konadv Reviews

Scary Movie 2 (2001)

Give me my money back

[5/10 · 28 July 2001]

I've seen the first "Scary Movie", and rather enjoyed it, on a mindless, silly level. But this one makes Benny Hill look like Citizen Kane.

One basic rule of a parody is that the audience should have at least a hint as to what is being mocked. Apart from a rather clever (in Wayans' standards) spoof of "The Exorcist" and the oh-so-expected "Crouching Dragon" and "Matrix" parodies there was almost nothing but a grade z collection of body humor, ranging between just tasteless and downright disgusting. Whereas Monty Python used this kind of humor ("The meaning of life", for instance) to make a social statement, here there's no point whatsoever.

Too bad this movie is so utterly terrible. In the right hand, with the right directors and writers (the Abrahms brothers, for instance) it could have been much funnier and a lot better. As it is - a waste of time and money (for both sides...)

Cast Away (2000)

What's all the noise about?

[6/10 · 21 January 2001]

A friend and I went to see this movie the day it opened in our local cinema. We heard so much about it, and the reviews were very good so... But we were very very disappointed. There's no plot, no character development, no real excitement (apart from the plane crash), and no emotional involvement on the viewer's behalf. True, the main part of the movie is supposed to be slow, calm and even ponderous, but it's not - it's boring. Also, the most interesting parts of the story are left out, i.e. the time spent on the Island. Instead, we see Tom Hanks getting on the island, getting a few scratches, making fire and then he's suddenly on his way home (like you would have expected otherwise).

what can you say about a movie in which a volley ball gets the best lines, and its acting is much more convincing than mr. Hanks'? Willson should get an oscar for his performance. Otherwise, this movie is so overlong, boring and pretentious, it's a sure winner of the Academy award.

O Brother, Where Art Thou? (2000)

"Down by Law" meets Bunuel

[9/10 · 14 January 2001]

I was fascinated by this movie right from the opening scene. Then followed one memorable scene after another: hopping the train, the authorities, and one of the most erotic temptation scene in recent memory - though everybody keeps their clothes on. The movie is somewhat low-key and moderately paced, but combines the real with the surreal, the sad with the funny, and the sarcastic with the human touch and joy. The plot seems to play a secondary role here, but who cares?

I must admit I was surprised to see Mr. Clooney actually ACT, and not jut being a pretty face. As for the "Coen regulars" - they're wonderful as ever.

This is absolutely one of the Coens' greatest: Excellent acting, witty dialogues, great cinematography and a delicious soundtrack. could you ask for more?

The Thief of Bagdad (1940)

They don't make it like that anymore

[9/10 · 24 December 2000]

Let's cut a long story short. I loved every minute of it. A lavish fantasy in true Arabian-Nights style. There's an evil magician, a pretty princess, a djinn and everybody lives happily ever after. Modern Hollywoond sure does have one or two things to learn from this classic. Only quibble: the special effects are pretty dated (loved Sabu with the djinn's foot, though!)

Little Otik (2000)

Powerful, emotional and thoughtful

[10/10 · 11 November 2000]

This movie will not disappoint those familiar with Mr. Svankmajer's previous films (both short and long). All the familiar elements are here: Eery atmosphere, surreal story and great animation (though too little of it. It brought to mind many movies, ranging from Pinnochio to Rosemary's Baby, Delicatessen, Basket Case, the Elephant Man and Frankenstein, to name but a few. Also, it asks some important questions about motherhood, fatherhood, friendship and accepting the different. It's a bit toned down and slow moving, but once you get into it, you'll have a feeling of "wow".

Rumble in the Bronx (1995)

Amazing fights and stunts, all the rest is lousy

[7/10 · 31 October 2000]

I'm not ashamed to admit that this movie reminded me of a porn flick: The story is messy and unimportant, the acting is stilted, and the dialogues are silly, not to mention the terrible English dubbing. There's also an overall grim feeling to the proceeding. But, it's all really just an excuse for some amazing, almost unbelievable fight scenes which are the only reason to see this one. Oh, yes... don't miss the painful bloopers at the end.

Total Recall (1990)

a clever mix of sci-fi, action and philosophy

[10/10 · 25 September 2000]

This one's one of my all time favorites. The story is both clever and sophisticated, and makes you wonder about the advantages and disadvantages of technological development. As for the movie itself, it's absolutely terrific. A perfect showcase for Arnie, with special f/x to knock your socks off. True, it's excessively violent, in the familiar Verhoeven tradition, with body count ranging in the zillions and some freaky make up f/x, but it all adds to the fun. So unless your squeamish, I recommend this one with all my heart

Rules of Engagement (2000)

Nothing new at court

[5/10 · 18 September 2000]

You've seen it all before, in much better movies like "A few good men". The plot moves rather uninterestingly along the familiar lines: best-friends-from-Vietnam-turned-distinguished-officers are subjected to the usual political/military cover up. Let me save you two hours: Tommy Lee Jones is the defence attorney, Samuel Jackson is the defendant. Who's gonna win the case? Who cares? Apart from a very good action scene in Yemen, this is a completely forgettable movie. A waste of time (especially mine) and talent.

Lifepod (1993 TV Movie)

quite good and thrilling sci-fi story

[8/10 · 11 August 2000]

The story is rather formula: take a bunch of different people and lock them up somewhere, put them in some sort of danger and see what happens (for instance: Night of the living dead, Das Boot, Pitch Black). Nothing new here. But the story unfolds rather nicely, with a neat twist towards the end. The acting is quite good and the atmosphere is tense, dense and thrilling. Major dissapointment are the special f/x, which look like the remains from a 50's cheap sci-fil flick. They add a touch of uncredibility to the all thing. Another letdown is the obligatory happy ending, which seems very out of place here. All in all this is a pretty good movie, which could (and should) have been much better - technically speaking.

One, Two, Three (1961)

equal stabs at both ends of the berlin wall

[9/10 · 5 August 2000]

This is Wilder at his best. Nobody comes out clean - the American capitalism, the frail communism, love, hate and marriage, not to mention German language and love for order. Wilder also deals with the common Nazi excuse, prevalent after the war: "We didn't know what was happening". There's not a dull moment. The story moves straight on, not straying aside to deal with the love affair between the two young lover, as you'd expect other directors to do. The cast are in top form, though Cagney's role might have been even better with the late Walter Matthau. Not only is this movie interesting, funny and extremely sarcastic, it also has an educational value. As a teacher, I consider it the perfect aid to the subject of the cold war. There are many historical references: Berlin, WW2, Macnamara, Castro, Khrushtchev etc. But you don't have to see it only for educational purposes. It's a great movie, heartily recommended.

Gladiator (2000)

"I Claudius" meets "Ben Hur"

[8/10 · 28 July 2000]

The best parts in this movie are the action scenes. Not only are they expertly done, most of the violence is not graphic but inferred by clever use of sound effects. But, alas, there's a story. It's a variation on the much used "evil twin" formula, which for some strange reason brings to mind Luke Skywalker and Darth Vader. It's not always believable, the characters are almost cardboard-like, and the dialogues sometimes range between formula and pretentious. The movie moves sluggishly between the action scenes, and seems to jumpstart each time. In short, it's not a bad movie, only it should (and could) have been much better, shorter and fast-paced.

Fantasia 2000 (1999)

something is missing

[28 July 2000]

The good news is that this is not a bad movie, and could be a nice afternoon out. There are some nice pieces of animation, the music and sound-track quality is superb, there are many cameos of well known figures, but... The magic and spirit of the original "Fantasia" are gone. There's too much use of computer animation (like in the "pines of Rome" segment), which, when compared with the original painstaking hand-drawn animation in "The Sorcerer's apprentice" seems somewhat hollow and flat. There are too many people in this movie - Steve Martin, James Levine, Bette Middler, to name only a few. The result is lack of coherence, and a general air of "This is your life", and not a whole movie. The stories in the different segments are not always clear enough (for instance "Pines of Rome" again, and "Rhapsody in blue"). All in all, it should have been a much better movie. As it is now, I miss the original.

Sleepy Hollow (1999)

a wonderful atmospheric tale

[8/10 · 22 July 2000]

this movie lives up to Mr. Burton's standards and to what we've learned to expect from this brilliant director. The story is very good, there are a few great actors in the cast, and the design and atmosphere are as important as everything else. It has a distinct gothic feel to it, and though not for the squeamish or faint of heart, this is a great movie.

Godzilla (I) (1998)

Get your popcorn ready

[16 June 2000]

I had a great time watching it. You don't expect fine acting, sophisticated story line or wise statements about life in this kind of a movie, and indeed you get nothing of the sort. But, the story is OK (as long as you don't think too much about it), the effects are superb and the movie is generally expertly done. Get your popcorn ready and go and have some mindless fun.

Reindeer Games (2000)

pretty good, but...

[12 May 2000]

My girlfriend and I enjoyed it. Gary Sinise is by far the best of the cast as a great and unpredictable villain. But the movie isn't all that believable. the story is a bit far fetched, and credibility is thrown to the wind when the casino manager, being shot at and about to die, still manages to shoot away the five robbers while doing some acrobatic stunts. Still, if you don't stop and think about it for more than a second, it is a good movie, which should be watched with lots of popcorn.