Brownitus Reviews

Big Love (2006–2011)

Unfreakinbelievable-- MUST SEE

[12 September 2007]

A friend of mine asked me if I had seen "The show about the guy with three wives," and I had no clue which show he was talking about. He told me it was called "Big Love" and I should catch it. Well, now having watched the first two seasons, I can confidently say this is the best television show I've seen in years. The polygamy is not even close to what the show's all about-- even though that part is extremely interesting.

First off, Bill Paxton is charged with a tough duty-- he's really the backbone of the show, and he is flawless scene after scene after scene. The same can be said of Tripplehorn, Sevigny and Goodwin. Amanda Seyfriend also really shines in a quiet but emotionally conflicted role as the teenage daughter battling religious self-esteem and monogamy vs polygamy for a life path. Douglas Smith demonstrates great promise as a young actor whose character is in a state of constant awkwardness and whose introverted nature is taken to the backseat when a great personal challenge for him begins to arise in the second season.

The stories are fantastic, with wonderful characters at every level. Harry Dean Stanton as Roman Grant is an absolute masterclass in acting; his tiny, shriveled exterior does nothing to prevent us from fearing his powerful, commanding leadership role as the so-called prophet of the compound.

Boasting plot lines consistently intriguing and aiding in character development rather than mere shock value, it refuses to make overt caricatures out of characters easy to keep one-dimensional. For me personally as an atheist who is fascinated with the study of theology, it's rousing fun to cheer for the polygamist and his loving family. The part that sucks me in the most is definitely the "right" decisions characters make, albeit justified with religious convictions. Don't just "give it a chance"-- watch it and you will love it. It's smart, funny, emotionally impacting and extremely well-written.

The Matrix Revolutions (2003)

What Are People Smoking?

[24 September 2006]

**** No real spoilers, but of course since I hate spoilers, a tiny line in my review may be regarded as one, so be warned ****

I read another user review that very accurately stated one's expectation in terms of the "kind" of film they are going to see in REVOLUTIONS will determine their opinion of it more so than its content. I completely agree, and though that may seem obvious, this film has been so horribly under-appreciated and criticized due to wrongful or misguided expectations. I think it's an absolute gem and now, having seen it again about 3 years after seeing it during the opening weekend, I am even more fond of it.

The story of The Matrix and all the layers within the main arc is a wonderful story. The first film was truly about belief, and believing that you are powerful and capable of what you believe you are capable of. It had a great message, and then of course RELOADED took us deeper into the world of The Matrix itself, increasing our understanding of just how much more there is to all of it. I believe what happened was a bit of the message of the first film was lost on audiences as it was slightly missing from the sequel, which focused on the plot of the free humans vs. machines itself far more. However, here comes REVOLUTIONS, bringing us right back to the concept of belief, and even more so, the ongoing dispute between logic vs. faith. The Architect is of course a program of complete logic, whilst the Oracle is evidently faith-based. This is alluded to throughout the film, and the film progresses along these opposing ideas, with a fantastic scene where Neo enters the machine world and engages "belief" from the most unlikely possible source (something many have missed).

And what can I say about the CGI and SFX overall? Absolutely unbelievable. I have watched the great battle sequence between Zion and the squids many times now, and it still blows my mind. The level of detail is unmatched in any other action sequence(s) that I have seen in any films. The quality of the CGI and the intertwining of live-action humans with the CGI is breathtaking, and the sound effects are extremely well-done. 3 years later, I have seen several of the big-budget effects-heavy films, and none hold a candle to what this film offers. There is so much in here to enjoy and to make repeat viewing a pleasure.

9/10

United 93 (2006)

I Didn't Think They Made Movies Like This Still...

[26 August 2006]

This is an unparalleled film in its tremendous emotional engagement of the viewer. From the very beginning to the gut-wrenching final moment, this is a piece of art that one must remind oneself is almost a reenactment of an actual event. Paul Greengrass & crew have outdone themselves with this detailed, powerful film.

The ultra-realistic depiction of mass confusion and breakdowns in communication between ordinary people trying to cope with an unprecedented situation pack so much punch because we, looking back today, of course know the outcome. Yet all we can do is sympathize for these souls who are nearing their untimely end. This is film at its finest; emotionally gripping, perfectly paced and brilliantly edited to portray the mess that September morning was for those trying to prevent further destruction.

The class and respect for this tragedy Paul Greengrass has shown is a no-brainer. You have to be seriously delusional to anticipate a film like this coming out in some Die Hard action-type style of nonsense. It's obvious great care was taken and needed to be, and the result is nothing short of one of the best films I have seen in years.

Clearly Greengrass has written the film closely following the 911 Commission's report, and the key in viewing a film like this is to detach yourself from your belief, whether you be a dedicated conspiracy theory believer or have Bush's pictures hanging on your home walls. This is a story of people dealing with an immense situation, at its heart.

Syriana (2005)

What Part Don't You Understand?

[13 May 2006]

I just finished watching SYRIANA, and I cannot believe some of the comments on this site nor the 7.2-star rating. This is not some overly complicated jigsaw puzzle as many are making it out to be. It is poignant, running a simple theme of corruption and its effect on various peoples, cultures and economies, powerfully combining to transmit the global consequences.

The film itself (by the way, does anyone acknowledge the tremendous efforts and work put into great films like these anymore or is it just a two hour watch-and-judge campaign these days because that's the easier path?) is an incredible accomplishment of writing and direction by Steven Gaghan. The subtle, chilling and emotionally involving score by Alexandre Desplat gives the brilliant performances great depth and when this well-blended into the film, usually goes unfortunately unnoticed.

I am East Indian myself and did understand some of the Urdu, but the lack of subtitles was possibly the most effective aspect of this film. When I watched the scenes spoken by the Arabic and Pakistani characters, their body language and facial expressions did all the translations needed to send the message.

An incredible film, easily amongst the tops of 2005 and the best "political drama" in years. What people are seeing lacking in this film must be out of any preconceived notions they had going into it, but hey, these days people will find things wrong with a baby's smile.

10/10

Black Hawk Down (2001)

This Is How You Do It

[21 January 2006]

BLACK HAWK DOWN affected me profoundly on my first viewing, and now, with four more to reflect on, the genius of this piece is obvious.

As another reviewer stated spot-on, this is as though one were watching documentary footage. And you better believe it is. This is hands-down the most realistic war footage ever filmed and offered to the public's eyes next to archival video of an actual battle. The action is intense, unrelenting and accomplishes the rarely achieved feat of having the viewer's emotional attachment draw in, sustained and juggled in perfect balance between varying characters at a consistent enough rate to let your heartbeat rest alas at only the final few minutes-- if even then.

The cast and crew's unquestionably tremendous efforts are visible through every moment here. The performances, editing, cinematography, lighting, effects, pacing-- it's almost a dream for a film-goer. I am a film lover and yet I only have about twenty DVDs, an intentionally small collection as I only buy the rare movie I am engrossed in and can be sure to enjoy no matter the ninth or ninetieth viewing, and BLACK HAWK DOWN is one of them.

I just watched it again today for the fifth time, and when the mission begins, I felt the same acceleration in my heartbeat, the same chill down my spine as the first. Those are the signs you're experiencing something; not just "watching a movie."

10/10