Change Your Image
dayhunter
Reviews
Raising Victor Vargas (2002)
refreshing
When I stumbled upon this film while working at my neighborhood video store, I couldn't help but notice while reading its cover box how many festivals had made this feature an official selection. Not one to be swayed by the accolades of others, I decided to view this movie and make my own decision whether it would be one of my official selections. I was pleasantly surprised by the films natural feel, as if the lines relayed were instead impromptu conversations by real people, not actors able to memorize lines, while attempting to fuse with their character. I honestly felt this movie and its laid back tempo and grounded story. As one not familiar with this particular director's work, I was amazed at the refreshing way that Sollett tells this complex love story through the life this family. Sollett does not try to hard to redirect the viewers attention in order to create a tragic end or more often then not, lukewarm ending. Sollett just stays real. `Raising Victor Vargas' is indeed a movie about real life and the already complex aspects of humanity. There is no need for any Hollywood gimmicks, just a true and inexpensive telling of the human spirit.
Dismissed (2001)
Just when you thought MTV was not superficial!!!
This show is the most ridiculously crude, rude, shallowist excuse to flaunt a bunch of flat tummy walking hormones duke it out over each other in hopes of winning the prize of a free shag with a complete stranger! Brilliant television. MTV is no doubt the undisputed champion when it comes to appealing to todays shallow minded, impressionable youth. And thats why they have such a locked-jaw grip on our society. The networks latest installment, Dismissed is a prime example of the quality television spoon fed to gullible teens and intoxicated college students. Being a member of the later group of viewers I must say that I enjoy this show immensely. Dismissed is so preposterous that it works beautifully in the whole scheme of things. I mean this is what reality television is all about isn't it? A sloppy frat boy on a date with two incredibly gorgeous women competing on for his hand in...whatevers. This is the greatest show since California Dreams.
Bait (2000)
Once again a respected black comedian plays a clueless thief in trouble with the law.
Jamie Foxx is my favorite comedian. However, I feel that he sold out in order to gain his first big budget lead role. Foxx follows in the footsteps of the likes of Chris Tucker, Martin Lawrence and Dave Chapple, who have all seen their talents wasted by stereotyping producers who think black males who commit pretty crimes is a funny concept (See: Money Talks, Blue Streak).
Okay I laughed a few times and granted all of these comedians continue to pick up hilarious roles, but I would love to see these guys branch out ala Marlon Wayans portrayal in Requiem to a Dream. Or In Living Color's Tommy Davidson and Damon Wayans moving performances in Spike Lee's satire Bamboozled.