worlds", "Napoleon Dynamite", "School of Rock", "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory", etc.). There's just nothing to this movie except for stupidity and even the sections of dialogue that attempt to elevate the material are clunkers. But even "Apocalytpo" had a political subtext 0 Replies | Report Abuse |
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A Clockwork Orange (1971) |
9/12/07 |
50% |
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I'm lovin all these updates! As I think we've discussed before, we share a similar rating for Five Easy Pieces. So close to being great. Do you at least like Batman Returns? I love Batman, but I think Batman Returns is even better. 1 Replies | Report Abuse
Great Jack, I promise to do more of them as time goes on (and I even found to time yesterday to write and post a full-length review). We're roughly on the same page on "Five Easy Pieces" as previously discussed. Oddly enough I do like "Batman Returns" Jack. "Batman" is too flawed to recommend, but its sequel which I once labeled as one of the worst films I'd ever seen was revisited by me earlier this summer and I found I responded to it more emotionally. It also has a much stronger narrative tha 0 Replies | Report Abuse
These are less controversial than your last ratings. :) Batman was good, but I can see why it wouldn't be liked. I used to love ACO, but after a re-watch I like it much less and dropped it to a 7 recently. Spellbound is on my favorite Hitchcock's, but it's regarded as one of his weaker ones. 1 Replies | Report Abuse
That's cool Chris, I'm happy to be a little less controversial (as fun as iconoclastic controversy can be). "A Clockwork Orange" is just boring, a complete failure of nerve for Kubrick who directed two of the best films of the 1960s. When he failed, he failed. "A Clockwork Orange" is still better than "Eyes Wide Shut" and "Full Metal Jacket." "Spellbound" is a good film, but rightly regarded as one of his weaker efforts. It's generally entertaining, but has some problems including an extraord 0 Replies | Report Abuse
I agree that ACO is overrated (I gave it 6) 1 Replies | Report Abuse
Overrated, mediocre, I guess the words can basically mean the same things Yony. "A Clockwork Orange" is just dull, kind of disturbing, and a complete ideological mess. Not a stinker by any means (and as I point out above, preferrable to enduring "Eyes Wide Shut" again) but still a 'classic' that pretty much eludes me. 0 Replies | Report Abuse 
I just watched Clockwork Orange again last night. It's really a hard film to like although I do acknowledge it's influence so it gets a 7 from me. I still find it disturbing but not dull. For me it's either an idealogical mess or way over my head, or perhaps both. That said certain scenes (like the eyeball one) do leave a lasting impact. Anyway just reviewed this so check it out if you get bored! BTW I enjoyed Cool Hand Luke and need to see Five Easy Pieces. Have not seen Spellbound, b 1 Replies | Report Abuse
HiJennifer,sorry to be so slow in response (you commented on "Into the Wild" also and I completely forgot to comment back). I'd imagine that your first notion was right: "A Clockwork Orange" is a complete ideological mess as both Roger Ebert and Pauline Kael wrote at the time. It's also fairly boring after its anarchic opening act. Glad you like "Cool Hand Luke" too, and "Five Easy Pieces" is definitely worth checking out. By the way, I would check out your reviews but for some reason I a 1 Replies | Report Abuse
Can't access my page? Weird as you're the second person that's mentioned that. I have not blocked anyone so I'm not sure what's up. Anyway I'm in the process of watching (or rewatching) most of Kubrick's films. We shall see if my opinion of him changes. 0 Replies | Report Abuse |
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A History of Violence (2005) |
7/09/06 |
100% |
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Great review Nathan, and I agree wholeheartedly; "A History of Violence" was my favourite film of 2005. It was by far the most intelligent, gripping and challenging film of the year and, as you say, it boggles the mind to think that this film was overlooked at the Oscars. I suppose Cronenberg is never going to be to the Academy's taste, but I think he's one of the most consistently brilliant filmmakers around and " A History of Violence" becomes more fascinating with each viewing. This is fil 0 Replies | Report Abuse
Thanks Phil. Yeah you and I agree wholeheartedly on this one. It's #3 on my list, but it could easily be number one or two. Personally I thought it was more challenging than "Munich", "Crash," "Jarhead," and "North Country" combined, so we definitely concur on that. As for his earlier films, well, I loved "The Fly", "Dead Ringers", and "Naked Lunch." His 1996 "Crash" was certainly provocative, but a little much for my tastes. I enjoyed that film he released in 2002 or 2003 (the name escapes me r 1 Replies | Report Abuse
Yes, I?ve listened to the commentary on ?A History of Violence? and it?s fascinating. Cronenberg is one of the best in the business at DVD commentaries, and his voiceovers on the DVDs of ?Videodrome?, ?The Fly? and ?Dead Ringers? are all superb. The film he released in 2002 which you struggled to name was ?Spider?, a fascinating film with a stunning performance from Ralph Fiennes. I think it?s interesting to see the progression Cronenberg has made over the course of his career; from the outlandi 1 Replies | Report Abuse
Thanks Phil for refreshing my fleeting memory. "Spider" was the film and it was terrific. Are you a big fan of Ralph Fiennes in general? In my humble opinion, from "Quiz Show" and "Schindler's List" to "Strange Days" and "Spider", he's one of the best in the business. I know you and I are on entirely different pages on "The Constant Gardener", but did you appreciate his performance? And yes, Cronenberg is one of three or four directors (Ang Lee, Peter Jackson, and Bennett Miller being the other 1 Replies | Report Abuse
I?m not particularly political, and while I do take an interest in current affairs and try to keep up with world events as much as possible, my grasp of these issues is often on the basic side. When it comes to political films, I dislike so many of Oliver Stone?s efforts because he tends to allow his paranoid anger and self-righteousness take the place of any sort of coherent and well-reasoned argument. I think that kind of wildly paranoid filmmaking is ineffective and, more to the point, it can
A fantastic review of my favourite movie of last year. 1 Replies | Report Abuse
Thanks Al. I loved this movie and it only gets better with each viewing (it's behind "Brokeback Mountain" on my list of 2005's best, but it could easily be number one). 0 Replies | Report Abuse 
Very nice review Nathan. When I first saw the film, I went in with the highest of expectations- reviews had lead me to believe it was strictly a thriller. The title had something to do with me being misled as well, so the first time I watched it, I really didn't think it was anything special. Since my first impression didn't match that of the high praise it was getting, I rated it lower than I probably should have (5/10). I've watched it three more times since; all three times in my screenwr 1 Replies | Report Abuse
Thanks Devon. Are you still in summer classes? If not, we'll have to make time to see a flick together (I'm planning on seeing, rightly or wrongly, "Clerks 2", "Monster House", "My Super Ex-Girlfriend", and "Lady in the Water" which all come out on July 21). Anyway, as for the film, I seem to remember that you gave the film a negative rating. You wrote a well-reasoned review as I recall. I do agree with you about the daughter's acting and as I pointed out in an earlier comment she doesn't re 0 Replies | Report Abuse
At the moment I'm still in my math class. It's gonna be the last week and finals week all wrapped up into one, so anytime after Friday should be good. 1 Replies | Report Abuse
That sounds good buddy. 0 Replies | Report Abuse 
Nice review...This was a great film - one of the best from last year. Oh yea I just got your buzz...thanks a lot! 1 Replies | Report Abuse
Thank you, glad we agree. And don't mention the buzz--you deserve it buddy. 0 Replies | Report Abuse |
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A Prairie Home Companion (2006) |
6/29/06 |
80% |
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0 Comments |
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A Simple Plan (1998) |
2/04/08 |
90% |
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One complaint on "Dark City", and that is: Stop cutting so fast! Would love to hear you elaborate on "Army of Darkness"; been a while since I've seen it, but I definitely don't remember it being awful. 1 Replies | Report Abuse
Ha! good point there Eric. See below if your curious for my thoughts on the much lauded "Dark City" in general. As for "Army of Darkness", well, I just watched it for the first time on Sunday night expecting a short 81 minute treat. What did I get instead? A grueling, noisome, and especially abrasive geeks delight. I hated Bruce Campbell's macho guy shtick, I hated most of the gimmicky special effects, and I just really found myself hating the film which pretty much leaves me alone in the "it 0 Replies | Report Abuse
Have you seen all the Evil Dead films? I always figured I should, but I've never actually seen any of them. I've heard good things about Dark City. 1 Replies | Report Abuse
No I haven't seen all the "Evil Dead" films Brent and having endured the asinine and unrelenting "Army of Darkness" I have no plans presently to torture myself again. If they are anything like this film, I say avoid, avoid avoid. Have you seen the other Sam Saimi film rated here, "A Simple Plan"? I can't recommend it enough if you haven't. "Dark City" is a film that has had a great deal of "good things" said and written about it since its release in early 1998. Roger Ebert especially loved th 1 Replies | Report Abuse
Dutifully noted. I wanted to check out Dark City and I will add A Simple Plan to my list. 0 Replies | Report Abuse 
I really want to see Dark City and Eyes Wide Shut, although your rating for that last one isn't very encouraging. See the original Evil Dead! I just watched it and thought it was a blast, quite a bit better than Army of Darkness in my opinion. (Although I did enjoy Army of Darkness, I gave it a 6). 1 Replies | Report Abuse
I'll keep your opinion on "Evil Dead" in mind, but to be perfectly honest I don't what the hell would actually compel to watch those movies, Bobby. Glad you like them though; it seems as though I'm the lone man out hating "Army of Darkness" as your '6' attests. Definitely check out "Dark City", I don't think you can go wrong. Despite some of the inherent silliness of the genre, it packs a punch and is a visual masterpiece (think Fritz Lang classics like "Metropolis"). Yeah, only watch "Eyes W 1 Replies | Report Abuse
Yeah, but you might actually like Evil Dead, because it's vastly different from Army of Darkness. Evil Dead was a genuine horror film with some campy comedy added on, unlike the all-out campiness of Army of Darkness. I'm actually surprised that they're in the same trilogy, becuase they're so completely different from each other. I'll check out Dark City, and I also recently rented A Simple Plan and will be watching that. And I still want to see Eyes Wide Shut, I know some people who love it. 0 Replies | Report Abuse |
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Across the Universe (2007) |
9/22/07 |
20% |
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Just got back from "Eastern Promises", an infinitely better movie than "Across the Universe". Maybe I was a little let down by "A History of Violence" two years ago, but I found his latest to be slightly superior. [your review definitely makes it look higher than a 6, but I think you acknowledge this, too. I guess we'll see in a couple years how well this one holds up] "Across the Universe" is indeed an atrocity, although it's the first truly horrid film that I would recommend for being wh 1 Replies | Report Abuse
Well you're certainly not alone in thinking that about "A History of Violence" Eric. Me, not so much. That film clocks in at a '10' for me, whereas this comes in at a still respectable '6'. I liked "Eastern Promises", thought it was a highly intelligent film, but there were some problems with the flow of the movie (at times too cold and mechanical) and in a couple of instances I felt like 2-3 pages of character development had been ripped out of the script. But I still liked it, more so upon rec 0 Replies | Report Abuse
Man. That's awful news. I can't help but say I'm still looking forward to Across the Universe, though. I may kick myself later. 1 Replies | Report Abuse
I advise you to kick yourself BEFORE going to see "Across the Universe" Jack; perhaps hard enough that you'll be unable to make it out the door to see the worst movie 2007 has offered yet. 0 Replies | Report Abuse |
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Alexander (2004) |
10/12/07 |
20% |
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Oh, but wasn't "Alexander" just plain yuck? "Nixon" is one of those Oliver Stone films I haven't seen (he's one of my favorites when he tackles boring subject matter, although I did enjoy "JFK"). Heard mostly terrible things about "Elizabeth"- not even talking about the new one! "Malcolm X" I remember being fairly decent, although I would give it a 7. "Kinsey" was great. 1 Replies | Report Abuse
Well good, glad we agree on "Kinsey"'s greatness Eric. Seldom is a picture so provocative and yet such naughty fun. I would have nominated it for Best Picture over inferior biopics like "Ray" and "Finding Neverland"-but hey, that's me. I'm afraid that you've badly underrated Spike Lee's masterful "Malcolm X"-in his catalog second only to "Do the Right Thing." Denzel Washington gives easily the best male performance of the 1990s in that film (and to think he'd give one of the other great ones 0 Replies | Report Abuse |
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All The King's Men (2006) |
9/22/06 |
20% |
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I'm really disappointed that this film is getting such bad reviews. Actually not even bad reviews - awful reviews! It looked like it really had potential. Maybe I'll still check it out anyway... 1 Replies | Report Abuse
It did have real potential Jack, and it squandered it every step of the way. I was really looking forward to this one, and oh boy! was I let down. Kate Winslet is nice to look at, there's one thing the movie has going for it... 0 Replies | Report Abuse
Excellent review, Nathan. I was rather looking forward to this when I first heard about it, solely due to some of the quality actors on board, but I started to fear the worst when it was shelved for such a long time and when I first saw the trailer I realised it looked like nothing more than a slice of bloated, hammy, glossy Oscar-bait. It seems to be taking a terrible kicking from the critics and it looks like a terrible waste of talent. A shame. 1 Replies | Report Abuse
Thanks Phil. Like you I looked for to it almost exclusively for the incredible cast, but I too was a little put off by the release date being pushed back so far. There are even more big names involved that I didn't mention in my review (I cut a lot of things--there's too much to complain about!). I have been disappointed by films this year, "Superman Returns" in particular, but this takes the cake by far. "All the King's Men" deserves the terrible kicking from myself and critics everywhere. 1 Replies | Report Abuse
I believe All The King?s Men is out here in late October/early November. I might try to catch it but it won?t be high in my list of priorities. ?World Trade Centre? is here next Friday, along with the eagerly anticipated ?Zidane: A 21st Century Portrait?, and the following week sees ?The Departed? and ?The Devil Wears Prada? hit the UK; so it?s going to be an interesting few fortnight. I can?t wait for both ?The Illusionist? and the similar-looking ?The Prestige?, but I don?t think ?The Illusion 0 Replies | Report Abuse 
Wow that was some review Nathan- excellent write up. This has been getting awful reviews, and now you as well Nathan. Im disappointed a film with Sean Penn, Patrick Clarkson, Kate Winslet and James Gandolfini (your so right about him being the best actor on television) you'd expect to be great, I think I might avoid this one. 1 Replies | Report Abuse
Thanks a bunch Vince. As I mentioned in earlier comments, this fully deserves its bad rep. And you're definitely not alone in realizing that Sean Penn (what a far cry from "Mystic River" this is), Patricia Clarkson, Kate Winslet (she's so wonderful) and James Gandolfini are all in a stinker. I'd advise skipping it Vince, but I have run into a few people who liked it, so the weather may not be quite as bleak as I predicted. 0 Replies | Report Abuse |
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American Beauty (1999) |
9/10/07 |
80% |
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I don't understand what are you talking about?! American Beauty is in my opinion one of the wittiest and most brilliant movies of all times {much better than Being John Malkovich}. And I agree with every word about Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind(though I prefer Adaptation) and Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon. 1 Replies | Report Abuse
Nope, sorry Yony. "Being John Malkovich" was the best film of 1999 and as such it is superior to any other picture that year, including "American Beauty". Listen, I still like the picture a lot and gave it a high rating, but it's not the masterpiece that I made it out to be in the past or that others presently make it out to be. It's a very good picture, with some truly amazing scenes; great performances from Spacey and Cooper, with top-notch work from the rest of the cast. I recognize that. 0 Replies | Report Abuse
"American Beauty" is my favorite out of the ones I've seen (haven't seen "Natural Born Killers"), and it's rare for the Academy to actually award such a film. Nope, not a real Kaufman fan here. He has excellent ideas, but the execution isn't nearly as great (the exception being, IMO, the brilliant and hilarious "Adaptation."). "Dances with Wolves" was, for me, as enjoyable as it was flawed... just like another Oscar favorite, "Forrest Gump" (the year "Quiz Show" should have won). Haven' 1 Replies | Report Abuse
You're right Eric, "American Beauty" was that rare winner at Oscar time. It was also as you may recall one of only two Best Picture winners in the entire 1990s not to be a period piece of sorts (it's only company being the truly great-and terrifying-"Silence of the Lambs"). I am not sure and don't know if anyone else is sure exactly how such an edgy, occasionally nasty film triumphed over "Cider House Rules" or the overtly spiritual "Sixth Sense" (the projected front-runner for a while). Yea 1 Replies | Report Abuse
....Wow... never noticed that about the 90s Oscar winners. Although I haven't seen it, I do think about "The Cider House Rules" every time I mention "American Beauty" one of the Academy's biggest surprises. Subject matter is a big factor in their decisions (regardless of quality), and I'm surprised "Pulp Fiction" was even nominated given that. Need to revisit "Pulp Fiction" and "Reservoir Dogs" to see which one I like better, although in the past my answer has always been "Dogs". "The Silence 0 Replies | Report Abuse
Nathan, I love Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind; it's in my top ten. I would have to disagree with you on American Beauty, another personal favorite of mine, of which I gave a 10 to as well. I'm not sure what you mean by it seeming dated now. Unless you mean how it's not really a big deal for an older man to lust after a teenage girl anymore. While I think Being John Malkovich is a great film, I gave it a 8, I find the characters cold, thus I like American Beauty a little more. Still, great 1 Replies | Report Abuse
Great, that's great Jenessa that we agree on "Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind". It's not in my personal top 10, but it would rank somewhere among my favorites and playing around with my preliminary list of this decades best, "Eternal Sunshine" definitely has a spot. "American Beauty" is still a very good, 3 1/2 star film. I like it a lot and I do own a copy, but it's not the revolutionary masterpiece that I saw it as being in my younger days. Why is it dated, you ask? It's hard to say 0 Replies | Report Abuse
Thanks, that answers my question. You do have a point when you say the characters in Americam Beauty are cold as well. Later, I thought about that comment I made. I thought, "That was stupid.", the characters in American Beauty are just as cold as the ones in Being John Mlakovich. I guess I just didn't realize it because of the dark humor. I also really like Kevin Spacey. You always have such an interesting take on film. 0 Replies | Report Abuse 
Giving Dances a 4/10 is just WRONG! 1 Replies | Report Abuse
Says the man who gave the vastly, exponentionally better "Brokeback Mountain" a puny 1/10! In all seriousness Commish guy, you are dead right: as Bob Dylan once sang, "I was so much older then, I'm younger than that now". If I was grading these films again, the amatuerish, boring, and hugely overrated "Dances" would certainly rank even lower. So good call; you're 100% right about me being wrong! 0 Replies | Report Abuse |
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American Gangster (2007) |
10/25/07 |
90% |
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Nice reviews. Glad you liked Assassination. I need to see Michael Clayton, but still think I'll avoid American Gangster - not a huge Crowe or Denzel fan in general. 1 Replies | Report Abuse
Thanks Chris. It's hard to properly give a summation of a film's flaws and strengths in the course of six sentences, in fact I find it easier to write several paragraphs on a film than just one. I would definitely write a full-length review for "American Gangster" if I had the time, but I've got mid-terms next week. "The Assassination" is very good, and happy that you didn't have to wait too long to see it. You ought to check out "Michael Clayton" as it a good film, and one that I found very 1 Replies | Report Abuse
Well, if it's up for Best Cinematography, I will definitely see it. I try to see every movie from that category. 0 Replies | Report Abuse
I almost saw "Assassination of Jesse James", except I ran into that situation where the newspaper printed an inaccurate time. Hearing nothing but excellent things about it. "American Gangster" is now on my not-miss list (and, of course, to be the 139th person to mention how friggin lucky you and Cory are...). Pollack is always a fun guy to watch. 1 Replies | Report Abuse
What can I say Eric, that doesn't sound too fun. What newspaper made the error and what theater were you going to? Most of the excellent things you've heard about it are indeed accurate-it's a bona fide stunner. Well I'm only frigging lucky on account of seeing "American Gangster" earlier, otherwise I've been single and lonely for ages (partially kidding of course). Yes, it was amazing see "American Gangster" on the big screen-in the very same room that I attend my documentary class. The fil 0 Replies | Report Abuse
I'm very much looking forward to American Gangster, and there have been whispers that it may pop up as the London Film Festival's surprise film on Sunday night. Otherwise, we're looking at the middle of November for that film's release. I really loved Michael Clayton ? although I *still* haven't gotten around to reviewing it ? and although I agree the film has a lack of urgency about it, I think it works well enough all round to overlook the lack of zip present in its thriller elements. I jus 1 Replies | Report Abuse
Oh I agree with you Phil, "Michael Clayton" is still an awfully impressive piece of genre filmmaking regardless of flaws. I of course felt that common feeling of liberal self-congratulations that I get in these films. Now I know you would certainly disagree vehemently here Phil, but I'm grading it as much on the scale of socially-conscious thrillers as much as anything else. So again I really liked it, but-chain me to the stake here-I found that pics like "The Constant Gardener" and "Syriana" we 0 Replies | Report Abuse
I absolutely have to see American Gangster when we get it here. I cant wait to see it. 1 Replies | Report Abuse
I couldn't wait to see it either. Usually there is a four to six month wait for an American feature in the UK and vice-versa (I remember being tortured by everyone in England singing the praises of "Children of Men" for months and months before we got to finally see it here). But it looks like in this case there is no wait, and it opens up soon near you. What can I say, except for don't miss it Vince-I think you'll absolutely love it. 0 Replies | Report Abuse 
American Gangster was good but it could have been better. It benefits from having a great cast and interesting story. It was lacking in intensity, however. One thing I loved about the Departed is that the characters (Dicaprio and Damon) were under extreme danger for doing their job (being moles). I didn't feel like the characters in AG were threatened until the end. I know one is fictionalized and the other is based on a true story, but it's still a reason why I prefer The Departed more. 1 Replies | Report Abuse
Yes, "No Country For Old Men"-I can't remember the last time I had this high a level of anticipation for a film-maybe "Brokeback Mountain" or "The Departed." My desire to see to the Coen brothers latest is even stronger, although I'm with you on "There Will Be Blood" too-that's pretty close. All of the other films your looking forward to I am too. We're very much on the same wavelength here. I know what you're saying about the 'danger' or the 'threat', but that doesn't have to be that way-I f 0 Replies | Report Abuse
Finally, someone else who hated Gladiator. I'm excited for American Gangster a bit more now. 1 Replies | Report Abuse
Good Sam and I knew that you had great taste: "Gladiator" is an abomination and absolutely boring, dumber-than-hell film that was so disorienting it made me want to hurl. "American Gangster" is immeasurably better; make sure you see it. 1 Replies | Report Abuse
I'll try to catch it this weekend. 0 Replies | Report Abuse
Nathan, isn't it funny how two people can see the exact same film and have different opions on them. I noticed your David Fincher comment on your American Gangster review and assumed you were talking about his most recent film Zodiac. I also couldn't help but notice your relitively low score for it. I have to disagree with you because I loved that film and personaly thought it had a lot more humanity than American Ganster. While American Ganster had more of a been there done that feel with under 1 Replies | Report Abuse
Oh you are definitely correct Jenessa, it really can be amusing the differences we have in appreciating films. That's part of why I enjoy submitting my thoughts to movie-community websites like this one. Before I really move on to the issue at hand (American Gangster v. Zodiac for crime film of the year), let me say that I love that you brought the issue up. And also I know what you mean about my nitpicking really good films and occasionally praising 'lesser films'. You have to remember two thin 0 Replies | Report Abuse
That's cool, we can't all love every highly rated movie. I sometimes find myself in the minority with certain films aswell. Also it would be unfair of me to admit that I'm a huge fan of murder mysteries/crime dramas; as you may have noticed with my obsession with Hitchcock films; and I can pretty much quote The Silence of the Lambs by heart. I've never been a huge fan of ganster movies, but fell in love with last years The Departed, which was my second favorite film of 2006 after Pan's Labyrinth 0 Replies | Report Abuse |
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American Psycho (2000) |
4/17/06 |
40% |
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It's been a while since I have seen this film, and I can only remember all the gore/disturbingness about the film and the main character who was obsessed with blond-haired girls and went to kill them. It seemed to be more of a thriller than a psychological analysis film of the man. I could have lived with the latter, but it just didn't appeal to me. 0 Replies | Report Abuse
Yeah this is a well made film, but it is also an irreedemably cold and disturbing one. When I first saw it I enjoyed it on a certain level, but "American Psycho" is one of those films that the longer you let live in your head, the worse it becomes. 0 Replies | Report Abuse |
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An Inconvenient Truth (2006) |
6/23/06 |
80% |
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Thanks. I assume you've seen the film? The line "a nature walk through the book of Revelations" was a line that Gore said when discussing environmental damage in Europe. I always take ample notes while watching films and when I heard that one and wrote it down, I knew that I had to incorporate that folksy tidbit somewhere in my review. 0 Replies | Report Abuse
Very well written review. It definitely shows that you're a Political Science Major. The last paragraph reminded me of AP US History DBQs, oh boy, those were fun. This is a very intelligent journal, I must say, and look forward to more reviews. I haven't seen this movie yet, and I'm not sure where I stand on the subject of Global Warming, I'll have to do some research on it. Odd... Nathan T. My first name and my middle initial. 0 Replies | Report Abuse
Thank you very much for the comment General Mills (it's neat that we share the same first name and you could have easily been Nathan T. except for the fact that you exhibited a little bit more imagination than I did). As for looking forward to more reviews, I have plenty ready to go. As for the intelligence, I don't try to condescend, but I basically write the kind of reviews that I would like to read here. I am very politically aware, but on the other hand I don't want to put the entire online 1 Replies | Report Abuse
Sweet, I honestly do like the way you write your reviews. It gets me thinking a lot more in terms of story telling (your analysis is great) through camera. Look forward to the next review. 0 Replies | Report Abuse |
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An Unreasonable Man (2005) |
9/22/07 |
80% |
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Just got back from "Eastern Promises", an infinitely better movie than "Across the Universe". Maybe I was a little let down by "A History of Violence" two years ago, but I found his latest to be slightly superior. [your review definitely makes it look higher than a 6, but I think you acknowledge this, too. I guess we'll see in a couple years how well this one holds up] "Across the Universe" is indeed an atrocity, although it's the first truly horrid film that I would recommend for being wh 1 Replies | Report Abuse
Well you're certainly not alone in thinking that about "A History of Violence" Eric. Me, not so much. That film clocks in at a '10' for me, whereas this comes in at a still respectable '6'. I liked "Eastern Promises", thought it was a highly intelligent film, but there were some problems with the flow of the movie (at times too cold and mechanical) and in a couple of instances I felt like 2-3 pages of character development had been ripped out of the script. But I still liked it, more so upon rec 0 Replies | Report Abuse
Man. That's awful news. I can't help but say I'm still looking forward to Across the Universe, though. I may kick myself later. 1 Replies | Report Abuse
I advise you to kick yourself BEFORE going to see "Across the Universe" Jack; perhaps hard enough that you'll be unable to make it out the door to see the worst movie 2007 has offered yet. 0 Replies | Report Abuse |
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Apocalypto (2006) |
12/09/06 |
80% |
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Great review as always...I can't wait to see this one. 1 Replies | Report Abuse
Thanks Will. Do see "Apocalypto", I'll be curious to hear your thoughts but I'd imagine you'll have a pretty good time with it. I sure did. 0 Replies | Report Abuse |
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Army of Darkness (1993) |
2/04/08 |
20% |
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One complaint on "Dark City", and that is: Stop cutting so fast! Would love to hear you elaborate on "Army of Darkness"; been a while since I've seen it, but I definitely don't remember it being awful. 1 Replies | Report Abuse
Ha! good point there Eric. See below if your curious for my thoughts on the much lauded "Dark City" in general. As for "Army of Darkness", well, I just watched it for the first time on Sunday night expecting a short 81 minute treat. What did I get instead? A grueling, noisome, and especially abrasive geeks delight. I hated Bruce Campbell's macho guy shtick, I hated most of the gimmicky special effects, and I just really found myself hating the film which pretty much leaves me alone in the "it 0 Replies | Report Abuse
Have you seen all the Evil Dead films? I always figured I should, but I've never actually seen any of them. I've heard good things about Dark City. 1 Replies | Report Abuse
No I haven't seen all the "Evil Dead" films Brent and having endured the asinine and unrelenting "Army of Darkness" I have no plans presently to torture myself again. If they are anything like this film, I say avoid, avoid avoid. Have you seen the other Sam Saimi film rated here, "A Simple Plan"? I can't recommend it enough if you haven't. "Dark City" is a film that has had a great deal of "good things" said and written about it since its release in early 1998. Roger Ebert especially loved th 1 Replies | Report Abuse
Dutifully noted. I wanted to check out Dark City and I will add A Simple Plan to my list. 0 Replies | Report Abuse
I really want to see Dark City and Eyes Wide Shut, although your rating for that last one isn't very encouraging. See the original Evil Dead! I just watched it and thought it was a blast, quite a bit better than Army of Darkness in my opinion. (Although I did enjoy Army of Darkness, I gave it a 6). 1 Replies | Report Abuse
I'll keep your opinion on "Evil Dead" in mind, but to be perfectly honest I don't what the hell would actually compel to watch those movies, Bobby. Glad you like them though; it seems as though I'm the lone man out hating "Army of Darkness" as your '6' attests. Definitely check out "Dark City", I don't think you can go wrong. Despite some of the inherent silliness of the genre, it packs a punch and is a visual masterpiece (think Fritz Lang classics like "Metropolis"). Yeah, only watch "Eyes W 1 Replies | Report Abuse
Yeah, but you might actually like Evil Dead, because it's vastly different from Army of Darkness. Evil Dead was a genuine horror film with some campy comedy added on, unlike the all-out campiness of Army of Darkness. I'm actually surprised that they're in the same trilogy, becuase they're so completely different from each other. I'll check out Dark City, and I also recently rented A Simple Plan and will be watching that. And I still want to see Eyes Wide Shut, I know some people who love it. 0 Replies | Report Abuse |
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Atanarjuat: The Fast Runner (2002) |
6/01/08 |
70% |
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I'm glad to see someone else has even heard of "The Fast Runner", one butt-numbing but compelling movie. The rest are generally great picks, although I will admit I went through "Mulholland Dr." three times and couldn't get a thing out of it. 1 Replies | Report Abuse
I too am glad, Eric, that someone else knows about and has seen the slightly overrated but nevertheless highly unique and worthwhile "Fast Runner". It's only real flaw is that it is far too long, stronger editing would make it a non-stop thrill ride, but I saw it last year in History of Documentaries class on the big screen which was an experience of sorts. I'm surprised that you didn't get a thing out of "Mulholland Drive". The picture gives you "things" in every frame-sensuality, tension, h 0 Replies | Report Abuse
I must see Mulholland Dr. its on my to see list. Thirteen, Memento and Requiem for a Dream are all excellent films. 1 Replies | Report Abuse
No disagreements on "Thirteen", "Memento" or "Requiem" then Vince and yes, check out "Mulholland Drive"-it's a stunner. 0 Replies | Report Abuse
It's funny, I was thinking about Mulholland Drive just the other day. With 18 months or so left before the end of the decade, I was thinking about what might end up on my best of the 2000s list, and that film was one of the first that popped into my head. I must have watched it a dozen times or more since 2001, and it still thrills me like few other pictures. The thing that makes it so enthralling, I think, is that I always feel like the essential key to the meaning of the film is just out of re 1 Replies | Report Abuse
Yes, "The Fast Runner" while not quite "Nanook of the North" (still possibly the best performance art documetary ever made) is still a very special and very well made film. I wish that more people had seen it and that movies like it weren't so uncommon. I realized that my high rating for "Thirteen" would surprise a few people, yourself included Phil. I can understand how you would think of it as "a pretty unremarkable teenage drama." Before I saw it, that's exactly what I expected it to be. I wa 1 Replies | Report Abuse
I love Blue Velvet, and for a long time it was my joint-favourite Lynch film (tied with The Elephant Man), but I think Mulholland Drive is a level above anything else he's done (or, to be fair, is likely to do). I think it shares a lot of similar qualities with Blue Velvet, but it pushes everything even further. It's funny, chilling, mysterious, erotic, and every viewing brings more pleasures. I agree that Watts' performance in King Kong was equally Oscar-worthy. She deserved her nomination for 0 Replies | Report Abuse
Great little round-up of movies here, although I'm interested to see why [i]Memento[/i] and [i]The Fast Runner[/i] are only B grade movies - although B is still a good grade. 1 Replies | Report Abuse
Thanks Scott, I thought it was a neat enough idea to put to (very different) drug movies with three other completely unrelated films. It's always fun too to see what sort of response these random ratings garner. Ahh, to answer your question: "Memento" and "The Fast Runner" are grade-B films (and as you duly note, that is still good). Some people give "B"s as if they're punishment, but I'm always careful to make sure that a "B" is still quality stuff, and these two films are. What holds them back 1 Replies | Report Abuse
I can see the complaints of excessive running time for [i]The Fast Runner[/i]. I can't say it bothered me too much, though, when I watched it way back when... who knows if I would think different today? I really think the fragmentation and backwards chronology of [i]Memento[/i] was an ingenious way of placing the audience in the confused shoes of the protagonist, with his peculiar condition. However, I'll admit there were plot holes. I ultimately give it an A-, for those reasons. And you b 0 Replies | Report Abuse
The first time I watched Memento, I thought there were plot holes, but subsequent viewings cleared things up. The script is dense and you can miss a lot if you're not paying attention. Do you remember the parts that confused you? 0 Replies | Report Abuse |
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Atonement (2007) |
12/15/07 |
50% |
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There's a good reason why I usually avoid the book if I know I'm going to see the movie, or avoid the movie if I've read the book; there aren't many things that are worse than hearing people you know bash a great movie because their favorite parts from the book are missing. The loud musical score is almost a requirement for an Oscar-contender of this caliber; while I thought the usage of the typewriter was innovative, this is one of those films whose music tells us what we should be feeling. 1 Replies | Report Abuse
Good point Eric. I usually don't consider reading the book a requirement for seeing the movie. In fact I seldom make a point to read a book if I know it's coming to film but generally wait until after I've seen it to read if I do at all (I've still never read "The Lord of The Rings" as embarassing as that is to admit). That was the case last year with "Children Of Men" which sits in my top 5 for 2006, but I have to concede that as good as Cuaron's adaptation is, P.D. James chilling and provocati 1 Replies | Report Abuse
In terms of Best Picture, if nothing on my Top 10 makes it, then I'm rooting for "No Country". Yes, the comic book fans... every time I try to get an answer as to why everyone hated "X-Men III" (which I had a blast with), the response is that their favorite characters got killed off ("you just *don't* kill ________! You just don't!"). I'm surprised people are still bitching about Nolan's "Batman"; figured it would have all been silenced once we learned the Batmobile was a glorified tank. O 0 Replies | Report Abuse
I agree with most of this, except the criticism of the score, which I loved, and I thought heightened the tenseness and the importance of the idea of writing to the movie. I also loved the long take during the war scenes, even though those middle scenes were quite jumbled. I found it a good movie, but slightly distant and it seemed to take itself too seriously. 1 Replies | Report Abuse
I spotted your sentence long explanation of your 'B' grade for "Atonement" Scott. I guess beyond the distracting soundtrack, which you strongly approve of, we see eye to eye on this one for the most part (as usual). Many people have had similar reactions to this overlong, overserious literary adaptation but I seem to be one of the only ones who has the nerve to slap it with a 'C' range grade. Come on, admit it, you didn't have any fun watching this; did you? I doubt it. 0 Replies | Report Abuse |
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Australia (2008) |
11/21/08 |
30% |
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I thought LET THE RIGHT ONE IN was an almost-great movie. You're main complaint is spot-on - I thought their relationship was running on empty in the later stages. However, it's a brilliant 'technical' film and the characters are mostly compelling. Plus, 'that swimming pool scene' elevates it to fresh rating in my mind. AUSTRALIA -- going to see it on opening day for the curiosity factor. I know it will be drippy/schmaltzy fluff, but what the hell? And BALLAST never came to a theater a 1 Replies | Report Abuse
You're very right Chase, "Let The Right One In" is brilliant in a technical sense and for that I give it very good marks. It's in no way a bad film, I just think that it should have been heavier on incident and a little less ponderous. People really ought to check it out for themselves (and yeah the swimming pool scene was AMAZING!). I would advise you to skip "Australia." There is good stuff scattered through and if it was like an hour shorter I would say go for it, but it's pretty hard to m 0 Replies | Report Abuse
I'm sad to hear about the negative buzz on Australia - I find that Baz Luhrrman is a fascinating director. His movies only work sometimes, but in the moments when they do work, they're mindblowing. I might end up seeing it, although there's a couple of other movies out that I want to see more (Let the Right One In being one of them, actually). You've definitely heightened my interest in Ballast, I've never heard of it but it definitely sounds fantastic. 1 Replies | Report Abuse
I would agree with you there Bobby: Baz Luhrman is a fascinating director, but he has-in my judgment-almost no idea of how to shape his movies. They're usually exhausting experiences in which the senses are relentlessly hounded. I recommend checking out Let The Right One In as you'll probably enjoy it if you have any desire to see it and skip, skip, skip Australia. Scenes range from B+ to D- range and if I wasn't in a fancy screening room I likely would have walked out before the closing credits 1 Replies | Report Abuse
I saw Australia, and I'm not quite sure what I thought about it, to be honest. It was exhausting, overlong, and often very corny, but often beautifully done and overall entertaining. I'm not sure yet what rating I'll give it - you're right that it's insanely uneven. Curious Case of Benjamin Button looks incredible, one of my most anticipated films of this season. 0 Replies | Report Abuse |
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Away from Her (2006) |
6/07/07 |
70% |
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I am waiting for "Away From Her"! I am hoping that it will arrive to Israel!:) if not I will see it on D.V.D! 1 Replies | Report Abuse
You live in Israel Yony? I didn't know that until right now. Interesting, I had a fairly serious relationship with a girl from Israel and living in the valley, I know a lot of people from there (on both sides of the aisle). Where in Israel exactly do you live? As for your comment Yony, I know next to nothing of release dates in foreign countries. I do hope that "Away From Her" is playing near you sooner rather than later. In most respects it's an extraordinary film, and very lovely. That said 1 Replies | Report Abuse
I live in Kfar-Saba it's relatively close to Tel-Aviv. 0 Replies | Report Abuse
I really want to see both of these films, especially Away From Her. 1 Replies | Report Abuse
Hope they're playing near you at the moment. Both are very much worth seeing. 0 Replies | Report Abuse
Glad you got to see Away From Her, Nathan. I'm afraid I missed it during its scandalously brief UK release, and I'll probably have to wait for the DVD now. I think you make an interesting point when you compare the film to both The Sweet Hereafter and The Fountain. This kind of time-shifting structure is one of the most difficult approaches for a filmmaker to take without the risk of falling into self-indulgence, pretension or complete incoherence; and I often feel that getting it right is down 1 Replies | Report Abuse
Sorry you missed "Away From Her" Phil, I recall you mentioning that you were scheduled to see it a few weeks back (however, I'd imagine that such a low-key film will play great on DVD). As for the comparison between "The Sweet Hereafter" and "The Fountain" to this one, I admit to wanting to raise eyebrows a bit. One after all is a masterpiece and the other is an unholy disaster. But I did think that in "The Sweet Hereafter", the mechanics of the narrative never came across as cold. To Polley's c 0 Replies | Report Abuse |
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Badlands (1973) |
9/10/07 |
100% |
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Uh-oh, and I got "West" recently as a gift. Anything I should know before I take the 3-hour plunge? 1 Replies | Report Abuse
Good question Eric. I had only seen parts of "Once Upon a Time in the West" in the past and found it intriguing so when I was in Canada and saw it for like 7 bucks I picked up. When I got home one of the first things I did was watch it-talk about disappointment! It's often interesting, but like all of Leone's films it's labored, uninvolving, almost kind of a distancing film. The visuals and soundtrack are first rate, but the story is confusing and bland; I found it very tedious to sit throuh it. 0 Replies | Report Abuse
Random ratings - why not indeed? Although I find myself in disagreement with two of your scores here. I do think that Days of Heaven is the weakest of Malick's films by some distance, but I still love the lyrical storytelling and the ravishing beauty of its visual imagery. For me, the tone and pacing of Malick's films is unlike anything else, and Days of Heaven is a film I can put on and just lose myself in (I'm looking forward to the imminent Criterion DVD). Badlands is just masterful - but isn 1 Replies | Report Abuse
Yes, I just thought it would be fun to post some random ratings of classics Phil (and I just finished posting some ratings of more contemporary titles). I was hoping, and it looks like I'm right, that it would spark some healthy discussion which is always great. You are so right on "Badlands" being in such a different place from Mallick's other films, which is probably why I liked it so much. His other three films are so.. I don't know. I rewatched "The New World" many months ago and was tak 0 Replies | Report Abuse
I say no to one of your Malick ratings and yes to the other. Any guesses? ;) 1 Replies | Report Abuse
No need to guess Max, I'm a bastard for hating on "Days of Heaven" right? hehe. But I love the great "Badlands", so it evens out, RIGHT?! 0 Replies | Report Abuse
Your ratings for Days of Heaven and OUaTitW are outrages. But I'm glad you liked Sweet Smell of Success and Badlands. All four are favorites of mine. 1 Replies | Report Abuse
I'm glad I picked films to rate, that whether you agree with them or not, are relevant to your movie tastes Chris. My rating of Malick's "Days of Heaven" and Leone's "Once Upon a Time in the West" aren't outrages; how those two talented men screwed up solid concepts is the outrage. Again, at least we're on the same page with regard to "Sweet Smell of Success" and "Badlands"-what great pictures. 1 Replies | Report Abuse
Okay, so 'outrage' is a harsh word, but I'm just surprised that someone who likes Malick's work wouldn't like Days of Heaven. What exactly did you think was bad about these two films? EDIT: I read your other replies above and got my answers. I find it a little strange that you consider the narration in DoH a weakness, but don't mind it in Badlands. Both are down by young women, speaking in a way that is very 'real' - very unHollywood-ized. 1 Replies | Report Abuse
No, you miss the point there Chris. The narration in "Days of Heaven" is wretched; that completely faux-weathered, "hey I'm downtrodden like you" shtick whereas the narration in "Badlands" (which seems to me to be less of a presence anyway) is un Hollywood-ized to be sure but is also not grating at all. It works because it's not obnoxious and rings true with manipulating the audience (or trying to anyway). Hope that makes sense.
I really disliked Badlands, It was just so dull and repetitive for me. 1 Replies | Report Abuse
ditto. 0 Replies | Report Abuse |
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Ballast (2007) |
11/21/08 |
90% |
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I thought LET THE RIGHT ONE IN was an almost-great movie. You're main complaint is spot-on - I thought their relationship was running on empty in the later stages. However, it's a brilliant 'technical' film and the characters are mostly compelling. Plus, 'that swimming pool scene' elevates it to fresh rating in my mind. AUSTRALIA -- going to see it on opening day for the curiosity factor. I know it will be drippy/schmaltzy fluff, but what the hell? And BALLAST never came to a theater a 1 Replies | Report Abuse
You're very right Chase, "Let The Right One In" is brilliant in a technical sense and for that I give it very good marks. It's in no way a bad film, I just think that it should have been heavier on incident and a little less ponderous. People really ought to check it out for themselves (and yeah the swimming pool scene was AMAZING!). I would advise you to skip "Australia." There is good stuff scattered through and if it was like an hour shorter I would say go for it, but it's pretty hard to m 0 Replies | Report Abuse
I'm sad to hear about the negative buzz on Australia - I find that Baz Luhrrman is a fascinating director. His movies only work sometimes, but in the moments when they do work, they're mindblowing. I might end up seeing it, although there's a couple of other movies out that I want to see more (Let the Right One In being one of them, actually). You've definitely heightened my interest in Ballast, I've never heard of it but it definitely sounds fantastic. 1 Replies | Report Abuse
I would agree with you there Bobby: Baz Luhrman is a fascinating director, but he has-in my judgment-almost no idea of how to shape his movies. They're usually exhausting experiences in which the senses are relentlessly hounded. I recommend checking out Let The Right One In as you'll probably enjoy it if you have any desire to see it and skip, skip, skip Australia. Scenes range from B+ to D- range and if I wasn't in a fancy screening room I likely would have walked out before the closing credits 1 Replies | Report Abuse
I saw Australia, and I'm not quite sure what I thought about it, to be honest. It was exhausting, overlong, and often very corny, but often beautifully done and overall entertaining. I'm not sure yet what rating I'll give it - you're right that it's insanely uneven. Curious Case of Benjamin Button looks incredible, one of my most anticipated films of this season. 0 Replies | Report Abuse |
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Batman (1989) |
9/12/07 |
50% |
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I'm lovin all these updates! As I think we've discussed before, we share a similar rating for Five Easy Pieces. So close to being great. Do you at least like Batman Returns? I love Batman, but I think Batman Returns is even better. 1 Replies | Report Abuse
Great Jack, I promise to do more of them as time goes on (and I even found to time yesterday to write and post a full-length review). We're roughly on the same page on "Five Easy Pieces" as previously discussed. Oddly enough I do like "Batman Returns" Jack. "Batman" is too flawed to recommend, but its sequel which I once labeled as one of the worst films I'd ever seen was revisited by me earlier this summer and I found I responded to it more emotionally. It also has a much stronger narrative tha 0 Replies | Report Abuse
These are less controversial than your last ratings. :) Batman was good, but I can see why it wouldn't be liked. I used to love ACO, but after a re-watch I like it much less and dropped it to a 7 recently. Spellbound is on my favorite Hitchcock's, but it's regarded as one of his weaker ones. 1 Replies | Report Abuse
That's cool Chris, I'm happy to be a little less controversial (as fun as iconoclastic controversy can be). "A Clockwork Orange" is just boring, a complete failure of nerve for Kubrick who directed two of the best films of the 1960s. When he failed, he failed. "A Clockwork Orange" is still better than "Eyes Wide Shut" and "Full Metal Jacket." "Spellbound" is a good film, but rightly regarded as one of his weaker efforts. It's generally entertaining, but has some problems including an extraord 0 Replies | Report Abuse
I agree that ACO is overrated (I gave it 6) 1 Replies | Report Abuse
Overrated, mediocre, I guess the words can basically mean the same things Yony. "A Clockwork Orange" is just dull, kind of disturbing, and a complete ideological mess. Not a stinker by any means (and as I point out above, preferrable to enduring "Eyes Wide Shut" again) but still a 'classic' that pretty much eludes me. 0 Replies | Report Abuse
I just watched Clockwork Orange again last night. It's really a hard film to like although I do acknowledge it's influence so it gets a 7 from me. I still find it disturbing but not dull. For me it's either an idealogical mess or way over my head, or perhaps both. That said certain scenes (like the eyeball one) do leave a lasting impact. Anyway just reviewed this so check it out if you get bored! BTW I enjoyed Cool Hand Luke and need to see Five Easy Pieces. Have not seen Spellbound, b 1 Replies | Report Abuse
HiJennifer,sorry to be so slow in response (you commented on "Into the Wild" also and I completely forgot to comment back). I'd imagine that your first notion was right: "A Clockwork Orange" is a complete ideological mess as both Roger Ebert and Pauline Kael wrote at the time. It's also fairly boring after its anarchic opening act. Glad you like "Cool Hand Luke" too, and "Five Easy Pieces" is definitely worth checking out. By the way, I would check out your reviews but for some reason I a 1 Replies | Report Abuse
Can't access my page? Weird as you're the second person that's mentioned that. I have not blocked anyone so I'm not sure what's up. Anyway I'm in the process of watching (or rewatching) most of Kubrick's films. We shall see if my opinion of him changes. 0 Replies | Report Abuse |
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Batman Begins (2005) |
8/07/06 |
80% |
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glad you liked this film, I thought it was fantastic, excellent review, very indepth, agree with everything you said will be interesting to see where they go with the sequel. 0 Replies | Report Abuse
Hey thanks Vince Vaughn. This is a pretty in-depth review I guess, I wrote it a while back and forgot to post it, so here it finally is. 0 Replies | Report Abuse
This film was excellent. I have to say that this is probably one of the best balanced films I've seen in a LONG time. It has that intellectual take in the story, like you pointed out, yet it never is boring. I do agree with you on the cheesy lines part, the thing that bothered me the most was when Batman actually talked, he used his scary voice. Great review. 0 Replies | Report Abuse
Thanks for the compliment Nathan and I'm glad you liked this one a lot too. I have to confess my own nerdiness: I saw this on opening day and then two more times in theatres afterwards. When it came out on DVD I bought the wrong one and had to buy the other one (the slamming special edition with all the great special features) so all in all, I spent close to $80 on "Batman Begins" in 2005. And I'm not usually the type to see superhero movies in theatres more than once. I'm surprised it bother 0 Replies | Report Abuse
Good review Nathan, I thought this was great too and I also rated it 8/10. I think I liked the Tim Burton versions a little more than you did (If only for the striking production design and Michelle Pfeiffer) but this is definitely the best 'Batman' offering so far. It's a solid story backed up by classy direction and fine performances all round (although I agree that Katie Holmes was a very weak link). And now it looks like there's a sequel on the way, with the unusual casting choice of Heat 1 Replies | Report Abuse
I think I'm as surprised as you were that Heath Ledger was cast as The Joker. Like you I was hoping that Paul Bettany would get the part, especially considering that most everything I've seen him in he's been a sympathetic character. I like Bettany a lot, there's just a personable quality to him. That said, after Heath Ledger gave the second best performance of 2005 in "Brokeback Mountain" (not "Casanova" or "Lords of Dogtown"), I am convinced that the man can do anything. And you liked the 1 Replies | Report Abuse
I kind of like the kinky, gothic weirdness of Burton's ?Batman? films. The stories in those two pictures are almost non-existent, but I think the interesting visuals and strong performances papered over the cracks for me. Also, I saw them when Tim Burton?s style seemed pretty fresh and new to me, and I also love ?Edward Scissorhands? from that period, but I don?t really have any time for Burton at all these days. I do like the ?Spider-Man? movies a lot. The first one has a wonderful first hal 1 Replies | Report Abuse
I guess for me, 'kinky, gothic weirdness' was all the Burton's films amounted to. I wouldn't mind that the stories were non-existent if they had eradicated another much bigger problem: so is Batman. As for "Edward Scissorhands", that was my all-time favorite film when I was child. I loved it and it always made me cry. But watching it again for the first time in years I was crushed by how weak the buildup and structure of the story is. It reaches a certain point and then completely forgoes th
Hi, I was wondering what you didn't like about "Memento"? I read on the comments of "The Pretige" to Raging Phil that you thought it was one of the most overrated films of the decade. It's not my favorite movie or anything, but I found it far better than the overlly pretentious "Batman Begins". I was also wondering who some of your favorite actors are, being that Johnny Depp is one of mine. I think he makes what might have been a one-note character 3 dimenisional. As for Burton, I like six 1 Replies | Report Abuse
Wow, that's a heavy handed question! First off, nice to meet you Neverending-Vertigo. Here is my meager attempt to distill : To be clear, I don't dislike "Memento." It is a good film, but no more than that and wasn't the highlight of 2001 for me that it was for many other people (my favorites from that year by the way are "Ghost World," "Mulholland Drive", "The Lord of The Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring", "The Royal Tenenbaums", "Waking Life", "In the Bedroom", and "Ocean's Eleven"). 0 Replies | Report Abuse
Thank you for answering all my questions in depth. As for "Memento", I will agree it lacks a certain humanity, which is why it's not one of my favorite films. You now have me wondering how does he remember everything about his wife's death. I haven't seen it in a while and will have to go and revisit it. I completely understand a lack of humanity hindering one's enjoyment of a film. I myself have that problem when watching some Kubrick's films such as "Eyes wide shut" or "A Clockwork Orange 1 Replies | Report Abuse
It was my pleasure to answer your questions in depth. And by the way, I can really understand the whole Kubrick thing. But definitely give "Raging Bull" another chance. And poor Tom Hanks. 0 Replies | Report Abuse
Yeah, I'll definitely give "Raging Bull" another chance, as I have liked other Scorsese films especially "Taxi Driver" and "The Departed". I'll have to give Tom Hanks more of a chance as well. I've seen "Splash", "Road to Perdition", "Saving Private Ryan" and "Castaway". I remember enjoying those, but it's been a while since I've seen them. I enjoyed him in "Catch Me if You Can", but he didn't have a big enough role to make much of an impression. Honestly, my favorite role of his is Woody from t 0 Replies | Report Abuse |
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Before Sunrise (1995) |
3/22/08 |
70% |
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Ah! Punch-Drunk Love is the only PTA movie I haven't seen yet, need to get on that... 1 Replies | Report Abuse
Make a move on that Chase and watch it. It's a beautifully loopy and entirely original look at romance from, I think, the greatest director of his generation. And even if in the odd chance you fail to appreciate its brilliance Phillip Seymour Hoffman's role will probably have you laughing pretty hard. 0 Replies | Report Abuse
Punch Drunk Love = heck yeah! 1 Replies | Report Abuse
No kidding! Does it get any better than PT Anderson films Chris? I think not. 1 Replies | Report Abuse
I'm also a huge PTA fan and I agree he's the best director of his generation. I think he's already made three classics (Boogie Nights, Magnolia & There Will Be Blood) and he's yet to make a dud although I would rank Punch-Drunk Love as my least favorite PTA film. Maybe it's my general dislike of Adam Sandler. I should watch this again though as it's the only film of his that hasn't garnered repeated veiwings. 0 Replies | Report Abuse
I like how similar the "Punch-Drunk Love" and "Titanic" screencaps are that you used. (and given your dislike of the film, it's surprising to see it's as high as a 5) 1 Replies | Report Abuse
Thanks Eric, I'm glad that someone appreciated the visual symmetry there. And again the similarities stop there as "Punch Drunk Love" and "Titanic" could not be more different. As for the latter, well, a '5' seems about right. James Cameron's bloated melodrama is never quite boring, and I don't hate it (I do resent it for winning over the infinitely better "L.A. Confidential"). I just think that it's a very dopey film with plenty a weak note and some obnoxiously ironic jokes (slamming Picasso fo 0 Replies | Report Abuse |
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