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Reviews
Solaris (2002)
Surprising, enthralling and misunderstood
Just watched this misunderstood gem of a film and was blown away. Agreed it's inferior to the Russian original but it's still one of the best cinematic experiences I've had in some time.
This is a film that treats its audience with respect and inspires intelligent debate and constant evaluation. It's the first true sci-fi film since Gattaca, opting for realism and deliberate pacing at every turn.
Over whelming in every sense, visually, philosophically and spiritually. Faultless cinematography is backed up by solid performances and an under stated script full of ambiguity that places the films riddles firmly in the viewers lap.
Little things like life, death, love, redemption and indeed heaven and hell are all delved into with a depth seldom seen. Not so much a story as an experience (think 2001) this movie will take you far away from earth and into the depths of the human mind and space-time itself.
Arguably a sci-fi film, deserving of Oscars and universal praise instead it has been swept under the carpet by the braindead masses who do not like to be challenged by their cinema.
For people who like to come away from their movies with questions and don't enjoy things wrapped up in a bow. This film is must see for fans of smart sci-fi and emotionally engaging cinema.
An instant classic that should rank proudly alongside the best the industry has to offer.
A one of a kind experience that is Highly recommended
Scrapbook (2000)
Powerful, disturbing and bold
Eric Stanze's SCRAPBOOK offers no opinions and remains completely objective at all times. Cold, brutal and unflinching this is a chilling look into the mind and life of a psychopath.
Much like HENRY: PORTRAIT OF A SERIAL KILLER this film is a study of a diseased mind. The film is always very real, right from the goosebump enducing credits. This film is not entertainment, rather a bold examination of the abductor/victim relationship from a fly on the wall perspective. The low production values of the film go along way to adding to its authentic feel.
In the same way Clint Eastwood's UNFORGIVEN deconstructed the western, this film goes a long way to demythologizing the serial killer image that has been built up in Hollywood. So many films paint the killers in a glamorous light often supplying them with a form of super intelligence that allows them to allude there captors at every turn. This film is for all those people under the misconception Hannibal Lecter is a believable villain and to be admired and who enjoy tripe like KISS THE GIRLS.
Portraying the serial killer as a frenzy like creature operating on animal instincts alone for self-satisfaction. At every turn this film makes a point of showing the true haneous nature of these acts and the kind of mind that perpetrates them. SCRAPBOOK forces the viewer to acknowledge the disgusting nature of physical dominance and psychological scarring. The dehumanization of a person into a piece of meat and just how wrong society's adoration of these criminals is.
Sure this film is offensive and as I stated before not entertainment. Instead its a glimpse into a world most of us would like to ignore yet is sanitized daily for mass consumption by the media.
Check it out if you dare.
May (2002)
Funny, disturbing and touching
This "Carrie" meets "Frankenstein" tale unfolds with a confidence that allows us to laugh, cry, scream and love its characters and superb visuals. From it's "Ghostworld" like intro full of quirky black humor and loneliness this movie is for the "weird" people among us (like me).
As the film gains momentum, the subtle tension builds and is slowly replaced by outright horror. As a viewer we are taken through the gamete of emotions thanks largely to the stellar cast inhabiting such well-rounded characters. We empathize with just about every player and as such the directors controlled choices and brilliant script steer us away from our reality and into that of poor, misunderstood "May"
By the time the films conclusion came around, I was like putty in McKee's hand. Writhing in my seat at the tragedy unfolding, grinning ear to ear at the splendid visuals of blood and mayhem and praying for a satisfying wrap up.........which I got.
The script is tight and believable, multi layered and textured with humanity. The cinematography is superb with intimacy mixing with grandeur to create some of the most memorable imagery in a horror film this side of Argento or Hitchcock.
Make no mistake about it, MAY is a highly original, bold film from a debut director who will surely go a long way. Lucky McKee wrote and directed this film with such class and style that I can't imagine any fan of quality cinema not appreciating it.
Easily the best of the post "scream" horror films out of the US this is must see stuff for fans of psychological horror and quirky black comedies.
Do yourself a favor and grab a copy of this bad boy..
Roger Dodger (2002)
Witty, amusing and original
Far more than just a fluff romantic piece or coming of age story this film delivers in a genre I usually don't enjoy.
The true star is the script, which is well written and attacks many cliched situations from an alternate angle. A complete original this film contains genuine belly laughs as well as heart felt emotion and memorable characters. Best of all it's a film that has something to say and gets its message across with skill.
All the cast (even Elizabeth Berkley) deliver well thought out characterizations and the director helms it all with a confident hand that is not afraid to follow through on issues usually steered clear of by this type of film.
Definitely a must see for fans of the genre and for those who just appreciate a really well written piece of entertainment that keeps the viewer constantly engaged.
Cypher (2002)
Intellectual thrills that provide food for thought
CYPHER is the second film from the Director of THE CUBE, which really gives you a clue what your in for. A high concept thriller that constantly stimulates the mind and the senses.
The script is full of great dialogue, original concepts and nice twists. The cinematography brings a lot to the film, placing the viewer on edge with inspired camera set ups and futuristic set designs that are off set by organic exteriors. Savvy cinema lovers will notice visual salutes to Kubrick, Proyas and Cronenburg. The music too is top notch, complimenting the onscreen mood and makes the film and all encompassing experience.
Jeremy Northam delivers a fine performance as the films protagonist Morgan Sullivan. He plays a corporate spy in the digital age where nothing is as it seems. The less said about the plot the better, just know its not quite as intricate as THE CUBE. You may well see where it's going before the end but that doesn't really effect the overall entertainment value one bit. Lucy Liu also features in this one and unfortunetly she is the films weakest link. She is however easy to ignore for the most part thanks to the corker script & ideas being raised.
So all you fans of the mind screw thriller genre should check this one out, which IMO is one of the best.
Below (2002)
Sub thriller with subtle believable supernatural chills
Highly underseen Submarine Thriller. Written by Darren Aronofsky (Requiem For a Dream/Pi) and directed by David Twohy (Pitch Black- writer Fugitive)
An inventive film that delivers a nice little yarn with some memorable dialogue and subtle chills. Not really a horror film just treads lightly into the supernatural with a down to earth approach and a nicely understated finale.
The acting too is good fun, though some of the leads lay it on a bit thick. Some fabulous camera choices, dark cinematography that operates in the shadows and immersive sound design all make this a claustrophobic film that keeps the heart going.
Sure its not perfect, but when compared to most modern sub dramas (U-571 K:19 & CRIMSON TIDE etc)this one blows em out of the water.
Indulge in a thriller that treats the audience with intelligence and delivers good escapist entertainment, albeit with a few problems.
Dummy (2002)
Amusing, Poetic and insightful
I went into DUMMY with thoughts of a black comedy littered with satire and sorrow. Instead I got an amusing, poetic and gentle story that leaves you feeling good all over.Overall the film reminded me of John Water's PECKER. (Which IMO is a good thing).
The film is not without wit and quirk with a dark edge. Thanks to a tight script that fully realizes charecters and allows us to laugh at the unique subtleties in all of them.
The cinematography is controlled and often merly observing. Then letting us know the camera is there at key intervals with a bold move or gradual dolly shot. The soundtrack is a mix of genres with all of them assisting the narrative or evoking a mood for a scene.
Well rounded and Individual performances by all involved. Adrien Brody (Stephen) is superb as the maladjusted, socially inept and gentle soul that we empathise with. With help from a domineering "Dummy" and a deliciously eccentric Milla Jovovich, Stephen finds himself and hopefully scores the woman of his dreams. His family are all riddled with quirks and dont see what we the audience knows. It's as if we are the only ones who care what happens to him.
So any of you fans of off centre comedies that are intelligent, insightful and entertaining check this one out..
The Driver (1978)
A petrol heads wet dream
For those who love their car stunts at actual speed and want to smell the rubber coming off the screen this is the film.
Deserve to be mentioned in the same breath as Bullitt, The French Connection. Gone In 60 Seconds (original), Vanishing Point (original) and Ronin. This one is helmed by the man Walter Hill. (The Warriors, Extreme Prejudice)
The testosterone driven tale features Ryan O Neal doing his best Steve McQueen impersonation as the best getaway driver a round. A pro all the way this guy never gets caught and can do anything with a car. Bruce Dern is bloodhound like cop with morality issues on his tail.
Sure the script could have been polished but the action scenes make you forget all about it.
Not for everyone but those who dig the modern incarnations of the genre should see how rev head wet dreams should really look.
A high ranking guilty pleasure all the way.
NB* The game of the same name was based on this film and several scenes from the film feature in the original Driver game. __________________
Mother, Jugs & Speed (1976)
Pitch black humour with a social Conscience
Director Peter Yates (BULLITT, KRULL, FRIENDS OF EDDIE COYLE etc) helmed this criminally ignored film in 1976. Much like Scorsese's WAKING THE DEAD this one is set around the world of Ambulance driving and It's a Black satire riddled with drama and social commentary.
Bill Cosby plays MOTHER, the veteran driver who has seen it all and is always looking out for his fellow workers. Raquel Welch plays JUGS(For obvious reasons), the secretary for the ambulance company who aspires to be a more. Harvey Keitel plays SPEED, an ex cop on suspension for supposed drug dealing, hence the name.
All the cast deliver fine performances and create memorable charecters. (Larry Hagman as the ultimate prick is perfect)
The script is absolutely inspired melding pitch black laughs with genuine heartfelt emotion to deliver a scathing examination of the job and the world in which they operate. Constantly catching the viewer of guard with it mix of intelligent comedy and impactual violence, this film really is a keeper.
So come on guys be daring and track down a copy of this cult favourite that deserves far more attention and recognition.
Seconds (1966)
Mindscrew, avante garde, philospophical thriller??
Director John Frankenhiemer (Manchurian Candidate, Ronin) helms this inventive, thought provoking thriller that deals with mortality, morality and purpose in life.
Rock Hudson stars in arguably his finest bigscreen performance as the mature man who wants to do it all again differently.
James Wongs Inventive B&W cinematography adds a surreal edge thanks to inspired camera angles and hand held urgency. (Think David Lynch's "Eraserhead)
The films score adds a hypnotic edge to the fascinating tale that unfolds.
Fans of the deep thought provoking cinema could do far worse than pick up a copy of this influential film.