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Chasing Ice (2012)
We gotta do something! There oughta be a law! Stop Ice Calves NOW!
For me the film got dubious at:
"I had this idea the most powerful issue of our time was the interaction of humans and nature."
"Needed to show these things in a more seductive fashion" -- James Balog
Hmm, really? I've always considered humans part of nature, but hey, that's just me. But the question remains, the issue is powerful how exactly? Al Gore kinda powerful maybe? Seems like most climate change proponents, heck environmental protectionists in general, what they really advocate is control, political/social control (Hence my summary). Greatest good for the greatest number anyone? According to James Balog, "we humans are causing it" (climate change). The unstated assumption is that since humans have the power/ability to change the environment, the geology, even the climate of the planet, why not simply change it for the "better." Aye, there's the rub. On the one hand humans are the disease and if they can only be taught to see the error of their ways they can be magically transformed into the cure too. A very seductive idea to the aspiring do-gooder indeed.
When the film ended I thought, gee, had some pretty pictures but otherwise not particularly focused or interesting. For those who'd love to change/control the world I'd heartily recommend it. For those like myself who confess we don't know what to do, might flip a coin to decide. Score - 4/10
Why We Ride (2013)
If Disney did a film about bikers...
A pretty decent film, though felt a good deal longer than it was. Pronounced American bias. Also the conspicuous omission of the daredevil/freestyle riding trades in thoroughness for a family friendly/safety first emphasis. (We're the nicest people...)
I wonder how many riders out there got the urge after watching Evil Knievel (my inspiration!), The Wild One, Easy Rider, or the modern evolution of freestyle motocross? Ironically it's the extreme riders that have always drawn the crowds and attention. You know, the ne'er do well's giving the sport/recreation a bad image. That was the party line from all the manufacturer sponsored teams back in the day. Seemed to me the film makers also believe that going to extremes withing the framework of rules set down by some governing body or under proper supervision are acceptable. But complete freedom of expression? Well, that's taking a good idea just a little too far.
Overall score 5/10.
Westworld (2016)
Mediocre artists borrow...
Being old enough to remember the original Michael Crichton film I thought it a good idea to revisit the source before watching this new 100 million dollar HBO take-off. I found both Westworld & the non-Crichton sequel Futureworld, Conclusion: aside from some T&A/nudity, updated stunt work & blood & guts special effects. the obligatory CGI that accompanies pretty much everything these days & a heaping helping of profanity, there doesn't really appear to be much of anything new here. Seems the writers/producers also borrowed a little from other films like Crichton's own Jurassic series as well as themes from films like Groundhogs Day, Source Code & Edge of Tomorrow, repeating slight variations of the same scenes (four times in the first episode I believe). All in all, not that impressive in my opinion. No doubt they will take it in some new (cough, cough) directions if they plan to stretch a feature film to a series. Unfortunately given how they've chosen to begin I am skeptical all too predictable formulaic won't win out over creativity/originality at pretty much every turn. Hard to rate something so completely unoriginal higher than 4/10 no matter how big the budget or how flashy the effects.
I saw that SyFy is planning to air the original film 10/8/16 if anyone's interested in seeing where this "art" was borrowed from. ;)
Suing the Devil (2011)
Movie magic? Or misdirection?
After reading far too many reviews at polar opposites of the rating scale I decided to look elsewhere for insight into this film. What I found was very helpful, enlightening even. In an interview with the Christian Post the driving farce behind this poor excuse for a feature film offered up these revelations: "The story and title of 'Suing the Devil' appeals to the secular masses. They watch the film expecting a horror film and they're hit with the Gospel," Chey said. Farther on in the article, "That's evangelism!" Chey exclaimed. And... "I love 1 Corinthians 9:22: 'I become all things to all men to win some to Christ.' I've become a filmmaker to win some to Christ," he added.
Leaving the religious aspects of the movie aside, from my seat the movie was sorely lacking in any technical merits, bad script, dialogue, acting, directing, FX, soundtrack. As my niece is fond of saying, "it's a hot mess!" Perhaps in 50 years or so it will be looked back upon with a wry smile. Finding itself a place alongside such greats as Reefer Madness, or Hitler's Children and others of their ilk. Blatant propaganda, quite humorous to some, in a pathetic sort of way. But in in all fairness neither Reefer Madness or Hitler's Children was anywhere near as poorly executed as Timothy Chey's Suing the Devil.
My rating 2 stars - 1 for getting it made/distributed & 1 for suckering me into watching.
Bottom line, forgo Suing the Devil it's a lost cause. If you still crave a religious theme maybe check out Mark Joffe's "The Man Who Sued God" starring Billy Connolly. :)