jermdown Reviews

Scream 4 (2011)

Bravo! Haven't had this much fun at the movies in ages.

[8/10 · 15 April 2011]

I discovered the Scream films long after their initial release. Though being of a suitable age when the first film debuted, my trepidation towards horror films kept me back. But since then, I have embraced the horror genre - more specifically the slasher sub-genre - and Scream has always been at the top of my list for the perfect example of the formula done right; while offering more than just the run-of-the-mill formulaic slasher film.

With a mediocre sequel and odd-ball third film, I wouldn't have thought I would be so excited to see the fourth installment. I enjoyed both sequels, but they were nothing on the first. Once I found out that not only Wes Craven was back, but the whole gang of actors, I was pretty darned excited.

Was my excitement warranted? I think so. This film is on par with the first - maybe not in the originality department, I mean how often can you reinvent the wheel? But because it is a fourth installment, I was really happy to see that the film was enjoyable, and didn't treat its audience like idiots - as most "4th films" are just a waste of time.

I'm sure there will be fans of the first films who aren't as impressed, but as someone who came to this series late in the game, I feel Scream 4 offered up everything the last three did - and actually was a film that clicked.

At the end of the day, the group of friends I went with were jumping, hollering, applauding and laughing - haven't had this much fun at the movies in ages!

Shock Treatment (1981)

Perhaps the most underrated film in cinema history...

[8/10 · 13 June 2005]

I loved Rocky Horror. I thought it was a great film and proves to be one of my favorite musicals. So when I found out that there was a sequel, I searched it out... with much difficulty. Apparently the film was a huge flop and therefore is extremely rare. (funny, when you think about Rocky Horror, which was originally a huge flop as well, but was re-released after finding cult status).

I have just watched Shock Treatment twice in a row and I'm proud to say I love it just as much as Rocky Horror. But be warned, Shock Treatment has completely different subject matter (which means no revealing cross-dressing, references to old horror films and no Tim Curry), but some familiar characters and some very familiar actors appear in a film that looks at the brain-washing nature of television.

It wasn't the sequel I expected, but after seeing it twice, I realize it is the perfect sequel to a perfect film like Rocky Horror.

But the emotion I was filled most with after watching this film wasn't happiness, it was frustration. I was frustrated that this film is shunned by many, that it never has been released onto DVD and most probably never will be. It was depressing to know that probably the only way I am ever going to view this great film is on a terrible quality full screen VHS cassette.

I'm hoping that this will find higher status eventually and is released onto a far more watchable medium. This film proves a satirical look at television, specifically in the eighties, but in doing so creates a prophetic masterpiece long before its time.

National Treasure (2004)

Great action flick! Fun and enjoyable...

[25 November 2004]

I loved this movie.

Apart from having some ridiculous moments and a Disney ending, it still held up. Great acting and comic relief, with a great dose of action.

I say this movie is a mixture of Pirates of the Carribbean, Oceans Eleven and Indiana Jones.

Go along and be prepared to watch a fun film. These fantasy, Science-Fiction

films are what a Jerry Bruckheimer film should be based on. Not something

serious, like the attack on Pearl Harbor.

By the way, some friends of mine said this film was really much like the book, 'The DeVinci Code', so if you enjoyed that, you'll probably enjoy this.

Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (2004)

Great! Loved it!

[10/10 · 12 June 2004]

Loved th first two, but found that they included just too much of the books. It just shows how a film can become a bit boring if you try and include everything (even though I loved every part of the book).

This film is excellent.

Pure magic (excuse the pun). Word of caution though, I went along with my friends (we're 17) and even I was a bit freaked. My friend, Monique, was looking out through her fingers at some parts.

Great movie though. Kids film?.....dunno, teen film....YES!Film adults?...probably. If you liked the first two and love the books, then be prepared for a different Potter film but a better Potter film. Loved it.

The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (2003)

An excellent powerful experience...

[10/10 · 18 December 2003]

I saw this film for the first time last night and afterwards was unsure if I liked it or not. My expectations were huge.

After watching it for a second time half an hour ago, I am deeply thrilled.

IT WAS EXCELLENT!

I think it was the best of the three. I stupidly thought I would not cry, and blubbered my way to the end.

Definatly worth a third watch in the theatre.

When you go to see it, don't expect another Fellowship of the Ring, or The Two Towers, expect a different film, and be prepared to be stunned.

The Matrix Revolutions (2003)

Suprisingly, it saved the Trilogy

[6/10 · 8 November 2003]

After seeing "The Matrix: Reloaded", my thoughts on the series had been that it would go down hill.

After seeing Revolutions, my thoughts changed.

I really enjoyed this film and feel that it saved the series. If you liked the first, dispised the second, then you will enjoy the third.

My rating:

The Matrix - 9/10 The Matrix: Reloaded - 6/10 The Matrix: Revolutions - 8/10

Rumble in the Bronx (1995)

Should have never been made ...

[1/10 · 5 October 2003]

Apart from the creative action from Chan, this film is an embarrasment. Do not even waste your time on it.

Jackie's fighting styles can be seen in better films.

This was bad!

Alien: Resurrection (1997)

Excellent Finale

[7/10 · 5 July 2003]

This film was an excellent way to end the series.

I feel that the whole series is a masterpiece and give this film a 10 out of 10.

A definate must see, but you have to see the predecssors first to get the real enjoyment from this film.

Whale Rider (2002)

Simply beautiful!

[10/10 · 9 March 2003]

One could only describe this film as beautiful!

Incredible Cinematography, stunning acting, touching music and a lovely story!

I excellent movie that deserves every award it gets.

The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers (2002)

Absoulutly Amazing!

[10/10 · 18 December 2002]

Absolutely Astounding!

First of all, I would like to point out that I have read and own the books. I also own the FOTR DVD and the FOTR extended DVD (which is superb compared to the original theatre release of the film), so I do have a lot of prior knowledge. Being a New Zealander its great to see your home country portrayed in such a beautiful way on the screen, and relate to it personally. But now to the film itself. After reading many online reviews, I have gained the knowledge that about a fifth of the people who saw the film were disappointed because it `left out to much stuff and changed it around to much!'. GET OVER IT! Do they want the film to be a week long, its a film, you just cant make a film in the same way you make a book! Also, an extended film will be coming out next year which will have extra footage, and from experience from the last film, the extended version will be even better. I strongly agree that the changes were for the best and heightened the film's drama and etc. As you probably already know, Gollum, is CGI and you also may have read that he he is excellent. To be really honest... he is. Nothing compares to he, he is brilliantly performed by the talented Andy Serkis and incredibly designed by the Weta Digital team. The wise and elegant Ents are more than what I hoped for, and even though at times you can identify that they are not entirely real, but this is compensated by the performance's of Merry, Pippin and Treebeard. The incredible Helms Deep battle scene looks flawlessly real, and has all of the jokes from the book between Legolas, Gimli and Aragorn intertwined (plus more) I wouldn't be so bold to say that this film is `better' than FOTR, because each of them is unique and excellent in their own ways! This again (as FOTR) has proven to be a spectacular achievement, congrats to Peter Jackson and his team (P.S. PJ has another cameo), for successfully bringing to life this masterpiece. A definite 10 out of 10. I loved it.

Star Wars: Episode II - Attack of the Clones (2002)

Absoulutly AMAZING!!!

[7/10 · 18 May 2002]

I thoroughly enjoyed this film! Being a huge star war fan, i knew the backround to each of the events. This movie has got to be one of the best! It is linking in with the original trilogy, by the ship design and plans to the origonal death star. This was a great movie and deserves 10/10!!

The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (2001)

Superb, Excellent, Overwhelming, Surreal, Real and an allround highly enjoyable adventure!

[10/10 · 20 December 2001]

This film is the greatest film accomplishment I have ever seen.

The adaption from the epic book, written by J R R Tolkein, was done suprisingly well. Even though people moaned about how it cut things out, the parts cut out were parts that should have been cut from the movie, because it would be boring otherwise. The acting was highly impressive and totally captivating. The sets and scenes... well... its the beautiful landscape of my country (New Zealand) what do you expect (p.s. the scenes are amazing). The costumes and props will easily talk emmy and grammy awards and Peter Jacksons direction style shone through and made the movie vibrant, and alive. It seemed so real and captivating. It made me feel I had just been on an adventure. I loved it, my all time favourite. A definate cinema and video must see! 10/10 :-)