Varian Reviews

The Passion of the Christ (2004)

Extreme Violence

[1/10 · 18 August 2006]

Personally I simply found the violence in this film sickening and did not even finish watching it. I cannot believe anybody would ever sink this low for the glorification of organised religion.

This sort of thing is completely uncalled for as even more delicate and more emotive subjects have been dealt with in more tasteful ways. Using this sort of violence to glorify something that has already caused as much pain and suffering in the world is completely pointless and if it was not created for shock value only I would be very surprised.

Our world does not need this sort of sensationalism and whipping up of people's religious passions. Mr Gibson should be ashamed of himself for making this sort of self serving, shock inducing, sensationalist film. It may have been made in an artistic manner and is very much not without artistic merit but the film is completely ruined as is a very poignant story by the completely overboard violence and horror of the way it is portrait.

As a comment about religion, for the first time ever I may find myself agreeing with some religious circles and saying that I find this piece entirely without merit.

Contact (1997)

Rather read the book...

[5/10 · 7 April 1999]

Well although this movie was well executed and the quality of the actors is without a doubt very high, it does not live up to the book in any way. Carl Sagan wrote this book with a definite point to the end of the book. Unfortunately the conversion seems to ignore that point completely thus cancelling the twist at the end of the movie and the reason for the whole storyline. Do yourself a favor, if you like Hollywood hype movies with special effects and good actors, see it but please please please, read the book first rather.

Wild Palms (1993)

Brilliant Epic Sci-Fi

[8/10 · 15 March 1999]

From Oliver Stone and Bruce Wagner comes a brilliant, epic science fiction movie. Although very long this movie will keep you watching the whole way through. The plot is well put together and sustained. The story is topical and the actors well chosen. If you are looking for a movie that will keep you thinking for a long time after the tape has finished then this is the one.

The Pillow Book (1995)

Unique and sensuous.

[8/10 · 8 December 1998]

Unique and sensuous, a story that should appeal to all with a taste for the unusual. Generally a well put together film that captures both the rewards and prices of fantasy fulfilment. It embodies the exotic eroticism of the east that all wish to explore but few westerners understand. Watch this film and it will alter your perceptions of life and the erotic.